Fete de la Musique marks World Music Day

On Thursday, the courtyard of the Grogge Shoppe at Devon House in St Andrew will come alive with music as Jamaica joins with several countries around the world to celebrate Fete de la Musique - World Music Day. On Music Day, people are encouraged to play music in their neighbourhoods or in public spaces and parks. Free concerts are also organised where musicians play for fun and not for payment.

The music festival originated in France, but has now grown to be a worldwide event with participation by more than 700 cities in 120 countries, including China, India, Germany, Italy, Greece, Russia, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, the United States, the UK, and Japan. Jamaica's observance of Fete de la Musique will take place in the courtyard of the Grogge Shoppe from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is organised by the Alliance Francaise de la Jamaique.

High-Quality Live Music

In addition to being a free event for patrons from all social backgrounds to have access to high-quality live music, the purpose of Fete de la Musique is to give an opportunity for all artistes, from talented amateurs to veteran professionals, to perform. This year, the line-up will include Giark, Bescenta, Omar Francis, Reggae Power House Band, King Shaladon, and The Iron Kyte Band.

Alliance Francaise is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote French and Francophone culture, through offering French classes, as well as the organisation of cultural events. It has been operating in Jamaica since 1956.