Preparations for the 12th annual Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay to be staged next Thursday are now in high gear.

The event, which has the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) as title sponsors this year, will bring together the likes of R&B legend, Lionel Richie; soul crooner, Robin Thicke; London songbird, Estelle, Ashford and Simpson, Lou Gramm of Chicago and Jazz and Blues icon Randy Crawford accompanied by Joe Sample, for three nights of musical magic.

Organiser Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions is promising that the event, which draws an average crowd of 40,000 annually, will be the best ever this year. “Mobay is definitely the place to be next weekend,” said Elmore enthusiastically. “Everybody should be here. This is where it’s at.”

Thousands of patrons are expected to come in from all over the island and overseas for one of the most highly anticipated musical events on the calendar. Already construction is feverishly underway at the Acqueduct at Rose Hall where the event has been staged for the past

two years.

According to Elmore every effort is being made this year to ensure the maximum comfort and convenience of music lovers. “The skyboxes have already been put in, the main entrances are up and all the high tech equipment coming in from overseas have already been shipped and is presently on route here. We are very much ahead of schedule.”

He said he was also expecting similar crowds this year despite the downturn in the global economy, with hotels reporting solid bookings. “The hotels are doing very well, they are running high occupancy and that is good considering that we have more rooms this year with the opening of several new hotels in the area.”

Traffic management and parking will again receive maximum attention this year according to Elmore. To this end two experts in the field have been drafted. There are also preparations for additional parking as well as additional walkways for the venue.

To prevent a recurrence of last year’s fiasco featuring Diana Ross who angered fans by refusing to be filmed on big screen, the organisers say all performers have been informed they will be filmed on big screen during the event.

Local acts will also get a chance to showcase their talent on the Art of Music (talent/smaller) stage. Auditions started in Kingston on Tuesday and today a number of acts are lined up for Coral Cliff in Montego Bay to audition for a chance to represent on the small stage. Among them are seasoned cabaret singers and bands featuring upcoming musicians from the west.

Acts lined up to audition for the talent stage include Oneil Peart of Rising Stars fame, popular crooner Czar, Random Chaos and the Three Twelve Band. Those auditioning in Montego Bay today include the Air Jamaica Choir, the D’Hugade Band, Basil Karousa and cabaret singer, Sean Campbell.

Talent stage co-ordinator Mitch Watson says some 10 to 15 acts will be selected from a pool of about 40 to play on the small stage over the three days of the festival. Judges include Ibo Cooper, music lecturer Maurice Gordon and Ewan Simpson musician and attorney-at-law.

“We’ll be selecting the best of the best and these performers will go on to be our opening acts for next year,” he explained.

He added that the acts also get a chance to perform in other Caribbean islands where Turnkey Productions stages other Jazz festivals.

Popular entertainers who received their start on the Jazz and Blues small stage include Tessanne Chin and Roots Underground.

Keril’s picks

January 15…………………………………….Coral Cliff

Auditions for the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Talent Stage acts. Come see local singers and bands vie for a chance to represent on the Art of Music (smaller) stage at Jazz and Blues next weekend. Starts at 9 pm, admission free.

January 16………………………………Montego Bay

Copacabana Fridays at Blue Beat by the Sea this and every Friday. Come vibez to the beats of Latin, European North American and Caribbean Jams with DJ Irie Latino. Include 2 for 1 Cuban livres and all night bottle specials.

January 17………………………………Montego Bay

The Kiwanis Club of Providence presents Kiwanis in Concert 2009 at the Holy Trinity Church Hall at Westgate. Special guest performances by E.T. Webster and Karen Smith gate prize a trip to Miami or a Caribbean island care of Air Jamaica.

January 18…………………………..Lethe, St James

Come enjoy Sunday Poetry this and every second Sunday of each month. Spend an afternoon with friends and the spoken word at Ellis Piece, Lethe – home of the Coconut Festival. Gates open at 2.00 pm. Entry free; books, flowers, food and drinks on sale.

January 20……………………Sam Sharpe Square

Ras Actor Black and friends present the “Yes We Can: Celebration the Possibilities” celebrations in honour of the inauguration of US President Barrack Obama at the Civic Centre. Admission free.

January 31………………………..Fairfield Theatre

Come see the opening of Fairfield’s latest production, CONCUBINE, an Actor Boy award-winning comedy that looks at the issues of common law relationships in Jamaica and the rights of the individuals involved particularly the woman. Stars Makeda Solomon and Tony Rodney. Tickets available at $1000. Show starts at 8 p.m. Group rates available.