The daughter of legendary singer and pianist Nat “King" Cole, Natalie Cole has followed the family tradition to become one of the most revered singers of our time. Her classic and contemporary material are in frequent play on jazz radio stations, and her new album Leavin' reveals her soulful roots and inspires listeners through its silky and alluring tracks. Cole's musical appeal and success have helped her sell more than 30 million albums worldwide, and inspired other artists to combine style and soul.
Internationally acclaimed musicians KEM, Jeffrey Osborne, Boney James, and Mike Philips will join the Caribbean's own Arturo Tappin to perform on Grand Cayman. “With Natalie Cole and other internationally acclaimed jazz and R&B artists, this year's Cayman jazz fest is going to be a great event," declared Cayman Islands' Minister of Tourism, Charles Clifford. “We are confident that jazz fans will seize this opportunity to not only be a part of jazz fest, but also to experience Cayman's fine dining, incredible beaches, and unique culture."
In the Governor's Ballroom in the Westin Casuarina Resort on Thursday, November 30, jazz fest kicks off with an intimate evening event, featuring an eclectic mix of R&B and smooth jazz performances by KEM and Mike Phillips and the rhythms of Cayman's own Intransit. On Friday, December 1, the exclusive Pageant Beach will usher in the soulful sounds of Jeffrey Osborne and jazz musician Boney James, in addition to local bands Mainstream and Velvet Touch. Jazz fest culminates in a sparkling finale on Saturday evening, December 2 with the creative musical genius of Caribbean jazz star Arturo Tappin, Natalie Cole and Caymanian talent Swanky and Hi-Tide.
Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with BET Digital Networks, said the Cayman festival crowns another successful year for BET J and BET Event Productions. “The Cayman festival gets better and better each year and we are pleased to present this incredible destination along with exceptional musicians to our discerning viewers," she said.
A preview show of this year's event, featuring highlights of last year's festival, is currently on rotation on BET J's “Island Lime" format on Saturdays. Upcoming air dates on BET J are November 11, 18 and 25 (8 AM and 6 PM); and December 2 (1 PM and 7 PM). All telecast times are Eastern.
The Cayman Jazz Fest is produced by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and BET Event Productions. Major sponsors include the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Courtyard by Marriott, and the exclusive telecommunications provider Cable & Wireless. Tickets are on sale now through www.ticketweb.com. Jazz fans can also visit www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest for more information and to receive regular updates on the festival.
Located 480 miles south of Miami in the vibrant tranquility of the western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its idyllic beaches and diving spots, and recognized as a sophisticated, diverse financial center, the Cayman Islands offer spectacular recreational opportunities along with warm, impeccable service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.cayma nislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky or call your local travel agent.
ABOUT BET J
BET J is the flagship channel of BET Digital Networks, a subsidiary of BET Networks and Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B). Born from the historic BET Jazz Channel, BET J is a music, entertainment, lifestyle and multicultural hybrid that melds classic and contemporary jazz with vintage soul, classic R&B, festive Caribbean and today's Neo-Soul. Wrapped around its musical play list is an adult-targeted menu of short films, celebrity interviews, reality, pop culture, nostalgic retrospectives and engaging conversation. BET J reaches 26 million subscribers in the United States and Caribbean through DirecTV and select markets served by Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Comcast and Time Warner Cable.
BET Event Productions (BEP), a division of Viacom subsidiary Black Entertainment Television (BET), is in the business of producing “Best in Class" live events that are designed to facilitate the advertising and promotional needs of clients. BEP offers a full range of services, including project development and management, event marketing, artistic direction and production.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
