Presskit – GRENADA, 2013

CONTENTS
Press Release
Grenada…………………….…………………………………………........................ 2
Poster ………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Schedules …………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Venue & Ticket Information………………………………………………………… 6
Bios …………………………………………………………………………………...7
Newspaper reports ……………………………………………………………………17
1
NEWS RELEASE
June 4 2013
For Immediate Release
The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari - A unique adventure in Grenada
It will be a jazz adventure like none other when the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari makes its third
stop this year, this time in “the Spice Isle” - Grenada on June 29 and 30.
The Grenada leg of this travelling festival that has been dubbed a “thrilling Caribbean musical
ride” follows on from successful shows in Barbados and Antigua for the inaugural Naniki
Caribbean Jazz Safari. The Grenada event which will take place on the exquisite lawns at
Mount Cinnamon will feature energised live performances of quality international and regional
jazz acts including two excellent Grenadian artistes.
The featured artistes are top international singer and Grammy Nominee, Shontelle, Sean
Thomas with the legendary proponent of calypso jazz, Clive Zanda from Trinidad, Dereck
McKeith guitarist and R&B singer from the US, C4 jazz collective from Barbados along with
Grenada’s own Zack Bernard coming home from the US where he has excelled on the jazz
scene and Quiet Fire featuring the sultry Jenny J.
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The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari is the brainchild of Tom Hinds, well known promoter of jazz
events at his scenic Naniki Restaurant in St Joseph, Barbados. Hinds said that the safari
concept was based on moving quality jazz performances to idyllic venues across the Caribbean,
and thereby enhancing both the local cultural landscape and the tourism product. He noted that
the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari would allow local and regional artistes to perform with their
international counterparts at home and provide educational opportunities for local music
students through a workshop and guitar donations that will take place in partnership with the
Travelling Guitar Foundation.
Following a successful “take off “ in Barbados from January 17 to 21 with highly acclaimed
performances, the unique travelling jazz festival thrilled music lovers in Antigua and Barbuda
who turned out at the Dean Lake Cultural Center and the scenic Shirley Heights Lookout in
March this year.
The unique series of events that make up the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari had its international
launch on November 15, 2012 at the chic Tryst Utra Lounge in New York under the aegis of
Hinds’ company, Damal Investments, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and the Tourist
Boards of Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The safari will
continue on to St Vincent later this year.
The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari – Grenada is sponsored by Mount Cinnamon Resort &
Beach Club, Flamboyant Hotel and Villas, LIAT, Grenada Board of Tourism, United
Insurance, US Embassy, Sagicor, The Traveling Guitar Foundation (USA), The Grenada
Broadcasting Network (GBN) Klassic AM, Coca Cola, Etang, Quinn Company Limited, Stoli,
Presidente, El Dorado Rum, Grant's Scotch Whiskey, Campari and Nedd's Rental & Services.
-0For Artist Interviews and further information contact:
Alison Saunders, SFa Communications Inc
alisonsaunders@sfacommunications.com
Tel: + 1 246 435 3423 ((o)
Grenada media may contact SFA Communications’ Grenada associate:
Michaele Hercules, Premier Events - michaele.hercules@gmail.com
Tel: (473) 440-1777 (0)
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4
SCHEDULE
Grenada
Date:
Saturday June 29
Show Time:
7:00PM (Doors open at 6pm)
Venue:
Mt Cinnamon Gardens
(Opposite Mt Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club)
Artiste:
Peter 'Zack' Bernard (Grenada/USA)
Derek McKeith (USA)
Quiet Fire featuring vocalist Jenny J (Grenada)
Date:
Sunday June 30
Show Time:
5:00PM (Doors open at 3pm)
Venue:
Mt Cinnamon Gardens
Artiste:
Sean Thomas Quartet featuring pianist Clive Zanda
(Trinidad)
C4 (Barbados)
Shontelle (Barbados/USA)
All Artists perform with their own bands.
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VENUE & BOX OFFICE
Venue: Mt Cinnamon Garden
An Open –air stage , set on the exquisite lawns of the garden opposite the Mt Cinnamon
Resort and Beach Club. A wonderful opportunity to visit the private gardens as this is the
first time a Jazz concert is to be held in the gardens.
