Entertainment

2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival Expanded To Seven Days

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – The 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will be expanded from three to seven days, from January 24 to 30, in Montego Bay, and feature top-notch entertainers, including Ms. Jennifer Hudson and Mr. Maxi Priest.

Mr. Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions made the announcement recently at the Toronto launch of Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2010, held at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto.

“In the old days, we had only three days of the Festival, which we will still have on the Main Stage in Rose Hall. But now we are going to bring an entire week of activities to the island,” he noted.

Between January 24 and 27, there will be performances at different hotels in and around Montego Bay, Mr. Elmore explained. Some of the performers during this time will include Mr. John Secada, Mr. Priest, Mr. Roy Ayers, Mr. Joe Roy Jackson, Mr. Robin Banks and Mr. Richie Stephens.

“We will bring the artiste to each venue where the audience is staying, so that way we create a hype and excitement in Montego Bay for the week,” said Mr. Elmore. “We will give our visitors one whole week of entertainment,” he added.

Mr. Elmore said there would also be added events during the day to accommodate cruise ship passengers who usually have to set sail by evening.

The stellar line-up include Mr. Billy Ocean; Hall and Oates; Third World; Mr. Monty Alexander; soul sensations Tamia, Deborah Cox and Kelly Price; a Jazz band from Poland; and dance hall reggae artiste, Ms. Marion Hall, popularly known as ‘Lady Saw’.

Describing ‘Lady Saw’ as an amazing singer, Mr. Elmore said she would be presented on a jazz stage for the first time in her career and would expose another side of her talent.

Collaborating with the launch was Regional Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Ms. Sandra Scott, who said that the JTB is excited to once again be the title sponsor.

“The way the Festival is set up this time, with much of the smaller activities to be held in Montego Bay-area hotels, will give our Canadian travel partners the opportunity to do exciting and creative packaging for Canadian visitors,” she said.

Also speaking at the launch was Consul at the Jamaican Consulate General, Mr. Nigel Smith, who praised the organisers for a well put together event and for promoting Jamaica as an enjoyable destination.


Consul at the Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto, Mr. Nigel Smith (left), with Canadian blues singer, Ms. Robin Banks; Area Sales Manager at Air Jamaica, Ms. Norma Sale; festival producer from Turnkey Productions, Mr. Walter Elmore; and Regional Manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board, Ms. Sandra Scott, at the recent launch of Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2010 Festival in Toronto, Canada.

Area Sales Manager at Air Jamaica, Ms. Norma Sale, noted that the national airline has been linked with Jamaica Jazz and Blues from its inception in 1996, first as a title sponsor and now as the official airline sponsor. She said the Festival would give visitors another way of enjoying the island.

“Our visitors yearn for experiences, as it is no longer just going someplace for a couple of days for the sun and beach. They need entertainment also. What the Jazz and Blues Festival has been able to deliver is one more compelling reason for our friends to visit the island,” she said.

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