Photo: Xavier Strings perform at Signal Hill

The momentum continued to build on the road to the Pigeon Point Heritage Park as the Tobago Jazz Experience rolled into Signal Hill for Hillside Jazz last night.

Dubbed ‘Heaven on a Hill’, the close-knit community opened its arms to thousands of visitors who attended the second concert of the nine-day event.

The stage at the Signal Hill Recreational Grounds hosted an engaging cast for jazz purists and contemporary music fans alike. Amidst the delicious aromas wafting from the food court and the colorful creations available for purchase in the craft corner, patrons settled in for a relaxing night of jazz, gospel, R&B and the softer side of soca.

Synergy Soca Star alum, Kimba Sorzano, delivered an energetic performance of his own brand of Caribbean-contemporary music, including hits like ‘Over You’ and ‘Maria’.

Violin duo, Xavier Strings, thrilled the audience with their dynamic instrumental repertoire. The sisters covered popular songs from artistes like Adele and Bunji Garlin, but they also showed their playful side with a jazzed-up rendition of the schoolyard game, ‘Brown Girl in the Ring’.

Son-of-the-soil, Positive, showcased his unique blend of gospel and reggae, getting the crowd ready to receive the night’s headliner, Isaac Blackman.

Blackman wrapped up a night of memorable performances by delivering one of his own. Fans were treated to a sample of the performer’s new songs, but of course it was his old hit ‘To the Ceiling’ that proved to be the crowd favorite.

Hillside Jazz also brought new acts to the attention of music lovers. Several TJE audition candidates made their debut last night, including vocalists Stephanie Winchester, Dinicia Benjamin, Samuel Duncan and Mariska Melville; as well as the jazz band, J Major, who shared the stage with veteran jazz singer, Patti Rogers.

Next on the schedule are the Edu-Jazz workshops for music students at Goodwood High School and Bishop’s High School on April 22 and 23, respectively. The concerts continue from April 24 with the New Orleans styled Jazz on the Waterfront at the Milford Road Esplanade.

The Division of Tourism and Transportation and all TJE corporate sponsors look forward to seeing you there!