Cayman Island Jazz Fest 08 – ALL THAT & THEN SOME!

Sonya goes to The Cayman Jazz Festival 08	Actor & Singer Terrance Howard with Sonya
Terrance Howard performed the first night at The Cayman Jazz Fest, but enjoyed the beach the following days	Terrance takes time to pose with the ladies on Seven Mile Beach -Cayman Islands
Kim, Sherry & Sonya	Kim, Sherry & Sonya.

View from the Ritz Carlton	Anita Baker
Fireworks on the Cayman Islands	Friday night Jazz Fest 08
Michael Bolton.	Friday night Jazz Fest 08 - Michael Bolton.
Greg & Gena from Atlanta	Berry, Darren, Roydell and Peterkin.
Jazz Fest 08 Cassandra Wilson	Jazz Fest 08 Gerald Albright
Jazz Fest 08 Thurs Terrence Howard	Jazz Fest 08 Thurs Terrence Howard
Kenneth Bryan, News 27 Reporter - Grand Cayman	Kevin, who lives on the Grand Cayman Island, with lovely ladies from D.C. and Atlanta.
Sonya arrives at the Cayman Jazz Fest	Longtime friends Kim, Sherry and Sonya meet in Cayman to celebrate Sherry's birthday and Jam at the Cayman Jazz Fest.
Jazz artist Norman Brown	Michael Bolton.
Cayman Jazz Fest	Malcolm Jamal Warner
Robin Thicke	Sat night Jazz fest - Robin Thicke
Sat night Jazz fest - Anita Baker	Sat night Jazz fest
JAZZ FINAL	Saturday night Jazz fest - Robin thicke
Sonya & Mary (who resides in the Cayman Islands)	Sonya with jazz artist Esperanza Spalding
Sonya greets Anita Baker backstage at The Cayman Jazz Fest - after her performance	Tatum (Host & Former Miss. Cayman Islands) & Makeup Artist Latisha
Wendy of Cayman Airways and Kevin of Delta Air Lines with Sonya	Jazz fest

Cayman Island Jazz Fest 08 – ALL THAT & THEN SOME!

 By Sonya Jenkins 
      What better way to escape the cold and sometimes dreary winter months than to fly off to the balmy Cayman Islands for fun-in-the-sun and a spectacular Jazz Festival? Well, I did just that December 4-7, when I escaped the frigid weather in Atlanta to attend the Cayman Jazz Fest 08 and celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. Being that it was my second time on the Cayman Islands, I was fairly familiar with Seven Mile Beach, the soft, white sand, the ritzy hotels and shops, and the friendly islanders. But it was my first time attending the Cayman Jazz Fest, and it was a toe-tapping, mind-boggling, energetic and exciting experience for me.

      For three nights, I enjoyed the rhythms of actor/musician Terrance Howard, artists Cassandra Wilson, Algebra, Angie Stone, Michael Bolton, Esepranza Spalding, Norman Brown, Robin Thicke, Gerald Albright and Anita Baker (one of my all-time favorite artist).

      “Do you know the words to all of her songs?” the person sitting next to me asked during the concert as I tried to sing along with Anita Baker. “Well, yeah,” I answered, figuring that the attendee wanted to enjoy Anita’s sultry voice and not hear my weak singing. Although I toned down my singing a bit (to be courteous), there was nothing that was going to stop me from singing “Sweet Love” to the top of my lungs. I felt even more compelled to sing loud when Anita positioned her mic towards the audience, encouraging us to sing along. All the artists throughout the Jazz Fest gave infectious performances, including some of Cayman’s best local artists.

      Fortunately, I was able to greet and meet several Jazz Fest performers throughout my weekend stay. I also interviewed 24-year old bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding, who told me it was her first time performing at the Cayman Jazz Fest and that her experience had been beautiful. “We were a little nervous that people wouldn’t dig us [because of our R&B side of jazz],” she said.  “But it has been cool. And we’ve been having a great time enjoying the other bands.”

       I also chatted with actor Malcolm Jamal Warner, Norman Brown and Robin Thicke. When I greeted Anita Baker backstage, who had commented throughout her performance, “I’m too old for this!” I told her how much I enjoyed her stirring performance and that she worked the stage like she was 20-something! Modestly accepting my compliments, Anita then introduced me to a few of her band members (even her lighting guy). I don’t think she realized how much her performance had elevated my spirits and moved the crowd. Watching her perform was surreal for me. The fireworks display at the end of each concert was the exclamation point to a Jazz Fest that was one of the best music festivals I’ve attended.

      On the last full day on the Island Oscar-nominated actor and singer Terrance Howard was so gracious to spend time with me and my friends on the beach, where we talked about blessings, philosophies, beauty and bright ideas. Although he quickly drew a crowd of admirers and fans who recognized him from his roles in Hustle & Flow, Crash, and several other films, Terrance took it all in stride, taking pictures with his fans and even getting his feet wet in the clear, turquoise water.

      Special thanks to Kevin Bolen of Delta Air Lines for all his assitance while I was on the lovely island.

      Cayman Jazz Fest is a “must attend” fete on the calendar of international music events. The Cayman Jazz Fest is sponsored through a partnership between the Department of Tourism and BET Event Productions. For additional information visit http://www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest.  
 

Located 480 miles south of Miami in the vibrant tranquility of western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its idyllic beaches and diving spots, and recognized as a sophisticated, diverse financial center, the Cayman Islands offer spectacular recreational opportunities along with warm, impeccable service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky or call your
local travel agent.