The opening of the Village for St. John Celebration 2026 began with a celebration of music, song and family tradition. On stage in what is normally the Cruz Bay Parking Lot, government officials, community leaders and royalty gathered to honor St. John Soca singer Tischelle Knight.
Through her dynamic singing voice, Knight, 51, brought energy and spirit to crowds as the lead vocalist for Cool Session and, later, Klimaxx Band, for more than 25 years. She dabbed away tears as speaker after speaker called her a friend and an inspiration.
First came Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King; the Division of Festivals oversees St. Thomas Carnival and St. Croix Festival and operates under her direction. She embraced the honoree and kept Knight company onstage in the seat beside her. “I’ve known Tischelle for such a long time. We have so much love and respect for one another,” Matarangas-King said.
Addressing the crowd, the commissioner praised the St. John Celebration as a time to remember the history, culture and people of the territory.
Mistress of Ceremonies Alecia Wells then handed the mic to Sonia Sprauve, the honorees’ mother. In the generation before Tischelle, it was her mother and father who sang with the popular bands of the time. “Tischelle, Mommy is so proud of you,” Sonia said.
Tijmah Knight — the honoree’s daughter added her praise. “Mommy, I am very proud of you,” she said. The honoree dabbed at her eyes again.
Senate President Milton Potter — part of a family of music promoters — said of Knight, “ … her voice has lifted us in festivals and fetes.”
To the crowd, Potter extended best wishes. “May the music be sweet; may the vibes be high,” he said.
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett offered congratulations; Senator-At-Large Angel Bolques hinted at the performance to come with Knight and Klimaxx Band on stage. “Alle is my favorite song, and I hope to hear it soon,” Bolques said.
“Alle”, sung in English and Patois, is one of Knight’s most popular songs and is widely known and loved.
And Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach joined Plaskett and Matarangas-King in reflecting on the dual holidays of V.I. Emancipation Day and U.S. Independence Day. “ … and I want to thank (St. John Celebration Queen Elizabeth Farrell) and the two other contestants,” for weaving historical references into their competition performances, Roach said.
He offered congratulations to the honoree, saying, “We are indebted to you, Tischelle, because you pour your talent into us all the time,” he said.
And last but not least, Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. spoke of his love for a good time with music and dance. He turned to Knight, thanking her for her many years of performance and the years of enjoyment she gave to those who came to enjoy her gifts.
