In this the tenth anniversary of their partnership with the Jazz Festival, sponsor Heineken is using its clout to thrust some entertainers into the spotlight.

Thus, what was formerly known as the small stage, ensconced in some obscure corner during the festival and from where some of the lesser known entertainers performed, will be moved smack dab to the middle of the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny to give prominence to some of the emerging acts destined for greater things.

According to Heineken Brand Manager Kerri-Ann Evans some of Jamaica’s biggest musical stars got their first big break on the small stage that will now be called the Heineken Star Stage. She names Etana and Roots Underground as being among those who once performed there and used it as a stepping stone to greater things.

Among this year’s crop of emerging acts will be the Hard Knock Band, Leba, Suzanne Couch, Chanty-I, Gibby, Black Zebra and Claudine Edwards among others. Members of the public who may not be familiar with the names can catch them during some pre-Jazz performances at the Deck in Kingston and Blue Beat in Montego Bay starting this Thursday night. “We’re giving them this exposure so people can begin to anticipate their performances,” she said.

During the actual festival that begins on Sunday, January 23 and ends of the 29th, Evans explains, as soon as the acts on the main stage cease, the audience will be able to turn their attention to the Heineken Star Stage either by turning their attention to the centre of the venue or watch the live feed that will be available on giant screens throughout the venue.