St Lucia / Special Interests / Music

By James Henderson

St Lucia has a lively musical scene and you will hear rhythms from all over the Caribbean, including calypsos from Trinidad, Barbados and St Lucia itself; salsa and merengue from the Latin islands; and particularly zouk from the neighbouring French island of Martinique.

Traditional St Lucian music is fun to hear, so look out for local shak shak bands with their stringed instruments and boom box bass. As with most Caribbean islands you will also hear steel bands – originally from Trinidad – rehearsing on street corners, as entertainment in hotels or at official occasions around the island. Popular modern local artists include the Soca singer Ricky T who was St Lucia’s representative at Trinidad Carnival 2008, Ninja Dan, Marriane and Cupid. You may be surprised to hear the sounds of Country and Western music in rural villages and particularly along the coast. Formal occasions are a growing force amongst the younger population who are beginning to join their elders for line dancing sessions in town, particularly at Prio's Country Place in Castries on the weekends.

The most famous fixture on the St Lucia music scene is the St Lucia Jazz Festival, which is held in May each year. It has a fairly broad interpretation of jazz, in order to provide something for every visitor to the island. Although the shows are concentrated in the north (particularly on Pigeon Island) they are held in venues all over the island including bars and gardens in the south and the east. In the past the festival has featured R&B, Jazz and Blues stars including; Jonathon Butler, Angie Stone, Carl Allen, Dionne Warwick and Wyclef Jean.

Other more local festivals include La Marguerite (17th October) and the La Rose (30th August). These are two festivals with musical and floral celebrations set around an imaginary court, complete with finery, ceremonial garb and flower cockades.

The only major recording studio on the island is 758 Studios which produces a lot of the music played around the towns and at the Anse le Raye jump-ups. Local radio stations which enable you to familiarise yourself with the hits of the moment include Radio Caribbean International (98.6fm) and Radio 100 Helen (100.3fm)..

Live music in St Lucia
Live music entertainment at Carnival

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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 Lucia’s weather

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

Visit the world's only drive through volcano
Play a round of golf at the Cap Estate
Try dramatic wall diving off the base of the Petit Piton
Eat local food and dance all night at Fish Friday, Anse La Raye
Get married at a choice of romantic spots from private beaches and gardens to cliff tops and brigs

St Lucia Events

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