Swedish band comes to Ochi Jazz

The Swedish group Mynta is set to ignite the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, when they open the 21st Annual Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival tomorrow. Pre-show cocktails will be served from 7 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m.

Mynta presents an eclectic mix of rhythms, with band members coming from diverse places such as India, Africa, Latin America, Cuba and Brazil.

The group, which is celebrating over 30 years of making music, was founded in 1979 by Swedish bassist Christian Paulin and has evolved from its original make-up as a typical jazz band into one of the world's top ensembles, creating a true fusion of jazz-influenced world music. Spontaneity is integral to Mynta's performances and each concert is designed to be fresh and new for the audience.

Mynta has performed at several major festivals in Dubai, India and China, as well as Hungary, Belgium and Denmark.

Sharing the stage with Mynta will be N'Faly Kouyate, a Guinean musician, along with some of Jamaica's standout musicians who continue to dazzle local as well as international audiences. Among them are saxophonist Dean Fraser, Canadian singer Kiralina and Whylie Wrhythm, as well as the Edna Manley Drum Ensemble.

Fashion show

With 2011 being the International Year of People of African Descent, the concert will also feature a fashion show displaying African designs, courtesy of the Nigeria-Jamaica Society.

The Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival continues with a Jazz Brunch at Hotel Four Seasons, Ruthven Road, St Andrew, on Sunday and free concerts from Monday, June 13 through to Friday, June 17 in the Ocean Village Shopping Centre, Ocho Rios, St Ann, at 4 p.m. daily. There will also be nightly Jazz Jams at Hotel Four Seasons, designated the Kingston Jazz Village, and at the Sunset Jamaica Grand Resort, the Ocho Rios Jazz Village.

Other satellite events to take place during Jazz Week include concerts at Glen's Jazz Club and Restaurant in Tower Isle, St Mary, on Friday, June 17; the Jamaica Palace Hotel, Portland, on June 18 at 8 p.m., and in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, at the Two Seasons Guest House on June 18 as well.

The Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival closes on Sunday, June 19 with a free public concert at the Turtle Beach Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, starting at noon.