Jazz artists on show at UWI

Over the past four years, the event has received glowing reviews and encouraging responses from many of the patrons who have attended, and promoters Production One Ltd in association with Bewil and Company anticipate that this year’s event will be an even greater success.

Jazz events have become very popular throughout the world of international tourism, and the concept has blossomed into big business.

Though billed as Jazz festivals, the majority of the events in the Caribbean have taken to packing their schedules with everything from pop to R&B in order to attract younger, broader audiences, as evidenced from the annual Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago, which has featured many American and British Pop artistes over the years. In sharp contrast, Production One Ltd has successfully produced its flagship event, “Jazz Artists On The Greens”, annually since 2003 with an emphasis on traditional jazz and its Caribbean variation.

Leaning towards the Caribbean jazz idiom for inspiration, and with the intention of bringing a touch of class to local jazz, the objective was to expose as many new patrons and young musicians as possible to jazz.

Consistent with the vision of a professionally produced format that delivers a delightful mix of contemporary entertainment and relaxation in an informal atmosphere, the open-air concert is fashioned to encourage patrons to “walk with their mats and festival chairs” and sit where they are most comfortable.

The promoters described the event as “the first step towards a local jazz festival similar in popularity and size to those held annually in St Lucia and Barbados, but always remaining true to the jazz.”

This year’s edition will be dedicated to legendary local jazz guitarist, Fitzroy Coleman, and as in previous years will also highlight local and Caribbean jazz performers.

After The Dale White Family and Friends Steel Orchestra provides music off the main stage from 3 pm, the other featured performers include Raf Robertson, the New York-based Trinidadian pianist; Arturo Tappin of Barbados (featuring Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles); Moyenne featuring Chantal Esdelle; vocalists Patti Rogers and Alice Daniel, both backed by the Sean Thomas Trio; ace Trinidadian pan soloist Dane Gulston; and guitarists Theron Shaw, Clifford Charles and Jeffrey Pataysingh.