Come early to enjoy and relax in the garden or visit the Licensed Bar & Food Stalls along
with an attractive display of Caribbean Arts on sale.
General Admission Ticket Holders: Bring your blanket and cushion or folding chairs to sit
on the lawns.
VIP Tickets - Reserved Seating is provided.
Ticket Information
General Admission Concert Tickets
US$23 or EC$60
Children(5 – 16Yrs)
US$7.50 or EC$20
VIP Tickets
US$57.50 or EC $150 each night
Season Weekend Ticket
US$40 or EC$100
Tickets may be purchased online www.nanikicaribbeanjazzsafari.com or
Box Offices: All Bryden & Minors Retail Outlets,
Presents at Excel Plaza, Grand Anse,
Ramdhannys Travel, Grenville.
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BIOS
Shontelle (Barbados/USA)
What's a girl to do when she's not only a
beautiful and talented singer, but a straightA college student as well? In the case of
Shontelle Layne, it looks like the law career
will have to wait -- her musical star is on the
rise and cannot be stopped.
After writing a number of hit songs for a
number of top artists, in her native
Barbados, it was only a matter of time
before she unleashed her talents as an artist
and performer on the world stage, with the
release of her debut album,
"Shontelligence"(2008 Universal), and it's
first smash single "Roll".
Shontelle's music is an infectious blend of dancehall, reggae and hip-hop, with unstoppable grooves
and thought-provoking lyrics that will find fans in every corner of the world.
The oldest of 3 sisters, Shontelle was born in Bridgetown, Barbados. It was during high school that she
first met Barbados' current international star, Rihanna. "We were both active in the Cadets, and I was
her Drill Sergeant...there was one occasion when I had to make her 'drop and give me ten push ups'.
We laugh about it now...I think she's forgiven me." Little did either of them know at the time that they
would soon both be signing major record deals. Shontelle co-wrote Rihanna’s hit ‘Man Down’.
Barbados-based music manager Sonia Mullins took Shontelle under her wing while she was attending
college, and success soon followed: Shontelle scored one of the biggest Caribbean hits of 2005 as the
writer of the girl power anthem "Roll". Producers Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken of SRP Records, who
had discovered Rihanna in Barbados and brought her to the world stage, heard the song on a Bajan
radio station and felt that it had international hit potential. They sought out the writer of the song to
license it for a cover version, and had a pleasant shock : "We couldn't believe that she was such a great
singer and so young and beautiful, and hadn't been discovered yet" says Rogers. They signed her
immediately, and spent the next six months creating her debut album, co-writing with her as well as
pulling in a-list producers such as Don Corleone (Sean Paul). Marc Jordan of Rebel-One management
(Rihanna) also joined the team. When they brought her to Steve Rifkind at SRC, he wasted no time in
putting her on the fast track for a 2007 release.
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Shontelle's second album, No Gravity, was released in the US September 2010. Shontelle stated that
the album would be experimental and that she wanted to change her original sound for the record.
While the title 'No Gravity' symbolises a mantra, Shontelle states she has adapted to her life and to her
career, to motivate herself to keep climbing higher and to have nothing hold her down or hold her
back. Shontelle collaborated with Bruno Mars, Tony Kanal and Darkchild among others for the record.
In the first week of release, No Gravity placed at number eighty-one on the Billboard 200, selling
7,000 copies. Later that year Shontelle would co-write Rihanna's song "Man Down" from her fifth
studio album, Loud (2010).
Shontelle is now recording for Republic Records. In December 2012, Shontelle confirmed that "Put
Me On Blast" would be the lead single from her upcoming third studio album, and that she has already
filmed the music video for the single in Los Angeles, California. Her third album is scheduled for
release sometime this year.
Shontelle may have put the law degree on the back burner for now, but she certainly has no regrets. "I
think I've known all along that it was my destiny to perform on stage and give something to people with
my music", she says with calm conviction. "I love music, it's my passion, and I've got a lot to say”.
Quiet Fire (Grenada)
The name “Quiet Fire” was inspired
by the musical objective of the band
members. The “Fire” comes from
the pulsating rhythms of drumming
and percussion, punctuated by
tropical jazz baselines.
The “Heat” from the fire is created
by synthesized tones mixed with an
aggressive rock approach.
To balance the “Fire”, the “Quiet”,
produced by classical guitar, jazz
guitar, and violin, soothes the
rhythmic offerings generated by the percussion, bass, and guitar synthesizer. The result is a “Tropical
Fusion”, which best describes the musical niche occupied by the band Quiet Fire.
Quiet Fire has been together for the better part of twelve years during which time the focus on playing
high quality music remains tantamount in the musical mix. With the exception of the violin added four
years ago, there were no major changes to the core group. This fact provides musical consistency, and
enables true musical harmony to evolve. The band has always performed in major events such as ‘The
rhythm of summer’ annual jazz extravaganza.
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Musicians
Selwyn “Kung-Fu” Pitt – Drums/Percussion/Vocals
Selwyn Pitt, AKA Kung-Fu is a true professional and all-round musician. His skills were honed in
Canada from a very early age with notable performers in the jazz arena, and were transferred to cruise
ships, and stops around the world. At present, Kung-Fu also performs as a single act with many level
of background harmonization. Kung-Fu’s percussive drumming style entices audiences wherever he
performs, and is the “Fire” in the band Quiet Fire.
Dexter Yawching – Bass
Dexter Yawching is a “COOL” and steady bass player. His style was heavily influenced by his early
years in Trinidad and Tobago, where rhythms and bass lines predominate. Hence, the mating with the
percussive drumming produced by Kung-Fu occurs naturally.Dexter is a very experienced bass player.
He is passionate about the instrument, and has played in many bands over the years. He is well known
in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and by many foreign musicians that request his musical abilities
while performing in Grenada
Mike Quinn – Guitar Synthesizer, Acoustic guitar, Electric Guitar and Vocals
Mike Quinn provides the radiant “heat’ of Quiet through his phenomenal integration of subtle
synthesized tones, blended with acoustic and electric guitar mixes. Mike is also the main vocalist for
the band Quiet Fire. Mike has played in major college and armature jazz bands in the US, and has
followed his dream to Grenada where he has been a stall worth member and supporter of Quiet Fire.
He has also been the lead guitarist and vocalist in many ensembles, giving credit to his wide musical
experience. Mike works for the best tonal result possible for any piece of music played or created by
Quiet Fire. His total commitment to music has been invaluable to the sustainability of the group as a
whole.
Aixa Miguen – Violinist - Aixa Miguen is an accomplish violinist. She was trained in Cuba, and
spent time in South America where she taught and performed. Aixa has added to the “Quiet” and the
“Fire” in the group Quiet Fire. Her proficiency in reading and composing has been a great
complement to the music created by the group. Aixa possesses many levels of certification from Cuba,
and the Associate Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM). She is attached to the ministry of
culture, and teaches the violin throughout Grenada. She also leads and performs with a String
ensemble, and has recently released a CD.
Cecil Bartholomew – Classical/Jazz guitar/Arranger/Composer
Cecil Bartholomew has world wide experience in performing solo and with jazz ensembles. His
influence came from the likes of Laurindo Almeida and Kenny Burrell. He was mentored by Laurindo
Almeida, and was taught the subtle techniques of jazz solos by Kenney Burrell. In his musical
compositions, the Bossa Nova rhythm is felt, as lyrical jazz solos provide cheerful overtones to the
percussive tropical fusion.Cecil has two CDs and a solo album to his credit, and has played in many
national musical events in the US with the band AKASA. He is also presently involved in a CD project
with Quiet Fire. His original compositions have been interpreted and performed by dance companies
in Europe, and also used by radio and TV stations as programming introductions. Cecil also teaches
the classical guitar and bass.
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Jenny J (Grenada)
Jenny Jeremiah (Jenny J) is one of
Grenada’s finest jazz singers.
A highly talented vocalist, Jenny ‘s
repertoire also includes singing blues,
r&b, and reggae.
Jenny uses her knowledge of voice
production, melody and harmony to
create an entertaining performance for
audiences, whether they be in
nightclubs, concert halls, weddings,
funerals and most recently for
recording and production studios.
Jenny has more that 5 years of professional singing, she possesses a remarkable ability to sing songs in
a historically accurate way, with great flexibility, energy and a passionate desire to share the soul and
spirit of each song with her audience.
Jenny’s has had professional vocal training from renowned voice teacher Mrs. Valerie Daniel and
continues to practice daily.
Jenny is a dynamic and exciting performer and possesses an unmatched ability to express herself
through the music. She performs regularly at public concerts and jazz clubs and hotels throughout the
island.
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Peter Bernard
(Grenada/USA)
Peter Bernard left Grenada and travelled to America
as a young teenager in 1970. There he attended the
New York Jazz Mobile School of music. He started
his first band in New Jersey, then he joined another
band in the city of Brooklyn, New York in the 80s .
His band has opened shows for numerous groups and
backed up many artists One of the highlights of his
career was opening for the world renowned Earth,
Wind, & Fire.
Peter Bernard is now based in South Florida, and he
performs locally in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and some
of the neighboring cities such as the Florida Keys,
Tampa, Orlando for Disney World and other cities,
He is ranked among the top steel drum players in
Florida today. This instrument (The Steel Drum) originated in the Caribbean is considered the new
sound of Florida in the entertainment world. His style of music has attracted people such as the late
Rick James, Third World Band, Nester Torez, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Black Uhuru and Suzy Orman;
Just to mention a few. He has travelled to places like Holland Germany, Italy, Canada and other
Countries performing his music.
Peter Bernard enjoys pleasing his audience with his kind of playing, selections of music and a constant
interaction to the audience with his performance. Peter’s passion, desire and main focus is to always
incorporate his Caribbean musical influence along with the Jazz musical influence which he learned in
America and still is learning. He loves teaching and educating others how to develop the art of playing
that wonderful God given instrument called the Steel Drum or sometimes referred to as the Steel Pan,
or simply Pan.
See him on: www.youtube.com/peterzbernard
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C4 is a dynamic quartet that explores jazz from a West Indian and Bajan perspective. The
ensemble features virtuoso pan player and Barbados Jazz Festival 2008 headliner Andre Forde,
keyboard player and fellow Barbados Jazz Festival 2008 headliner, Stefan Walcott, producer and
drummer Lowrey Worrell and Richard ‘Bill’ Evans on bass.
The C4 concept was conceived in 2005 by these four amazing artists and mentor Pernell Farley with
the intent of providing an environment wherein their creativity, which can sometimes be nonconventional, could be expressed. C4’s work reflects a wide range of rhythms from the Caribbean
basin as they mix improvisation with anything from Barbadian Spouge to Cuban son. This repertoire
sets them apart from other Caribbean jazz bands, as their large musical palette reflects the varied
interests of the band members. In addition to the music, C4 brings their unique personalities and
energy to each performance; be it a Jazz festival stage, as in the Barbados 2008 Jazz Festival or a small
club, like the now defunct Jazz Café where they were the resident band, making sure that once you
have heard them, you will never forget them.
C4 will be releasing their debut album Take 5 and you could go check them out, and the band at
www.myspace.com/c4jazz. It is C4’s wish to one day to take their unique blend of Caribbean
instrumental performance to all parts of the world, promoting themselves and the proud culture which
they represent.
Check out the band members on their individual pages Andre Forde at
www.myspace.com/andrefordec4, Lowrey Worrell at www.myspace.com/lowreyleon and Stefan
Walcott at www.myspace.com/stefanwalcott.
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ANDRE FORDE
Andre Forde pan started playing under the late Glenroy 'Patches' Mendoza and Mr. David Hutchinson
at Garrison Secondary. Andre has played with several noted artists such as Raf Robertson, Roberta
Flack and André Woodvine. He was also featured at the very first Bajan Night at the Barbados Jazz
Festival, where two groups of Barbadian musicians were featured.
RICHARD EVANS
At age 13 Richard’s first introduction to the Electric Bass and ensemble playing started in the Queens
College school band where he was surrounded by Woodwind and Brasswind instruments. “ Ouch, this
thing really hurts your fingers was one of my first thoughts” says Richard. However the young
Barbadian overcame the pain and with the help of a book and some basic instruction from the
bandmaster Anderson Griffith, Richard was able to play most of the bands Repertoire in within the
first term of the school year.
