[UPDATED] Promoter to host Tobago Jazz, but no THA support yet

THERE will be jazz in Tobago after all.

Despite the THA's cancellation of the annual Tobago Jazz Experience, Trinidad-based promotion company BlackTwoSugars, hosts of Jazz on the Beach 2023, has announced an inaugural Tobago Jazz & Music Weekend.

In a media release on March 11, the promoters promised, from April 25-28, a slate of events suited to every budget and appetite.

Included in the musical cast are Bajan Grammy winner saxophonist Arturo Tappin, Trinidad jazz ensemble Elan Parle, Caribbean jazz queen Vaughnette Bigford and Tobago’s own Kye De Vere and Kay Alleyne.

The action begins on April 25 with Jazz the Two of Us at Beverley’s Oasis, Lowlands. Then, on April 26, there will be a poolside cooler lime dubbed Come Een, at Cinro Manor Villa, Lowlands.

The weekend continues at the headline, premium-drinks-inclusive event, Beachfront Jazz, at Starfish hotel, Turtle Beach.

The jazz climaxes with Brunch on the Greens at the Fairways Restaurant & Lounge, Lowlands.

BlackTwo Sugars committee member Alex Alexander told Newsday on March 11 that the company is keen to fill the void left by the THA.

"I really think this a good opportunity for private entities to really assist with the tourism situation.

"What we're trying to do is work with other private entities to collectively bring that momentum and that volume of people that Tobagonians expect, so that the industry can be booming. That is our goal – to spearhead the entire new era of private entities doing jazz in Tobago."

He said last year's Jazz on the Beach in Mt Irvine, which was held during Tobago Jazz Experience, was well attended and enjoyed by all.

"This year we changed the venue to Starfish, and that decision was made about six months ago. It's the same experience, but the difference is, we're doing three days of events rather than just one day. This all came in light of THA not doing jazz any more."

In a media release on March 8, the Tobago Festivals Commission announced the scrapping of the Tobago Jazz Experience, but said it was "excited to announce our support for private events that will be held during the traditional period for the Tobago Jazz Experience."

Asked if the THA is one of the sponsors of this year's event, Alexander said, "They aren't at this time...We have requests inside, but because of budgetary reasons, they're saying they can't do anything major, or anything at all, really."

Despite the lack of THA support to date and the event's being just six weeks away, Alexander believes it will be a success.

"Our target market is foreigners, which includes America. We have a huge following, which we incurred last year. They're already planning their trips.

"Of course they're a little disappointed that there isn't the main stage, which is the international artistes, but they're well pleased we are proving jazz artistes."

He said the interest from other Caribbean countries has been high, with Bajans and Guyanese keen on coming to the event.

Individual event ticket prices range from $100 to $700.

This story was originally published with the title "Tobago Jazz & Music Weekend from April 25-28" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THERE will be jazz in Tobago after all.

Despite the THA's cancellation of the annual Tobago Jazz experience, promotion company BlackTwoSugars, hosts of Jazz on the Beach 2023, has announced the inaugural hosting of the Tobago Jazz & Music Weekend, scheduled for April 25-28.

In a media release on March 11, the promoters promised a slate of events suited to every budget and appetite.

Included in the musical cast are Bajan Grammy winner Arturo Tappin, Trinidad’s finest jazz ensemble Elan Parle featuring Caribbean jazz queen Vaughnette Bigford, and Tobago’s very own Kye De Vere and Kay Alleyne.

The action begins on April 25 with Jazz the Two of Us at Beverley’s Oasis, Lowlands. Then, on April 26, there will be a poolside cooler lime dubbed Come Een, at Cinro Manor Villa, Lowlands.

The weekend continues at the headline, premium drinks-inclusive event, Beachfront Jazz, at Starfish hotel, Turtle Beach.

And the jazz climaxes with Brunch on the Greens at The Fairways Restaurant & Lounge, Lowlands.

Individual event tickets range from TT$100 to TT$700.