CASTRIES, St. Lucia:

BRITISH MUSICIAN Seal, noted singer Babyface, jazz diva Nancy Wilson, percussionist Pancho Sanchez, and Reverend Al Green are the headliners for the 15th edition of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

The event, which will run from May 5 through to May 14, was launched on the island last week, heralding the start of what many regard as the world's third most popular music festival.

Chairman of the St. Lucia Tourist Board, Costello Michel, says as soon as other contracts are signed more artistes will be named. He noted that despite budgetary challenges, the best combination for a wonderful musical event has been assembled.

COST FACTOR

BABYFACE	NANCY WILSON	AL GREEN

"We have to understand that although it is important to continue to have the best festival in the region, and probably one of the best in the world, we have to do it within the limitations of what a country like ours can afford to spend on one event," he said at the launch ceremony.

Staged by the St. Lucia Tourist Board and produced by BET Event Productions, a division of Viacom subsidiary Black Entertainment Television (BET), the musical event has also attracted the smooth sounds of Freddy Cole, brother of the late Nat King Cole, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, rhythm and blues singer Ciara and Barbados-born music sensation Rihanna, who each will take the stage at the legendary Pigeon Island National Park.

Cybelle Brown, vice-president for Sales and Marketing for BET Event Productions and BET Digital Networks, said the network would switch its prom otional gear to another notch in the U.S. market. It will air a 30-minute preview show hosted by actress Kim Fields on BET and BET Jazz this month.

"We have every confidence this will be one of the best festivals in St. Lucia and our team is resolved to stage an amazing production," added Brown.

CATERING FOR ALL

St. Lucia Tourism Minister Philip J. Pierre, under whose watch the St. Lucia Jazz Festival has consolidated and expanded islandwide, says he expects that this year's festival "will again attract record numbers, as we continue to cater for all tastes and take the spirit to all corners of the island, from Pigeon Island to Fond d'Or and from Vieux Fort to Bocage."

The St. Lucia Jazz Festival was first launched as a marketing tool to attract visitors to the destination at a time when occupancy levels have traditionally been low. A record 13,500 patrons attended last year.

Visit www.stluciajazz.org . for
additional information.