Jamaica Travel News

Reggae Sumfest to Present Michael Jackson a Lifetime Achievement Award

The 17th Annual Reggae Sumfest which takes place in Jamaica’s tourism capital Montego Bay, will pay homage to the “King of Pop” and legendary performer Michael Jackson. As part of its tribute, Reggae Sumfest officials will posthumously present a Lifetime Achievement Award to the late entertainer.

It was announced by the Reggae Sumfest organizers that members of the Jackson family will be in attendance on International Night Two of the world’s premiere reggae festival on Saturday, July 25 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, in order to accept the award.

It is understood that the family will present a plaque of appreciation to the people of Jamaica.

“We are delighted that Sumfest will dedicate this year’s staging to the memory of this international icon,” Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said. “We feel privileged to have the Jackson family here in Jamaica to receive this honor on his behalf and also to enjoy what our unique Jamaican culture has to offer.”

In honor of the special night dedicated to Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson and his band will also be performing. The last time the Jackson Five performed in Jamaica was in 1975.

About Reggae Sumfest

First staged in 1993, Reggae Sumfest quickly became the world’s premiere reggae music event. The festival showcases the best of Dancehall and Reggae music, as well as top R & B/Hip Hop performers and offers delicious Jamaican cuisine and arts and crafts. Each year, the event attracts more than 30,000 patrons to the tourist capital of Montego Bay.

Labels: festivals, Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 5:03 PM

Wata Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival Scheduled for October

The grueling ‘Witch Hill’, perched on lands at the historic Rose Hall Great House, remains haunted by the prowess of Olympians Greg and Laura Bennett, who both return to Jamaica this year for the 2009 Wata Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival.

Greg Bennett returns to defend his championship title, having won the event in 1:59:31 in 2008 while his wife Laura promises to move her notch up from 1st runner-up position to the number one spot.

On October 31, 2009, the power couple will compete against Triathletes from all across the globe in the international distance which comprises a 1500m ocean swim; 23k bike and 10k golf course run. The excitement commences with the swim at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa, A Hilton Resort, culminating with the run on the Robert Van Hagge designed 18-hole Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“The event is challenging, but it is a true adventure,” stated the title holder, who added that it was the adventure that makes Triathlon a unique sport. “The Wata Rose Hall Triathlon is truly a special experience that will challenge every athlete with its dramatic climbs and the Witch’s Hill."

In the meantime, Laura Bennett, who placed fourth at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, has dared those up to taking a challenge to “Bring on the witch." The athlete noted, "I look forward to racing in Jamaica; it was and is a demanding course, exciting for the beginner triathlete and challenging for the professionals!”

Comparing Jamaica to a great end of season event the couple said the island was an easy trip from the States. “And the event is a great Triathlon challenge. We are both excited about having Rose Hall Jamaica on our schedule for the conclusion of the year.”

Complemented by a wellness festival, the marquee event has had added two new features to this year’s event. Rayne Russell, managing director of Entertain Jamaica, announced, “We want this event to be a family affair and so we have added a kid’s triathlon to the mix." The fun continues into the evening with a Halloween party at the 17th Century Rose Hall Great House made famous by the White Witch of Rose Hall, Annie Palmer.

“One thing we can promise is that Annie will ride out on her horse and carrying her whip, like she did back in the days,” said Russell as he gave a sneak preview into the ghost stories made famous by the witch.

Wellness Festival

The event will bring together leading fitness and wellness professionals from Jamaica and the United States, who will provide an open forum for discussion, exploration and learning.

“We will highlight the event through the unique holistic healing methods which have been practiced in Jamaica for generations, as well as a diverse realm of universally-recognized wellness traditions, most of which have made their way from the East to Jamaica’s shores,” said Russell.

For more information:

• visit www.rosehalltriathlon.com

Labels: festivals, Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 2:07 PM

Fun in the Son Grand Finale Concert Planned in Kingston

Think "spring break" and the "Caribbean" in one sentence and you probably picture wild parties on the beach. And you'd be right in some locations...but Jamaica offers an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional spring break getaway: Fun in the Son, a gospel getaway.

The 2009 Fun in the Son event, which began on March 13, celebrates a grand finale concert this Saturday with a grand finale concert. Now in its seventh year, the annual Best Dressed Fun in the Son Gospel Spring Festival grand finale concert will be held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at the Mona Bowl starting at 10:00 am. Thousands of local, regional and international attendees are expected.

