Above: Machel Montano

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Soca star Machel Montano will highlight the opening night of the St Kitts Music Festival, organizers announced Friday.

Montano will open the night of soca and calypso music on Thursday, June 26; the festival lasts through Saturday, June 28.

The native of Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable and talented music stars.

Themed as “Jump Up” night, Thursday will feature Destra, Explainer, Skinny Fabulous and Elvis Crespo.

“I have no doubt that these enigmatic Caribbean artists will electrify the crowd and make an indelible mark on the event,” said St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Ricky Skerritt. “Machel and Destra are no strangers to the St Kitts Music Festival, and it is not by accident that we keep inviting them back.”

The festival, which will also include acts like John Legend, Lionel Richie, T-Pain and Michael Bolton, wil feature a range of musical styles including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and contemporary music.