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A little culture never hurts. While this may not be the slogan of the Saint-B'Art association, it could perfectly sum up the mission it has been pursuing in Saint-Barthélemy for over twenty years. Its mission is to open up the world to the island's inhabitants and visitors through artistic expression. Whatever that may be. The Livre et Jazz Festival, now a traditional annual event, is a perfect illustration of this. Starting next Monday, March 24, the association chaired by Christian Hardeley offers Saint-Barthélemy the chance to meet a host of artists from a wide variety of disciplines and talents.
Initially, the focus will be on letters, photographs and illustrations. Photographer Véronique Larrue will be exhibiting her work at the Wall House Museum until April 6, linking writing, music and photography. "To photograph is to focus on the present, to look differently at the world around us, to escape from reality to convey an emotion," says the artist.
Benjamin Chaud, illustrator and author for young people, will also be taking part. A 2016 nugget at the Salon du livre et de la presse jeunesse de Montreuil, he has been shortlisted from 2017 to 2020 for Sweden's prestigious Lindgren Prize. He will be exhibiting works at the Wall House, speaking at schools on the island and leading art workshops on Wednesday March 26 at the territorial library (see program opposite).
Visual artist Flora Guéton will be showcasing her talents by creating a work of art in the Wall House museum gallery each late afternoon. "Naturally hypersensitive, my creative work allows me to survive in a world I don't understand, and to express the overflow of emotions that are intertwined within me", she asserts.
The Saint-B'Art association also invites you to discover Desta Haile. An educator, musician and writer, this British-Eritrean artist born in Bangkok has been teaching languages, intercultural communication and theater for over twenty years. A "juggler of the voice", as the Saint-B'Art association describes her, she will take spectators on a musical and linguistic journey from Thailand to Barbados, via France, Côte d'Ivoire, Jordan, Brazil and England. She will be at the Wall House Museum from March 24 to 29, and will also be performing in schools.
China Moses, JP Bimeni and Thomas Kahn
There's no question of music taking precedence over writing, photography or any other art form represented at the Festival.
Nevertheless, from March 29, the Jazz section will open with a multi-talented international artist: China Moses. Author, composer, performer and producer, China Moses will open the Festival with a concert at L'Esprit restaurant on Saturday, March 29.
"Resolutely authentic, her music resists what so many labels and critics desire, the category," write the organizers. Born in 1978 in Los Angeles, USA, China Moses is the daughter of renowned singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and film director Gilbert Moses. She was spotted at the age of 18, in 1996, with the release of a track entitled Time. Since then, China Moses has released eight albums, bringing together rhythm'blues, jazz, soul, blues... "Straightforward and fearless, China's songs reflect fervent emotional states.are about fleeting emotional states and extended narratives, often turned toward introspection," writes Saint-B'Art. Her voice is a satin ribbon wrapped around a crackling flame. "China Moses will perform with her musicians on Monday March 31 at Le Manapany and April 1 at Le Tropical. Before handing over the microphone to JP Bimeni.
A singer and musician originally from Burundi, this artist considers music to be his "great escape". Three years after his debut album Free me, this soulman is back with "irresistible orchestrations" in the company of his Spanish band, The Black Belts. Energy, reflection on the world, elegance and groove await festival-goers on Friday April 4 at Le Guanahani, April 5 at Eddy's and April 7 at Le Sélect.
For the third year running, the Saint-B'Art association and festival-goers will be treated to the feverish soul of Thomas Kahn. Able to arouse and then ignite his audience with his passion and energy on stage, Thomas Kahn will have the honor of closing the Jazz Festival. He's sure to put on a wild performance.
In addition to his concerts on April 10 at Le Barthélemy, April 11 at the Saint-Barth Yacht Club and Saturday 12 at L'Arawak, Thomas Kahn will be hosting a master class for local musicians at the Gustavia bandstand on April 9. The three headliners will of course be accompanied by their musicians, each more talented than the last.
And on Sunday April 6, musicians will perform a "New Orleans Parade" in Gustavia to mark the Saint-Barth market. Yet another opportunity to celebrate, day and night, an event whose popularity is matched only by its richness and diversity.
Conference on plankton and algae
"How algae can save the world" is the title of a book written by Vincent Doumeizel and illustrated by Léa Tilly. Vincent Doumeizel is an ocean advisor to the United Nations Global Compact, and for several years has been promoting the use of algae to help solve today's major global crises, be they food, social, climatic or environmental. Invited to Saint-Barthélemy in 2023 by the Saint-B'Art association, he fascinated his audience with his knowledge.
For Léa Tilly, this will be a first. Trained as an architect and a fervent defender of the environmental cause, she uses her illustrations as a tool in the fight against global warming and social injustice.
With Vincent Doumeizel, she will host a conference on Wednesday March 26 in the main hall of the harbour master's office on the theme of plankton and algae.
