Women's group gets jazzed up

Christine Marrett, proprietor of Two Seasons Guest House, recently presented a cheque to the Treasure Beach Women's Group (TBWG). The funds were part proceeds of the Treasure Beach Jazz Escape, the south coast leg of the International Jamaica Ocho Rios Jazz Festival held in June.

Jason Henzel of Jake's described Treasure Beach Jazz Escape, held on the grounds of Two Seasons Guest House, as "well produced and of top quality, adding to the entertainment offerings on the south coast".

The show featured Jamaica's top jazz artistes: Desi Jones on drums and his friends - Christopher McDonald, keyboard; Dale Brown, bass; Rupert Bent, guitar; Dean Barnett, pan; and Michael Harris, vocals. Kathy Brown was on keyboards, while Ouida Lewis was on percussion. One of Jamaica's foremost songbirds, Karen Smith, was also in attendance, while tap dancer and saxophonist, Idris Ackamoor, lent an international flavour.

Treasure Beach's own Shane Drummers called proceedings to order at the start of each of the two segments. Comedian Michael Abrahams was the emcee for the night.

The selector was Albert Chevers of Soul Chev disco, while catering was provided by Frenchman's Reef Restaurant and Bar, and pastries by TBWG.

Artwork exhibited

Artwork by La Galerie de Sebastian was on exhibition and for sale.

Treasure Beach Jazz Escape was presented by Two Seasons Guest House, in association with the two charities, Treasure Beach Women's Group Benevolent Society, and the Open Heart Charitable Mission, Montego Bay.

Support for the event was provided by properties and companies in the area - Jake's, Treasure Beach Hotel, Sunset Resort and Villas, Button Bay Beach Getaway, Mar Blue Suites, Inn at Great Bay, Calabash House, C.A. Parchment and Son, Treasure Tours, Treasurebeach.net and by Appleton Estate and Tru-Juice.

There are plans to make it an annual event, with the next staging tentatively set for June 18, 2011.