Richard’s love of the Arts led him to the Barbados Community College where he acquired an
Associate Degree in Graphic design. However the call of music was too hard to resist and while he was
finishing his Graphic Arts Degree, Richard decided to pursue music full time. It was there Richard
acquired not only his nick name “Bill” but was exposed to Jazz and Pop ensembles as well as the
Double Bass and the Barbados National Youth and Chamber Orchestras. Due to his diverse musical
background “Bill” would then go on to play in various hotels, night clubs, churches, private parties,
corporate functions and calypso tents, interacting with the islands best musicians and performers,
including the “Soca Queen” of the Caribbean Alison Hinds in 2005, on one of her first performances as
a solo Artist. “Bill’s” desire to improve would carry him out of Barbados and to The National School
Of Music in the Republic of Cuba, where he would train and be taught by some of the world’s best
musicians.While not performing Richard can be found teaching privately, as well as part time at the
Barbados Community College, the same institution where he began his musical journey.
Lowrey Leon
I’ve been playing piano from age 6, i have up to grade 7 classical and theory LRSM.... I did the
Associate degree in music at the Barbados Community College and have been producing and playing
drums and keyboards on tracks for the last 8 years... Some of my work to date is: Producer,
Programmer and Keyboardist on: Shane Forrester’s album "Shane": Track 4: as life goes on, Track 10:
My addiction, Track 12: Crocodile man...David Walcott’s album "Jambustin"...( most of the tracks
)(also played drums on 1 track)...Keyboardist on:-------- Hal Linton’s album: "Spirit, Life and Love":
Track 2: Reality Check, Track 3: Shake it off, Track 6: Cardiac Arrest... I am also the drummer in a
Caribbean Jazz Band " C4" we played this year at the Barbados Jazz Festival where 2 of our members
were featured ’Andre Forde’ and Stefan Walcott ........our album is to be launched this may 2008 ...
played keys last year jazz festival with steel pan player David Walcott and also at the Beaches Jazz
Festival as well... Been to the Ottawa Blues Festival with Rhythm Poet ’Aja’ and have been touring the
Caribbean with him for the past 3 years... I am also the Director of the Barbados National Youth Steel
Orchestra and Band leader for both Aja and the Experience Calypso Tent
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STEFAN WALCOTT
Stefan Walcott is a pianist/composer musicologist who grew up in the southern Caribbean island of
Barbados. Stefan began learning piano in the classical traditions at six years old but it was only in
secondary school under the influence of the celebrated tutor, Janice Millington did he take music
seriously. In his final year at secondary school, Stefan performed at his first jazz festival opening for
Marcus Miller and SpyroGyra. On leaving, Stefan formed part of the first graduating class from the
Associate Degree Program in music at the Barbados Community College. During this time Stefan
appeared at two further Barbados Jazz Festivals opening for George Benson and Tito Puente. Stefan
left Barbados in 2000 to study at Leeds College of Music. He remained there for four years gaining a
BA in Jazz Studies and then a MMus in Jazz Studies research. Leeds provided a different variety of
musical and cultural circumstances and performance situations than his native Barbados. Stefan
became integrally involved with Latin music, performing with and opening for Omar Puente (Cuban
violinist based in England) and was also the bandleader and songwriter for R+B band, BlackOut.
Stefan also developed a keen interest in musicology with a special interest in music of the African
Diaspora and amazingly also found time to lead his own trio, Caribbean Jazz Creation and be a
keyboardist with a Cameroon fusion group Fula based in Manchester. In terms of official recognition
while at university, Stefan was awarded the multi-cultural music prize in 2002 from the college and
won The Lights Peformer of the Year 2003. Stefan returned to Barbados in 2004 and returned to the
Associate Degree program this time as a tutor specialising in Caribbean and American musical forms.
