Organisers of The Tobago Jazz Experience are hailing the end of April event, a blossoming success, with production co-ordinator Sean Burkett of SenBur Ltd highlighting that this year's showcase of Caribbean Jazz on the sister isle is already moving back in its former direction, peaking tremendous interest among the regional and international public. "Although the event is nowhere close to the size of the Plymouth Jazz experience, this year's event is definitely drawing interest," he said.
Burkett, who was also the producer of the Plymouth experience, prior to its collapse following the crash of headline sponsor Clico in 2009, said, this year the four-night experience which kicks off on April 22, will showcase an even higher calibre of production. "Those who attended last year's event will see a bigger stage this year. Lighting will be even more spectacular and we're also setting up a video wall like the one used at the recent Beyonce concert, in Trinidad," he explained.
Burkett said the video wall would be used as a backdrop to the stage which will accommodate international stars like Queen of Funk Soul, Chaka Khan and the First Lady of Neo Soul, Erykah Badu. John Arnold of the THA's Department of Tourism explained that on April 22, an event coined Jazz on de Waterfront would begin around 4 pm at the Milford Road Esplanade. Though details are still being finalised, Arnold said the setting would resemble that of the New Orleans experience with careful emphasis being placed on unplugged performances. "The Jazz experience will feature a soft opening on the Thursday. We're asking everybody to remain open on that day and there will be two bars on either end of the Esplanade to accommodate those who come out for the unplugged experience."
According to Burkett, though, the action heats up on Friday when the Pigeon Point Heritage Park hosts World Music Night. From 7.30 pm, patrons would be treated to music by Tobago's very own Shurwayne Winchester and YOU, Lord Nelson, rhythmic sensation 3 Canal, Solomon, Mavis John, Dil-E-Nadan, Ziggy Rankin and Erykah Badu. Pan Jazz in de Park takes place on April 24 in Pigeon Point. Scheduled to begin at 5 pm, the national instrument will be showcased with performances by Witco Desperadoes and Phase II Pan Groove, along with other top steelbands from Tobago. The final leg of Tobago Jazz Experience is one that simply cannot be missed.
Chaka Khan will be there, in her first public appearance in T&T. In 1998, Khan, a renowned international megastar performed at a private gathering in Trinidad. Now, Burkett said, she was even more excited this time around as she would perform live, for all to see and experience. The Beach Jazz Fiesta on April 25, will also feature �lan Parle, the Alternative Quartet, the Sean final I, Kariwak Players, Kay Allen, Ettiene Charles, Clive Zander and Caribbean In Excess.
