The 16th Annual Martinique Jazz Festival 2009 | Nov. 26th – Dec 6th, 2009
2009 Martinique Jazz Festival Lineup Released
Melodious
musique de jazz will fill the air once more this fall as the
Caribbean’s longest running jazz festival, the Martinique Jazz
Festival, will be held November 26 to December 6. The festival, which
dates back to 1983, has long provided a showcase for local and
international artists to share their talents with a lively and
appreciative crowd of music lovers from all corners of the globe. This
year will be no exception, as a solid line-up of musicians are set to
combine with interactive master classes, film screenings and exhibits
to create the ultimate jazz experience under the warm Caribbean sun.
Among
the international artists scheduled to perform are Elizabeth Kontomanou
(France), the Kenny Barron Trio (USA), and Lionel Loueke (Bénin/USA). A
highlight of the event will no doubt be the performance of steel pan
master, Andy Narell (USA), who will team with calypso legend, Relator
(Trinidad) to perform innovative “PanJazz” selections from their new
album, University of Calypso.
Muriel Wiltord, director
Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA, commented on the
festival, stating: “Over the years, the Martinique Jazz Festival has
attracted some of the biggest names in jazz and scores of their fans to
our shores. We look forward to more of the same in 2009 and beyond.”
Jazz
luminaries who have performed at the Martinique Jazz Festival in years
past include the Marsalis brothers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito
d’Rivera, Chucho Valdes, and many more.
Martinique Jazz
Festival performances will be held primarily at L’Atrium, in the
capital city, Fort-de-France, with additional concerts and events held
in the towns of Sainte Anne, Sainte Marie, Lamentin, Riviere Salee,
Sainte Luce and the La Pagerie Museum in Trois-Ilets, childhood home of
Empress Josephine.
For more information, including performance
schedules, ticket information and more, contact Le Centre Martiniquais
d’Action Culturelle (www.cmac.asso.fr) at Tel: 011 596 596 70 79 29, or
Email: [email protected].
About Martinique (www.martinique.org)
The
Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum
Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – by
any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring
and enchanting destinations in the world; as unforgettable as a summer
romance or a first kiss. Named “Best Gourmet Island of the Year 2008”
by Caribbean World Magazine, Martinique is an overseas region of France
that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights,
awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and
so much more. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised
here. The Pompeii of the Caribbean, St. Pierre, is found here. The
finest French products, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are
readily available here. La Route des Rhums, a tour of the world’s
finest rum distilleries based on France’s famed Route des Vins, is
offered here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer –
Martinique c’est magnifique!