“This is history for us tonight, we have never performed so late in our career!” declared Russell Hitchcock after belting out Even The Nights Are Better to the delight of their die hard fans who braved the rain, stayed the course for the festival’s latest kick-off time. Air Supply hit the stage just after 3 o’clock, and their fans dared not miss a beat.

“We are going to have fun all night, who wants to fall in love?” Russell asked before once again diving into their huge catalogue of love songs which seemed to have pumped new life and energy into the impressive turnout the festival attracted on its final night.

Air Supply delivered treasures such as Just As I Am, Chances Are, Power Of Love, Lost In Love, Here I Am (as Russell walked through the crowd and giving fans the chance to belt out a note to this popular number)

It was obvious that there is a love affair between the group and the adoring fans as they simply could not get enough of them

Preceding Air Supply was the daughter of one of the greatest singer ever lived – Natalie Cole. Her dad shoes fit just perfectly as she came on stage and delivered an ultra smooth performance.

Her sweet, clear voice rang out in the cool morning air, warming the hearts of her listeners.

Starting off her set with Fever, ensuring the temperature was as hot as she wanted it she made her way through hits such as Miss You Like Crazy, Somewhere in the Hills, Mr Melody, Inseparable, Love On My Mind before delivering Everlasting Love. Just when it seemed the crowd was in for a disappointment in not hearing one of the classics, MC Paula Ann Porter Jones came to the rescue with the encore call, the fans screamed in delight and heartfelt appreciation when she started the first notes of Our Love.

After a lengthy delay due to rain, Committed took the stage, although their bio lists them as Christian artistes, it was all about love songs. Too Late To Apologise, Let’s Stay Together, and You Got It Bad gave the crowd who forked out their money to enjoy the jazz experience a reason to stand in the rain and enjoy the group’s performance.

Laura Izibor gave a smooth performance in between sitting around her keyboard and working she stage she performed songs such as I Don’t Want You Back, Don’t Stay, How Can I and I’ll Be Your Baby.

Izibor was all about one love drama after another – be it heartbreak, getting over or just being in love. It didn’t matter the message, the crowd was more than willing to cheer her on.

The artiste dubbed the promise of tomorrow, Chris DeMontague made the band change experience bearable. If his delivery is anything to go by then we can agree with Soul Train that it won’t be long before his name will be ringing on the lips of lovers of great music. With a powerful rendition of Sam Cooke’s Change Is Gonna Come, the upcoming star made his exit.

Tarrus Riley was next and what a performance he gave! He kicked off his highly charged set with Lion Paw before working his way through hits such as Cut It Off, Human Nature, Beware, Stay With You, She’s Royal and Good Girl Gone Bad. During his stint he also teased the crowd with some upcoming acts in his camp, but what stood out was his onstage rivalry with saxophonist Dean Fraser — whatever note he drew the musical maestro was more than up to the challenge — delighting fans with the great notes that permeated the field.

Returning to the stage for an encore performance (after the Babyface recent concert) was The Silver Birds Steel Orchestra, which is giving steel pan music the shot in the arm it needs. This definitely not your father’s steel pan band. Their adaptations of various dancehall and pop songs, went over well with the audience.

Over all, the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival held at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, was a hit with the many visitors and locals alike. So, what’s in store for 2012, Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary?

According to Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett, he has challenged promoter Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions to try sourcing the top international acts of the past 50 years and the best of the local artistes since independence for the line-up for 2012.