St. JanCo. is inviting the community to an evening of culture and connection at “The Pig Roast at Heading East” on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This free community event blends traditional Virgin Islands heritage with modern artistry, an intentional act curated to engage all ages.
Executive Director Jovanna Laurencin says that storytelling sits at the heart of the event’s purpose. “Storytelling is not just a form of entertainment; it is used to bind our history and culture together. It is an oral tradition passed down for generations, linking us to our past and heritage. Elders have always served as custodians of culture and values, which is why including a community elder to share stories of 1733 and life during that period felt essential to this event. Storytelling allows us to be educated and understand what took place in our history as Virgin Islanders.”
The cultural program includes a performance by the VI for Life Quadrille Dancers, showcasing blended European, African, and Caribbean influences that shaped local dance traditions. These old-time elements will be paired with a new-school flair featuring young entertainers known for their fusion of rap, R&B, and jazz. The evening’s music lineup includes Jelani Kendall, Eljhai Brathwaite, Jaren Hodge, and Ronnie Lee Jr. Guests can also enjoy artistic engagement through face painting by Face Canvas VI.
A key part of the planning was selecting a venue that naturally brings community members together. Laurencin said the choice to partner with Heading East Bar & Grill was intentional. “Heading East is the only venue that truly offers a casual setting for community members, families, and locals to meet up and engage with one another. They partner with organizations and businesses to host events that allow us to enjoy our home,” Laurencin said.
Curating this mix of food, history, performance, and activities required creativity and flexibility. Originally envisioned as a bonfire and pig roast, the event evolved due to venue limitations. “We had to think of an event that would not only educate the younger generation but also be fun, engaging, and peak their interest. With art becoming increasingly prominent in the community, weaving together storytelling, music, dance, and visual expression became a natural direction,” Laurencin said.
There is no entry fee for the event, and the roast pig will be served free on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the event is free, attendees are encouraged to support Heading East by purchasing food and drinks, helping ensure that inclusive community spaces like this remain available.
“St. JanCo. is committed to supporting other groups and building collective momentum within the community. Looking ahead, we hope that this event will spark a tradition, in addition to our other community-centered events, including our annual Fortsberg Tour and Arts and Crafts Festival,” Laurencin said.
Tables from other community-centered organizations will be on site, including People Need People, who will be collecting canned goods and donations for SNAP recipients and Jamaica hurricane relief measures, as well as Virgin Islands Good Food, who will be connecting community members with local farmers.