The festival, which was first staged in March 2002 is produced by Glory Music Inc., headed by Tommy Cowan, who has toured worldwide with big-name music stars that include Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor and the late Bob Marley.

“Fun in the Son” brings together a diverse audience interested in an upbeat, vibrant celebration. We are so pleased by its growing popularity as a leading gospel event worldwide,” Cowan stated.

The alternative spring break event launched in Kingston on March 6, continued its celebration in Ocho Rios at the Ocean Village Shopping Centre on March 13 with the Fun in the Son Cross Over Party and, in Negril on March 14 at Bourbon Beach where they hosted the Fun in the Son Beach Party.

This year’s free Fun in the Son Concert on Saturday, March 21 will feature a number of local and international gospel acts including Pastor Carlene Davis, Andrew Palau, Papa San, Goddy Goddy, DJ Nicholas, Judy Mowatt, Omari, The Grace Thrillers, IROCC, Jason Mighty, Shepherd and more.

For More Information:

• visit www.funinthesonjam.com

Labels: festivals, Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 9:57 PM

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival Welcomes Music Lovers

No matter your taste in tunes, a potpourri of performers will stir up a musical gumbo to your liking at the annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival from January 22 - 24, 2009. Appearing on two stages at the Aqueduct on Rose Hall Montego Bay, the smooth grooves of Robin Thicke, the country crooning of Carlene Carter, rock riffs from ex-Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm, the Philly sound of The O'Jays, the feel good tunes of '80's pop icon Lionel Richie, the effervescent easy listening light jazz of Chicago and reggae jams from Jamaica's own Maxi Priest will entertain a crowd of 5,000- 7,000 music lovers.

While the array of recording artists offer food for the soul, vendors will be on hand to supply sustenance for the body. Visitors will have a smorgasbord of selections, from international cuisine to local favorites.

Tickets for the event are on sale for $80 per night, with 2-day passes fro $155 and 3-day passes for $235 also available. For more information:

• visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com

Labels: festivals

posted by Grace Sydney @ 11:35 AM

Sixth Annual Jerkfest Festival To Be Held October 17 - 20

Spice up your stay in Jamaica at the 6th annual Jerkfest festival, running from October 17 - 20, 2008. Held at Hedonism III, visitors to the all-inclusive, all-adult sanctuary for pleasure seekers will be transported back to the days of the island's founding during the four-day fete, which takes place on the National Heroes holiday.

As guests stroll among a bamboo village, the sound of steel drums and reggae riffs will echo in the air, which will be thick with the succulent smells of Jamaican cuisine prepared by local chefs at a cooking demonstration. The flavor of the island will also be captured on canvases displayed by local artists.

Price: Rates begin at $1,134 per person, per night, based on double-occupancy for a four-day/three-night stay at Hedonism III.

For more information:

• visit www.hedonismresorts.com
• call 1-800-GO-SUPER

Labels: festivals

posted by Grace Sydney @ 3:33 PM

WATA Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival in October

Although the Olympic flame which burned bright for 16 days in Beijing has been extinguished, sports enthusiasts inspired by the experience have the opportunity to compete side by side with athletes who have made their countries proud in the upcoming WATA Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival, taking place from October 23 - 26, 2008. Held at Jamaica's Rose Hall, the event-- celebrating its inaugural year-- welcomes Triathlete of the Year Greg Bennett and his wife Laura Bennett, who placed fourth during the recent Beijing Olympic games, US Olympic team member Julie Ertel Swail and Ironman participant Jordan Rapp.

The triathlon will take participants through some of the most scenic portions of the "Elegant Corridor," from the 18-hole Robert von Hagge, Cinnamon Hill golf course to the area's newest addition-- the Iberostar Rose Hall Resort-- and along the new North Coast Highway. Amateur athletes can challenge themselves like the champions as they tackle a 1500 m ocean swim, two laps on a bicycle course and two laps on the Cinnamon Hill course dubbed "The Witch" before a final race toward the finish line on the grounds of the Rose Hall Great House, where a party awaits those who pushed themselves to the limit.

