Gourmet Jazz Festival plans well underway

Advertised as an event packed with live music, island fever, unforgettable performances and some of the tastiest food in the world, dynamic entertainers like Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Natalie Cole, Angie Stone, the O’Jays, Shaggy and TT’s very own Machel Montano, Mighty Sparrow, Tobago All Star Jazz Band and the Signal Hill Alumni Choir will lead the star-studded cast at the three-day event organised by the Tobago House of Assembly in collaboration with CL Financial.

The Plymouth Recreational Ground has been transformed into an entertainment village, complete with open area seating that includes a VIP section, several video screens, a dome, a craft village and a gourmet village where a number of local chefs will display their culinary skills.

Some of the contracts have already been signed and all of the artistes are expected to arrive by tomorrow. Natalie Cole is scheduled to arrive today.

Several foreign dignitaries and international media houses have reportedly already arrived for the event.

Ticket sales are said to be doing extremely well internationally and in Trinidad, but organisers told Newsday that Tobago sales are sorely lagging behind, but they were not discouraged as last minute buying is the norm.

Some locals have taken issue with the ticket prices and have suggested that a lower rate be provided for locals.

However, events coordinator, John Arnold, told Newsday that a "two-tiered" price arrangement for an event of this type was simply not logical.

Internet sales were also said to be going well.

From all indications, hotels and guesthouses on the island are fully booked with holidayers and jazz festival patrons, as the THA Tourism Department has sent out an SOS to the public requesting that persons with one or more available rooms in their homes "avail themselves of the opportunity to provide visitor accommodation."

Local homeowners were said to have responded favourably to the request.

The sea and airbridge services have been upgraded with additional sailings and chartered flights to accommodate travellers.

BWIA yesterday released a new schedule with flights leaving Trinidad on Friday at 3.30 pm and 8.30 pm; Saturday at 10.45 am and Sunday at 8.45 am. Trips will also be made on Sunday from Tobago at 9.15 pm and 11.30 pm and on Monday at 1.45 am and 7 am.

Organisers are advising patrons that glass bottles will not be allowed at the picnic-styled event, but the option of walking with food and drinks is available.