The stage is set for another exciting Caribbean music extravaganza when the 3rd Annual Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival strikes up on “Provo,” as the locals fondly call Providenciales, from July 31 to August 7, 2006.A very impressive list of local and international artistes is lined up to perform at the Turtle Cove Marina. Stars include Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee; reggae and soca group Stanley Roots; 2004 American Idol winner Fantasia; Grammy-award winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams; internationally acclaimed reggae band Steel Pulse; the cool reggae vibes of T.O.K. from Jamaica, and Grammy-award winning hip-hop artist Ludacris.

“This will be the summer festival of festivals,” promised Cybelle Brown, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for BET Digital Networks, as festival fans will be treated not only to explosive musical sounds, but to a local boat regatta, beauty pageants, float parade, premier beaches, world class diving, and an abundance of local food, music and culture.

Brown said that both BET and BET J channels have been promoting this year’s festival - produced by BET Event Productions - through multiple airings of a 2006 preview show. Upcoming air dates on BET J are June 3 and June 17, and July 1, 22 and 29 at 1 p.m., 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. the following day.

For more information on the festival or the Turks and Caicos Islands, call the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at 1 800-241-0824 or visit www.turksandcaicostourism.com. Packages include airfare, accommodation, transfers and tickets to the shows
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