For those looking to balance body and spirit, the four-day event also features a Wellness Festival, where holistic healers, Medicine Men and spa personnel explain such transcendental treatments as Reflexology, Reiki and Yoga while nutritional experts expound the benefits of healthy eating through Jamaican "Ital" and vegetarian meals.

Package deals are available through Island Resorts & Tours, which include roundtrip airfare, a three night stay, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, and all hotel taxes and surcharges. The Rose Hall Resort & Spa package begins at $303 (EP), with $605 for the all-inclusive option; Ritz Carlton Rose Hall package, with accommodation in a Gardenview room, starts at $401 (EP), and the Iberostar package, which includes all drinks, meals and select activities, stars at $643.

For more information regarding packages to the event:
visit www.islandresorttours.com.

For more information regarding the WATA Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival:
visit www.rosehalltriathlon.com.

Labels: festivals

posted by Grace Sydney @ 3:01 PM

Faith Tourism Events, Festivals Planned

Former National Football League (NFL) player Miles McPherson, the founder of Miles Ahead, and close to 300 volunteers from the San Diego-based organization will visit Jamaica between April 24 and May 5 to work on projects that range from health screenings to sports clinics and from deaf interpretation workshops to rebuilding local elementary schools.

The visit forms part of Jamaica Broilers Group's 50th anniversary celebrations and three major family-oriented festivals, under the Best Dressed 50Fest banner, which will be presented in Mandeville, Montego Bay and Kingston between April 26 and May 4.

The Festivals: The festivals - put together by Jamaica Broilers in partnership with churches across Jamaica, the Luis Palau Association and Miles Ahead - will feature both local and international gospel musicians, including Papa San, Carlene Davis, Prodigal Son, Toby Mac, and Israel Houghton & New Breed, as well as messages of hope from evangelists Luis Palau, Andrew Palau and McPherson himself.

• April 26- 27: Andrew Palau will present at the Mandeville Festival to be held on the Manchester High School grounds
  
• May 2-3: Miles McPherson will be at Montego Bay's Dump Up Beach
  
• May 3-4: Luis Palau will be on the King's House grounds in Kingston
  

"We are so excited to be in a position to make evangelistic, social and economic contributions to a culture that has influenced my upbringing and has helped shaped my faith," said Miles McPherson, senior pastor of the 10,000-strong Rock Church in San Diego. His father and grandparents are from Jamaica.

For more information:
• visitwww.milesahead.com and www.bestdressed50fest.com

Labels: festivals, Kingston, Montego Bay, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 1:05 PM

Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival Announces Lineup

Scheduled for January 24-26, 2008 at the Aqueduct at Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival has announced its lineup. Headliner Diana Ross, dubbed the ‘female entertainer of the century’ by Billboard magazine, will be joined by eight-time Grammy singer Anita Baker, Trinidad-born Billy Ocean; and reggae great, Beres Hammond.

“This is perhaps the best lineup that I have heard of in recent times,” commented Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett.

“This event is magical,” stated Executive Producer of the Festival, Walter Elmore. “The audience is the biggest heart of the magic. And the artists give back with a performance that they just don’t do anywhere else.”

Called the ‘Art Of Music,’ the festival is a three-day musical event that welcomes 40,000 guests each year. It has become the showcase for music on two stages, Jamaican and international cuisine and an overall great time.

Previous Performers: The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, since its introduction in 1986, has attracted thousands of patrons from the USA, Europe, the Caribbean and Jamaica. International artistes that have performed at the festival include Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers, Norah Jones, Julio Iglesias, Roberta Flack, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick, India Arie, Nancy Wilson, Earth Wind and Fire, Kenny G., Michael McDonald, Gladys Knight, Kool & the Gang, Al Jarreau, Branford Marsalis, Brian McKnight Harry Belafonte, Babyface, Stephanie Mills, George Benson, Erykah Badu, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, and many more. And to bring the Jamaican flavor well known names such as Ziggy Marley, Morgan Heritage, Third World, Toots Hibbert, Shaggy, Sean Paul Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Monty Alexander, Ritchie Stephens and many other Jamaican talents have made their mark on the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues stage.
For more information:

• visit AirJamaicajazzandblues.com

Labels: festivals, Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 1:09 PM

Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival Honored by NYC

Jamaican-American New York City Council Member Leroy Comrie (right) reads the proclamation from the City of New York honoring the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival for its outstanding contribution. The occasion was the kick-off launch event for the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in New York City on Thursday, November 1, 2007. The national airline, Air Jamaica, as a title sponsor has lent its name to the event since its inception more than a decade ago. On hand to accept the award is Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett (third right), Joy Schaaffe, Director of Marketing, Air Jamaica and Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions, organizers of the Festival.

