Lionel Richie to Headline 2013 St. Kitts Music Festival, June 27-29

Multiple award winning singer/songwriter and popular American musician Lionel Richie will headline the upcoming 17^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which takes place from Thursday, June 27 to Saturday, June 29, 2013, rounding out an impressive lineup of artists for this year’s event.

“We feel privileged to have such a global musical icon as Lionel Richie visit St. Kitts to add his remarkable talent and numerous award-winning songs to this year’s Music Festival,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs. “Blending renowned international acts such as Mr. Richie with rising local stars and top Caribbean artists in a festive, block-party type of atmosphere is what keeps patrons coming back to our Festival year after year. This year, I expect the festivities to continue ‘all night long’.”

In addition to Lionel Richie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Konshens, Tessanne Chin, the Cayon Pantastics, Andy Narell featuring Relator with special guest Etienne Charles, Superblue (Austin Lyons), Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin were also announced as performers for the 2013 event

Shaggy, whose hits include “Boombastic,” “Luv Me, Luv Me,” “It Wasn’t Me,” and “Angel,” returns to the St. Kitts Music Festival for the third time in 2013.

In 2006, Shaggy said, “Being from Jamaica, the people of the smaller islands have a flavor of my extended family, everyone knowing each other. The energy, the love and the level of friendliness is absolutely magical. St. Kitts, here I come!” Best known internationally for his dancehall hit “Tempted to Touch” and the critically-acclaimed “Fire,” Beres Hammond also returns to the event, having last performed at the 2009 St. Kitts Music Festival to an enthusiastic crowd.

These artists complete a well-rounded musical roster, which also includes previously announced top local acts including Small Axe Band, Nu Vybes International, Grand Masters, Dejour, The Kore Band, Dagah and Charles Emanuel. The nightly line-up of performers is as follows-

Thursday June 27, 2013 Friday June 28, 2013 Saturday June 29, 2013

Small Axe Band Dejour The Cayon Pantastics

The Kore Band Dagah Andy Narell featuring Relator

Nu Vybes International Charles Emanuel with special guest Etienne Charles

Bunji Garlin Tessanne Chin Lionel Richie

Fay-Ann Lyons Konshens

Superblue (Austin Lyons) Shaggy

The Grand Masters Band Beres Hammond

Now in its 17^th year, the St. Kitts Music Festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Toni Braxton, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Roberta Flack, Biggie Irie, Bunny Wailer and Lord Nelson.

The Festival begins at 8:00pm nightly and tickets are US $40 per night. For more information, including places to stay in St. Kitts, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com or “like” the St. Kitts Music Festival’s Facebook page.

St. Kitts is currently ranked at #2 in a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations and #4 in a list of the 12 Best Islands in the World by US News & World Report. Last year, St. Kitts was named one of “5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now” by MSNBC. It was also named one of the “Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and the island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress was named one of “10 Great Places To Explore The World’s Best-Kept Secrets” by USA Today. St. Kitts was also named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the region’s only scenic railway which connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, ziplining, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.

See also:

Exploring St Kitts, Caribbean island rich in heritage, natural attractions (Photos)

St Kitts Marriott, with top golf, spa, casino, beach, Kids Club is ideal getaway (Photos)

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St. Kitts Offers Fall & Winter Hotel Deals Plus Island-Wide Savings Program

Several of St. Kitts’ properties are currently offering fall and winter deals, plus the island has a value-added program designed to help visitors save on their stay.

Offers from individual hotels on St. Kitts include:

• Bird Rock Beach Hotel – Low season rates begin at just $90 per room, per night based on double occupancy from now through December 19, 2011. Plus, on stays of at least 4 consecutive nights, the 5^th night is free.

• Ocean Terrace Inn – From now through November 30, 2011, the property’s “August Specials” provide three low-cost options for accommodations: Room only rate of $89 based on single occupancy; Room only rate of $100 based on double occupancy with up to 2 kids 12 and under able to stay free; or a Bed & Breakfast rate of $118 for a standard room based on double occupancy with up to 2 kids 12 and under able to stay free. There is a maximum 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults permitted per room and the third person rate is an additional $30 per night. All rates are per room, per night and inclusive of taxes.

• Ottley’s Plantation Inn – From now through the end of the year, Ottley’s has rolled back its rates to pricing unseen since pre-1999. New rates reflect unprecedented reductions $194 from November 1 through December 22, 2011. Rates are per room per night based on single or double occupancy.

• Rock Haven Bed & Breakfast – Stays from now to December 15, 2011 at this intimate property start at just $149 per room per night. Plus, get an additional 15% discount for booking a stay of at least 3 nights. Rates include breakfast daily, complimentary round trip airport transfers, no charge for internet access, free international calls to the US, Canada and UK, laundry service, booking of all excursions and the property’s renowned personal service.

• The St. Kitts Marriott Resort – Valid on stays from now through December 18, 2011, the Marriott’s Super Escape! Inclusive Package includes: accommodations; room tax and service charge; daily breakfast, lunch and a 3-course dinner at select restaurants; kids under 12 eat free from the kids menu or buffet; room service; unlimited gold standard beverages, local beers and house wines by the glass; choice of two of either a round of golf, spa treatment or casino value package; room service; kids club for children ages 5-12; use of tennis courts and non-motorized water sports; 20% discount on golf retail merchandise; and a 20% discount on treatments at the Emerald Mist Spa. Rates start at just $329 per room, per night based on double occupancy. A 3-night minimum stay is required and guests must refer to code P50 at the time of booking.

• The Sugar Bay Club – Between now and December 20, 2011, save on stays at this popular property with low season rates starting at just $90 for room only or $110 for “bed & breakfast.” Rates are per room, per night based on single or double occupancy. Breakfast is served at Rituals Coffee shop located at the property.

• Timothy Beach Resort – With the “Greatest Sale of the Year,” the resort is offering 35-40% savings with low season room rates starting as low as just $66 per room, per night. Book from now through November 12 to save 40% off room rates for stays through November 15, 2011. Or, book now through December 17 to save 35% off room rates between November 16 and December 20, 2011. A 3-night minimum stay is required.

Visit the accommodations page of the St. Kitts Tourism website for additional information and contact details for each property listed above as well as for other lodging options on St. Kitts.

In addition to individual hotel offers, St. Kitts offers another way to save with the “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” destination-wide value added program. – The program includes free nights – either 7 nights for the price of 4 or 5 nights (30% to more than 40% savings); or 4 nights for the price of 3 (a 25% savings) – at participating hotels. Plus, guests receive complimentary Continental breakfast daily or a Food & Beverage credit along with a special discount card that provides savings at various island shops, restaurants, tours and more. Special children’s discounts may also apply, making the offer even more valuable for family vacations. Travelers can book their stay directly with the hotel and purchase air separately, or get reduced airfare on flights booked in conjunction with a stay at a participating hotel via American Airlines’ AA Vacations, US Airways Vacations or Delta Vacations. The “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” offer is valid on new bookings made now through December 12, 2011 for travel between now and December 18, 2011.

Over the past months, St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways. Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.

For more information about St. Kitts, contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin