A major new music festival is coming to St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands next week. 

The new US Virgin Islands Caribbean Music Festival is the product of a collaboration between the United Jazz Foundation and and the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. 

The festival, which will be free of charge, will take place over several weekends: Feb. 17, March 25 and May 27, with a lineup of some of the biggest stars in jazz music. 

“We are excited to partner with the United Jazz Foundation to bring the Caribbean Music Festival to the island of St. Croix,” said Joseph Boschulte, the Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism. “As the territory continues to grow as an entertainment destination, we aim to attract a global audience of music lovers to experience performances by internationally renowned musicians and leading local acts. Each month guests are sure to feel naturally in rhythm.”

The show will begin with a pre-event featuring steel pan music at the Fort Frederik Courtyard, followed by performances by Marvin David’s Caribbean Players, Calvin Johnson and Native Son of New Orleans, along with Dianne Reeves. 

The March 25 concert will include Cuban jazz legend Chucho Valdes, joined by special guests including Grammy winner (and Oscar-nominated composer) Terence Blanchard and saxophonist Joe Lovano. 

The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, directed by Adonis Rose, will also perform. 

The final night will see the Steel Pan Ensemble under the direction of Victor Provost, joined by some of the US Virgin Islands’ top pan players. 

For more, visit USVI Festivals and the USVI Caribbean Music Festival.