Central Parc, a new restaurant, will open in November in Gustavia on the corner where the former La Gamelle was located. The site was purchased by the two brothers who own L'Entracte (also known as "the blue coconut" due to the neon blue coconut tree out front). Jean-Louis, one of the brothers, will operate Central Parc, which promises a menu of American-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. The other brother will continue to run L'Entracte.

L'Isola, the Italian restaurant that recently opened in O'Corner's location in Gustavia, will soon be offering "Aperitivo" time. Starting at 5:30 pm, guests can enjoy an apéritif with complimentary Italian finger food.

Rumors are that the François Plantation, which closed its doors earlier this year, will be converted into a condo complex. High in the hills of Colombier, this is sure to be a popular and sought-after spot.

October is a great month to be in St Barth - the weather is starting to get a bit cooler, many of the restaurants are re-opening and the sales are in full swing. October is a month that the French government has designated as one during which all the stores can hold big sales. And, indeed, they do - often offering up to 50%-75%. Below is just a short list of the sales that have already begun; more will start in a couple of days. This is a great time to get some excellent deals, so bring that extra suitcase - even if you have to pay $15 to check it!

· A Vos Marques, a sporting goods shop in Gustavia, until October 25
· Vaval Boutique, a clothing store in St Jean
· Royaume des Enfants, Rue Courbet in Gustavia, up to 50% off
· Fabienne Miot, a jewelry store in Gustavia, up to 50% off
· Tendances, a vendor of furniture and other home decorations and accessories in Anses des Cayes and Gustavia, up to 50% off

Posted on October 7, 2008 4:19 AM | Permanent Link: Bits and Pieces | Comments (0)

Since 1990, the National Day of the Horse has been celebrated on the last Sunday of September. This occasion is an opportunity for riding schools to share their passion for horses. Raphaëlle, manager of the Ranch des Flamands, organized an event on Sunday, September 28, on "Grande Platon", the name given by the elders of Flamands and Terre-Neuve to the ground currently occupied by the ranch. The program included a day of games, demonstrations and obstacle-jumping, with beverages and BBQ offered on site.

Posted on October 6, 2008 4:12 AM | Permanent Link: National Day of the Horse | Comments (0)

November 16-23, 2008
Swedish Week

December 14-18, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé

Posted on September 16, 2008 8:01 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

Alton Brown's latest TV show, Feasting on Waves, premiered last Sunday on the Food Network. Those of us who were lucky enough to be watching it were rewarded with an unexpected stop in St Barth due to bad weather conditions. The show is a four-part series in which Alton and his crew sail around 15 different Caribbean islands on a 50-foot catamaran. The goal is to seek out quality local cuisine. Fortunately for Alton, the captain of the catamaran, Randy West, has lived in St Barth for over 25 years and was able to take him to several popular local venues. The first stop was Le Select for the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise and a local ti punch, made of cane syrup, rum and a slice of lime. Next on the agenda was a visit to Chez Ginette in Anse des Cayes. Ginette is known on the island for making and selling bottles of rum punch made from dozens of different fruits and flowers found on the island. The expression on Alton Brown's face when he smelled the passionfruit rum punch testifies to its strength! The final destination was The Wishing Well, locally known as Chez Rolande, in Flamands. Rolande's grandmother had a restaurant in Guadeloupe for 25 years, and Rolande learned how to cook authentic Creole food at her side. Today, her daughter helps her create the same dishes. Alton, and Randy, were lucky enough to have her prepare a fricassee of langouste, the Caribbean spiny lobster. Alton's comment upon tasting it? "She's a witch!"

Posted on September 16, 2008 7:48 AM | Permanent Link: Feasting on Waves | Comments (1)

November 16-23, 2008
Swedish Week

December 14-18, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé

Posted on August 28, 2008 6:53 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

Take advantage of the remaining two summer festivals before the very quiet month of September arrives!

