Bruce Skerritt

Bruce Skerritt, born in Basseterre, St.Kitts, has worked with many bands, such as “Phase II” and “Instant Jam”, accompanying such Caribbean icons as the Mighty Sparrow, Shadow, Duke and many others. He was also a member of the Latin jazz group “Coconut Groove” of Toronto. In 1989 he was asked to join Salome Bey and the Relatives as pianist. He was appointed Musical Director shortly after and was with her until she stopped performing. Salome Bey is one of Canada’s Jazz and Blues treasures and was honored by the Canadian Government for her work in music and theatre. Under Bruce’s leadership, the Relatives represented Canada at Expo ’92 in Seville, Spain where they became one of the most popular acts. That same year he was given an award by the St.Kitts Carnival Committee for outstanding contributions to the Arts. In 2006 he was given a similar award by the Government of Canada. He was also a member of the band “Troubadours International” of Barbados which has performed at official functions and festivals on behalf of the Government of Barbados. He has also performed at the Jamaica and St.Kitts music festivals with the group “NEWA” with Eddie Bullen & Arturo Tappin.

At present he is Musical Director for the Pan Arts Network of Toronto and with his group the “Liamuiga Project” provides accompaniment for all of their shows featuring local steel pan players and such internationally known pannists as Len “Boogsie” Sharp, Ken “Professor” Filmore, Robert Greenidge, Duvonne Stewart, Liam Teague and the legendary Earl Rodney.