Stefan performed at two further Barbados Jazz Festivals, 2005 with 'Janelle Headley' and 2006 with
the reunited Fusion band Artwork. In 2005 Stefan was also a fundamental contributor in the success of
reggae fusion group Molava (2004-2005). Stefan is currently leading the only big band in the southern
Caribbean, The Stefan Walcott Big Band which was featured in the Cool Jazz series 2006 and is
involved in jazz quartet, C4. In addition Stefan is also musical director for Latin/World fusion band
Proyecto Barbados. All these ensembles bear the imprint of Stefan's influence and influences and
express his constant attempts to 'sonify' the Caribbean cultural experience.
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Sean Thomas Quartet featuring pianist Clive Zanda
(Trinidad)
SEAN THOMAS (Jazz Musician, Educator, and President-JATT) Born in Trinidad, West Indies, was
awarded a scholarship to study drums in 1995 at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance in
Boston http://www.monkinstitute.com/college.html with renowned jazz masters such as – Tom
McIntosh, Ron Carter, Thelonious Monk Jnr., Barry Harris, Max Roach, Lewis Nash and Wynton
Marsalis to name a few. He toured India and Thailand with the Thelonious Monk Jazz Ensemble under
the direction of distinguished Jazz Masters: Carl Atkins, Thelonious Monk Jnr., Herbie Hancock and
Wayne Shorter and performed both drums and steel pans at the Snowmass Jazz Festival in Aspen
Colorado.
His return to Trinidad in 1998 with a passion and drive to spread the music led him to form S.T. Jazz
Incorporated, Production One Limited and The Jazz Alliance of Trinidad and Tobago
www.jazzalliance.org to educate, develop, promote and preserve America’s Classical Music to kids
and upcoming musicians in Trinidad and Tobago. Sean Thomas is Producer of events such as “Jazz
Artists on The Greens”, “Jazzang”, “Jazzolypso”, “Summer Holistic Jazz Workshop”, “Common
Wealth of Sounds”, “In The Realm of Masters”, “International Jazz Day”, “Jazzup The Runway”,
“Trinidad and Tobago Jazz Festival introducing Chutney Jazz and “Jazz Artists Workshop”.
As President of JATT, Thomas believes that the organization will help to strengthen and broaden the
musicians’ knowledge via its workshops, clinics, nightly performances and jam sessions. Thomas has
performed and led his own trios, quartets, quintets and septets all over the world, recently with the
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“JATT All Stars” headlining the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in the south 2010 which featured Etienne
Charles – Trumpet, Ming – Keyboard and Douglas Redon - Bass.
His new band – “Sean Thomas Quartet” features Clive Zanda - Keyboard, Russell Durity - Bass,
Anthony Woodroffe – Saxophone & Sean Thomas - Drums, reshaping melodies, harmonies and
rhythms while exploring musical styles such as R&B, Blues, Funk, Calypso, Reggae, Latin and Pop
with sophisticated jazz harmonies, rhythms and arrangements.
Derek Mckeith (USA)
Derek is The Travelling Guitar Foundation Director of
West Coast School Programs, TGF Electric Life/DIOS
Music recording artist Derek McKeith is a package
complete with creative foresight, lyrical honesty and
natural showmanship.
With the musical freedom of Jimi Hendrix and Lenny
Kravitz, vocals reminiscent of Prince and the experimental
boldness of Outkast, Derek has introduced his fusion of Rock and Soul with his recording ("The
Signature").
Derek's video"Can't Get Enough" was a #1 hit on BET's Soul Session's Top Ten Countdown.
In addition to TGF, Derek has played an active role in the educational/community outreach areas. Most
recently, he was a participant (lecture/performer) at the Smithsonian Institute's Anacostia Museum
community event in Wash., D.C. Derek
also lent his support as a featured entertainer to the
FeedingAmerica.org campaign sponsored by the world famous Macy's chain of department stores.
As well as perfoming with his band, we are proud to have Derek Mckeith travel directing workshops
in schools as part of the Caribbean Jazz Safari to Barbados, Antigua and now in Grenada.
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SELECTED MEDIA REPORTS
from Barbados and Antigua Jazz Safari
Adventures
www.barbadostoday.bb
23/01/13
Page 21
BARBADOS TODAY
Reply to the jazz call
January 23, 2013. by Kimberley Cummins
JAZZ SAFARI ORGANISER PROMISES MUSIC LOVERS MORE FESTIVALS
Lovers of authentic jazz have been requesting a jazz festival
of their own and the call has been answered.
