MoBay set for 'Sax Appeal'

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:In a bid to showcase Montego Bay as a diverse entertainment destination, Alvin McBean of Wi Deh Ya Production will stage a musical evening, Sax Appeal, at the Montego Bay Community College on Sunday, May 19.

Sax Appeal will feature jazz and classical musicians such as pianist Dr Kathy Brown, percussionist and tap dancer Ouida Lewis, jazz vocalist Jennifer Edwards, and saxophonist Nicholas Laraque.

Jamaican-born Ouida Lewis has lived in The Netherlands for 13 years. There, she has performed as a percussionist, dancer, and has done some acting in a number of theatre groups. She has also given workshops and taught private classes in West African drumming and dance for adults and children throughout The Netherlands.

Dr Kathy Brown is a Jamaican pianist, jazz instrumentalist, and a medical doctor by profession. She has been playing the piano since the age of five and she was nominated in 2008 for the Jamaica Music Award for her debut CD Mission: A Musical Journey, which was released in 2007.

"Montego Bay is more than just parties. We have a number of musicians who have the capacity to deliver an excellent show outside of Jamaica Jazz and Blues, and Sax Appeal is the forum we use to display their musical talent. This is the third time we are staging the event," McBean said.

The promoter said the event is staged every other month. However, a break was taken last year because of limited sponsorship.

"To many persons in Montego Bay, these musicians are unknown, but once you attend the show you leave with an experience that is second to none. The idea is to give residents in Montego Bay something different and merge these amazing acts with a wider audience. We'd like to expand the entertainment scene in the city to include those icons within their own right and grow an appreciation for this kind of music. We need the support of residents and corporate sponsors," he said.