BET J, the BET Network Targeting Affluent African American and Multicultural Audiences, Airs Barbados Special Hosted by Chris Spencer
NEW YORK – The 15th Barbados Jazz Festival, held every January, takes to the airwaves across North America and the Caribbean this weekend on BET J, one of America’s top digital cable networks.
This Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Eastern Time), viewers will discover and appreciate the authenticity of Barbados as African American television host and comedian Chris Spencer reviews the crystal anniversary of the festival which featured the neo soul stylings of Erykah Badu, keyboardist Bob James, saxophonist and flautist Kenny Garrett, guitarist Lee Ritenour and regional and local musicians, such as guitarist Clifton Glasgow, steel plan player David “Ziggy” Walcott, The Almond Band, among others.
Sunbury Plantation, Heritage Park/ The Rum Factory and Farley Hill provided ideal settings for jazz, providing a theatre-in-the-round ambiance for entertainers to interact with their audience. “Viewers will once again experience a compelling series of performances and Barbados’ stunning beauty, and with Chris Spencer as host viewers will be even more entertained,” noted Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Business Development of BET Digital Networks, who thanked the Barbados Tourism Authority and Gilbert Rowe of GMR Productions for partnering on another first class Caribbean event.
“We continue to place strong value in our partnership with BET J which continues to attract new and repeat visitors to our shores,” added Averil Byer, Director of Marketing Services with the Barbados Tourism Authority, who added that jazz patrons at home showed their appreciation this January by attending in large numbers even though Barbados was in the midst of a general election.
The festival show will air on BET J’s “Island Lime” Saturday format on July 12, July 26, August 2, August 16, August 30 and September 6 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.). All telecast times are Eastern.
