First Jazz In The Park Since Storms Brings Three-Time Grammy Winner Edgar Abraham

ST. THOMAS — Last night, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park in Charlotte Amalie played host to the first Jazz in the Park since Hurricanes Irma and Maria made landfall last September.

The atmosphere was filled with aromatic smells, jazzy rhythms and the sound of joyful children frolicking throughout Roosevelt Memorial Park. Children wearing face paint similar to the record-breaking cinematic release, Black Panther, raced up and down the streets. Vendors sold flavored shaved ice, wine, art, handmade jewelry, apparel, and traditional dishes. Jazz in the Park, as always was presented by International Capital and Management (ICMC), with the music-filled event usually attracting a sizable crowd.

Performing center stage was The Edgar Abraham Quintet who delighted the crowd with its colorful repertoire of original pieces. Mr. Abraham is a world renowned saxophonist, master of sixteen instruments, and a three-time Grammy Award winner. At fourteen, he made his professional debut with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and has produced over fifteen solo releases in his career.

Historically, the park is filled with many who come to see the bands perform and enjoy local foods and art. This season’s iteration felt somewhat different according to some in attendance. For those who frequent the affair, there was noticeably more interest in the musical performances. After months of recovery efforts and stress, many residents were keen to forget their worries for an evening, explained Senator Tregenza Roach, who was also present.

“Now there’s a spirit of community and opportunity for people to improve their quality of life and come out and share,” Mr. Roach said, “and mingle with one another and participate in what really is a humanities event; it’s a great thing.”

Usually, vendors line the streets of Hospital Gade and Norre Gade for Jazz in the Park. Norre Gade was absent of vendors; the change could be related to less participants following both storms.

The University of the Virgin Islands’ Jazz ensemble, directed by Dion G. Parson and the Lockhart Elementary School Choir also featured in the event’s lineup and captured the praise of the audience.

While Norre Gade was open to traffic, the liveliness of the jazz playing in the park attracted scores of Virgin Islanders throughout the night.

“As a company, we continue to look for ways to enhance, inspire and support the community at large and are well aware of the multi-faceted, positive impact that ‘Jazz in the Park’ has and will continue to have on this community,” said ICMC Director of Community Relations, Karen Nelson-Hughes.

Performances throughout the night were greeted with cheers, whistles and applause, with The Edgar Abraham Quintet garnering the occasional standing ovation from some jazz enthusiasts as well.

Key partners include: Heavy Materials, VIYA, The USVI Department of Tourism, Stella Artois, Dark Horse Wines, The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and The Reichhold Center for the Arts.