North Coast Jazz is on

The inaugural jazz affair will be staged at the scenic Blanchisseuse Recreation Ground tomorrow and is expected to attract both jazz enthusiasts and mainstream music lovers. The line-up of diverse local acts including Mavis John, Nailah Blackman, Adana Roberts, Adan Hagley and his band Quintet, Vaughnette Bigford, Ray Holman and Gyerlini Clarke. Veteran DJ John Gill will also entertain patrons.

One of the main sponsors of the event is bmobile. In expressing the company’s support for the event, VP Marketing Camille Campbell said in a media release: “We are happy to be lending our support to this innovative event as we see the tremendous benefits it can bring to not only the community of Blanchisseuse but to the artistes themselves who will get the opportunity to showcase their talents, right here at home.

“At bmobile, we always place tremendous emphasis on supporting local artistes, and by extension the arts and entertainment industry, because we believe that our entertainers can stand tall among the best in the world.

There is a popular sentiment that ‘foreign is better’ but North Coast Jazz highlights the fact that we can stage a first-class event featuring top performers who are 100 percent home-grown.

“It is important to us that we continue to do our part in helping to develop a diverse portfolio of exceptional events where the talent, creativity and entrepreneurial flair of our citizens are not only showcased but appreciated. We have high hopes that this festival will be a success and pave the way for similar entertainment events in the future.” The festival which is the brainchild of former mayor of Port-of- Spain Louis Lee Sing has been in production for the past year. It is being staged in collaboration with the Blanchisseuse Village Council and organisers say it is intended to kick-start the development of a bed and breakfast industry in the community, which will cater to both local and foreign visitors.

With a growing youth population in the area, the initiative is expected to further boost the economy by creating employment opportunities for the young people of Blanchisseuse and environs.