Tranquility Jazz Festival Set for November 9-13
ANGUILLA – The Anguilla Tourist Board announces the third annual Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival, November 9-13, 2005.
This year, BET Event Productions (BEP) is mounting the Festival to bring together some of the most respected names in jazz to perform at select venues across the island.
The stellar lineup of confirmed jazz artists appearing includes: vocalists Marlena Shaw, Freddy Cole, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, vibes master Stefon Harris, tenor saxophonist David Sánchez, vocalist Claudia Acuña, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, pianist Mulgrew Miller, alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett and trumpeter Nicholas Payton.
The Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival has carved a unique place for itself among all the other BEP festivals. In 2003, it was launched with renowned jazz performers headlining, such as the legendary sax and scat man James Moody and pianist Eric Reed.
Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, Director of Tourism for Anguilla, said: “It is incredible how quickly the Tranquility Jazz Festival has evolved into a first rate event. Anguilla has the right formula to experience ‘tranquility’ – idyllic resorts, stunning beaches, great cuisine, and genuinely warm people. Add to that mix some legendary artists, and talented musicians, and you have the Tranquility Jazz Festival – the ultimate event for jazz purists and jazz aficionados.”
Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BET Jazz and BEP, commented: “This unique offering in a destination that is considered so very special has become an incredible asset to Anguilla and to BET Jazz. The increased investment in maintaining and growing this gem will only serve to strengthen Anguilla’s place in the Caribbean as an exclusive and very special vacation experience. We expect to use all of our resources to maintain this position.”
BET Jazz will broadcast an Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival 2005 Preview Show, which will highlight many of the artists scheduled to perform and activities that festival visitors can expect to enjoy, on the following dates (all times are in EST): August 19 (1pm, 9pm; and 5am on the 20th), August 21 (1pm, 6pm and 10pm), September 16 (1pm, 9pm; and 5am on the 17th ), October 21 (1pm, 9pm; and 5am on the 22nd) and November 4 (1pm, 9pm; and 5am on the 5th).
The festival begins Wednesday, November 9 with an opening night reception which kicks off four days of straight ahead jazz on Thursday, November 10, at the elegant Cuisinart Resort and Spa, with a performance by the charismatic jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw.
On Friday, November 11 at the Rumza Night Club, the island’s hot nightspot, it’s an evening of Bossas & Ballads, a tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim and Stan Getz, featuring vibraphonist Stefon Harris, tenor saxophonist David Sánchez and Chilean-born jazz vocalist Claudia Acuña; saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and his quartet; and local artist Clive Alexander.
On Saturday, November 12 at Rumza again, the suave and elegant vocalist Freddy Cole, featuring saxophonist Eric Alexander; pianist Mulgrew Miller with special guests alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett and trumpeter Nicholas Payton; and Concord Jazz Artists Erin Boheme, Christian Scott, and Taylor Eigsti.
And on Sunday, November 13, it’s the festival finale – the popular “Jazz on the Beach” performance returns to Johnno’s Beach Stop in Sandy Ground from 12 noon until… featuring the Anguilla All- Star Band and the Concord Jazz Artists. The free performance is the perfect opportunity to jazz it up on the beach, Anguillian style, and to soak up the sun and get into the mood for one of Anguilla’s spectacular sunsets.
Anguilla is a pristine and private escape wrapped in a beautiful and brilliant turquoise sea. The island features 33 stunning, powder-soft white sand beaches, warm and friendly people, a wide range of first- class lodging options, activities, and entertainment that provide visitors with fun long into the night and more.
