Jazz hits and misses
Published:Tuesday | February 3, 2015 | 1:57 PM
Jazz hits and misses
WESTERN BUREAU:
Josey Wales, Arturo Tappin, Pointer Sisters, Charlie Wilson, Richie Stephens, Morgan Heritage, Magic! and SOJA were the toast of the 2015 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival from January 29-31.
The three-day event at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium did not receive the crowd support of previous years, neither did it take favour with many patrons, who forked out thousands of dollars to see the much-touted superstar Mariah Carey, who was a major disappointment.
The Grammy Award-winning artiste, who changed costumes four times during her hour-and-a-half performance, failed miserably at lip syncing her own songs, forgot her lines, and fidgeted with her hair.
It was Josey Wales who took Thursday night's show, Arturo Tappin stole Friday, and Charlie Wilson who saved jazz.
The food vendors were probably the happiest this year because they didn't have to compete with the booth holders, who cut down on costs and served beverages only.
Again, the Flow booth was the most sought-after, and a new Super VIP booth had many non-VIPs clamouring for access.
RIU Resorts and Royalton White Sands carried all the cool people, while the medical doctors' booth, which has become a staple on the grounds of the stadium, was a hit.
Cafe BluÈ's coffee was a welcome change as was Lorraine Fung's escoveitched fish and bammy. The sugar cane and coconut vendors also had patrons asking for more.