St Barthélemy Day, Sunday, August 24 -- Gustavia

6:00 am
Bell ringing and decorating of boats in the harbor

8:00 am
Sailors' mass followed by a procession and blessing of the sea

10:00 am
Start of regattas with the Saint-Barth Yacht Club

10:30 am
Laying of wreath at the war memorial followed by a champagne toast at the Hôtel de la Collectivité

9:00 pm
Fireworks followed by dancing at the quay with live music and drinks

Saint-Louis Day, Monday, August 25 -- Corossol

6:00 am
Start of fishing competition

8:00 am
Mass at the rock of St Louis

9:30 am
Tournaments of bélote, soccer, beach volleyball (sign-up at 8:30 am)

10:00 am
Start of regattas (sign up at the Saint-Barth Yacht Club)

10:30 am
Games for children: fishing, ball games, ring toss

12:30 pm
Champagne toast offered by the Collectivité and ALC. Punch and music with prizes for various activities

2:00 pm
Canoe and kayak races

3:30 pm
Various games: line fishing, surprise envelopes, games for kids and adults

5:30 pm
Awards ceremony

6:30 pm
Dance performance with dancers from ALC

8:00 pm
Rendez-vous Saint Louis

9:00 pm
Fireworks followed by dancing on the "Youth Bridge" and live music

Posted on August 21, 2008 3:16 AM | Permanent Link: Upcoming Summer Festivals | Comments (0)

Papaguyo (in the photo below) is an American musician who spends most of his time on St Barth, fitting seamlessly into the culture there. He is a percussionist who can turn ANYTHING into a percussive instrument. A long-time favorite on the island, he has had many famous vacationing guest musicians play with him, including Jimmy Buffet. During the remainder of August, he'll be presenting shows at different locations around the island. Also, his new CD IslandFunk with Swang and DJ Yuri is now on sale. For good music and a good time, check him out. The remaining shows are listed below:

Thursday, August 21
Hotel Guanahani, Grand Cul de Sac
7:00 pm

Friday, August 22
La Mandala, Gustavia
8:00 pm

Saturday, August 23
Caviar Island, Gustavia
7:30 pm

Sunday, August 24
Do Brazil, Shell Beach, Gustavia
1:00 pm (lunch)

Sunday, August 24
The Strand, Gustavia
8:00 pm

Posted on August 21, 2008 3:09 AM | Permanent Link: Papaguyo Is in Full Force | Comments (0)

Upcoming festivals and events:

• August 24, 2008 Festival of St Barthelemy: regattas, public ball, fireworks. Held on the quay in Gustavia.

• August 25, 2008 Festival of St Louis: fishing contest, games, food, music. Held in Corossol.

• November 16-23, 2008 Swedish Week

• December 14-18, 2008 Transact Classique Lagasse

Posted on August 20, 2008 5:03 PM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

July 19, 2008
Festival of Anse des Cayes: music, food, games, contests

July 26-27, 2008
Festival of the Northern Villages: music, food, games, contests. At ASCCO in Colombier

August 2008
SB JAM Music Festival (specific dates will be posted later)

August 9-10, 2008
Festival of the Windward Villages: music, food, fishing contests. Held in Lorient.

August 16-17, 2008
Festival of Gustavia; regattas, music, food. Held on the quay in Gustavia.

August 24, 2008
Festival of St Barthélemy: regattas, public ball, fireworks. Held on the quay in Gustavia.

August 25, 2008
Festival of St Louis: fishing contest, games, food, music. Held in Corossol.

November 16-23, 2008
Swedish Week

December 15-23, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé

Posted on July 15, 2008 5:42 PM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

July 19, 2008 Festival of Anse des Cayes: music, food, games, contests

July 26-27, 2008 Festival of the Northern Villages: music, food, games, contests. At ASCCO in Colombier

August 2008 SB JAM Music Festival (specific dates will be posted later)

August 9-10, 2008 Festival of the Windward Villages: music, food, fishing contests. Held in Lorient.

August 16-17, 2008 Festival of Gustavia; regattas, music, food. Held on the quay in Gustavia.

August 24, 2008 Festival of St Barthelemy: regattas, public ball, fireworks. Held on the quay in Gustavia.

August 25, 2008 Festival of St Louis: fishing contest, games, food, music. Held in Corossol.

November 16-23, 2008 Swedish Week

December 15-23, 2008 Transact Classique Lagasse

Posted on July 7, 2008 11:16 AM | Permanent Link: Upcoming St. Barts events | Comments (0)

Get ready for a big night of soccer! On Wednesday, June 4, the Caribbean Soccer Stars will be in St Barth on their second annual tour to take on some local St Barth soccer players at the Stadium in St Jean. The competition starts at 6:00 pm and admission is free. Among the all-stars is Mamadou Niang, the highest scorer for Marseilles during the 2007/2008 championship season; Souleymane Diawara, a defender for the Bordeaux Girondins; Jeremie Janot, goalie for the "Greens" of Saint-Etienne; and Anthony Le Tallec, attacking midfielder for Le Mans. The all-stars will play in St Martin on Sunday, June 1 and then make their way to St Barth. The tour is organized by Marty Toure of Wavecom. Information on all the players can be found at www.caraibesfoot.com.

