St Barthélemy / Special Interests / Music

By James Henderson

Music in St Barths is as international as you would expect of an island that is French, in the Caribbean and has a huge constituency of wealthy and stylish visitors from both sides of the Atlantic. The island hums to a background pulse of Caribbean rhythms; zouk from the French islands; and reggae from Jamaica. On top of this is hip world and international music, and then, unfeasibly for the Caribbean but typically somehow for St Barths, there are some classical overtones.

The St Barth Music Festival is held each year in January, and it features an unlikely combination of chamber music, classical and jazz. It sees many extremely accomplished International performers (in the past the Berlin and New York Philharmonic Orchestras) so you never know who might turn up. You can see them practising and performing in the churches and bars.

Fête de la Musique
This annual celebration of music takes place each June in the capital Gustavia on the Summer Solstice.

Contributor: Sara Macefield (Update 2011)

Young musical performers in St Barths

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Upcoming events

07 Jun - 14 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Various venues with a week of Celtic music, dancing, food and sport. This year's events currently include:

7 June - Pipers along the boardwalk on the south coast
8 June - Concert at Plantation Theatre, in St Lawrence Gap with the Peat Bog Faeries and
9 June - Food event - cooking demo by International Chef Paul Wedgwood at 11.30 am, Relish Epicurea, Limegrove, Holetown.A Jeep Safari Rum Shop Tour is slated for the afternoon.
11 June - Special 5 hour lunch cruise on Cool Runnings. Irish Night from 6pm at McBride's Pub in St Lawrence Gap.
12 June - Walk and Talk in the Flower Forest.
13 June - The Alan Kelly Gang in concert at Holders House - guest performances by John McCusker and Heidi Talbot.
14 June - Grand finale details to be advised.

Please see individual dates for more information.
07 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Listen to the rousing sound of Highland Bagpipes as the sun sets along the Boardwalk, on the South Coast (free event). Entertainment near Blaikeys Bar at 5.30pm by the Celtic Fusion dancers from Canada.

On the West Coast there will be live Celtic music at JuJu's beach bar in St James from 5.30pm (free event).
08 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

An exciting fusion of Celtic dance, rock, jazz, hip hop and reggae music by the Peatbog Faeries from Skye (nominated for Best Live Act BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2012) supported by Sandra Macbeth and her band. Includes a performance by Celtic Fusion, from the Mackenzie School of Dance, Nova Scotia. Cost US$25/Bds$50. The Plantation Theatre, St Lawrence at 8pm.
11 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Special 5-hour Celtic cruise along the West Coast of Barbados on the 60ft catamaran, Cool Runnings. Cruise from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Cost US$80/Bds$160 which includes lunch, drinks, snorkelling and swimming with turtles.

Irish Night at McBrides Pub in St Lawrence Gap with Happy Hour all night and live music by Fiona Young's band. Tickets available at the door from 6pm.
12 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Enjoy a guided walk through the enchanting 50-acre Flower Forest with owner David Spieler. Bagpipes and Celtic dancing at a favourite beauty spot with views to the East Coast and Scotland District. Starts at 11am. Cost US$10/Bds$20.
13 Jun

Carnivals & Festivals | Barbados

Irish folk music at Holders House Holders from 7pm, with the option of dinner by celebrity chef, Paul Wedgwood. Holders Season in association with Celtic Festival Barbados present The Alan Kelly Gang in concert, with guest performances by John McCusker and Heidi Talbot. Cost US$50/Bds$100 including drinks (dinner extra).

Browse Music on other islands

Or read our other island guides

St Barthélemy’s weather

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

Head to St Jean beach where the hip, beautiful people go to see and be seen
Indulge yourself in some designer retail therapy
Sample the delights of fine French wines and dining
Get pampered at one of the many island spas
Experience a night of cinema under the stars during the annual St Barth Film Festival

St Barthélemy Events

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