SCARBOROUGH, Tobago: Nine time Grammy award winner, John Legend, will be joined by R&B singer, Brandy, singer-songwriter, Keyshia Cole and the masters of soul, Earth, Wind & Fire as the international headline acts for the 6th Annual Tobago Jazz Experience, which takes place from April 19 to 27, 2014.
 
The announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation, Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, at the official launch of the Tobago Jazz Experience 2014, which took place on December 11, 2013 at Paprika Restaurant and Bar, Port-of-Spain.
 
The Division initially launched the festival at the World Travel Market 2013 in London, UK in November. The international launch is one of several strategic steps being taken to raise the visibility of the event in the travel market.
 
“The Tobago Jazz Experience is a very significant event on the calendar because it has the potential to bring thousands of domestic and international visitors to the destination,” Davidson-Celestine said. “As such, we are ready to take the event to the next level and planning is well on the way for next year with all key stakeholders on board.”
 
Among the initiatives being coordinated for the benefit of patrons traveling to the island for the 2014 edition of the concert series are favorable early-bird accommodation rates being offered by select property owners. The air- and sea-bridges are also being reinforced with Caribbean Airlines adding 22 new flights to its domestic route, as well as the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago agreeing to increase the ferry sailings between the islands during this period.
 
The nine-day event will include concerts in Speyside, Signal Hill, Scarborough, Castara, and the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, named among the best 100 beaches in the world by CNN.
 
John Legend, whose hit singles include ‘Ordinary People’, ‘Tonight’ and most recently, ‘All of Me’, will perform at the World Music Night concert on Friday, April 25. He will share the stage with singer and actress, Brandy. Earth, Wind and Fire and Keyshia Cole will be featured at the grand finale Beach Jazz Fiesta concert, which takes place on Sunday, April 27.
 
Along with new talent on the stage, several new elements have been added to the island-wide festival:
 
Monday, April 21: Mt. Pleasant Sports Day, Mt. Pleasant Recreational Grounds
Tuesday, April 22: Buccoo Goat Races, Buccoo Integrated Facility
Saturday, April 26: Youthopia, Pigeon Point Heritage Park
 
Tickets for general admission cost $80 US. VIP admission costs $150 US.
 
Patrons attending next year’s Tobago Jazz Experience are promised a dynamic cast of local, regional and international acts, as well as a wide variety of mouthwatering cuisine and exciting fringe activities that will combine to create an all-encompassing festival that truly is “much more than music”.