Posted on June 3, 2008 1:15 PM | Permanent Link: 2008 Tour of Caribbean Soccer Stars | Comments (0)

Normally, Pitea Day, held in mid-August, was the celebration to commemorate the twinning of St Barth and Pieta, Sweden. However, starting this year, St Barth will dedicate a full week in November to celebrate the ongoing friendship between St Barth and Sweden and the island's Swedish past and to introduce the populace of St Barth to today's Sweden. The events will start on the Sunday before the annual running of the Gustavialoppet marathon, which will close the week's activities. According to Yves Greaux, who is vice-president of the territorial council and is responsible for cultural affairs, "2008 marks a triple date: the first Swedish Week in Saint Barth; the 30 years of twin cities Pitea and Saint Barth, and the 130th anniversary of the retrocession of the island to France. It is important to give this first edition a real visibility, to give it a solid base to become an annual event." As such, the vice-president has asked for projects to be submitted to the Tourist Office before August 15. The event will take place November 16-23 and is being organized by the non-profit associations ASBAS and Skaellskapet (The Friends of Saint Barth Association of Stockholm).

Posted on June 3, 2008 1:13 PM | Permanent Link: Swedish Week in St Barth | Comments (0)

Andrew Radcliffe, an American artist who has been living on St Barth with his wife and young son for the past two years, is exhibiting his art at Jane's Gallery at the Eden Rock Hotel in St Jean until May 24. Radcliffe studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, received a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1987 and has exhibited his work throughout the U.S. In addition to hundreds of small pen-and-ink drawings, Radcliffe is also exhibiting several oil paintings that reflect his love of the tropics.

Posted on May 21, 2008 4:05 AM | Permanent Link: Andrew Radcliffe Exhibition at Eden Rock's Art Gallery | Comments (0)

The Figaro Transat AG2R is a trans-Atlantic boat race from France to St. Barts. Phil Sharp of England is competing this year and there is an excellent website with a "Race Tracker" that shows the positions of the boats and lots of other information in real time.

Posted on April 28, 2008 8:36 AM | Permanent Link: Figaro Transat AG2R | Comments (0)

St Barth will be hosting yet another major sailing event this December. The Bucket Regatta has just finished, and the bi-annual Transatlantic Ag2r race will take place in May. At the end of the year will be the first edition of the Transat Classique Lagassé, with the boats arriving in Saint Barth a few days before Christmas. This transatlantic race is open to classic sailing vessels built as one-of-a-kind or limited sailboats. They will set sail on August 17 from the port of Douarnenez in Finistere, France. After a stopover in Agadir, Morocco, they will set sail for St Barth on November 28. This is the only transatlantic race for classic sailboats. As of now, 31 boats are registered and another 64 have expressed interest. (Where, oh, where will all of these boats dock during the already full port of Gustavia around Christmas time?!) The race will have three winners, one in each of the following categories: Vintage, for boats built before 1975; Modern Classics for boats built with more modern materials such as welded steel, molded wood and polyester; and Neo-Classics for boats built after 1975 as replicas of traditional vessels. The largest boat is over 100', the smallest is a mere 32', and the oldest was built in 1913. Most of these boats have an interesting story behind them. For example, the Mistral, an 82' schooner, first set sail in 1938 and served in the German navy as part of submarine surveillance operations during WWII. If you want to be present for this first-time exciting event, be sure to make your reservations early as Christmas and New Year's is always a popular time on St Barth. For additional information: www.transatclassique.com. Below is the schedule of events. In traditional St Barth style, there is sure to be music and dancing on the quay, probably on December 23.

December 15-20, 2008
Boats begin to arrive in Gustavia

December 21, 2008
Official cocktail reception

December 22, 2008
Promotional race around the island

December 23, 2008
Official dinner reception and awarding of the prizes

Posted on April 22, 2008 9:18 AM | Permanent Link: First Edition of the Transact Classique Lagassé | Comments (0)

Every year, Le Tamarin restaurant in Salines hosts a large "yard sale" on their grounds. This year's will take place on Sunday, April 27. Go early because everyone else does!

