ValLimar Jasen performs at the Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme and Ocho Rios Jazz Festival on Monday night at the Philip Sherlock Centre, UWI, Mona. - Photo by Leethan Grandison

Leethan Grandison, Gleaner Writer

THE RENOWNED jazz vocal-piano duo ValLimar Jasen and Frank Jasen were among several acts that thrilled patrons on the first night of the Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme (JYAP), an initiative of the Ministry of Education and The Gleaner-sponsored 2007 Ocho Rios Jazz Festival.

The event, which is a fund-raiser coordinated by Youth Ambassador for Persons at Risk, Keisha Effs, is being held at the Philip Sherlock Centre on the campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

A college professor, Mrs. Jansen is known for her work in gospel, contemporary Christian and gospel-jazz styles, but also sings in several other genres.

The artiste has a long history in music starting from as early as age five and is the holder of several professional degrees in the arts from California State University, San Bernardino and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Her partner, Frank, is a well-respected composer and has performed with the likes of countless notable names such as Nathan East, The Platters and The Drifters.

Following their performances, the Jansens told The Gleaner that they were pleased with the response and energy they got from the audience.

"It was beautiful and I will be taking the energy here to the Edinburgh Jazz Festival in Scotland with me," said Mrs. Jansen. Her husband said he was equally delighted.

Other performances included Gyptian, Lutan Fyah, Sanjay, and To-Isis. The show will concluded last night.

"All the funding raised from this proceeding will be going towards the Dare to Care Foundation in Spanish Town; it has been excellent and the preceding days promise to be even better," said Ms. Effs.

She added: "We are really grateful to have Frank and ValLimar Jasen as a part of the group helping with this fundraiser, even so that they are doing it entirely free! Paying their way to Jamaica to help with the cause, as well as the Jamaican artistes."