THE 2010 BARBADOS JAZZ FESTIVAL HEATS UP THE WINTER SEASON WITH CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS AND BAJAN BLUES

Tickets are now on sale for all-star performances including ‘70’s Motown singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, and contemporary stars Warren Hill and Babyface

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, October 29, 2009 – The 17^th Annual Barbados Jazz Festival January 11-17, 2010 is the perfect escape from the winter blues, giving visitors a chance to soak up the sweet sounds and sights on the sun-drenched island. This year’s festival will be headlined by 1970’s Motown star Smokey Robinson, and will also feature a wide range of both contemporary and classic jazz vocalists including Etienne Charles, Babyface, Lalah Hathaway, Robin Thicke, Warren Hill and the Cuban Classics, among others.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.barbadosjazzfestival.com.  For information on Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

Some of Barbados’ most picturesque and enchanting locations will provide the perfect backdrop for the festival including: the Sunbury Plantation House; Heritage Park/The Rum Factory; Garfield Sobers Complex; Illaro Court, St, Michael; and Farley Hill National Park.  In addition, The Crane Resort & Residences will host the special dinner set “Elio Villa Franka presents: Cuban Classics” on Thursday January 14, 2010.

The 2010 schedule of events is as follows:

January 11, 2010 - 8:00 pm: Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip - $40.00 US/$80.00 Bds

Etienne Charles, Joe Lovano

January 12, 2010 - 8:00 pm: Heritage Park/The Rum Factory, St. Philip - $25.00 US/$50.00 Bds

Toni Norville, Shane Forrester

January 13, 2010 - 8:00 pm: Garfield Sobers Complex, St. Michael - $90.00 US/$180.00 Bds

Smokey Robinson

January 14, 2010 - 8:00 pm: Dinner Set: The Crane Resort & Residences, St. Philip - $100.00 US/$200.00 Bds

Elio Villa Franka presents: Cuban Classics

January 15, 2010 - 8:00 pm: Illaro Court, St. Michael - $40.00 US/$80.00 Bds

Lalah Hathaway

January 16, 2010 - 12:00 noon: Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter - $40.00 US/$80.00 Bds

Robin Thicke, Tizer with Lao Tizer featuring Karen Briggs, Bwakore

January 17, 2010 - 1:00 pm: Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter - $50.00 US/$100.00 Bds

Babyface, Warren Hill, Marisa Lindsay, Arturo Tappin, Alex M.

Season Tickets: All Venues (Dinner Set NOT included)... $260.00 US/$520.00 Bds

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About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com.  Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous sporting championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via newly-launched Jet Blue, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.  Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.  Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism[Back to Press Releases Main]