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Tobago Jazz Fest Chronicles Pt. 3

First of all, congrats to Carol Ann and Chris on tying the knot on Sat Apr 29th! Thanks for allowing us to share in all the love and bliss. With our batteries partially recharged (we going on less than 8 hours sleep since Wed night... no joke), it was early movements to get back to Jazz Fest in Tobago. After getting set up by Caribbean Airlines with some wrong flight information, we decided to hop on the next flight out with Tobago Express. Wap wap, ticket purchased; to the gate for the 12:30pm flight. Why it is that when come time to board, I man don't have ah boarding pass?? 12:30 flight.... gone! Back to the Tobago Express counter for a boarding pass for the 1:00pm flight out now. Small ting!

TJJ Red Team (now an Army of One) airborne, and we flying with Machel Montano HD, who was making their way back from Barbados. Land at Crown Point Int'l, link up El Bandito, and the 1st order was some local Tobago food. Today, ah go try the curry goat with rice, cassava and corn on the cob. *licking meh fingers* .... man, dem Tobagoians can cook! We decided to take in the early part of Jazz from Turtle Beach Resort, just a few hundred feet from the venue, as we had some drinks while looking at the sunset. Life in the 'Caribe' nice eh!! When the clock struck 5, the show kicked off (yes, tings started on time) with one of the local acts. However, around 6pm, we heard MCs Jus Jase and Adrian Don Mora announcing the next performer.... Al Green. Are you kidding me? Let's just say, Al sounded great from the shower! We don't believe we actually missed hearing his classic "Let's Stay Together"!! Okay please excuse us, it's our 1st official year covering the festival, so come next year, we know better.

We then linked up the TJJ Blue Team, caught the shuttle and arrived on Plymouth Recreation Grounds around 7pm. World-renowned American band Earth, Wind and Fire was already on stage. This is the group that has received twenty Grammy Award nominations, and won six. This is the group with classic hits like "Fantasy", "That's the Way of the World" and "September". They had Jazz fans jammin' as they took us down memory lane with their 70s and 80s tunes. Earth, Wind and Fire definitely had the chemistry and energy as the first day they started the band.

Next to perform was the "Rocket Man" Sir Elton John. Now we're sure you heard about all the controversy; where the Archdeacon of Trinidad and Tobago wanted to ban the openly gay singer from the show, claiming that Elton would promote homosexuality on the island. The ting make both local and foreign news (TMZ.com, Reuters) ... just google for "Elton John and Plymouth Jazz Festival". Nevertheless, the promoters stuck to their guns. "This country should be honored to have Sir Elton John perform in Tobago." Event organizer, Anthony Maharaj also said, "Elton John is coming as what he is, one of the world greatest performers." Let's just say for the records, Sir Elton came to Tobago and gave a stellar two-hour performance! Fans (gay or not) couldn't get enough of Elton as he sung his heart away while playing his imported Yamaha grand piano. "Rocket Man", "Daniel", "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", "Sad Songs (Say So Much)", "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Candle In The Wind" were just some of his hits that had the Plymouth crowd swaying or begging for more. Elton created a true feeling of peace and romance in lil' Tobago, as fans couldn't help but to sing along. Sir Elton was definitely the highlight for the night in our humble opinion. Kudos Elton!

After Elton John wrapped up his performance around 10pm, there was a huge display of fireworks which lasted for about 10-15 minutes. If we recall correctly, Kool and the Gang's "Celebrate" was playing as the Tobago's sky lit up. People were were soaking everything in.... and we're sure Monday work was the last thing on one's mind!! In keeping with past tradition, Machel Montano HD closed off the show; adding the icing to the cake for the 3-day event. If you caught Machel for TnT Carnival 2007 season or for his grand shows at Madision Square Garden, you know the kind of energy he brings to the stage day in, day out. For a minute, it was Carnival all over again at Plymouth Jazz Festival as the crowd wined, jumped and waved to all of Machel's tunes. Close to the end of Machel's performance, he called West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara on stage, as he sung the first verse for "We Not Giving Up". The crowd applauded, surprised as Lara joined Machel on stage. Machel asked for silence as he dedicated a new song, specifically written for the recently retired batsman. Afterwards, the emotional Lara thanked everyone for their support and loyalty. It was nice to see two of TnT icons pay respect to one another. Lara, we're sad to see you go!

"Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah..... Jumbie, Jumbie dem". The TJJ Blue Team already caught the shuttle bus early o'clock; ensuring there was no repeat of Saturday night's drama, but we decided to lime til de end, as we did the jumbie dance with some frens of the Jungle. The Fat Lady has sung.... Plymouth Jazz Festival 2007 was official over! A special thanks to CL Communications for accommodating us. It was a great experience, and Trini Jungle Juice will definitely be back come 2008. We done hear talk that the line up with be CRAZZZZZZYYYYY!! The lime continues at The Shade in Bon Accord.

TJJ singing out from the shores of Tobago, W.I

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Related Galleries
Plymouth Jazz Festival 2007 ... Day 1
Plymouth Jazz Festival 2007 ... Day 2