Still on a high after an intoxicating year-end celebration after Tessanne Chin won the Voice contest on NBC-TV; a cheerful Christmas and blessings galore, Jamaicans are preparing for a rousing January and the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival.
A lineup featuring rhythm & blues singer Toni Braxton, Chrisette Michele, Aaron Neville, Chin and several reggae names have been expanded to include Crystal Gayle and Chaka Khan. Slated to be held at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium from Jan. 30, the 18th annual staging promises a stellar showcase of diverse local talent alongside a few international acts.
“Patrons will be in for a treat as Chaka and Crystal are phenomenal singers and performers and have a repertoire of music Jamaicans enjoy,” a spokesperson for the festival said about the latest additions.
“They will deliver a musical experience like no other as they are part of a larger line-up with some really awesome talent and music.”
He hinted that more acts will be added but did not confirm the names.
“I cannot give everything away so I encourage everyone to listen out for more names in the coming days,” he explained.
The 10-time Grammy winner is a favorite of Jamaicans who have followed her career throughout the years and are familiar with the extensive catalogue she has amassed since being introduced with the group Rufus. Some her hits include “Through the Fire” and “I feel for You.”
Gayle, known for her R&B-flavored brand of country music, captured a Grammy award with hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.”
AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, file