Posted on April 16, 2008 9:35 AM | Permanent Link: Big Sale at Le Tamarin | Comments (0)

April 2008-June 2008
Archery Competitions: April 26, May 24, June 7-8

April 16-20, 2008
International Book Day

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r. Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival, A.J.O.E., Lorient

December 15-23, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé

Posted on April 15, 2008 9:37 AM | Permanent Link: On The Horizon - April 15 | Comments (0)

On Friday, April 18, Le Tamarin restaurant in Salines is hosting an evening of opera with South African tenor Etienne van der Nest, who trained at the conservatory of Pretoria. Dinner, for 75 €, will be accompanied by his powerful voice with selections from his opera repertoire and Neapolitan songs. The dinner includes a cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, an appetizer, the main dish, dessert and petits fours. For reservations, call 05 90 27 72 12.

Posted on April 15, 2008 9:30 AM | Permanent Link: An Evening of Opera | Comments (0)

One of the most anticipated events on the island is the annual Film Festival, which takes place this year April 25-30. As always, this year's line-up of films is sure to captivate the audience. Unless otherwise noted, the films are projected on the large white wall at the A.J.O.E. tennis courts in Lorient, where non-alcoholic drinks, popcorn, T-shirts and baseball caps can be purchased. Admission is 5 € per night or five nights for 25 €. All films are either in French or have French subtitles. Many thanks to Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, a founder of the Film Festival, for making the following information available.

Continue reading "13th St Barth Film Festival Starts April 25" »

Posted on April 15, 2008 4:44 AM | Permanent Link: 13th St Barth Film Festival Starts April 25 | Comments (0)

Newport, RI (April 4, 2008) The 13th Annual St Barths Bucket was once again blessed with perfect sailing weather which provided some of the most spectacular sailing on the most spectacular yachts in the most spectacular sailing neighborhood. With a consistent 15-22 knot trade wind, the fleet was fully powered up and the racing was startlingly close. Some of the finishes were described by participants as "closer than Farr 40 finishes"! This was previously unheard of in the superyacht world and this year's St Barths Bucket was declared the "best ever".

Continue reading "13th Annual St Barths Bucket Regatta Results" »

Posted on April 10, 2008 9:31 AM | Permanent Link: 13th Annual St Barths Bucket Regatta Results | Comments (0)

From March 31 to April 27, Segeco, the local distributor of Evian mineral water, is sponsoring an exhibit of a rare glass Evian bottle. One of 99 in existence, the bottle was created by French designer Christian Lacroix for Haute Couture Evian and hand-blown by Swiss artisans. When the exhibit is over, the bottle will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be donated to support the Ramsar Convention. Enacted in 1975, the Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the infrastructure for international cooperation in the preservation of wetlands. You can see the bottle at the following hotels and restaurants:

March 31 - April 6
Manapany Hotel in Anse des Cayes
April 7-13
Sereno Hotel in Grand Cul de Sac
April 14-20
Le Toiny Hotel in Grand Fond
April 21-27
Nikki Beach in St Jean

Posted on April 1, 2008 8:40 AM | Permanent Link: Auction to Benefit the Ramsar Convention | Comments (0)

Over the weekend of March 27-30, 29 breathtaking mega sailing yachts, ranging from 76' to 163', competed in the 13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta. Each day saw a different race: Around the Island, the Wriggly Course and Counter-Clockwise Around the Island. This year's winner was the 152-foot Windrose, pictured here.

The Bucket benefits St Barth in many ways. First of all, there's the increased hotel, villa, catering, restaurant, and shopping activity due to the participants and the numerous tourists who flock to the island for this annual event. In addition, the Bucket's organizers donate between 3000 and 7000 euros to the Saint Barth Yacht Club to assist the advancement of sailing in St Barth. This year, they also donated money to the SNSM rescue station and, in collaboration with other partners, they will solicit donations from the Bucket participants for FEMUR, St Barth's Foundation for Emergency Medical Equipment. All in all a stellar event!

Posted on April 1, 2008 8:35 AM | Permanent Link: 13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta | Comments (0)

From March 10 to March 31, Les Artisans on Rue du Roi Oscar II in Gustavia is hosting an exhibit of paintings by Sue McNally. McNally attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and has exhibited her works in Newport, RI; Boston and Brooklyn. She claimed first place for Paintings at a juried show at the Newport Art Museum. Les Artisans is a superb jewelry store that features custom jewelry designed by the owners and is a frequent host to art exhibits.

