JAZZ & BLUES 2021

From the
EDITOR
4
The response to the return of Jamaica Jazz and Blues
has been overwhelming! Music lovers from all walks of
life, at home and abroad have expressed excitement and
anticipation of the return of the festival. Co-producers Adrian
Allen and Marcia McDonnough were somewhat hesitant when they
floated the idea in August, but the enthusiasm with which it was
received encouraged them to take the leap. Seven months later, the
festival is about to be staged and we are all waiting with bated breath.
The journey has been fraught with challenges and doubt, but those
negatives were outweighed by a can-do attitude, positive vibes and
hope. The early months saw the “challenges of getting the necessary
funding. Many companies do not understand the benefits of the
virtual space as they do the physical....they are not accustomed to
doing activations that are digital and even though the virtual space
can easily give them tens of thousands more viewers they are
uncomfortable with the unknown. Covid-19 presented many
difficulties including an uncertain financial environment”, shared
Marcia. There have been many high points too, like “meeting
the artists and discovering their talent and just watching as
the presentation comes together. Becoming excited about
viewing it even though we have been working on it for
so long. And, of course, slowly but surely garnering the
support of those loyal sponsors, many of whom supported
the festival before and are now back on board”.
March 4-6 will see the virtual extravaganza in
which the team will “Bring the Magic Back”; three
nights of a wealth of diverse talent, most of
which comprise new and emerging performers
coming to the main Jamaica Jazz and Blues
stage for the first time, the exceptions being
Richie Stephens and Jon Secada.
Jazz & Blues Riddims will be sharing the
experience of combining all the elements
to bring you the vibrant, seamless package
of world class entertainment while also
celebrating the essence of our island home.
We will introduce the performers.
We will reminisce about the
glorious days of the Jamaica Jazz
and Blues, tracing the story from its
emergence as Air Jamaica Jazz and
Blues, highlighting outstanding acts and
the ambience of the memorable venues.
We will celebrate the team that made
it happen – our sponsors, marketing
and production teams. We will walk
you through the virtual Artisan Village
which offers outstanding and exquisitely
crafted Jamaican pieces ranging from
leather masks, backpacks and handbags
to intricately designed jewelry, beautiful
footwear and aromatic oils.
With the thousands of international individuals
that will make up our audience, we optimized
the opportunities provided by the virtual
platform to showcase the many delights Jamaica
has to offer through two special features –
“Circle Jamaica with Richie Stephens” and “Stay
With Us” hosted by Tami and Wayne Mitchell.
Richie visited several world-renown features
of the island – Dunn’s River Falls, Rick’s Café,
Fern Gully, Blue Hole. Tami and Wayne popped
into a number of hotels including Royalton,
GeeJam, and Moon Palace.
Most important, we pay tribute to two iconic
individuals who impacted the Jamaica Jazz
and Blues Festival – founder, the late Butch
Stewart and Toots Hibbert, stellar performer.
Be sure to join us for the three awesome
nights, March 4-6 2021 when we “Bring the
Magic Back”.
Maxine McDonnough