Over five days, from January 17- 21, patrons took blankets, chairs, their families and feet to some of the most
beautiful and exotic locations across Barbados to witness the polished, sultry and exciting performances of jazz
musicians in the inaugural Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari.
In an interview with Barbados TODAY organiser of the event, Tom Hinds, assured these music lovers that the
Safari would not be a one-off event, but that they could definitely start preparing themselves for it once again in
Barbados in 2014. If their palate was longing for more quality musicianship they could travel to Antigua and St.
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Vincent in March, and Grenada in April or to Jamaica, Belize, Suriname and Guyana later this year because the
festival will be headed to these locations.
Though some jazz festivals have in the past had “lost their way”, Hinds pledged that this would not be the case
with the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari. He said his philosophy was based on the commitment to exposing the
jazz genre in its many facets, in furthering education to enhance performances through the medium and that will
not change.
“We are a jazz safari and the emphasis is on jazz and that is what our patrons spoke so glowingly about. We are
committed to our philosophy but at the same time we understand the likes of the Melanie Fiona will bring people
through the turnstiles.
“I am very clear in my mind that at least one act in the entire series will include a Melanie Fiona – somebody
who is appreciative of what we are doing and who understands their role. She understood very clearly that she
was in a jazz festival, so it is not like we had Melanie Fiona, then we have a John Legend on the next day and
then another on the third day,” he said.
“There are too many outstanding musicians in the Caribbean, too many [jazz] musicians outside of the
Caribbean in the UK, in Canada to sustain an authentic jazz festival — beyond a shadow of a doubt and I know
where they are and I know how to find them.
“These are relationships cultivated over many, many years and it is heartwarming that they want to contribute,
they want to be a part of it, they want to not only be able to showcase their wares but they genuinely want to be
a part of the movement.
“A movement to further the genre — the whole education, exposure, getting young people involved. You only
had to see what happened down here with Gabby, Stefan Walcott and the youngster from [Barbados]
Community College — the audience was blown away. So it is a movement and we are trying to do everything in
our power to attract the corporate Caribbean to buy into the idea.
“It was a fantastic experience. The crowds turned out in their numbers at every single event that we held. We
are trying to bring jazz to the fore without compromising the integrity of the music.”
Performers this year included: Arturo Tappin, Elan Trotman, Nicholas Brancker, CiCi, Nnenna Freelon, Melanie
Fionna, David Happy Williams, Jane Bunnett and Spirits of Havana, Brazilian Percussionists Gilson Siviera,
Mario Canonge Trio, Jeff Lorber and the Malcolm Griffith Quintet.
The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari was born out of Jazz at the Naniki Amphitheatre held in 2011 but jazz at
Naniki really has its genesis in Sunday jazz offerings held at the Naniki Restaurant in Suriname, St. Joseph from
2001. kimberleycummins@barbadostoday.bb
Gabby showing his skill on pan.
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19
Jazz Safari a great prospect for Antigua
Added by bteditor on February 27, 2013. Saved under Entertainment
The second-leg of the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari,
set for March 1 and 2 in Antigua is expected to span long-term benefits.
Jazz musicians as well as the Antigua Tourism Authority have cited many expected returns, lauding
organizer Tom Hinds, Managing Director of Damal Investments, for his innovation in bringing the
festival to the region.
In welcoming the Safari to Antigua, after its successful January launch in Barbados, CEO of the
Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James said, “The Naniki Jazz Safari is a great
addition to our local events calendar in Antigua & Barbuda and will allow us to showcase the
destination as the idyllic backdrop for the smooth rhythms and sultry sounds of jazz.”
The authority outlined some of the positives derived from this and similar events: “Festivities such
as these help to diversify a destination’s tourism product offering as well as differentiate it from
other similar destinations. Residents and visitors are able to enjoy new cultural activities. Festivities
such as the Jazz Festival encourage travelers to visit a destination….and are a great addition to an
island’s Events Calendar.”
