Eight time Grammy award winner Natalie Cole is confirmed as the headline act for this year’s annual Cayman jazz fest, the Minister of Tourism Charles Clifford has announced.
A Department of Tourism press release notes that performing alongside Natalie Cole will be Kem, Jeffrey Osborne, Boney James, Rick Braun, Mike Philips and the Caribbean’s very own Arturo Tappin. ‘With headline act Natalie Cole and other internationally acclaimed jazz and R&B artists, jazz fest 2006 is going to be another great event,’ said Mr. Clifford. ‘We are confident that jazz fans will seize this opportunity to not only be a part of jazz fest but also to experience the fine dining, incredible beaches and unique Caymanian culture.
‘Moreover, the event provides a forum for local musicians in this genre to interact with and perform beside internationally renowned artists. This opportunity can only boost the development of local talent and bring greater international awareness and appreciation of them. I look forward to announcing the local line up very soon.’
The third annual Cayman jazz fest will take place over three days from 30 November to 2 December. The first night will be an intimate event in the Westin Casuarina ballroom, with the second and third nights at the original outdoor location of Pageant Beach.
The daughter of celebrated singer/pianist Nat ‘King’ Cole, Natalie Cole is considered one of the core artists of the smooth jazz format, garnering frequent airplay on smooth jazz radio stations with both her classic songs and her newer material, says the press release.
‘Cole’s new album Leavin’ is a truly inspiring piece of work that finds Cole proudly revealing her soulful roots after a decade during which she enjoyed unprecedented global success as an interpreter of the standards.
‘Her success during this time ushered in a wave of similar crossover smashes from other artists and added to an already whopping lifetime album sales figure that now tops 30 million worldwide.’
The Cayman Jazz Fest is organized by the Department of Tourism in partnership with BET J. Major sponsors include the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa and Courtyard by Marriott. Tickets go on sale in October at the Department of Tourism, Funky Tangs, Standards by Atlantic and Atlantic Kids. Jazz fans can also sign up to receive regular updates on the third annual Cayman Jazz Fest by visiting www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest.
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