The Music Festival kicked off its 23rd year on January 23 with the John Ellis Quartet, who was joined by Mathieu Dufour, principal flute for the Chicago Symphony, for the final piece. And, for the first time ever, the Festival hosted a free outdoor concert in Zion Garden in Saline on Saturday, January 27. The concert, performed by NYCO, was promoted as being for the "young". But, on St Barth, when it comes to music, there is no age distinction - everyone is young! NYCO was formed by Ted Atkatz, previously the principal percussionist for the Chicago Symphony. He traded in his drumsticks for a Nord keyboard and a Gibson acoustic guitar, wrote twelve songs and collaborated with three of Chicago's best musicians. Their debut CD was produced by Grammy-award winner Jim Tullio, and two big Chicago radio stations have already begun to play their music. Judging from the crowd's reaction, they were well received. Many thanks to the sponsors of the Music Festival and to NYCO for sharing their rock'n'roll with us! The Festival continues through February 2.