Beginning Friday, a new music series, “Rhythms at Sunset,” will be held the third Friday of every month at the Verne I. Richards Veterans Memorial Park, south of the Frederiksted Pier, on the West End waterfront on St. Croix.
As in the old days of Sun Set Jazz in the early 2000s, Our Town Frederiksted (OTF) will host free monthly live music and poetry events with food, drinks, and vendor items.
“Everyone misses it and we miss it,” Aimee Griles-Carino, OTF executive director, said.
Friday’s lineup includes three musical artists and two spoken word performers who will entertain from 6-9 p.m. Steel-pan genius Kevin Williams Jr., the Troublemakers Jazz Band and Tony Richards & Friends will fill the night air with lively tones and poets Kaden and Dese will provide thought-provoking dialogue.
A wide variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase. While mingling with friends and community members, attendees will be able to shop for holiday gifts for family and friends.
Concert attendees can bring chairs and blankets for comfortable seating.
“Rhythms at Sunset is a community-driven effort to bring people together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Frederiksted,” the executive director said.
Founded in 1988, Our Town Frederiksted is an advocate for community empowerment and historic preservation, especially in Frederiksted’s historic district, according to the website.
OTF was defunct for five years, Griles-Carino said, following hurricanes Irma and Maria. But the community organization has been reborn with staff and a full board of enthusiastic members. As they were coming back to life, OTF was involved in renovating the Midre Cummings playground and serves as The Children First project’s fiduciary.
In previous years, OTF hosted a variety of projects and events. Most recently, a large group of volunteers gathered to clean Frederiksted’s main streets.
In September, the organization was granted $100,000 through the USVI Housing Ecosystem Development Grant Program Enterprise Community Partners to enhance affordable housing initiatives, including education and restoring properties.
Also, in September, OTF partnered with the V.I. Police Department to add police presence throughout the town and engage the community.
Over the years, town hall meetings and art shows were sponsored by the rejuvenated non-profit organization.
