June 15, 2006 – On Friday, June 16, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted is being dedicated to the memory of, and in honor of, the wonderful life of our friend son and supporter Gregory Bennerson. Always ready to assist in any way, making certain that Sunset Jazz continued to grow, Greg volunteered his help, his ongoing support, and shared his love of the event and the music in all possible ways. Therefore, it is more than appropriate that Sunset Jazz is featuring the world-renowned talent of the Virgin Islands own homegrown, steel pan master, Victor Provost.
As with Gregory Bennerson, when people ask Provost how long he's been playing the steel drums or "pan," as it is affectionately called, his typical answer, with a smile, is "longer than I haven't." He began playing the pan at the St. John School of the Arts at just eleven years old.
When the School of the Arts' youth band, Steel Unlimited II, disbanded in 1995, Provost set out on his solo career. By this time he was fourteen years old and had already performed in five different countries in North America and Europe with Steel Unlimited II. In 1999 he was personally invited to Italy's Umbria Jazz Festival. With his home base is Pittsburgh, and he has since toured Europe, the Caribbean and the United States. Performing along side Provost for this month's Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted will be St. Thomian bassist Cliff Finch, and Crucian drummer Bobby Richards.
The Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concert is a family affair, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, June 16, at Fort Frederik Beach Park. Those attending are encouraged to take along folding chairs or blankets for seating. FEDA will have its drink concession going, with proceeds helping to offset the costs of the concert, so please be cool: no coolers.
