According to Director of the US Tourism Team Derede Samuel-Whitlock, marie-claire brings something new and fresh to the mix. “Overall we want to create something entirely different from the existing festivals that currently exist throughout the Caribbean. In addition, the artists will become in involved in volunteerism, and do some charity work. I believe marie-claire has the right personality and image for the entire experience.”
The Father’s Day weekend event will coincide with the fourth annual Destination Wedding ceremony. New York couple, Doug Singer and Charmaine Bennett will wed in the Caribbean’s premier romance destination, during Antigua’s official month for romance. Upon arrival on Friday June 18th, they will select their rings at Colombian Emeralds accompanied by tourism officials, members of the media and performers including marie-claire. The lucky pair will wed the following day at 6 pm during a private ceremony at Sugar Ridge’s Carmichael’s Restaurant; after which there will be a Vegas-style procession to kick off the concert!
On June 20th, Father’s Day, renowned actor, and director Malik Yoba of Why Did I Get Married Too fame will host the “Men of Soul” concert featuring Ginuwine (another RnB great), and local artistes Kenne Blessing and the legendary King Short Shirt.
Both nights will feature several romance-themed activities including “a kissing booth, where couples will be photographed while kissing; cooking demonstrations with Malik Yoba making aphrodisiacs with a local chef; as well as cultural performances.” says Samuel-Whitlock.
Love Is All We Need replaces the Romantic Rhythms concert which pulled in up to ten thousand visitors in 2008. When asked about turnout at the 1300-capacity Sugar Ridge hotel Ms Samuel-Whitlock.states “Clearly, the theme of romance resonated with Romantic Rhythms and there is significant potential to build brand equity. We also know that bookings for the month of June are particularly strong, especially with honeymooners, so we will also appeal to the visitors who are already here. We also believe that marie-claire will help bring out the large Dominican following in Antigua and Barbuda as she did during her performance at Russell's earlier this year.”
Fans can look forward to several songs from her debut album the dreamland project which will feature operatic renditions of reggae standards as well as some original pieces.
Tickets for Love Is All You Need concert are US $50 per person for each night or US $80 for both nights. For ticketing and other information call Sugar Ridge Hotel on 562 7700 or Antigua’s Ministry of Tourism on 562 4756.
ABOUT MARIE-CLAIRE
marie-claire is an Italian-trained opera singer who has performed at Carnegie Hall and who’s songs have been featured in feature films such as Lovin Jezebel and The Roommate. She spent time in front of the camera as a cast member on the second season of Chapelle’s Show on Comedy Central. Since marie-claire’s return to her homeland Dominica, she has through her girlfullofgold productions ltd, produced and hosted local music programmes, while still making time to perform at events such as LIME Creole in the Park and various private functions. marie-claire has performed at several regional events including Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Jamaica Jazz and Blues and Love Fest in St. Lucia. Venues such as Russell’s in Antigua and Weekenz, Christopher’s Jazz Café and Red Bones Blues Café, in Jamaica are almost second homes, for the celebrated singer.
marie-claire’s passion is to seamlessly blend opera and hip-hop, as she finds the two genres covering the same themes with their highly dramatic lyrics, just listen to her amazing voice on DJ Logic’s The Anomaly, or her songs “Red” and “Desperation.” Now it is time to condense this blend of Opera, Hip-Hop and Reggae into a mature, sexy, and delightful album- a fitting description of marie-claire herself. Look out for the dreamland project which will feature marie-claire singing celebrated reggae songs (like Bunny Wailer’s “Dreamland”) in Opera, and will include some original reggae selections such as “Care For You” a sweet and timeless lover’s rock with and old soul. This girl full of gold is a treasure you don’t want to miss!
MARIE-CLAIRE ONLINE
myspace.com/marieclairegirlfullofgold
facebook.com/marieclairegirlfullofgold
reverbnation.com/marieclairegirlfullofgold
youtube.com/marieclairemusic
