The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC) has launched its first major fundraising event—the “FRC Vivan Groovysocalypso.”

This, the first in a series of fundraising events will be in the form of a concert.

The event will be hosted by the Msgr. Anthony Folk Research Centre and Creative Arts Management Production (CAMP) on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at the Pigeon Island National Park. There will be performances by national artistes in the genres of calypso, power and groovy soca and Dennery kuduro, including TC Brown, Ricky T, Arthur Allain, Alpha, Ezra, Sedale, Lady Leen, Ashanti, Ambi, Invader, Herb Black, Mighty and Subance; with backup bands DYP, and Extreme Band with Brass. The MCs for the night are Ezi Hall and Linda Chocolate Berthier.

Also on hand to support this worthy cause is the ever popular calypsonian, “Crazy,” from Trinidad and Tobago; and the legendary “Original Burning Flames” out of Antigua.

The concept of the concert was determined due to the longstanding link with the FRC and the Calypso fraternity. The FRC published the magazine, Lucian Kaiso, annually from 1990. The FRC has always recognized the art forms of soca, calypso and now the Dennery kuduro as part of Saint Lucian heritage and culture that needs to be preserved and archived.

The FRC is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization, established in 1973 as a repository for cultural heritage, and a vehicle for research, study, recording and promulgating Saint Lucia’s rich heritage. It has sought to promote the role of folk arts as a vehicle for change and to illustrate the development potential of cultural heritage, particularly in the field of education and in economic development. The FRC has been known for an extensive library of publications, audio-visual recordings, and photographs, and has been the major study center for work carried out into Saint Lucia’s folk culture by both nationals and visiting researchers including students.

Until March 2018, the FRC headquarters was located on one acre of land at Mount Pleasant, Castries. The Mount Pleasant site is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers a panoramic view of Castries and its environs. On that land was a 1900’s building consisting of three floors, a verandah to the south and the east, and ruins of servants’ quarters and garage to the north. However, the building and all that it contained was destroyed by a mysterious fire on the night of March 25, 2018.

On March 25, 2019 at a vigil that marked the anniversary of the fire, a rebuilding fund was launched. “FRC Vivan” was the slogan that the founder, Monsignor Patrick Anthony, decided on, that would be the clarion call to let persons know that the FRC lives and will continue with its mandate despite the adversities.

The media, corporate Saint Lucia, and the general public are asked to support this major fundraising event.

The “Groovysocalypso” fundraising event will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2019.