Jan. 28, 2007 — Scratch-band music, or quelbe, recently became the official music of the territory, and Jamesie and the All-Stars will perform in Frederiksted in February at a screening of a documentary celebrating the music.
"Jamesie, King of Scratch," will show Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted, according to acting Commissioner Claudette C. Lewis of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). The screening and concert will run from 4 to 10 p.m.
Award-winning filmmaker Andrea E. Leland collaborated with 79-year-old James "Jamesie" Brewster to create the 70-minute documentary, according to the documentary's website. It describes quelbe as "an indigenous, grass-roots form of folk music from the Virgin Islands that was recently declared the 'official' music of the Virgin Islands."
The documentary includes performances by Jamesie and the All-Stars at a St. Croix nightclub, the Agriculture Fair, music festivals in Chicago and Indiana, teaching engagements in Denmark and just jamming with friends, according to a DPNR news release.
"Throughout the documentary Jamesie is shown speaking with other musicians about the historical significance of the music and sharing the inspirations of some of his songs," the release says. "The documentary also displays footage at his home, revealing the private side of Mr. James Brewster."
Admission is $5 at the door. Local food and drinks will be on sale. For more information, contact the Fort Frederik Museum at (340) 772-2021.
