Jazz in the Gardens returns after three-year break

From a musical showcase perspective, Jamaica satisfies a diverse palate. In Kingston, ‘the creative city for music’, stages have been set for persons who crave a dose of hardcore dancehall and authentic reggae to those who have a taste for soul-soothing jazz melodies.

Jazz in the Gardens, prompted by a great demand, returns to The Jamaica Pegasus Gardens on Sunday, October 29, following a three-year hiatus.

For its 20th edition Jazz in the Gardens will be held under the theme, ‘Vocals meet Instruments’. Known for creating signature moments, the organisers of the event inspire to add a difference and make the experience all the more memorable for persons the minute they enter the venue.

According to Nancy McLean, banqueting expert and co-organiser of the event, “classical jazz, though it caters to a very niche audience, will always have its place, in the local entertainment landscape”.

“Persons have been asking for the return because there is no other event of its kind. We are picking up, with vocals and instrumentals. Howeve modern the jazz or mixed with blues, other popular genres will be part of the experience for our patrons. There are lots of new talents to be unearthed, the sky’s the limit,” McLean continued.

Jazz in the Gardens returns to its infused musical roots. Among the can’t-miss-fusion musicians set to headline, are the accomplished multi-instrumentalist Dwight Richards; legendary soul and reggae singer Tony Gregory; master pianist and vocalist Harold Davis; and soulful cabaret sensations Gem Myers and Althea Hewitt. Though not new to the Jazz in the Gardens stage, these acts are brandmarked for putting their heart and soul into their performances and for adding a mixture of authentic Jamaican culture to the landscape. Award-winning actress Dahlia Harris will direct the stage as the emcee booked for the evening.

DEVELOPMENT

Adding to its already big-hearted roster, as in years before, the event seeks to enrich the community and will once again generously make a donation to the Best Care Foundation, the Women Crisis Centre and VOUCH. The organisers are confident in the show’s offering and continue to nurture the development of niche communities right across the board.

“Our event is quite comparable [to jazz events in other countries] and also because of its unique presentation. Jazz in the Gardens has been around for over 20 years, it was unfortunately that like all other entertainment, the pandemic affected it,” McLean said.

Jazz in the Gardens is slated to happen again on New Year’s Day 2024 and could potentially return as a bi-monthly staging.

“It is all about packaging and marketing this unique product called Jazz in the Gardens. Now, we just need a title sponsor for our event to be sustainable for the next five years. And why not join us again on New Year’s Day? What better way to start the new year by being entertained in an atmosphere of relaxation, while having your favourite drink in the gardens at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel,” McLean said.