St. John Arts Festival this week!

There is a lot going on this week here in St. John for the 13th annual St. John Arts Festival and most of it takes place in Cruz Bay this weekend. Saturday, Feb. 16 the park near the ferry dock, Frank Powell Park will be the place to be....you can see Caribbean dancing, listen to steel pan drums, and watch school children exhibit their ballroom dancing skills.

In the coming week you'll be able to enjoy Koko and the Sunshine Band (Monday), Sambacombo Band (Tuesday), and Inner Visions (Wednesday). Be sure to stop by the small park near the post office and check out the local crafts for sale as well as delicious treats to take tot he beach.

A walk through Cruz Bay is a must during this Presidents Day vacation week....just soak in the music, do a little dancing, and buy some gifts for friends back home. For more information see www.stjohnartsfestival.org.

VI National Park Meeting on St. John Jan. 27

Cinnamon Bay Campground on St. John, USVI

This Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 pm is your chance to learn all you wanted to know about the Virgin Islands National Park.  The Friends of the VI National Park will be holding their annual meeting at the Cinnamon Bay Campground restaurant, so you could even get a swim in before going to this interesting get together.

As a special feature, the meeting will have as is keynote speaker the director of the park system for all of the United States, Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service.  The Friends of the VINP have done an incredible job in fundraising and watching out for the park's interests on St. John over the years, so it will be informative to hear Joe Kessler, the president of the Friends, update us on accomplishment of this last year and plans for the future.

Whether you are an island resident or a visitor, you may want to check out the Friends website http://friendsvinp.org/ for information about St. John and upcoming seminars.  For more information call 340-779-4940.

Lobsters in St. John, USVI

Caribbean lobster--a delicacy found on St. John USVI

Often we are asked what favorite dish is preferred by visitors to St. John....it's a tough one since there are so many amazing choices at restaurants around the island, But we would have to say LOBSTER is at the top of the list.

You may wonder what the difference is between the Caribbean lobster and those you would find served up at lobster shacks along the Maine coast. If you take a look at the photo, you'll see something is missing on local "bugs" here in the islands...they have no claws! They shuffle themselves along the bottom of the ocean with just legs and a big tail. Their primary means of defense are the sharp spines that cover the body.

But don't be concerned about missing the claw meat when you order a grilled lobster at Aqua Bistro, Fish Trap or one of the choice seafood restaurants on St. John. You'll have more than you can handle since these local crustacean grow 5-10 lbs when they're snagged by local fishermen. You may find its the only time you have been filled up on lobster with no room for key lime pie. Bon appetit!

Dawn of a NEW YEAR on St. John USVI

Sunrise over Coral Bay, St. John USVI

What better way to greet the new year than the sunrise over Coral Bay on beautiful St. John! As we welcome 2013, we can start looking forward to island events we would like to attend in the coming year.


Here are a few to choose from....we'll keep you updated throughout 2013 with blog entries and musical, art, and children's events described at www.stjohnessence.com. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all friends on and off island!!!!

January
Jan. 4 is first of (4) Sis Frank Concert Series at St. John School of the Arts

Jan. 19 St. John Animal Care's Winter Gala www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com

February
Feb. 14 9th Annual Celebration of Love - Free marriage vow renewal ceremony at Trunk Bay. Visit www.re-marryyourmate.com/valentine.htm

Feb. 25 8 Tuff Miles Race - Visit www.8tuffmiles.com for details.

March
Easter Holidays (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday)
Last weekend of March - Yacht Club Flotilla benefiting Guy Benjamin School.

April
VI Carnival, St. Thomas

May
Friends of the V.I. National Park Beach-to-Beach Power Swim
Commodore's Cup Regatte benefiting KATS.

June
Month-long St. John Festival Begins up to July 4 celebrations

Sing in the Holidays on St. John USVI

Coral Bay Holiday Sing Along (photo stjohnsource.com)

You have some fun opportunities this week to join in a few singing traditions here on St. John. Two of the events happen Wednesday, Dec. 19--in Cruz Bay the St. John Singers are giving their annual concert at 7:30pm at the Nazareth Lutheran Church (across from JJ's Cafe). And if you're at the other end of the island at 6:30pm that evening, the Coral Bay Holiday Sing Along is a fun time for families to join together and sing Christmas favorites.

The St. John Singers concert is repeated in Coral Bay later in the week on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Emmaus Moravian Church also at 7:30pm. This is a wonderful time of year to celebrate the community and singing together is a happy way to bring in the holiday season. We wish all our friends near and far a joyous holiday and peaceful new year!

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Christmas Prom on St. John USVI

Mongoose Junction Prom coming up December 15

This Saturday, December 15 marks the 17th annual Christmas Party at Mongoose Junction.  Starting at 9pm The Prom is an event not to be missed by islanders and visitors alike since it celebrates the rare occasion when locals dress up in "island fancy" and dance the night away.

The party is FREE and has become a St. John event ever since it was first established after Hurricane Marilyn hit in 1995 when The Prom made its debut as an effort to rebuild community spirit.  This year the spirit is going strong and will be jiving to the vibes of Ah We Band as well as enjoying food provided by Mongoose Junction restaurants and a champagne bar.

Keep an eye on St. John events posted at http://www.stjohnessence.com/ since the island is in full swing for the season...come join us!

December 7 Caribbanese Art Reception

This Friday, December 7 come be part of a special art reception celebrating “Caribbanese: Caribbean/ Japanese Fusion In Art —The People,” at Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery on the second floor of The Marketplace.

The evening event, from 5 to 8 p.m., in collaboration with  St. John School of the Arts will featuring local dance performances and a display of fine art that demonstrates the blend of art forms between Caribbean and Japanese cultures.  

A Kimberly Boulon painting and a Helen Dunkerley ceramics piece will be available by raffle tickets sold at the event supporting local arts education.  The evening will also include “Caribbanese Haiku” poetry by Beverly Melius and live music fusing Caribbean and Japanese styles.  For more information see http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/index.php/584-news/2012-12-news/8303-caribbanese-exhibition-at-kimberly-boulon-fine-art-gallery-to-feature-dance-ceramic-art-haiku-and-more.