As the economic recession eats away at family travel and vacation funds, many Caribbeam-Americans and island lovers are finding it more and more difficult to travel home for the summer. Caribbean arts and education not-for-profit CCB International is partnering with Six Flags, Inc. to bring the sights and sounds of home to your doorstep with the “ultimate Caribbean summer daycation”–the Caribbean Summer Concert Series.  Featuring the ‘Soca Queen,’ Trinidad and Tobago’s four-crown 2009 champion, and Soca’s Billboard topping pop-star, the Caribbean Summer Concert Series brings all the best from the Caribbean to America’s favorite theme park with all-inclusive packages that include park admission, live concert, rides, and special theme park features-for less than $45.
 
With shows at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, GA on June 20th,  and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ on July 11th,  the Caribbean Summer Concert Series plans to heat-up the summer months with live performances from ‘Soca Queen’ Alison Hinds; Trinidad’s 2009 Soca Monarch, Groovy Monarch, People’s Choice and Road March champion Fay Ann Lyons; Billboard topping Soca sensation Kevin Lyttle; Internationally recognized Soca star Rupee; Bunji Garlin; Iwer George; Burning Flames; Pumpa; Blaxx; and Super Jigga TC.

CCB International and Six Flags Inc. also have a Reggae/Dancehall themed showcase on August 8th at Six Flags Great Adventure. Line-up to be announced shortly.
 
“We look forward to the patrons enjoying what we have carefully planned as a true summer daycation, encompassing great music, food, and so much more of our rich Caribbean culture, at an affordable price,” states CCB Director of Operations, Hector Carter.
 
Punctuated by infectious up-tempo bass-driven beats and a colorful mix of singing, chanting, and call and response, music from the islands blends traditional African rhythms and vocal patterns with various cultural music styles, namely Latin, Indian/Southeast Asian, and Western European, to create a distinctive style that is authentically Caribbean. Popularized by early Caribbean icons such as Bob Marley, King Yellowman, Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Sparrow, and Lord Shorty, Calypso, Soca, Reggae, and Dancehall have earned international acclaim, influencing music and musicians around the globe from country legend Kenny Rogers to punk band No Doubt to Hip Hop moguls Jay Z and 50 Cent.
 
“Our music is the kind that you can’t help but sing and dance along to,” states undisputed Soca Queen Alison Hinds. “It’s infectious and lively and probably the happiest music there is and I love to perform it. I’m very happy to be involved in this particular showcase as it gives artists like myself the opportunity to bring our music and culture to a bigger audience.”
 
Hind’s twenty-three year career has spawned a lengthy catalogue of hits including “Faluma” which topped the charts in the Caribbean and South America for 49 weeks in 2000, and 2007’s “Roll It Gyal” which was in regular rotation on mainstream stations throughout the United States.

Caribbean music and culture has begun getting more and more mainstream attention”, states Soca artist Kevin Lyttle, whose worldwide hit “Turn Me On,” recorded with Dancehall artist Spragga Benz, peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2004 with the video in regular rotation on MTV.  “Our music is no longer being looked at as a novelty, but as popular music.”
 
Lyttle’s current single “Anywhere” featuring southern Hip Hop artist Flo-Rida is gaining momentum on urban radio stations throughout the south.
 
“We are once again pleased to partner with Six Flags to present this showcase throughout their theme parks,” states Carter. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring the Caribbean to America’s favorite theme parks so financially strapped Caribbean-Americans, Caribbean music lovers, and island-hoppers can take a well deserved island daycation.”

“Six Flags theme parks are places for the whole family to have fun-what better place is there to have a Caribbean show,” Hinds inquires. “This show features artists who are the best at what they do. I am definitely looking forward to giving not only my Caribbean fans, but a wider more diverse audience an energetic, fun-filled and awesome performance.”

CCB International’s and Six Flags Inc.’s Caribbean Summer Concert Series comes to Six Flags Over Georgia on Saturday, June 20th. Featured artists are Alison Hinds, Kevin Lyttle, Pumpa, and Blaxx. Tickets are currently on sale $39.99 through June 1st.

CCB International’s and Six Flag Inc.’s Caribbean Summer Concert Series comes to Six Flags Great Adventure on Saturday, July 11th. Featured artists are Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Rupee, Kevin Lyttle, Iwer George, Burning Flames and Super Jigga TC. Tickets are currently on sale at $45.