St Lucia Jazz 2005

My first St Lucia Jazz. For this experience, I sort out the Popoh group. The highly intellectual group of individuals was not easy to find, but I had an ace up my sleeve, that being my folks. With an invitation in hand I succumbed to the force that draws many jazz lovers to the island.

For those of you that don’t know, POPOH - Posse On the Pursuit Of Happiness

Feel free to post comments!

5.24.2005

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Pablo_Angela, thanks for the invite!


Derek Walcott Sq., Castries


Pigeon Island from Zandoli


Cathedral: Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Situated in the centre of Castries and dating back to 1767. Castries was then called _Carenage_ because the bay was suitable for the careening of ships.


Pablo_s advice to me: Stick with me kid, you'll go places. The Popoh group has lots to offer, watch and learn my son


Where can I buy a Heineken?


At this point.. Festival preparation discussions begin. Like soldiers at war these members spoke their own language, I believe it_s the legendary _Jazz tongue_ I've heard about. I found this camaraderie quite rare and interesting


As the Popoh group assemble for a special lunch (it being Mothers day and all) one member to the far right seems to have taken an interest in a nearby garden


As defined by Cote ci Cote la: Maco - to observe maliciously


Perhaps it's the dangling vegetation?


Intense negotiations take place while sipping champers and OJ carefully mixed by Mr Burns himself. The lads formulate strategy with precision:
1.How much to eat – AMAP – As Much As Possible, it going to be a long one and max energy is required
2.Pace for drinks formula – current temperature plus liquor type minus cooling rate of garmets worn divided by cup size to the power of ice cube circumference.


Mariel admires the progress and consults on various matters



The table was set for fine dining


Mendez, strikes a pose while deep in concentration on a suggestion put forward. That basket near his head isn_t doing him any favours


Plans are reviewed over lunch, every second is precious to the Popoh group, the members ensure their t_s are crossed, bread is buttered and bellies are full


Adjustments are made, I'm guessing Pablo is divulging his infamous theory: When in doubt, pull the plug!


Final versions are passed by other members to ensure full agreement


Plans are set and all is ready for the festivities to begin, should something go awry, one is certain to receive a cut-ass!


En route to Pigeon Island


En route to Pigeon Island


The lads take their places, notice the posture, arms on arm rests, feet together and drink in hand (in Pablo_s case, two drinks in hand), hats are a must and close proximity to food basket is key


The scene was set for a beautiful peformance


Drink distribution was key to success, as one can see; two handed techniques were adopted to maximize efficiency


Any innocent passerbys known to the group were immediately stopped, handed a drink and engaged in short, yet interesting conversation


I sat back in awe, the Popoh group were quite the coordinated bunch, drinks were flowing and food was plentiful! Here I am trying the 'close proximity to food basket' strategy!


Louis makes recommendations for next years Jazz Festival, this group cannot be stopped. From my interpretation, I think he is saying the stage needs to be higher


Plans are reviewed mid-festival. An outsider tries to get in on the conversation but is not familiar with the -Jazz Tongue- method of communication, tsk tsk


Notice the protective nature the members have taken when it comes to the cooler, Louis and Francis to the left and right with Mariel acting as a scout for thirsty members


Should one tire, help is at hand


Experienced members warm up with a series of stretches and body twists, dancing is required of them when the main act appears!


Here-s Linda practicing the _one arm bandit while squatting_ drinking technique. From my research, this takes years to master


Must have been a funny one!


Quick snooze before the next appearance


Angela and her never-ending hospitality


Jazz in full force


Something has caught the attention of Mendez, my, what can it be?


Must be the same thing Linda is looking at!


Who can forget the mosquitoes? Luckily help was at hand, although they didnt seem to last thru the night!


So my son, how are you enjoying the festival?


I've got my dear mother here, so all is well Pablo!


Louis completes a St Lucia Jazz survey hoping the win the lucky draw, perhaps he included his recommendations for next year?


Terry and Louis sharing a moment of laughter


Members of the group heavy in discussion, notice David styling, is that a fish?


Pablo gets in on the action


Francis knocks one back with content. Notice the cooler nearby, at no point in time is he more than 1 metre away; his dedication to is second to none


Lovely blend of colour in the crowd


Seems like all is well in the pursuit of happiness!


The lads are momentarily distracted, what seems to be the matter?! Or the subject of attention?


Mendez: Pablo, we lick up dem two bottles ah-ready?
Pablo: Boy, we_ll have to adjust the pace to suit, at this rate, everyting done soon, we shall double our efforts I say, where_s the scotch?