One of Saint Lucia’s most beloved community-centered jazz celebrations is stepping back into the spotlight this year, bringing with it a renewed sense of cultural connection and shared joy after a temporary pause in programming. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 3 at the scenic Fond D’Or Heritage Park, this year’s iteration of the iconic Fond D’Or Jazz event has been crafted as an all-ages, family-friendly cultural showcase that blends world-class musical performance with authentic local heritage.
Unlike many exclusive music festivals, this community-rooted gathering prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, building an experience that welcomes long-time local residents, island visitors, and multi-generational family groups alike. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of performances that weaves together global artistry, regional talent, and distinctly Saint Lucian cultural expression, all set against the backdrop of the island’s historic heritage park.
Headlining this year’s revival is Jamaican reggae and soul icon Duane Stephenson, whose soulful sound is set to anchor the event’s main stage. Stephenson will share the spotlight with an impressive roster of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated homegrown performers, including legendary guitarist Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, versatile vocalist Teddyson John, innovative collective Surbance, beloved artist Carl Gustave, and rising talent Avot Sevis. Rounding out the local lineup are the Dennery North and South Steel Bands, whose high-energy, syncopated performances will infuse the day with the iconic rhythmic flair of Caribbean steelpan culture, adding an unmistakeable local heart to the showcase.
For event organizers, the return of Fond D’Or Jazz goes far beyond a simple concert. Cornelius Edmund, chairperson of the Fond D’Or Jazz Committee, framed the revival as a powerful moment of renewal for both the local community and the island’s cultural scene. “Fond D’Or Jazz has always been about bringing people together through music, culture, and community,” Edmund explained in a statement ahead of the event. “After the break, we’re excited to return bigger and better, with a lineup that truly reflects the richness of Saint Lucian talent alongside regional excellence and world-class performances.”
Emphasizing the event’s core mission of inclusion, Edmund noted that every element of this year’s staging was designed to welcome groups of all ages and backgrounds. “This is not just a show; it’s a full cultural and family experience. We want families to come out, enjoy the music, the setting, and reconnect with our heritage in a safe and welcoming environment,” he said.
Organizers project that the 2025 event will draw a mixed crowd of hundreds of local attendees and international visitors, boosting the profile of the Dennery district as a growing cultural destination on Saint Lucia’s east coast. The event’s revival is expected to not only celebrate local and regional jazz and roots music but also strengthen community bonds and reinforce the island’s reputation as a leading hub for Caribbean cultural arts.