As Caribbean nationals around Washington prepare to celebrate their joint anniversaries, they joined the diaspora around the world in praise of the opening showcase, the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, held last Thursday through Saturday in Trelawney Jamaica. This year both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica turn 50. In honor of this milestone the Friends of Jamaica Seattle, comprised of a mixture of West Indians and Washingtonians will lead celebrations locally. To set the stage for these mini celebrations around the world organizers dedicated this year, the 16th staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, to the 50th anniversary of the country. The local community of organizers here in Seattle, had their representative at the festival that brought greetings on their behalf and expressed a sense of pride in the standard and success of the three night event.
Thousands of proud Jamaicans, Caribbean nationals and visitors to the island joined a host of celebrities in honoring Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence in Trelawney, next door to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The line-up of some 20 plus local and international performers told the story of Jamaica’s cultural and musical history through the years. Caribbean-Washingtonians were especially proud of the local and international collection of stars, of Jamaican and Trinidadian Heritage. In an interview with Trinidadian Calypso queen Destra Garcia , she shared her excitement with the concept of the two islands collaborating in any way, to celebrate anniversaries in various communities around the world and promote continuity. As expected, the Marleys made Jamaicans proud yet for those here in Washington, it was the legendary Barry Gordon, emcee and radio personality, who stirred up some fond memories of home. Among the mega stars of the festival were Celine Dion, Cee Lo Green, Shaggy, Damian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Bobby Brown with the Heads of State, Destra Garcia and more.
Although Reggae night was the most rocking night, Celine Dion had the place jam packed on Friday night. Up to the last hour, after 1 AM on Saturday morning, with only road side parking left available some two miles down the road, and barely any standing room available, curious eager patrons were still paying to get in! The audience soon forgot their arduous 2 hour journey in bumper to bumper traffic and belted out their own off-key rendition of every song. It was a family affair and lovers night all rolled up in one. The buzz among the audience went something like “ I grew up hearing Celine on the radio and I feel better now that I have seen her in person, “ This was reportedly her first trip to the island. “We are honored that she took time out of her schedule to celebrate with us.” One member of Friends of Jamaica Seattle remarked.
Spotlight performances from Richie Stephens and Gentleman, Heads of State featuring Bobby Brown, Temptations Review, Earl Klugh, Destra from Trinidad, Marcia Griffiths, Maxi Priest and a host of rich talents warmed up the crowd for the final acts. Shaggy closed the show at 3:30 AM Friday morning, and believe it or not , fans were wide awake and wishing for more. Celine closed on Saturday morning and Cee Lo got his Jamaican “Baptism” on Saturday night as he introduced the crowd to some less than familiar songs. The penultimate Performer Damien Marley was a wise choice. He kept the audience on their feet for most of his performance, which was a mixture of popular songs by his legendary father Bob Marley, and releases of his own. It was a relatively flawless three night opening event produced by The Art of Music Productions to celebrate Jamaica turning 50 in August and it demonstrated that this island is not to be underestimated.
The people were in high spirits, and a sense of independence and the audacity of resilience permeated the air. Although Trinidad and Tobago is known for its Calypso and Jamaica for Reggae, local members of the Caribbean community are not happy with the occasional misunderstanding that comes with being associated with a so called “Third World” nation. They hope to use this year’s celebrations to share their history, culture and future plans with Washingtonians. The celebrations start this Saturday, February 25th with artistic presentations at the North West African American Museum in Seattle. In spite of their small number they have demonstrated that they are not to be outdone. And so as Trinidadians and Jamaicans join forces to celebrate the anniversary here, Washington is sure to develop a greater understanding of what it means to a proud West Indian.
Follow the links below for more highlights of the festival and stay tuned for more about the celebrations, through this year.
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