CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Jan. 13, 2010: Moved by the recent tragedy in neighbouring Haiti, TurnKey Productions, producers of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival, have introduced a food relief programme to assist the victims of the earthquake.

 “We are very emotionally close to the devastation in Haiti, our trusted Haitian born friend and colleague, Roxanne Hurley is currently on the island,” explained TurnKey Executive Producer Walter Elmore.  Elmore went on to explain that his team has not been able to reach Hurley and is growing concerned.

Working with local agencies, TurnKey will collect and package non-perishable food items from patrons attending the annual festival for delivery to the impoverished nation.  Patrons may also leave donations at select ticket outlets to be announced later today, Wednesday, January 13, 2010). 

 “The precise details of our drive are still being developed,” says Elmore.  “We have just initiated dialogue with local authorities, who, like the rest of the world are experiencing challenges in communicating with Haitian officials.”  Elmore committed to providing more details on the relief efforts in the coming hours. 

Information will be made available at: www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.

The annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, the Caribbean’s best musical event, will be held from January 24-30, 2010 in Jamaica.

 The festival has become synonymous with the culture of Jamaica and will feature not just local performance but a slew of international acts including multiple award winners Gladys Knight, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Erykah Badu, Billy Ocean, Joe Roy Jackson, Kelly Price, Tamia, Deborah Cox, Hall and Oats, Jon Secada, Monty Alexander, Roy Ayers, Third World, Marion Hall, and the Max Klezmer Band.

 Jamaica Jazz since its introduction in 1996 was known as the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, has attracted thousands of patrons from the USA, Europe, the Caribbean and Jamaica.

 This year the festival is again being presented by key title sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board. Other sponsors include Air Jamaica, Iberostar, Rose Hall Resort, CVM TV, Link Up Group, Jamrock Magazine and The Gleaner Company among others.

 Tickets and packages are available at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.