Two sponsors join; three bands sign contracts for WCMF

Two new sponsors have come on board while three local bands signed contracts to perform at the 14th annual World Creole Music Festival, as preparations for the event heats up.

Yesterday morning, security firm Protection One and Josephine Gabriel and Company Ltd. pledged their support behind the staging of the three-night event.

Representative from Protection One Ed Ravalier told a Dominica Festival’s Committee (DFC) press conference that his company is pleased to facilitate the staging of the festival.

Gerald George from Josephine Gabriel and Company Ltd. promised that his company will continue to play its part in supporting the event. He encouraged patrons to practice responsible drinking at the event.

Meanwhile, three top local acts scheduled to perform – the Midnight Groovers, WCK Band and Triple Kay International – signed their contracts with the DFC at the function yesterday morning.

All three bands promised a thrilling performance. A number of cadence-lypso musicians who will hit the stage on different nights of the WCMF also made an appearance at the function.

“We realize that it is not always possible to give exposure to all the [local]acts that want to perform at the festival so what we try to do year after year… different bands, different groups so that they can do their thing and expose their music,” DFC’s vice Chairman Sobers Esprit said.

Among other preparatory efforts, the DFC is attempting to get its marketing strategies in order.

Events Director of the DFC Nathalie Clark said: “My staff are diligently workin along with the Discover Dominica Authority staff and the specific sponsors of those fringe events… we at the DFC office are working on the branding, the signage, the transportation and the actual venue operations which has to be now solidified within a very short period.”