Anguilla is once again in the jazz mood this week with the commencement of the Annual Tranquillity Jazz Festival aimed at “jump-starting” the island’s 2006-2007 tourist season. There has been a considerable amount of advertisement of the four-day event overseas and in Anguilla and it is understood that many visitors have already arrived and are still coming in for the occasion.

The Anguilla Tourist Board and its Festivals Office in partnership with BET Productions, the National Bank of Anguilla, CuisinArt Resort & Spa and other sponsors and supporters, have done much in organising the event and publicising Anguilla at the same time. On previous occasions the jazz functions have been badly affected by rain. With no threatening weather systems reported, it is hoped that this time there will be good climatic conditions for the presentation and enjoyment of the festival.
The Incarta Dictionary has described jazz as “popular music that originated among black people in New Orleans in the late 19th century and is characterized by syncopated rhythms and improvision. It has since developed various styles.” Indeed, there appears to be a number of variations of the music which is becoming pretty well-established in Anguilla at places like Johnno’s and among local singers and musicians like Jaine Rogers and Ash Hodge as well as the versatile jazz enthusiast Calvin Bartlett. Such is the frequency of the music in Anguilla these days that a number of people have begun to appreciate and like it.

It is a matter of importance when the people of a country like and embrace something positive which is essentially coming from abroad. In the case of jazz, it then becomes easier to be organised and presented and serves as an attraction to visitors familiar with the music. There are many visitors to Anguilla who look forward to the Tranquillity Jazz Festival and so it is expected that they will crowd the places where the entertainment will be offered.

There is a move to interest more Anguillians in jazz music now that it is having an impact on tourism – not only in Anguilla but in a number of Caribbean islands, such as St. Lucia. Earlier this week, the Anguilla Social Security Office donated forty tickets to allow music students at the Comprehensive School to attend the Tranquillity Jazz Festival. We think this was a very good gesture and one for commendation. Certainly, if we sow the seeds of national interest and involvement among our youth population, there can be positive results later on.

With all that said above, getting in the jazz mood in Anguilla this week may be both easy and fun.

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