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November 19, 2008
Jazz & Blues has new name but same sparkle
By: Jaide
Mark your calendars on January 22 to 24 to remind yourselves of the 2009 edition of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival scheduled to take place at the historical Aqueduct, Rose Hall, Montego Bay.
Festival promoters, Turn-Key Productions is bringing another grand showcase of the world’s dearest and best for the three day festival that has been a ‘must see’ for many who travel from far and wide to attend. Formerly dubbed ‘The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival’, the Fest has been re-named; and the new branding of this annual event is now JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival, as it has been endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the Title Sponsor. Former owner and promoter, Air Jamaica, remains committed as a partner and will now be a presenting sponsor.
Pleased with the new JTB affiliation, President of Turn-Key Productions, Walter Elmore said, "We are excited about the name change as it reflects the confidence that the Jamaica Tourist Board has placed in us to stage a world class event which is worthy to be associated with the brand JAMAICA."
Expected to be even more exhilarating than in previous years, the festival will continue its tradition of featuring the very best Jamaican and international performers. Grammy Award winning R&B icon, Lionel Ritchie, the multi-talented UK newcomer, Estelle, hot old-timers, The O-Jays, super Reggae crooner, Maxi Priest and hit-makers Atlantic Starr are among the many artists slated to electrify the stage this year.
It will be the O’Jays 50th year of performing as a group in 2009, and they plan to produce an anniversary DVD, using their performance in Jamaica, which will be their debut anniversary showcase.
Maxi Priest is also planning to ride on the high tides of the festival as his latest CD will be released around the same time.
Top vocalist Randy Crawford will be among the stellar line-up and he appears with pianist Joe Sample. Both have a long history of thrilling audiences with hits like, “Streetlife” from 1979, that was recorded with R&B veterans The Crusaders and their most recent hit, “Feeling Good.” Saxophonist Alto Reed from Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band will perform as Alto Reed and the Blues Entourage. Lou Gramm who formerly sang lead with Foreigner, will be there, as will Nikki Yanofsky, the Canadian 14 year-old, who was a hit last year at The Aqueduct on Rose Hall.
More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival 2009; and they will stream in from all corners of the world, as there is currently increased attention to promoting it globally.
Tickets will go on sale later this year.
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