2410, 2011

Hansen Bay, St. John

Tropical Beaches
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Hansen Bay, on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, sits just outside of Virgin Islands National Park, which encompasses most of the island. Perfect beaches, some of them privately owned, surround the bay, just isolated enough to allow a relaxing break from the more crowded beaches on the island. Marc Antoine is contemporary jazz guitarist. Though gifted from a young age, his playing was threatened by a serious accident to his left hand while he was a teenager. Despite a grim prognosis, Antoine recovered to become one of today’s leading jazz guitar acts. Currently living in Spain, Antoine frequently tours with other contemporary jazz greats including David Benoit, Dave Koz, and Chris Botti. Links National

0410, 2011

Red Hook, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
467

Red Hook, on the east end of Saint Thomas, is an area known for its seaside shopping, dining, and its vibrant yacht harbor. As long as the weather permits landing in the harbor, boaters can find a full-service marina, a diving center, and a large new ferry terminal. Ken Navarro is an award-winning contemporary jazz guitarist. His impressive discography of nineteen top charting albums showcases his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances. Links U.S. Virgin Islands Official Tourism Site Wikipedia article: Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Ken Navarro Official Site

2309, 2011

Charlotte Amalie Cruise Harbor

Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, is known for its many historical attractions and also for being the busiest cruise port of call in the islands. Millions of cruise passengers arrive at this port every year from various lines including Celebrity and Disney. In this eScapes video, a Celebrity Cruise ship heads out of the port city as a relaxing sunset provides a brilliant backdrop. Earl Klugh is contemporary jazz guitarist originally from Detroit, Michigan. Since his first album in 1976, Klugh has received twelve career Grammy nominations and produced more than twenty albums– five of them reaching No. 1 on the jazz charts. Klugh is a favorite of

0308, 2011

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
393

Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the island’s lesser-known beaches and as a result is often free of the larger crowds sometimes found at more popular sites. Lines of palm trees provide a perfect frame for the ocean view and, just off the shore, rock formations add character to the sapphire-blue water. The relatively low number of visitors makes this beach a great spot for quiet relaxation, but snorkeling and recreational boating are also popular activities. Chris Standring is a jazz guitarist who has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm with adventurous, lyrical compositions leavened with pure-pop perfection, dazzling guitar solos and thick beats. Though predominately influenced by

2007, 2011

Oppenheimer Beach

Tropical Beaches
399

This relaxing beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands gets its name from J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist and researcher best known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” In the 1950s, Oppenheimer and his wife purchased a house above this beach, which was then known as Hawksnest. In 1967, Oppenheimer died and his ashes were placed in the water off of the beach. Years later, the beach was willed to the people of St. John by Oppenheimer’s daughter, Toni. The government has since managed and developed the site and decided to name it after the Oppenheimer family. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists,

1407, 2011

Trunk Bay, St. John

Tropical Beaches
356

The United States Virgin Islands are a popular travel destination and well-known for their beauty. On Saint John, this beauty is protected; about 60% of the island is a U.S. National Park. One of the standout locations on Saint John is the Trunk Bay beach, widely recognized as one of the best beaches in the world. With perfect white sand and aqua blue water, it’s hard not to see why. Relax to the rolling ocean surf featured in this video and imagine yourself lying on the warm sand. Paul Brown is a smooth jazz producer and musician known for his driving R&B guitar rhythms. He has produced some of smooth jazz’s biggest acts, including Boney James,