Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival (2011)

Thursday, 21 April 2011 22:30 LAST_UPDATED2

Once again, the Greenfield Stadium in Jamaica provided the backdrop for Jamaica’s premier live music event for the second year running. The cool Trelawny nights hailed the performances of music legends such as, Ron Isley, Regina Belle, Natalie Cole, Air Supply and the festival headliners Maroon 5.

Indisputably, the star of the festival was the pop-rock group Maroon 5, who managed to entertain both the older and younger generations present with hits, such as, ‘She will be loved’, ‘This Love’ and their encore ‘Sunday Morning’. Both Diana King and Ron Isley had the crowd rocking on Thursday night, while SWV and Regina Belle, in addition to Maroon 5 kept the sparks going on Friday night. Despite a long rain delay on Saturday night fans were treated to sensational performances from the exciting Silver Birds Steel Band, the talented acapella group Committed, Jamaican reggae star Taurus Riley, the indomitable and classy Natalie Cole and perennial favorites Air Supply.

As patrons milled around in between band changes on the main stage, they were entertained by acts on the Heineken Star Stage, which has been known to produce future stars. Performers on the Star Stage included Chanti-I, Leba and Black Zebra. In addition to live, rocking music during the breaks a Craft Village was set up to allow talented Jamaicans to put their skills and talents on display. From beautiful artwork, to one of a kind dresses and shoes there was more than enough to please the tourists and locals alike.

Palates were also appeased with the wide variety of food options available, including warm comforting Blue Mountain Coffee, authentic Jamaican Jerk and cool, refreshing coconut water straight from the coconut itself – chopped by a man dressed in a three-piece suit!

Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2011 was another successful event stage by Turnkey Promotions that helped to promote Jamaica worldwide and shine a positive spotlight on our tiny but beautiful island. We anxiously await next year’s staging which will coincide with Jamaica’s 50^th year of Independence celebrations.

Wendi Peart and Eduardo Anderson,