Sonya's SpotLight Celebrity News Reviews and Interviews

Attending the Cayman Jazz Fest for the second year straight (December 3-5) was the ideal getaway for me. Although I knew what to expect from attending the Jazz Fest the previous year, this time around I enjoyed an even wider array of soulful and jazz sounds - ranging from Mike Phillips, Keith Sweat, Peabo Bryson, and nine-time Grammy-Award winner Alicia Keys, including some of Cayman’s most-talented artists and other international musicians. I also interviewed and mingled with many of the artists backstage – giving me more of an appreciation for their art.

Although I wasn’t able to make the first night of the Sixth Annual Jazz Fest, guests who attended the opener informed me that Oleta Adams, Kirk Whalum and Hi Tide put on entertaining and infectious performances.

On day two I headed to the 8-acre site of Camana Bay, the new venue for the jazz fest, with a friend from the States and a couple of native Cayman Islanders. It didn’t take long before I was rejuvenated by the saxophone of Mike Phillips, hypnotized by the sounds of Keith Sweat and mesmerized by the voice of Peabo Bryson. I caught up with all three backstage. “It feels good coming here to do this,” Keith told me before going on stage. “I want to make everybody happy. I’m ready to perform.”

Keith put on an energetic, romance-laced show by performing many of his hit songs including “Make It Last Forever,” “Nobody,” “Keep It Comin,” “Don’t Stop Your Love,” and “My Body.” One thing was quite evident about Keith Sweat: He hasn’t missed a beat since his early days as a superstar crooner. He still made the ladies scream and squirm in and out of their seats. When I saw Keith again backstage, I asked him how he kept in such good shape throughout the years. “I stay in the gym, take care of myself and try to eat well,” he said.

Peabo Bryson’s melodious, romantic voice added more tranquility to an already calm, tropical night. His ballads, “I’m So Into You,” “Can You Stop The Rain,” and “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” (amongst other ballads) were sung with passion and persuasion – proving that the Grammy-award winning singer is still a consummate performer with an incredibly gifted voice.

After seeing talented saxophonist Mike Phillips perform in Atlanta years ago, I wasn’t surprised when his sax-appeal shinned through to the highest degree at the jazz fest. His tunes – ranging from jazzy beats to the latest hip-hop remakes - showed his diversity as an entertainer. Mike even got up close and personal with attendees – showing that he not only has talent, but a personal touch that is quite magnetic. Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard, who performed at the Cayman Jazz Fest the previous year, got the audience even more enthused by getting a stage-side party started (as Mike performed). Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson and her friends were in the mix as well - dancing to Mike’s saxophone grooves. “Mike Philly is back,” Mike said after his energetic performance. “You can’t hold me back from Cayman.”

The final night of the festival was one of anticipation for everyone since Alicia Keys, the biggest act since the Cayman Jazz Fest began, was the headliner. Although Alicia didn’t take the stage until after 11pm, opening acts, Andrea Rivera and the Los Tropicanos, Devon Edie and Absolute Joy, Cayman’s up-and-coming vocalist Jeffery Wilson, Elle Varner, Arturo Tappsin, and Jermaine Paul entertained the audience. I found myself in the midst of lights, camera and the saxophone action of Arturo Tappin as he strolled into the crowd playing right in front of me. I swayed to the sound and smiled for the camera.

Once Alicia Keys was on stage, the crowd was in full anticipation, but not restless. Alicia gave the audience all they hoped for and more by singing “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart,” “Empire State of Mind,” and numerous hit songs from her fourth album “The Element of Freedom.” Alicia also performed her classics, “Woman’s Worth,” “Fallin,” “You Don’t Know My Name,” and several other songs. Moving from center stage to her piano and back, Alicia gave a dynamic and passionate performance - showcasing her voice range and her energy.

In the end, the Cayman Jazz Fest 2010 – at its new venue at Camana Bay – was elevated to a new level. The Cayman Jazz Fest is a partnership between the Department of Tourism and BET Event Productions. To learn more about the Cayman Island Jazz Fest, visit http://www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest.