Confessions of jazzoholics

The 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival runs from January 24-30 with the main event set for its new home at the Trelawny stadium. With the 14th staging just weeks away, two jazz addicts reveal what keeps them coming back each year.

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival for me is a refreshing interlude from the hard-hitting, pulsating, enjoyable dancehall beats that I love. It allows me the time to appreciate other genres of music and live performances that are as melodious onstage as on the CD, all within an arms reach. Definite highlight! Some persons worldwide cannot boast having the opportunity of seeing the likes of Diana Ross, Air Supply, Brian McKnight, Anita Baker, Maxi Priest, Earth, Wind and Fire - and the list goes on.

Shooting the breeze

Cooper

The whole atmosphere of jazz festival is like a huge get-together. Shooting the breeze, lyming with good friends, meeting new acquaintances and the ambience of the location are the attractions that I enjoy the most about the festival and they keep me coming back.

My most memorable experience at Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival was in 2008 when I attended with my mom. Seeing her having a blast was enough to make me happy! She went missing in the venue for almost 45 minutes. When I checked, she was at the front of the stage being thrilled by Al Green.

The show would, as you put it, 'sell off' with acts such as a Mariah Carey or a Celine Dion that have so many hits, which appeal to a wide cross section of music lovers.

When I close my eyes and peak my ears to the sounds of the festival, an unmatched feeling of relaxation enriches my senses. I've left the office behind me and it's time to chill.

Safia Cooper

Brand Manager

Red Stripe and

Red Stripe Light

My name is Tara and I'm A jazzaholic! The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is one of the few annual events that I look forward to each year. It goes beyond the music - it's an experience. The beauty of the historic grounds, the ambience and warmth of those in attendance serve to make that one night or your entire weekend more than memorable.

This wonderful event also gives me an opportunity to have a fantastic weekend in Jamaica's Second City with my friends enjoying all that Montego Bay has to offer from the beautiful beaches, great restaurants and the exhilarating night-life, making it an overall adventure.

The line-up at Jamaica Jazz and Blues has never failed to be entertaining and there's no doubt that each night holds an amazing array of talent from around the globe - the energy, vibes and the sweet sounds of great music that are carried on the cool Caribbean breeze just can't be beat. Where else can you kick back and relax under a starry Jamaican night next to an aqueduct, built hundreds of years ago, while listening to the amazing sounds of Anita Baker, Arturo Tappin, Alicia Keys, Beres Hammond, Hugh Masekela, Jill Scott, KoKo Taylor, John Legend or Third World?

I look forward to another electrifying weekend at Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2010 and know that "I'll be caught up in its rapture" yet again ... I'm a jazzaholic for life.

Tara Playfair-Scott

Marketing Consultant

Playfair-Scott