In its eighth annual staging, the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival should turn a profit this year, says executive producer of the festival Mr. Robert Russell. The festival this year boasts an impressive line up of stars for the three day affair which takes place in Rose Hall Montego Bay on January 22 25, Mr. Russel told Wednesday Business. The staging and show production of the festival is being handled by Turn Key Productions.
"We are expecting between 5,000 to 10,000 people per night over the three days," Mr. Russel said. "The staging and production of the show is expected to cost around US$600,000. At US$45 a ticket we expect to break even or perhaps turn a small profit."
There is special interest in the performances by Alicia Keys and Kenny Rogers, he said. Most hotels in Montego Bay are already booked out. International stars confirmed to perform include country music star, Kenny Rogers, India Arie, Nancy Wilson and Michael McDonald. Cassandra Wilson and Bobby Womack round out the international headliners for the festival.
The locally based performers include Beres Hammond, pianist Monty Alexander, Dean Fraser and Friends, George Nooks, Gregory Isaacs and guitarist Sertse Small. Dwight Pickney, Maurice Gordon, Mile High, Suzanne Couch and Lydia Bennett complete the local contingent.
The late Johnny Cash is the honouree for this year's festival.
- Al Edwards
