Sixth Annual Love City Live! will Set the Vibe on St. John This Weekend

love city liveBy Jaime Elliott
St. John Tradewinds
From January 27 through 31, reggae fans will take over St. John during the Sixth Annual Love City Live! music festival.
The five day event will include beach parties with DJs and craft cocktail bars and even a boat ride to the BVIs, and will culminate musically on Saturday, January 30, at Reggae in the Ruins in Estate Susannaberg.
After packing Winston Wells ball field with fans of world renowned reggae stars like Beres Hammond, Steel Pulse and Third World for the past five years, the festival is heading back to its roots this year, explained Love City Live! founder Wasi Philbert.
“We’ve always been looking for somewhere to have the event that is a bit more St. John rootsy, somewhere that had a bit more of our roots vibe,” said Philbert.
When Estate Susannaberg property owner Ronnie Jones approached Philbert about the venue two years ago, he knew it would be a perfect fit.
“I had been up there when I was young and it was all over-grown,” said Philbert. “When we were walking around, Ronnie had a machete and there was a path. I could feel the vibe and feel the sense; it was what we had been waiting for and it’s the right time now.”
Two years later and with Philbert haven already proven that he can produce a world class event with international stars, he’s excited to put on a show with a true island vibe this year, he explained.
“I’m like a kid in a candy store,” Philbert said. “I feel like it’s all new and I have that feeling of being giddy and anxious. It took two years to make this transition and I’m excited to do something that’s a bit more intimate.”
“Instead of chasing our tail and going higher and higher with who we’re brining down this year, this year it’s all about the vibe,” he said.
While the vibe will certainly be fantastic, the musical lineup is impressive as well. Reggae in the Ruins will start at 4 p.m. at the Estate Susannaberg ruins and feature DJ Top Notch, Visions Reggae Combo, Lion SoulJahs Band, Ras Abijah & The Inity Band, Black Star Band with Blackness and Hugo Rankin.
After 11 p.m., the space will transform into SoundSystem, an outdoor roots reggae experience with music by DJ Top Notch and DJ Red Man until 1 a.m. Tickets are $15 in advance.
Saturday night isn’t the first party for Love City Live! The festivities kick off on Wednesday evening with a welcome party at Drink. On Thursday, the party will head over to Oppenheimer Beach for Exhale, a spa-style beach day with yoga, massages, a gourmet lunch and craft cocktails.
Dress up in your best white duds for the “All White” beach party on Friday night in Cruz Bay. This upscale tropical dance party will take over Cruz Bay beach starting at 7 p.m.
After the big party on Saturday night, join the fun on the water Sunday with the Love City Live! Powerboat Party. This all day excursion will hit several beaches in the BVIs before bring the vibe to White Bay, Jost Van Dyke.
For tickets, VIP passes and more information about the Sixth Annual Love City Live! go to http://www.lovecitylivellc.com/