Drummer Desi Jones’ commitment to live music will be honoured during Skool’s Out, a concert scheduled for Johnny’s Place in Kingston on February 21, on the occasion of Jones’ 66th birthday.

It will feature established as well as up-and-coming musicians, including his son Joshua Jones, a bass guitarist.

Kerrian Henry of skooljamaica.com, organisers of the event, told the Jamaica Observer, “We are going with instrumentalists only, because these are the folks who made the soundscape of Jamaican music. We want to develop that soundscape and display peak creativity and innovation.”

She continues: “The entire company and event is a tribute to Desi. Hence, why we are launching Skool’s Out as well as our online courses on his birthday. We want this event to be upful vibes, just more life and more music.”

Heading the cast of musicians is keyboardist Chris McDonald, a close friend of Desi Jones. They were members of Skool, the band Desi Jones formed in 1988.

Violinist Jheanelle “Yinga” Owens, guitarist Kenroy Mullings, drummer Makiri Whyte, and the Top Brass Band will also perform.

Desi Jones, the respected drummer, died from a heart attack in May last year. He had an impressive career, playing with the Sonny Bradshaw Band, Chalice, Jimmy Cliff, Monty Alexander, and Skool.

— Howard Campbell