The 3rd Annual Jazz Festival held at Shoal Bay Beach on March 14 and at Frangipani Beach Resort on March 15 was attended by a large number of visitors, Anguillians and other residents. The weekend functions provided two evenings of well-appreciated and enjoyable entertainment which attracted tourists from various hotels on the island, many of whom are fans of jazz music at its best.

The entertainment was promoted and presented by Valentin Davis, Manager of Frangipani Beach Resort, along with his long-time friend and steel pan classical player, Neville York of St. Maarten.

The Jazz Festival dinner at Frangipani’s Ocean Terrace restaurant was not only a time for good dining, at the fully-occupied tables, but also an occasion for much enjoyment and relaxation provided by the keyboard music of Marshall Vente and soloist Eldee Young on the double base. Vente is the bandleader of Jazz Tropicale, a Chicago-based ensemble comprising a group of Latin American musicians.

Young is co-founder of Young-Holt Unlimited and a member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. He has performed with a number of top musicians in the United States.

The main concert performance was at the resort’s poolside where stage performers included Marshall Vente, Neville York, Howard Levy, (a world-renowned harmonica player) and Eldee Young.

Cross section of guests at the Jazz Festival

The powerful singing and bits of humour by Barbara Walker added much delight to the concert. She is known as the “Queen of Soulful Jazz” in the United States and elsewhere. Her performance and that of the other performers in the Jazz Festival drew much applause from the large and appreciative audience.

Meanwhile, an impressive art exhibition featuring the paintings of St. Maarten’s artist Roland Richardson opened at Frangipani Beach Club on Sunday March 16 and will continue until April 15.

Marshall Vente addressing Jazz Festival at Frangipani Beach Club

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