From March 14 to March 20, the works of Jean-Yves Lefort and his wife Claude will be on display at the gallery Porta 34 in Gustavia. The exhibit, called "Du pays d'Origine: l'Afrique. Au pays du coeur: Saint Barthélemy," pays homage to his place of birth and the island where he has lived. Jean-Yves Lefort was born in Bazzaville, the Congo in 1956. In 1968, his family moved to Guadeloupe and then to St Barth. In 2000, he left St Barth for France and currently exhibits his art in galleries in Lyon, France and St Barth. Lefort's works are influenced by his love of the sea and his African heritage. La Porta is open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Posted on March 28, 2008 5:20 AM | Permanent Link: Art Exhibits at Les Artisans and Porta 34 | Comments (0)

Friday, March 28
11:00 am First Gun/First Race: "Around the Island Race"

Saturday, March 29
11:00 am First Gun/Second Race: "The Wiggley Course"

7:00 pm until ?? Dock party on the quay in Gustavia with music, food and bar

Sunday, March 30
11:00 am First Gun/Third Race: "Around the Island Clockwise"
7:00 pm Awards Presentation and Cocktail Party

Posted on March 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Permanent Link: 13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta Kicks Off Today | Comments (0)

From the Wall Street Journal:

Posted on March 25, 2008 6:07 PM | Permanent Link: Will Cotton exhibit at Eden Roc | Comments (0)

About a month ago, La Chorale de Bon Choeurs performed two evenings at the Anglican Church in Gustavia to help raise money for a trip to New York City to sing with a choir at one of the local churches. Now, that trip has become a reality. On May 4 at 2:00 pm, they will join the Choir of Saint Marks-in-the-Bowery for an afternoon concert of classics, pop and gospel. This program will premiere The Hymne of St. Barthélemy (music by Michael Valenti; poem by Isabelle Deravin). If you're in the NYC area, don't miss this event, which will take place in the Parish Hall of St. Marks Church, 2nd Avenue at 10th Street. Congratulations to La Chorale!

Posted on March 20, 2008 9:30 AM | Permanent Link: La Chorale de Bon Choeurs Heads to New York | Comments (0)

March 15, 2008 - June 8, 2008
Archery Competitions:
March 15, April 26, May 24, June 7-8

March 27-31, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta

April 16-20, 2008
International Book Day

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r.
Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival
A.J.O.E., Lorient

Posted on March 7, 2008 8:56 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon - March 5, 2008 | Comments (0)

Here is some great video from last year's St. Barth Bucket Regatta

Posted on March 5, 2008 5:27 AM | Permanent Link: Video of the 2007 St. Barth Bucket Regatta | Comments (0)

Our friends over at AllAtSea.net have an article up about the fleet participating in the this year's St. Barth Bucket:

More here.

Posted on March 5, 2008 2:57 AM | Permanent Link: Preliminary Fleet Announced for 2008 St. Barth Bucket | Comments (0)

Mark your calendar for March 27-31 for the 13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta! This non-commercial event involves three days of racing around the island and attracts the most spectacular and majestic sailing yachts in the world -- all of which must be over 100 feet. The Bucket is an invitation-only event, and they already have a full fleet of 30 yachts, with many more on the waiting list. This year, five of the world's most prestigious super-yacht builders have come together to provide over 60% of the Bucket's annual budget on an ongoing basis: Alloy Yachts, Holland Jachtbouw, Perini Navi, Royal Huisman Shipyard, and Vitter's Shipyard. Good spots to view the races are at the lighthouse in Gustavia, the heights of Lurin and Pointe Milou and the end of the road at Colombier. And, don't forget the parties and music on the quay in Gustavia in the evenings!

Posted on March 4, 2008 9:42 AM | Permanent Link: St Barth Bucket Sets Sail March 27 | Comments (0)

"If you do not go to the cinema, the cinema will come to you". For the 13th edition of the Festival of Caribbean Cinema (the St Barth Film Festival), the organizers have decided to present certain films and videos in the different quarters of the island. Last Thursday, Jean-Marc Césaire, the founder of the association Ciné Woulé, visited the island and met with organizers Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, Rosemond Gréaux and Joshua Harrison. Since 1995, Ciné Woulé has gone to different districts in Guadeloupe and shown movies on inflatable screens. Césaire will be in St Barth at the time of the festival, April 25-30, to orchestrate the itinerant projections. A future goal is to establish a place exclusively dedicated to showing movies. To achieve that goal, they would like to have a distribution network in order to share the costs across the islands of the French West Indies. Meanwhile, using the projectors and inflatable, transportable screens of Ciné Woulé will allow movies to be shown to people who otherwise would never go to the cinema. Great idea!

