'Daddy Jones Musical Kingdom' Celebrates Legendary Artist and Producer; Festival Village Opens Dec. 30

  • Ernice Gilbert
  • November 16, 2022
comments
0 Comments

Alwyn Baptiste, Jr. (Daddy Jones) By. V.I. CONSORTIUM

The 70th Crucian Christmas Festival Village in Frederiksted celebrates legendary Virgin Islands artist and producer, Daddy Jones, (Alwyn Baptiste, Jr.) and opens on December 30 with Cultural Night, as St. Croix kicks off its first full CCF since 2019.

Mr. Baptiste is one of the founding pillars of Virgin Islands soca/calypso music, having formed the iconic Vio International Band, which has created some of the most memorable VI hits including Jungle, Houla, and Bounce to de Ounce. 

Mr. Baptiste, a St. Croix native with Antiguan roots, has also produced hits for a multitude of other local artists and was once a member of Jam Band — arguably the most influential musical group in the Virgin Islands.

Image (17) 

Cultural Night Activities 

Cultural Night will feature local artists, among them Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, Jam Band, Cool Sessions Brass, Fusion Band, DJ Karl and Selecta Kuff.

Dec. 30 is also the opening night where local officials are expected to provided remarks.

Moko jumbies, steel pan, bamboula chant dancers among other performances will be part of the event as well.

This year's festival includes a diverse lineup of local and international artists, according to the Division of Festivals. The artists will be revealed throughout this week.

Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app.