Jazz activities are quickly gaining momentum in the south of the island. Activities in Fond Gens Libre yesterday over took the official opening of St Lucia Jazz at Fond d’Or. If the presence of big sponsors in the planning of Jazz in the south is any indication of what St Lucians can expect from southern Jazz then without a doubt, Jazz in the South is about to take off!

Ladera Resort contributed to Jazz in the south last year but this year the southern hotel had elevated to the level of platinum sponsor with their substantial donation of $20,000. Eusebia Jn Baptiste from the Soufriere Foundation hoped the hotel would continue supporting Jazz in the south. Hotel Chocolat was not far behind. The chocolate factory had come on board the sponsorship team in 2007 and had been supportive not only of the Soufriere Foundation but also of other groups and events like JounÈn KwÈyol. This year, Hotel Chocolat put $15,000 toward Jazz in the south.

"We’re elated because we feel like Jazz in the south has been a little marginalized, we haven’t been getting as much support as we would have liked," said Eusebia Jn Baptiste. "We’ve been doing Jazz in Soufriere and feel as if we’re contributing to the festival. We’re quite grateful to the sponsors who always come on board."

Jazz at the market will take place today (Saturday) in Soufriere with the Clive Folk Band and Sulphur steel band from 7-11am. This year is the second year for Jazz at the market and according to Jn Baptiste, the event was especially for older folk who are unable or just don’t like coming out to the evening events. Market vendors as well as people looking for Jazz in a different atmosphere were also the targeted audience for the event.

Jazz activities continue at 7pm with Jazz in the Sulphur Springs where Ken Hardy and Soul Dreadz, Meshach and Quavers are slated performers. The event will take place at the interpretation center at the Sulphur Springs. Like Fond Gens Libre, where the official opening of Jazz in the South was held, Jn Baptiste said the Sulphur Springs could be a very romantic open-air venue, especially in the evening! "There’s no need to worry about dancing among bubbles but you will definitely smell the Sulphur," she said. "We have this area that people don’t even know exists. People in the 30’s, 40’s plus who don’t really want to go into the town can come up there."