Posted on March 4, 2008 9:37 AM | Permanent Link: An Innovative Idea for the 13th Annual St Barth Film Festival | Comments (0)

Looks like they are raising money for Senator Obama on St. Barts:

And no, it is not that Richard Branson.

Posted on February 25, 2008 6:43 AM | Permanent Link: The St. Bart's Cocktail Fundraiser for Barack Obama | Comments (0)

Since the intrepid Candee is on island we have some more on The Swedish Design Center (and a photo):

Nils and Susanna Passburg, the delightful and knowledgeable owners of The Swedish Design Center of St. Barthélemy, are proud to present a unique showing of JB Bags and a pre-launch of a book on Gustavia by Jenny Stening on February 23 between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Ms. Stening will be on the island with an exclusive pre-print version of her first book about the Swedish buildings in Gustavia. Her book is based on a sign-posted walk of significant buildings and places in Gustavia. She created and presented this project to the municipality of St Barth in 2004. It is an architectural and historic guide to Gustavia that focuses on the years 1785-1878 when the island was under Swedish rule. In addition, an extensive collection of her JB design bags will be on display. The bags combine modern design with the use of high-tech sail cloths that make the most of the strong, light, durable and water-resistant characteristics of this material.

The Swedish Design Center is the island's first retail establishment offering an innovative, unique collection of contemporary and modern classic objects and accessories of Swedish design, heritage and origin. It serves as the island's exclusive distributor for established and up-and-coming designers of Swedish jewelry, silver, glassware, furniture, home accessories, and other items. As quoted by Susanna, "It must stand the wear of the eye.""

The Swedish Design Center is located in the little shopping mall Les Amandiers, Route de Saline, St. Jean across the street from Le Glacier.

Posted on February 20, 2008 2:39 PM | Permanent Link: More on The Swedish Design Center | Comments (0)

Anik Karadjian will be exhibiting her collection of "Landscapes and Horizons" at the Galerie Porta 34 in Gustavia from February 8 to February 14. This collections features a series of large oils on fabric and about sixty works on paper. D. Gavach, a writer for Soualig' Art magazine, describes her work as a "sensual vision of the minimalist and sensual landscape with colors of a cosmic world between ideality and mystical aspirations. Karadjian was born in Armenia, which she left at age 9. Since 2004, she shares her time between Nice and St. Martin. You can view the exhibition every day from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Posted on February 7, 2008 10:25 AM | Permanent Link: Anik Karadjian at Galerie Porta 34 | Comments (0)

February 9, 2008-June 8, 2008
Archery Competitions: February 9, March 15, April 26, May 24, June 7-8

February 5, 2008
Carnival

April 16-20, 2008
International Book Day

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r. Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival, A.J.O.E., Lorient

Posted on January 23, 2008 11:35 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon - February 23,2008 | Comments (0)

Today is the last day of The 24th annual St Barth Music Festival, which began on January 11. Tickets are available at the home of Lydie Berry on Rue du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and also at the door the evening of the concert. Tonight's event, John Ellis Quintet of New Orleans (Jazz), is scheduled for 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at the Catholic Church in Gustavia.

Posted on January 23, 2008 11:28 AM | Permanent Link: Last Day of St Barth Music Festival | Comments (0)

Carnival activities have begun! Every Sunday evening up until February 5, the actual day of Carnival, La Pointe en Mouvement marches through the streets of Gustavia dressed in costumes of a different theme each week. They dance, sing and play tambours and other local percussive instruments. The mini-parade starts at La Pointe in Gustavia at 6:00 pm and finishes in front of the restaurant La Cantina on the harbor (around the corner from Le Select), arriving there around 7:00 pm.

As you can see from the photo, one Sunday's theme was "Newspaper." Themes for the remaining Sundays preceding Carnival are: January 27, "Black and Gold" and February 3, "Black and Red".

