Richard Pavitt
A late addition to the festival line up is Antigua’s Asher Otto, who will come to Nevis with her regular band, Itchy Feet, to perform on the Friday of the festival (April 17).
The 21-year old singing sensation has scored approaching 400,000 views on YouTube for her release of the Daft Punk song, Get Lucky.
Poised for stardom, Asher grew up listening to a wide variety of music, including jazz, contemporary and R’nB, taking her inspiration from artists such as Erica Badu, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Janelle Monae, Beyonce, Laurne Hill and the Fugees.
Also recently confirmed for the festival is Memphis-based Artistic Director of the Stax Music Academy, Justin Merrick. The singer & musician was recently nominated in the Grammy-backed Music Educator awards. The famous Stax music label launched the careers of greats such as Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. The Stax Music Academy aims to nurture new talent to follow in their footsteps. Justin will perform on the Saturday night when all the international blues headliners are joined by the NEPAC choir for a gospel-infused finale.
Popular local stars Kore Band will close out the festival on Saturday when they take to the stage at midnight and will be joined by special guest Meeko.
The festival is being filmed for a potential TV documentary. A UK-based film director will be arriving ahead of the festival to co-ordinate the filming in conjunction with local resources.
The festival takes place April 16-17-18 on a specially created site alongside Oualie Beach. Gates open at 6pm each evening and a wide variety of cuisine and drinks will be available including BBQ, Sunshine specialities and international dishes.
INTERNATIONAL BLUES HEADLINERS
IAN SIEGAL BAND (UK)
ZAC HARMON (USA)
DENISE GORDON (UK)
Plus special guest
JUSTIN MERRICK (USA)
CARIBBEAN COLLECTION
ASHER OTTO & ITCHY FEET (Antigua)
KORE BAND & MEEKO (Nevis)
ODISI (Nevis)
NU VYBES (St Kitts)
Greenhouse (Nevis)
SHAKAL & FRIENDS (St. Kitts & Nevis)
GARRY KNIGHT (St Kitts)
NEPAC choir (Nevis)
Rehabilitation Band Impression (St. Kitts & Nevis)