Producer says it will be the biggest event staged in Jamaica

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:Businessman Walter Elmore, executive producer of the annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, says the 2012 edition of the festival that will run from January 26 to 28, 2012 at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium will be the biggest entertainment event ever staged in Jamaica.

“Getting Celine Dion to come here is something special because she is the biggest star in the world at this time,” said Elmore. “Additionally, this event will also showcase 50 years of Jamaica’s music as a part of the Jamaica 50 celebrations.”

Elmore, who was addressing a special site inspection for sponsors at the Trelawny venue recently, said all three nights of the festival will offer something special to the patrons – especially those whose excitement level has piqued with the inclusion of Celine, who will be performing in the Caribbean for the first time.

According to Elmore, megastar Celine Dion, who now performs almost exclusively in Las Vegas, was in great demand, as local fans have made no bones about the fact that they wanted to see her in the Jazz & Blues line-up.

“Celine Dion is the most-requested act we have ever had so we are really delighted to have her,” noted Elmore. “It is interesting that she has consented to collaborate with our own Diana King on the song they recorded together.”

Interestingly, Celine Dion’s visit will be somewhat limited as, according to Elmore, she will fly into Jamaica on her own private jet, perform and then leave immediately after her performance.

Celine, Head of State (Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant) and American rapping sensation Cee-Lo Green will add significant star power to the 2012 staging of the music festival.

“The first night is dedicated to the evolution of Jamaica music spanning mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall,” said Elmore. “The night is dubbed ‘A Celebration of Jamaica’s 50th’.”

stellar line-up

The line-up for the first night includes Ky-Mani Marley, King Yellowman, Mykal Rose, AJ Brown, John Holt, Marcia Griffiths, Etana, Shaggy, Chris Martin, Luciano, Pluto Shervington, Half Pint, George Nooks, Marcia Barrett (Boney M), Derrick Morgan, Assassin, Lloyd Parkes and We the People Band, and Byron Lee’s Dragonaires.

“We have tried to showcase the best of Jamaica’s music. If Bob Marleywas alive, we would be making every effort to get him to perform,” said Elmore.

In a special attempt to expose the festival to as many Jamaicans as possible, Elmore has inked a deal with local ground transport operators that has resulted in the establishment of a special Jazz Taxi Shuttle Service. The service will see patrons being transported from major town centres to the festival in a special affordable package deal.

“We have made Jazz Taxi Shuttle arrangements for Mandeville, Santa Cruz, Negril and other rural town centres,” added Elmore. “We will also have the Knutsford Express service from Portmore, Kingston and OchoRios.”