WeBeat St James Live will return to the St James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St James, for the first time in two years.

The long-awaited 2023 revival of the cultural and social celebration of pan, tassa, calypso and popular music will take place from June 24-26, a media release said.

The weekend production, scaled down from the original ten days, will showcase three of the most popular events: the steelband concert, vintage calypso and the health and wellness day, the St James Community Improvement Committee said in the release.

The activities begin with the free health and wellness event on June 24 in conjunction with the Diabetes Association of TT and the Lions Club of Port of Spain North from 9 am-2 pm.

[caption id="attachment_960787" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NGC Couva Joylanders - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]

Exponents of the vintage calypso genre will perform in the evening under the WeKaiso banner. Some of the featured artistes include Scrunter, Johnny King, SuperBlue, Bro Valentino, Funny with David Bereaux backed by Vincent Rivers and D Soca Unit. Showtime is 8 pm

Pan talent will close off the activities on June 26 with seven of the popular orchestras inclusive of First Citizens Supernovas, NGC Couva Joylanders, HADCO Phase II Pan Groove, Shell Invaders, Proman Starlift, along with community steelbands St James Tripolians and Power Stars.

Starting time is 6 pm and patrons will be welcomed by African drumming. Tickets are available at Crosby’s St James and at the amphitheatre venue on the day of the event.

[caption id="attachment_960788" align="alignnone" width="1024"] HADCO Phase II Pan Groove - SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]

Also in keeping with tradition, The St James Community Improvement Committee recognises Martin Boodoosingh as this year’s WeBeat Honoree for his sterling and selfless contribution to the event from its inception, the release said.

The committee is extending special thanks to the Office of the Prime Minister Sport and Culture Fund for making this event possible, the release said.

Committee president Anthony Ferguson said in the release, “The year 2020 marked the first time the festival has been cancelled in its 20-odd-year history, owing to covid, but the comeback will see the St James CIC continuing to provide the stage for some of the country’s best cultural offerings as well as fulfil our socio/economic mandate and the enhancement of the St James Amphitheatre and Park.

“People are looking forward to the event. St James needs this festival.” he ended.