Music Festivals Stipulations

With just a day to go before the start of the first International Music festival in Antigua and Barbuda, the local media is in an uproar about the tight coverage restrictions.

According to the Romantic Rhythms Festival media committee it will not be business as usual for still photographers, radio stations and local TV stations.

Taking of photos is restricted to a particular time, which will be clarified I hope by Thursday before the event takes off on Friday at 7 p.m at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. Video and audio recording is totally banned for the international artists who include Lionel Richie, Kenny Rodgers, Keisha Cole, Damian Marley, Musique Soulchild, Heather Headley, Shaggy and Maxi Priest.

So far we don't expect to have so much tying of the hands from the local artists who include the famous Burning flames, Tizzy Tanzania Sebastian, and Claudette C. P. Peters.

Hope the issues are clarified soon as spectators entering the venue are expected to leave their cell phones at home, in case the performances are posted on Google videos or God forbid YouTube.

Music Festival U.S Airlift

One of the major areas that lead to the successful hosting of any festival is getting potential spectators or revellers to the destination. Well Antigua and Barbuda is already working on this particular aspect and plans are already in place to get the necessary airlift from several major American cities.

The country's U.S Director of Tourism Derede Samuel-Whitlock and her team held a breakfast meeting with one major airline, Delta and several local hoteliers about the coming Romantic Rhythms International Music festival. More information on that can be found at http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/government/pressreleases/pressreleases2008/prelease_2008apr25_1.html

And last Friday, I managed to catch Etana's performance at Russell's Restaurant located at Fort James. I arrived late due in part to my scatter brained sister who just had to go to the other end of the island to pick up that night's dinner.

Am grateful I was able to listen to atleast 5 songs by the Jamaican artist. I however missed performances by several local artists. The least I can is direct you to where you can get more information about what went down.http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/government/pressreleases/pressreleases2008/prelease_2008apr28_1.html

AntiguaBarbuda Romantic Rhythms International Music Festival

Its being a long time in coming, but following on the heels of the St. Lucia Jazz festival, St. Kitts Music festival, Jamaica Reggae sound splash and another music festival in Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda will be hosting an international music festival from June 12th to the 15th.
On Friday 18th April 2008 several sponsors of the event were introduced at a sponsors launch and include Abi financial group, Antigua Motors, Cable & Wireless, American Airlines, Antigua Hotels & Tourism Association, Liatairline, and Premier Beverages. Several Caribbean and local journalsits were able to interact with the festival's committee members and sponsors.
http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/government/pressreleases/pressreleases2008/prelease_2008apr22_1.html

In keeping with this Eastern Caribbean island being branded the romance capital of the Caribbean by several international publications, the twin island state will be hosting the likes of Lionel Richie, Brian McKnight, Kenny Rodgers, Keisha Cole, popular local artists who will include Claudette CP Peters and Tizzy Tanzania Sebastian.

Several mini-concerts will be held around the island to give residents and visitors a feel of different venues. To jump start the music festival, a mini-concert featuring Jamaica's upcoming raggea artist Etana will be held this afternoon at the famous Russell's restaurant at Fort James.
http://www.ab.gov.ag/gov_v2/government/pressreleases/pressreleases2008/prelease_2008apr23_1.html