'Twas no easy task getting Celine Dion ... say Jazz and Blues organisers

With international superstar Celine Dion headlining the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival next January, the organisers also have a number of others things planned to make this the biggest staging of the event.

The Canadian-born singer has been performing at back-to-back shows in Las Vegas for months. However, she will be taking a break from the lengthy series to perform at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on January 27, 2012 at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium in Falmouth.

But it was no easy task for the event's organiser, Walter Elmore, to get her in the island. And now, after two years of trying, he says the artiste will be making her first appearance in the island at the festival that will run from January 26 to 28.

He described booking her as "extremely" difficult. "Two years of working on it to make it happen," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

Elmore continued: "I brought her agent to Jamaica, in 2010, to show her the calibre of event that we do. They were happy with Jamaica and how we treat people. Every little thing helped to make it work."

The organiser said they might have got some additional boost from an HBO documentary on the festival that was subsequently sent to her agent. And, when her appearance was finally confirmed, Elmore said he was overjoyed.

"It was very emotional when they finally said yes. Having an artiste of this calibre, it is something I have been dreaming about for 17 years. I think it's an amazing present for Jamaica's 50th [Independence]. It will be special for a lot of people," he said.

With an artiste such as Celine Dion, it is only fair to expect a price increase. However, Elmore said there would only be a slight adjustment.

"For that night, not substantially more, maybe 20 to 25 per cent more," he said, noting that early-bird tickets will go on sale tomorrow, November 21.

Celebrating Jamaica at 50

Elmore said January's staging of the event will be very special as the first night will be dedicated to celebrating Jamaica's 50th year of Independence. Confirmed for that night are performers such as Shaggy, Yellowman, Toots Hibbert, John Holt, Marcia Griffiths and Half Pint.

"The festival is Jamaica Jazz and Blues; it really belongs to Jamaica. It's been a part of Jamaica for 17 years. I just know it's the fitting thing to. It's only right to celebrate our music. We have to celebrate it and we have to be proud of what we have accomplished," he said.

Other acts confirmed for the three-day festival are Kelly Rowland, Gentleman, Richie Stephens, Destra Garcia, The Temptations, Nicole Henry and Jully Blacks. More acts will be announced later this week.

And, with a stellar line-up, Elmore has high expectations.

"I am pretty sure everybody will want to come. If I get the acts that I am trying to get, I think Saturday will be a very good night. The buzz is very big," he told The Sunday Gleaner, adding that hotel rooms on the North coast are almost fully booked already.

"I think it will be the biggest jazz festival the Caribbean has ever seen. When the tickets go on sale, I really expect people to grab them."

Elmore also added that a special package is being arranged with JUTC to bring people from around the island to the event. He says there will also be a special discount for the Thursday night on which 'Jamaica 50' will be celebrated.