The U.S. Virgin Islands Just Dropped a Blockbuster Festival Lineup for St John Celebrration, With Ashanti, Tarrus Riley, and Bunji Garlin
One of the Caribbean’s great cultural traditions is about to get a serious soundtrack.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Division of Festivals, has announced the performance lineup for this year’s St. John Celebration Village, set for June 28 through July 4 in Knight’s Ville under the theme “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.”
And it’s a blockbuster slate, led by Grammy-winning R&B superstar Ashanti, soca powerhouse Kes the Band and soca royalty Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, who will headline the festival’s Independence Day finale.
The week-long Village lineup also includes soca sensation Pumpa and dancehall and reggae favorites Pressure, Tarrus Riley and Baby Cham, along with Caribbean music stars Mr. Killa, Lyrikal, Erphaan Alves and Dominica’s legendary WCK.
“This year’s St. John Celebration truly embodies the spirit of collaboration highlighted in our theme,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, the territory’s Commissioner of Tourism. “We are proud to welcome world-class talent to St. John while continuing to showcase the incredible performers from across the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean.”
The Village stage will also spotlight a deep roster of homegrown Virgin Islands talent, including Spectrum featuring Lorna Freeman, Temisha, Th3rd, Wire to Wire and Quelbe Resurrection, keeping the sounds and traditions of the territory at the heart of the celebration.
This year’s festival will also honor Tishelle Knight, lead vocalist of the beloved Virgin Islands group Klimaxx Band, as Village Honoree for her longstanding contributions to the territory’s music and culture.
The festivities kick off Sunday, June 28 with Pumpa, Xtreme Band, Klimaxx and Big Shaw, followed by WCK, Lyrikal, Erphaan Alves and Jam Band on June 29 and Kes the Band, Jougo and Reo on June 30.
Ashanti takes the stage Wednesday, July 1 alongside Lady Lava, Spectrum featuring Lorna and Monea, with Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pressure and Revalation following on July 2 and Mr. Killa, Krosfyah, RVP and Hunter on July 3.
It all culminates Saturday, July 4 with an electrifying finale headlined by Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, joined by Quelbe Resurrection, Wire to Wire, Th3rd and YFB.
“This year’s line-up offers something for every music lover while honoring the history, creativity and cultural connections that make St. John Celebration special,” said Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals, in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal.
