Volunteers and production people gathered at Magens Bay on Saturday and Sunday to put finishing touches on "BeachJam '99."
According to promoters, "A day at the beach will never be the same" and if the building, pruning and primping that's been going on all week at Magens Bay is any indication, it's already not the same.
Every day more grass and bush have been trimmed and hauled away from St. Thomas's favorite beach spot and park in preparation for this ambitious entertainment event all day Monday, the Martin Luther King holiday.
Beachjam '99 will benefit the Magens Bay coconut grove and arboretum. And by the looks of what's taking place there now, it already is.
The lineup of local and international talent includes zouk band Tabou Combo, zydeco/blues favorite Al Rapone & the Zydeco Express and local favorites Imagination Brass, UVI Jazz Ensemble and the All Stars Steelband. HBO comediennes Barbara Carlyle and DK will also perform.
Latin legend Tito Puente is the headliner for the event.
Editor's note: For interview with Tito Puente conducted by St. Thomas Source contributor Torre Newman, go to Showcase under Arts/Entertainment.