February 18, 2025
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Music Unites Jamaica Foundation (MUJF) will mark its 30th anniversary with an extraordinary celebration of music and culture at the Shell Bandstand, Hope Gardens, Kingston.
Starting with a musical prelude at 2:30 PM and the main event 3Pm to 5PM, “A Moment of Music with Luther Francois & Friends” will be a free event celebrating the rich musical ties between Jamaica and St. Lucia. Held under the distinguished patronage of Mr. Vitus T. Evans, St. Lucian Honorary Consul to Jamaica, the concert will showcase a stellar lineup of musical legends and emerging talents.
The highlight of the evening will be a performance by St. Lucian National Hero and internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist, The Right Excellent Luther Francois, backed by the exceptional E-Park Big Band under the direction of its founder, renowned composer and musical director Peter Ashbourne. This unforgettable event promises to be a powerful tribute to the shared cultural heritage and enduring friendship between both nations.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their pillows, chairs, or blankets to relax on the lawn and enjoy this open-air live celebration of Caribbean music and unity. Alongside Luther Francois, the lineup of some of the Caribbean’s most celebrated musicians include:
● Steven Woodham — Renowned violinist celebrated for his emotive performances
● Ernie Smith — Iconic Jamaican singer-songwriter known for his timeless hits
● Boris Gardiner — Legendary vocalist and bassist
● Duane Stephenson — Acclaimed reggae artist
● Orville Hammond — Virtuoso Jazz pianist
● Charmaine Limonius — Dynamic vocalist
● Marjorie Whylie — Esteemed pianist and cultural icon
● Janine Jkuhl — Talented singer-songwriter with a soulful style.
Guests will also have the option to enjoy the concert remotely through live broadcasts on PBCJ, and MUJF YouTube channels.
The concert is sponsored by Saint Lucian Honorary Consul to Jamaica Vitus Evans, InterCaribbean Airways, SHotel-Kingston, Alternative Music, Atlas Protection Group, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Tuff Gong International, Hope Botanical Gardens, TAC Printing, FESCO-FYC Water, Jacobs Agriculture, Visual Tech Solutions, PBC Jamaica and What’s Up New York.
In addition to the concert, Luther Francois will lead Jazz and Woodwind workshops at The Alpha School of Music-March 25th, the Philip Sherlock Centre, at the University of the West Indies in Mona-March 29th,, as well as his alma mater the School of Music at the Edna Manley College-March 28th, where he studied in the late 1970’s under the tutelage of Melba Liston, Marjorie Whylie and Peter Ashbourne. In exchange acclaimed Jamaican composer and conductor Peter Ashbourne will be visiting St Lucia where he will lead conducting and ensemble workshops, April 7th to 13th, to help nurture the country’s musical talent, working with the Royal Police Band, The National String Orchestra and the St. Joseph the Worker Youth Orchestra.
The workshops are being supported by the Creative Caribbean project being implemented by UNESCO, CARICOM Secretariat and The University of the West Indies (UWI), with the financial contribution of the European Union and the support of the Organisation of ACP States.
Organisations/persons interested in supporting the foundation can contact the Music Unites Jamaica Foundation via email at musicunites.jamaica@gmail.com