FEB. 17th SUNSET JAZZ FEATURING THE JAZZ STYLINGS OF ST. CROIX LEGENDS: STANLEY & THE TEN SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS!

Feb., 2006 - The weekend of February 17th is one of significance for St. Croix with the Island being home and host to one of the Caribbean's premier Agricultural Festivals, showcasing not only the Big Island's agricultural accomplishments, but also highlighting much of the Island's culture and tradition. In this spirit, as a kick-off to the St. Croix Agricultural Fair, the Frederiksted Economic Development Association, Inc. is proud to feature Crucian Musical Legends: Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights.

Friday, February 17th at 6:00 p.m., Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights will arrive center stage at the Fort Frederik Beach Park. Known to most of us as the premier ambassadors of our local quelbe music, Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights - being musicians of great quelbe acclaim - will be showing off their skills and talents as great jazz musicians. Joined on stage by Marsvyn David's VI Rhythm Section, and also by international jazz saxophonist Hans Leonardo Pedersen -- hailing from Denmark -- Sunset Jazz fans are guaranteed a memorable, musical extravaganza of an evening!

Having formed in the 1960's, Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights has dedicated itself to the preservation of our indigenous music and, through the versatility of it's members, diversified it's repertoire to include music of almost every Caribbean flavor and some American music (Jazz included!). This group also plays using authentic instrumentation. Playing locally for quadrille dances, senior citizen socials, educational, civic and community events and cultural tourism presentations, Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights has built a reputation as the first band of choice.

This legendary group of musicians has toured extensively. Performing at venues such as the Smithsonian Institute Folklife Festival in Washington, DC, the New Orleans AFT Convention, many Carnivals and Festivals throughout the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean as well as performing on a 20 day tour of Denmark. Additionally, they have made 11 recordings to date. Band leader is, of course, flautist Stanley Jacobs. The group known as the Ten Sleepless Knights are vocalist and banjo-uke player Eldred Christian, Tino Francis on keyboards, bass-man Gilbert Hendricks, Dr. Olaf Hendricks on saxophone, Kendall Henry on steel and squash, drummer Carmelo Pena, Christian Thompson on congas, and sound engineer Dr. Lauren Larsen.

Joining Stanley & the rest of the gang, will be a group that I refer to as the "jazz musician's jazz musicians." This group touts some of the Territory's best on it's roster. Marsvyn David, band leader and well known bassist and arranger, heads up this group and is joined by Elvis Pedro on guitar, Dimitri "Pikey" Copemann on saxophone, Charles Farrell on congas, drummer Elroy Simmonds and Tony Richards on keyboards. As an added attraction, Dr. Eugene "Doc" Petersen and Claudette "Adjoa" Hinds will liven up the stage with their incredible vocals.

Along with memorable music and a scenic setting, the monthly Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concerts, held the third Friday of each month year-round, have the additional appeal of being free. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. and going for two hours, Mother Nature assists by providing a wonderful display of setting sun and cooling Caribbean breeze.

The wise are advised to come early to pick their spot in the park as the crowd is anticipated to be a big one for this performance! Wherever Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights go, so go the crowds! Concert goers are reminded that seating is on the terra firma, so be sure to brings chairs or blankets to sit on, and please, also remember: Be Cool - No Coolers! FEDA operates a drink concession with all proceeds going towards covering the costs associated with bringing Sunset Jazz to the community every third Friday of each month.

FEDA is joined in it's efforts to present Sunset Jazz by WTJX/ Channel 12, our local PBS station, who assists every month through their video taping of Sunset Jazz which airs on Channel 12 Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. As a reminder, Sunny 99.5 f.m. is the Official Radio Station of Sunset Jazz, so be sure and tune in to stay up to date on all of the jazz happenings! Corporate partners include the West Indies Corporation and our newest partner: FirstBank VI!

Concert goers are encouraged to remain in Frederiksted after the concert to dine at one of the fine restaurants and to enjoy the Frederiksted night life.