Trinidad and Tobago’s Foremost Jazz Concert Producer Introduces Annual Music Education Programme For At-Risk Youth


Photo: The talented youth musicians of the Holistic Music School Band led by Dr. Patricia Dardaine-Ragguet warm up the JAOTG 2011 crowd in their welcome performance.

February 28, 2012 - Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago... To mark the decennial anniversary of Production One Limited’s flagship event, Jazz Artists on the Greens (JAOTG), the veteran event management company will launch an annual music education programme, JazZ BuddZ, at an invitation-only cocktail reception on Friday March 16, 2012. Trinidad and Tobago’s premier jazz concert producer will celebrate a decade of excellence in concert production with the introduction of this groundbreaking programme aimed at bringing members of the community, classical and jazz musicians and the Production One team together with a goal to provide music training for Trinidad and Tobago’s at-risk youth.

Having established itself as a major contributor to creating a forum for Caribbean jazz music in the region, Production One’s chairman, Anton Doyle, reflected, “2012 is a special one as we look back on our achievements with the successes of our annual open-air concert, JAOTG, and our live music series, SONGBIRDS…live. We are focused on giving thanks and giving back as we strive to cultivate a new generation of Caribbean musicians.” In it’s inaugural year, the JazZ BuddZ programme will grant scholarships to ten youth from rural and under privileged communities across Trinidad and Tobago offering training in the disciplines of singing, steelpan, piano, drums and percussion and wind and string instruments. “We are passionate about this venture that aims to bring a rewarding experience to the lives of young people who may not otherwise be afforded such an opportunity,” shared Doyle.

The concert producer is looking towards partnerships with the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Academy for the Performing Arts at NAPA; various ministries including the Ministry of the People and Social Development, the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, the Ministry of Community Development, the Ministry of Sport, and the Ministry of Education; the Entertainment Company of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T Ent); the Classical Music Development Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (CMDFTT); and various children’s homes and youth and social organisations across the country in order to increase the reach of this venture and maximise it’s potential for success.

As Production One seeks to increase it’s social responsibility and grow Caribbean jazz music audiences by inculcating an appreciation for the art-form in young minds, jazz and world music lovers are invited to celebrate ten years of Caribbean jazz at JAOTG 2012 on March 24 at the Greens at Farm Road, St. Joseph. For more information visit the JAOTG website at www.jaotg.org or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JAOTG or the Twitter page at www.twitter.com/JAOTG or email jaotg@estuarypr.com.

WHAT: Invitation-only launch of the JazZ BuddZ Programme

WHO: Production One Limited

WHEN: Friday March 16, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.