St. John In The Pristine US Virgin Islands Is Becoming The Caribbean Jam Band Mecca
See some of your favorite jam artists at Lovango Rum Bar!
By Team JamBase Dec 28, 2023 • 12:38 pm PST
Keller Williams photo by Hillary Bonner
St. John, the smallest of three main islands that comprise the US Virgin Islands, may be known as the home of Kenny Chesney and where Robert Oppenheimer ultimately settled, but the island that is 70% US Virgin Islands National Park has also quickly established itself as the jam band mecca of the Caribbean. St. Croix and St. Thomas are the other two islands in the Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico.
Keller Williams may have started the party with his annual visit to Maho Crossroads with a song he wrote about the Paddle-In Tiki Bar on Maho Bay.
A Dire Wolves supergroup, made up of Mark Joseph (Big Wu), Al Schnier (moe.), Vinnie Amico (moe.), Jason Hann (The String Cheese Incident), Steve Molitz (Particle), and Hash (Thievery Corporation), played The Fred on St. Croix, and also made their way over to St. John for some sessions.
In 2023, the tempo has accelerated with LP Giobbi playing Lovango Rum Bar with a surprise sit in by Robbie Wulfson (Ripe). The Lovango Rum bar hosts music almost nightly, and sits on the water in Cruz Bay. LP Giobbi also played boutique resort, The Fred, on St. Croix and again welcomed a surprise guest, Shred is Dead guitarist Marcus Rezak.
Looking ahead, shows include Chris Karns from Pretty Lights at Lovango Rum Bar for multiple dates leading up to the main New Year’s Eve bash in Cruz Bay St. John. The first week of 2024 includes Joel Cummins from Umphrey’s McGee and the Sam Grisman Duo with Henry Moser.
In March, the Virgin Islands Jam Fest takes place at The Windmill Bar. The festival’s 2024 lineup features Fortunate Youth, Blac Rabbit, Kyle Smith, Patsy, The Heavy Set, Victoria Leigh, Bubba Love, Easy Riders, Slide Bayou, The Little Things and Erin Hart.
St. John is a jewel of an island; if you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the opportunity to see some of your favorite jam artists in a relaxed setting, book your travel now! US residents don’t need a passport to visit the beautiful US Virgin Islands and the currency is the US dollar.
[Sponsored article: Lovango Rum Bar is a JamBase partner.]
