Record turnout at Jazz tonight

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer



FLORENCE HALL, Trelawny:

With only Jamaican acts billed to perform on the opening night of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, the organisers were able to attract the largest turnout of patrons on a Thursday night.



"I don't know the numbers just yet, but a blind man could see that there is a marked difference in the number of patrons," says Art of Music Productions chairman, Walter Elmore, adding that it was proof that "We Jamaicans appreciate our music".



Thrilled that he dedicated the night to the Jamaican people, the culture, reggae music and the country's Independence, Elmore admits that it took him too long to wake up and smell the coffee.



Elmore and his team went further by recognising the contribution made by seven of the artistes who performed on the show: Derrick Morgan, Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, Lloyd Parkes and We the People Band, Yellowman, Maxi Priest and Shaggy.



The seven were presented with sculptures handmade by Jamaican Betty McGann.



"They have contributed to the upliftment and global acknowledgement of Jamaica's music and are deserving of this type of recognition," Elmore said.



But he admitted that more must be done to further promote Jamaican music.