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NEW YORK, USA -- R. Kelly, The Jacksons, the Ojays, Tito Puente, Jr., and Akon will share the stage with renowned international and Saint Lucian artists during the newly renamed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, April 30 to May 12, 2013. The Caribbean's premier cultural event is expected to attract thousands to the iconic Pigeon Island National Landmark for the 13-day festival, which will also be held at scenic vistas across the island, showcasing a new infusion of arts, scores of artisans and entertainers.

Director of tourism Louis Lewis remarked that the redefined festival boasts an impressive roster of performers designed to satisfy the most discerning music aficionados.

"While the festival has evolved over time, it has more than two decades of history attracting some of the most recognizable and sought after names in the music business," said Lewis.

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival will comprise more than 50 artistes, performing at scenic locales such as Pigeon Island National Landmark, quaint and rustic village settings like Fond d'Or Heritage Park in Dennery. The 2013 Jazz and Arts Festival will also see the much awaited return of the popular "Jazz on the Square" in the heart of the capital city Castries and a return to the picturesque open-air venue of Balenbouche Estate in the South.

"Several of our traditional community celebrations like the Friday night street parties, culturally rich Fish-Fries, our Creole music and the like will be woven in the fabric of the redefined Jazz and Arts Festival and showcased in a fresh and exciting way," said deputy director of tourism Tracey Warner Arnold.

Performances at the Gaiety on Rodney Bay on May 8 and 9 will feature Trinidadian-born trumpet player Etienne Charles; Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca; contemporary jazz bands from the French Antilles Fal Frett; and electric guitarist The John Scofield Uberjam Band. Main stage activities at the Pigeon Island National Landmark will begin on Friday May 10, with performances from R&B multi-platinum American singer, songwriter, dancer and actor Ginuwine; Saint Lucian songwriter and producer ACE and the iconic American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana The Jacksons.

Headlining May 10 and 11, the new Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival will feature multiple Grammy-winner R&B mega star singer-songwriter, and record producer Robert Sylvester Kelly, more popularly known as R Kelly. Kelly has established his name on the music scene as the king of R&B with dozens of chart topping hits. Other musical hard-hitters include the legendary Ojays; acclaimed Caribbean maestro David Rudder; bandleader and mambo musician Tito Puente Jr.; celebrated guitarist and singer Ronald 'Boo' Hinkson and accomplished Senegalese-American hip-hop recording artist, songwriter and record producer Akon.

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