Veteran music educator Kevré Hendricks has been named this year's honoree for the St. Croix Festival Village, which will be dubbed Maestro's Musical Haven.

The current band director for the St. Croix Educational Complex, Mr. Hendricks’ love of music began from an early age. He deepened his dedication by obtaining a bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2004 and then a master's degree in Music Education from Ohio University in 2022.

His professional career has spanned both music and the military; while teaching at the Arthur Richards Jr. High School and then directing the Complex band, Mr. Hendricks’ was also serving the territory in the Virgin Islands National Guard.

His commitment to music and the community earned him the nod of recognition from the Division of Festivals this year, an honor which Mr. Hendricks says he was humbled to receive.

Meanwhile, the initial schedule for Festival Village events was released last week by the Division of Festivals. Cultural Night is slated for Sunday December 29, featuring Kes the Band, Stanley Ten Sleepless Knights, It Is What It Is, RVP Band, and DJ Poppy Pops & Willy Chin. Flag-O-Rama Night will take place on January 2, with Problem Child, Karnage, Temisha, Black Empire, Blind Earz, and Bugz Bugs all on the list of performances. Machel Montano returns to St. Croix to headline Madras Mas night on January 4, alongside Rudy Live & QC Deh Ban, Trilla G, Vio International, and Pumpa.

More information on Festival events and performers are forthcoming, according to organizers.