Caribbean Jazz Icon to headline Jazz ‘n Creole 2013

Jamaican-born master pianist, Monty Alexander, will be the headline artist at the 4th edition of Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole 2013 to be held on Sunday May 19th at Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Parks.

Event organizer, Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), says Alexander who has recently celebrated his 50th year in music, will delve into a repertoire that encompasses standards and original songs as well as exciting rhythms of his native island.

The Pentecost holiday event was first presented by DDA in 2010 as a fun-filled family affair in one of Dominica’s premier tourist attractions and an avenue for showcasing local Jazz artists next to regional and international performers.

“Over the first three years, Jazz ‘n Creole has attracted the interest of both local and regional audiences with attendance almost doubling from just about 600 patrons in 2011 to over 1,200 in 2012”, states a release from the DDA.

The event will also feature Haitian-born Jazz Artist Beethova Obas – who has successfully blended traditional Haitian music with conscious lyrics and harmonies reminiscent of jazz and Brazilian melodies; Dominica’s very own Michele Henderson – who has emerged as one of the Caribbean’s premier female vocal talents, whether in English, French, or Creole, Zouk, R&B, Jazz, Reggae or Retro Soul, her accolades are consistent; and the Eric Ildefonse Quartet – featuring the modern Jazz renditions of Martiniquais pianist Eric Ildefonse as well as renowned St. Lucian saxophonist Luther Francois.

Also on the line-up for the event are local female vocalists, Mel-C, Joy Stoute, and Tiffany Mayne and the pan renditions of Phase 5.

In addition to the main stage event, Discover Dominica Authority has partnered with four local tourism businesses to present an expanded Jazz experience from May 15 – 18.

On Wednesday May 15, Jazz takes on pan when the Evergreen Hotel presents Pan ‘n Jazz Soirée; on Thursday May 16, the Anchorage Hotel presents Word, Sound & Power – Jazz ‘n Creole Edition where Jazz will meet with the spoken word and rhythmic drums. Fort Young Hotel’s Friday night will take on an upbeat Jazzy flavour on May 17 when they present Happy Hour Jazz ‘n Creole; and on Saturday May 18 spend the afternoon at the river enjoying the Jazz and Creole fusions with some Creole food at Riverside Jazz…& Creole presented by RiverStone Bar & Grill.

Headline Sponsors for Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole 2013 are the Government of Dominica and Discover Dominica Authority and platinum sponsor is Digicel.

For more information about Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045 or Dominica Festival Committee at 767 448 4833. Or visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com.