PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (Friday July 27, 2007) - Three years ago, John Legend was a highly regarded session musician. Today he's an artist who proves that, even in an age of expediency and crass commercialism, real talent not only still matters but will be acknowledged. When asked how success has affected him, John replies, "I think I'm happier, not just because of winning Grammys and selling records, but because it's really fulfilling to have all these things happen with something you love to do. To have the chance to see your music be elevated and to have almost universally positive response to that music, makes me feel better every day."

John adds "I know that Turks & Caicos is beautiful by nature, with beautiful beaches and beautiful people. I look forward to setting the mood with some beautiful music, and hope to inspire everyone who attends, because my belief is that people are looking for ways to come grow and explore with me".

Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism Marketing for the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board feels strongly that everyone who attends the Saturday night show with John Legend and Alicia Keys will come away moved and inspired. "Understanding how John Legend has grown and come so far so fast, means he truly is a man of the people. His music touches everyone who hears it, and to see him live in Turks & Caicos is a spectacular event unto itself!"

Honourable Wayne Garland, the Executive Chairman for the Tourist Board is extremely confident that John Legend will get a rousing welcome in the TCI. "John Legend is a multi-talented singer and songwriter whose music crosses generational barriers and gives people from all walks of life something to hold on to". He added "Performers like John Legend, Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton are so much more than just singers. They have the rare ability to transcend the moment and give everyone who attends their shows, evocative memories that will last forever. And, I know everyone is looking forward to these shows."

Now in its 4th year, the Annual Music and Cultural festival is seen as the largest and most popular entertainment event of the year in Turks and Caicos. The schedule of events centers around the annual Miss Turks & Caicos Beauty Pageant, The Little Miss Turks and Caicos Pageant and includes four nights of great live music and concerts, a boat regatta and other great cultural activities that make it a week long series of events that is sure to please even the most discerning tastes.

The 2007 Festival encompasses international superstars, great artists from Turks & Caicos, and musical legends from across the Caribbean. And, this year's Festival also includes a night of comedy with international comedians from across the world lightening everyone's spirits.

• Alicia Keys
• TOK
• Air Supply
• Marvin Handfield
• Barbara Johnson
• BlaKout
• Kenny Rogers
• India.Arie
• Freddie Jackson
• Sounds of`Sax
• Jack Nasty
• Marblez
• John Legend
• Michael Bolton
• T. I.
• Keno & Kaz
• Rake & Scrape Band
• Julian Garland
• The "Art of Soca" featuring Stanley Roots Shadow and Kevin Lyttle
• Comedy Night featuring Beth Payne, Paleface, Michael Colyar, Sheryl Underwood & more….

The Annual Music and Cultural Festival is put on by The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and was first introduced in 2003 and now boasts a following of over 8,000 people. This year the event returns to breathtaking backdrop of the Turtle Cove Marina, in Providenciales. Tickets are $75 per night for Thursday through Sunday nights, with four day weekend passes available for only $275. This year the Festival is pleased to provide ample opportunities for youngsters to attend with special children's prices of only $10, but these special kids prices are only available at the gate on the day of performance. Tickets are $20 for Tuesday night's Little Miss Turks & Caicos festivities and $25 for Wednesday evening's presentation of the Miss Turks & Caicos Costume & Swimsuit competition.

Tickets are available at Club Sodax, Cool S Productions, Gilley's, Cellular City and TCI Online.

For more information on the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, contact the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at (649) 946-4970 or check out our website at www.musicfestival.tc.

The 2007 Turks & Caicos Culture and Music Festival is proudly sponsored by Digicel, Pepsi, Forbes, Wine & Spirits, Hennessey Cognac, Turtle Cove Marina, Tropical Shipping, WIV-TV, The Players Club, Hallmark Bank & Trust, Cairsea, The Security Centre, Power 92 Radio, The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association and the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board.

END.

CONTACT:
Kayla Lightbourne
Public Relations Officer
Turks and Caicos Tourist Board
Tel (649) 946-4970
Email: klightbourne@turksandcaicostourism.com