On the Monday before Carnival, February 4, there will be the traditional parade in pajamas, and the burning of Vaval, which signifies the official end of Carnival, will take place on Wednesday, February 6 on Shell Beach.

Posted on January 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Carnival | Comments (0)

UNESCO's International Book Day was first celebrated on St Barth in 2006. Due to its great success, the organizers are hoping to turn this annual event into a major cultural activity. For 2008, the idea is to schedule a five-day event from April 16 to April 20 that will combine the International Book Day with poetry readings from a few invited poets, a writing workshop, a conference led by a well-known author and a book exchange with readings and book signings. The collection of books began on January 5. More to come regarding where you can drop off your donations.

Posted on January 16, 2008 6:04 AM | Permanent Link: International Book Day | Comments (0)

January 12, 2008-June 8, 2008
Archery Competitions: January 12, February 9, March 15, April 26, May 24, June 7-8

January 11-23, 2008
24th Annual St Barth Music Festival

February 5, 2008
Carnival

April 16-20, 2008
International Book Day

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r. Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival, A.J.O.E., Lorient

Posted on January 10, 2008 6:22 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

The 24th annual St Barth Music Festival will take place from January 11 to January 23, 2008. Tickets are available at the home of Lydie Berry on Rue du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and also at the door the evening of the concert. Many thanks for the hard work of those who organized this popular event. In addition to scheduling the events, they must find housing for the musicians. Not an easy feat at this time of year!

Festival Schedule:

Continue reading "St Barth Music Festival" »

Posted on January 10, 2008 5:07 AM | Permanent Link: St Barth Music Festival | Comments (0)

Opening on the 26th of December (Reception: Saturday December 30th, 2008, 6 - 8pm) in to-B.Art Gallery St Barths, the exhibition of the new paintings by the important emerging Italian artist Lucio Salvatore is already gathering buzz in magazines worldwide.

Salvatore paints using oils, acrylics and resins which are put in movement through the use of fire. The dynamic process, which begins with the application of resins on the paint when it is flowing on the bottom of the studio pool, the ultimate artist's canvas, is set in motion through fire, eternalized on film, then printed on plexiglass in large format limited editions of 5.

Continue reading "Italian artist LUCIO SALVATORE creates a stir in St Barths" »

Posted on December 26, 2007 3:42 AM | Permanent Link: Italian artist LUCIO SALVATORE creates a stir in St Barths | Comments (1)

As a result of public demand, the St Barth Music Festival has undertaken to offer concerts of classical music throughout the year. The inaugural concert was held on November 21 at the Anglican church in Gustavia where the Festival organizers presented the Enso String Quartet. This quartet was formed in 1999 at Yale University and consists of two violins, a viola and a violoncello. The next concerts will begin in May 2008. On May 2, the jazz group The Monty Alexander Trio will perform, and on May 3, classical music will be performed by a trio on violin, French horn and piano. The pianist, Phillip Bush, will also perform at the 24th annual St Barth Music Festival to be held January 11-23, 2008. Kudos to the St Barth Music Festival in responding to the island's wishes!

Posted on December 4, 2007 4:35 AM | Permanent Link: St Barth Music Festival to Present Concerts throughout the Year | Comments (0)

October 13, 2007-June 8, 2008
Archery Competitions:
December 15 (Tour de l'Ile), January 12, February 9, March 15, April 26, May 24, June 7-8

January 11-23, 2008
24th Annual St Barth Music Festival

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r. Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival, A.J.O.E., Lorient

Posted on December 3, 2007 4:57 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

Organized by the St Martin Yacht Club Fort Louis in partnership with the St Maarten Yacht Club, the fourth edition of La Course de l'Alliance will be held from November 23 to November 25 in the waters of Saint Martin, St Barth and Anguilla. This sailing event is open to sailboats in the following categories: Spinnaker, non-Spinnaker, Multihull and Open Class. Last year, 23 boats participated in the three-day regatta. Prizes will be awarded in Marigot, St Martin on Sunday, November 25 at 4:00 pm.

Friday, November 23
Regatta leaves Simpson Bay, St Maarten and sails to Gustavia

Saturday, November 24
Regatta sails from St Barth to Anguilla

Sunday, November 25
Regatta sails from Anguilla to Marigot, St Martin

The website for the event is here.

