By Baldwin S. A. Howe

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2009, kicks off in Montego Bay, St. James, today.  Thousands are expected to flock to the Aqueduct on the grounds of the Rose Hall Great House during the 3-day run of event.  The annual festival promoted by Turnkey Productions is once again promising a world-class event for its patrons.  This year’s show is expected to offer up a stellar line up of some of the world’s best musicians and entertainers.  Some of those down to perform beginning tonight are, Estelle, Robin Thicke, Lionel Richie, Maxi Priest, Niki Yanofski, The O.Jays, Chicago, Atlantic Star, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Matisyahu, and Ashford & Simpson.

Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions refers to the event as the “Ultimate Jazz and Blues experience which is second to none in the Caribbean.  He also boasts of the fact that the festival’s Jazz Village will entice patrons with the brawta offering of their, Art of Music talent stage which is located in the festival’s food court.  This aspect of the festival will trip-in during intermission periods and will offer patrons the unique opportunity of experiencing and enjoying the musical and entertainment talent of emerging artistes and groups.

To give you a feel of what others are thinking about the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, below are the comments of some of the important Jamaican stakeholders:

Stakeholders speak….

 

“This year’s show promises to exceed the successes of those in the past; and there is a spirit of excitement and high expectation. The friends and families gathered will be treated to the musical offerings of an exceptional line-up of international and local superstars.” –

Prime Minister, The Honourable Bruce Golding

 

“The Art of Music workshop hosted during the Festival also provides an opportunity for new artistes and band members to gain valuable advice from professionals and become more familiar with the music business. It offers them the opportunity to speak directly to internationally acclaimed musicians on a one-on-one basis.”

– Walter Elmore, Executive Producer, the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival

 

  “One of the objectives for the Festival is to promote Jamaica as one of the world’s premier destinations for music and culture. There have been ongoing promotions in top markets throughout the US that has enticed visitors from abroad to come to Jamaica and enjoy everything that our great country has to offer.” – Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism

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“For the first time, we are packaging the festival as a destination within a destination,” – Zachary Harding, Deputy Director of Tourism

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“That young event has grown into a world class phenomenon where catered sky boxes overlook 15,000 music lovers who sway and sing to some of the greatest entertainers of all time.” – Michelle Rollins, Rose Hall Developments

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“The show has been good for the economy of the area. It is fast becoming a “filler” because for two weeks hotels are sold out in and beyond Montego Bay,” – Wayne Cummings, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association

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“Having savoured the experiences over several years I am pleased to welcome all Jazzmaniacs to our shores, and to Jamaicans who will be making the trek to the Aqueduct, I implore you to truly enjoy the musical experience that is our JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival.”– The Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, Leader of the Opposition

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” The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is thrilled that Destination Jamaica is now placed in the forefront of the rebranded JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival. This is always an exciting and successful event and is a marquee activity on our annual calendar of events. The JTB’s commitment is to showcase this world-class event and with this year’s awesome lineup, our job is made that much easier.” – John Lynch, Director of Tourism

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“Each year it gets bigger and better, and now the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is world renowned as an outstanding showcase of music.” – William Rodgers, Senior Director, Air Jamaica

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“The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival is certainly one of few events which has superceded all original expectations and has risen to prominence to become an important “must-see” event on the Jamaican entertainment calendar.” – Philipp Hofer, Managing Director , Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Spa Resort

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“With Jazz, you get a complete package. Great music, great company, great food, and now we’re giving you a great gift. [A pair of Havaianas]” — Laurence Taylor, VP, Walkgood Jamaica Ltd

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” The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival is yet another great example that as a country we are more than capable of organizing an international show to better world class standards.FX Traders is looking forward to yet another spectacular musical experience, and is of course looking forward to seeing you in Mobay, from January 22-24, enjoying this year’s Jazzperience.” – Trudy Anne Silent, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services

The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival takes place on January 22-24, 2009 has a lot to offer fans and guarantees value for money. Ticket prices range from US$80 per night, US$155(Weekend Friday and Saturday) and US$235 (Season passes). VIP upgrades costing US$20 (Thursday), US$40 (Friday & Saturday) or US$60 (Season) are also available and this allows you access closer to the stage area with the option to purchase beverages from an exclusive bar and food prepared by Lorraine Fung. Tickets are available at the following locations: Acropolis Gaming & Entertainment Centre, Coral Cliff Entertainment Limited, El Paso Records, Fairview Texaco, Fontana Pharmacy, Paymaster Outlets, Rorys Texaco, Villagio Gaming & Entertainment Centre and also online at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.