Steve Simon presents the 4th Annual St. John Christmas Music Festival & Children’s Parade on Saturday, December 6th. Celebrating its 4th anniversary, the St. John Children’s Christmas Parade has become a tradition with many of our island’s groups participating. It is truly a parade for all ages.
Starting in front of Mongoose Junction at 6pm, Santa leads the torch lit parade through Cruz Bay, around the ferry dock and then up to Winston Wells Ball Field. Live Christmas music fills the air with our own children’s steel pan band and plenty of Reggae sounds. The parade route is filled with Christmas spirit as locals and visitors line both sides of the street.
Upon reaching Winston Wells Ball Field, Santa will be giving every child in attendance a free Christmas gift.
A glorious night of free concerts under the stars in the heart of Cruz Bay at Winston Wells Ball Field will follow immediately after the parade. The concert is starring 13 year old Jazz piano prodigy Matt Wigler and his trio, 13 year old Jazz trumpet sensation Tyler Lindsay and his band, and ‘the Diva of all Divas’ Ms. Maryel Epps.
Ms. Maryel Epps
Back by very popular demand, ‘The Diva of all Divas’ Ms. Maryel Epps will be headlining this year’s concert. An internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress, Maryel Epps is recognized as one of the most exciting gospel inspired Jazz divas in the world today.
Maryel originated her famous Gospel Brunch at Lola’s Restaurant in New York and from there her career just took off. Today, Maryel tours the world with her high energy Jazz that is rooted in gospel, “the good news music”, as she so fondly says. Maryel is a charismatic charmer whose brilliant voice radiates love and energy.
Backing up Ms. Maryel Epps will be St. John’s own world renowned Jazz band, The Jazz Islanders featuring Joe Ramsey on sax, Dale Harrigan on trumpet, Rhett Simmonds on bass, Leon Joyce, Jr. on drums and Steve Simon on clarinet.
Matt Wigler
Matt has appeared on stage with many famous blues musicians including, Deanna Bogart, Buckwheat Zydeco, Tommy Castro, Bobby Rush, Tab Benoit, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, and Sir Mack Rice.
His debut CD, XIII (thirteen), released June 2007, was produced by great blues pianist Deanna Bogart. “Whether Matt’s jamming on the Blues Cruise, being invited on stage with great musicians, or at home listening to those who came before, it’s the love and respect for music that truly propels him along,” stated Deanna.
The Baltimore Sun describes Matt’s CD as “…foot-tapping, head-swinging, blues and jazz……wait until you hear this musician.”
Tyler Lindsay
Tyler Lindsay, 13, began playing trumpet and piano at age three and viola at age four. He began performing when he was 6 years old with his parents in at the International Baptist Church in Honolulu, HI. Tyler discovered his love for jazz when he was 7 and began studying jazz with Dave Adams when he joined the “Young Razzcals Jazz Project” at age 9.
Tyler was featured at the Richie Cole concert in Richmond Virginia. The Richmond Times Dispatch review of the Cole concert referred to Tyler as a “preteen dynamo”. The Times went on to say Tyler “went blow for blow with Cole on Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee.” The two musicians stood center stage and exchanged improvisational lines back and forth for about five minutes. The youngster showed no sign of tiring.”
In addition to performing with the Young Razzcals Jazz Project, Tyler performs regularly with his brother Ryan (age 9), sister, Christina (age 6) and parents in their group “The Lindsay Family.