Posted on November 22, 2007 4:33 AM | Permanent Link: La Course de l'Alliance | Comments (0)

From Luxist.com:

Posted on November 21, 2007 6:26 AM | Permanent Link: Artist Richard Prince Exhibits In St. Barths at the Eden Rock Hotel | Comments (0)

More St Barts Music Festival news from Wimco:

There's more.

Posted on November 8, 2007 6:07 AM | Permanent Link: St Barts Music Festival 2008 | Comments (1)

The Saint B'Art Association is organizing its sixth annual painting competition. The theme, as always, remains St Barthélémy: landscapes, scenery or people and all media is allowable. The paintings must be available at the beginning of December in order to be exhibited on December 8. As with last year, the winning painting will be used as a stamp on 10,000 pre-stamped envelopes. For more information, please call Véronique Vander Noot at 06 90 39 92 74 or Jean-Pierre Ballagny at 06 90 83 84 00.

Posted on November 5, 2007 3:40 AM | Permanent Link: Sixth Annual Painting Contest Gets Underway | Comments (0)

On November 16, 1776, with a copy of the Declaration of Independence on board, the brig Andrew Doria approached St. Eustatius (Statia), deployed the red-and-white striped Continental Colors, and fired a 13-gun salute. Governor, Johannes de Graaff, the commander of the fort, ordered that they reply with an 11-gun salute. Statia was the first foreign power to recognize the independence of the United States. To commemorate these events, starting two years ago, the Golden Rock Regatta has been held annually to focus attention on this forgotten outpost of a bygone age.

Continue reading "Golden Rock Regatta - November 12-16" »

Posted on October 18, 2007 8:53 AM | Permanent Link: Golden Rock Regatta - November 12-16 | Comments (1)

October 4-14, 2007
Tennis tournament at the Hotel Guanahani & Spa, Grand Cul de Sac; registration through October 3. For more information, call 05 90 27 66 60 or 06 90 49 86 94.

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r transatlantic sailing race departs from Concarneau, France. After traveling for 3710 miles, it will arrive in St Barth approximately three weeks later.

Posted on October 2, 2007 9:20 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

Looking forward to this winter, music lovers may want to start planning their island visit to this year's annual St. Barts Music Festival. The events run for two weeks, from January 11 through January 23, 2008.

Since 1984, St. Barts has hosted a performing arts festival unlike any other in the world. Each year during January we offer more than a dozen nights of the finest live music and dance performances in an informal, island setting. Audiences are treated to intimate concerts by some of the world's most prominent classical, opera, ballet, and jazz stars. These performers have the level of artistry that one would normally have to attend Carnegie Hall in New York or the Opera Garnier in Paris to experience. But we offer them to our audiences with the added advantage of island breezes and the fragrance of flowering hibiscus.

The colorful and useful St. Bart's Music Festival website is a good place to find out more about the festival.

Posted on September 20, 2007 4:31 AM | Permanent Link: 2008 St. Barts Music Festival | Comments (0)

August 24
Fête de la Saint Barthélémy in Gustavia
August 25
Fête de la Saint Louis in Corossol
August 27
Senior's Day - special entertainment for older citizens

Posted on August 17, 2007 9:38 AM | Permanent Link: On the Horizon | Comments (0)

It's the final summer blowout before school starts and the older students leave the island for St Martin or Guadeloupe to continue their studies. Today is the Pitea Day celebration, which is held on the commercial dock in Public. Competitions in dominoes and pétanque took place at 7:30 am this morning. The drawing for the raffle is today on the dock in Public at 5:00 pm. First prize is two tickets from St Martin to Paris via Air France! There are ten other prizes, including dinner for two at The Wall House, a "one-for-two" ticket from St Barth to St Martin on The Voyager and a motorcycle helmet.

On August 18 and 19, St Barth celebrates the Festival of Gustavia - where else but on the Quai du General de Gaulle in Gustavia. There will be regattas, music, dancing, drinks and fireworks.

August 24 brings the Patron Saint Feast Day, the Festival of St Barthélémy. He's certainly my favorite saint! Church and official ceremonies will be held as well as regattas, music, dancing and fireworks in Gustavia. A special event this year, hosted by the Ouanalo Association in collaboration with the Collectivity of St Barthélémy, is a contest to vote for "Little Miss and Mister St Barth 2007" for children aged 6 to 9 years.

And last but not least, is the final beach festival: the 44th celebration of the Festival of St Louis in the quaint fishing village of Corossol on Saturday, August 25. The festival kicks off at 6:30 am when the boats