It is anticipated that the event will also develop the musical talents on Antigua, serving an
educational component. The benefits are hoped to transcend generations.†
Canadian drummer, Archie Alleyne on the card for the festival, also touted the anticipated
advantages to be reaped by hosting the festival: “It is extremely important and gives local musicians
the opportunity to perform. Musicians study for years and need to be appreciated and this provides
such a forum. They (musicians) need the exposure and the chance to increase the livelihood they
have chosen.”
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The acclaimed drummer said he expected an exciting time in Antigua and hoped the Safari would
receive the support it needs. He added that Hinds put great effort into the event and should be
commended.
The artist, who is no stranger to Antigua, having performed there in the past said the island is rich
with talent, notably Roland Prince a well-known guitarist who has played with the great Miles
Davis. He hopes the festival will inspire burgeoning musicians to continue in their chosen crafts.
The Antigua leg of the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari will feature, along with Alleyne, names such
as, Cameron Pierre, Danny Mixon and Derek McKeith at the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre
and the Shirley Heights Lookout.
The Safari is an extension of quality jazz events hosted by Hinds at his scenic Naniki Restaurant
and Lush Life Resort in St. Joseph, Barbados. It debuted in Barbados on January 17 and will head to
St. Vincent on its next stop.
Hinds hopes this will be start of a long-standing festival and has deliberately targeted countries that
do not currently host jazz festivals with hopes of changing the regional jazz scene.
NIGHTLIFE - Festivals - The Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari March 1 and 2, 2013
Naniki Jazz goes to Antigua
Fri, March 01, 2013 - 12:00 AM
The second leg of the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari, set for today and tomorrow in Antigua is
expected to span long-term benefits.
Jazz musicians as well as the Antigua Tourism Authority have cited many expected returns, lauding
organizer Tom Hinds for his innovation in bringing the festival to the region.
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In welcoming the Safari to Antigua, after its successful January launch in Barbados, chief executive
officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, said: “The Naniki
[Caribbean] Jazz Safari is a great addition to our local events calendar in Antigua and Barbuda
and will allow us to showcase the destination as the idyllic backdrop for the smooth rhythms and
sultry sounds of jazz.
“This jazz festival will encourage travellers to visit . . . and is a great addition to an island’s events
calendar.”
Canadian drummer Archie Alleyne, on the cards for the festival, said: “It is extremely important and
gives local musicians the opportunity to perform. Musicians study for years and need to be
appreciated and this provides such a forum.”
The artiste is no stranger to Antigua, having performed there in the past.
The Antigua leg of the Naniki Caribbean Jazz Safari will feature, along with Alleyne, Cameron
Pierre, Danny Mixon and Derek McKeith at the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre and the
Shirley Heights Lookout.
The safari debuted in Barbados on January 17 and will head to St Vincent on its next stop. (NS/PR)
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Derek McKeith Thrills ‘Em at Antigua Observer/ Naniki Caribbean
Jazz Safari
*Last weekend (March 1-3) the Traveling Guitar Foundation, along with Van Taylor Productions and the
Jaris Reed Group conducted music and film workshops for secondary school students in Antigua. The
programs were sponsored by BulLion Entertainment in conjunction with the Naniki Caribbean Jazz
Safari Festival series.
Soul/blues rocker Derek McKeith and his trio opened the second show of the festival at Antigua’s
Shirley Heights outdoor venue. McKeith (Director, West Coast School Programs, Traveling Guitar
Foundation) also hosted the musicians’ workshop with Tim Webb, Van Taylor, and Anre’ DaCosta
(Director of Business Development, TGF), The program included a presentation of brand new acoustic
and electric guitars to four schools. The instruments were donated by TGF Founder Damon Marks,
Schecter Guitars and BulLion Entertainment.
Speaking of Derek McKeith. Here’s what writer/reviewer Kyle Christian of the Observer Media Group
had to say:
“A true entertainer, he ventured off the stage to serenade the audience directly. He entertained the
crowd with his interpretation of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You,’ complete with MJ-esque dance
moves and high-pitched vocals.”
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For further information:
SFa Communications Inc. Barbados
Email: info@sfacommunications.com
Tel: + 1 246 435-3423 (Office) or + 1 246 255 0901 (cell)
Grenada Associate: Premier Events
Michaele Hercules Email: michaele.hercules@gmail.com
Tel: + 1 473 440 1777 (Office)
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