Photo credit: Bill Cancelare

Labels: festivals

posted by Paris and John @ 11:15 AM

Jake's Planning Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry

From October 13-15, Jake's in Treasure Beach will be co-sponsor of the annual Treasure Beach Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament, Fish Fry and Fun Day on the Calabash Bay fishing beach in St. Elizabeth.

Now in its 11th year, the Hook N' Line Tournament sees local fishermen vying for prizes by catching the largest fish using only the traditional fishing method of a simple hook and line. A three-day competition, the fisherman with the weightiest fish at the end of the weekend wins the tournament. Other events include a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and community beach party.

Guests are welcome to go fishing with local fisherman to test skills in catching the biggest King Fish, Barracuda, or Jack Fish.

Giving Back to the Community: Proceeds from this event (through the tournament's entrance fees and purchases of souvenir t-shirts) go toward various projects supported by Breds The Treasure Beach Foundation, the local community based non-profit. This year's fundraising efforts are in aid of repairing the community's ambulance, an integral part of the volunteer emergency response system BREDS and a team of New York emergency doctors established in the small fishing village over five years ago. For more information visit www.breds.org

Island Outpost's fishing tournaments are the latest in its long roster of charitable initiatives. Giving back to the culture he so highly regards, owner Chris Blackwell established Island ACTS (Assisting Communities Toward Strength), which serves as an umbrella for Island Outpost's many charities throughout Jamaica and works towards the advancement of education, healthcare and community development. The charities created and supported by Island ACTS represent a cross section of Jamaica communities and lifestyles. They include: Oracabessa Foundation, established by Chris Blackwell to promote the sustainable development of Oracabessa and its environs; The Mary Vinson Blackwell Foundation in the Parish of Trelawny, dedicated to the renowned fashion and home furnishings designer; and BREDS, a non-profit organization formed in 1998 by Henzell and Peace Corps volunteer Aaron Laufer to promote sports, education, culture, emergency health care (Breds-run community ambulance service), and environmental awareness in Treasure Beach.

For More Information:

• call 1-800-OUTPOST or 44 (0) 1895 450 731 in the UK
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: festivals, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 4:31 PM

Goldeneye Planning 10th Annual Marlin Fishing Tournament

Goldeneye will stage its 10th Annual Oracabessa Marlin Fishing Tournament on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Oracabessa Bay/James Bond Beach. Million dollar boats? Not here. What can be found is a celebration of indigenous fishing culture as local fishermen (and women!) test their skills with nothing more than their boat, a length of fishing line and the strength in their arms.

About the Event: The Oracabessa Marlin Fishing Tournament is a non-profit, community-based event, free for all participants and spectators. It is the result of an active partnership between Goldeneye, St. Mary Fisherman's Cooperative and the Oracabessa Foundation. The events goals are to create a family-oriented community day, to promote environmental awareness and sustainable fishing practices and to raise funds for the purchase of safety equipment needed by the St. Mary Fisherman's Cooperative.

The Schedule: Fishing boats set to sea at 7:00 am in hopes of hooking the biggest marlin. Landlubbers can take part in an array of activities to test their own fishing skills:

• the "Reel in the Marlin" contest replicates the haul of a 150-pound fish
• the "Precision Casting" tests casting skills
• the "Team Boat Landing" race will see teams of four competing to land a boat the fastest

Environmental education booths come courtesy of local organizations Friends of the Sea, National Environmental and Planning Agency, the Maritime Authority, Institute of Jamaica and the Natural History Department. Other activities include face painting, bounce-about, trampoline and crowd favorite the St. Mary BMX Stunt Bicycling Jam. New this year is an exhibit from the Reggae Xplosion Museum in Ocho Rios.

The Prizes: After the weigh-in station closes at 5:00 pm, prizes will be awarded to: Biggest Marlin, Biggest Nonbill Fish, Most Weight Total Catch, Most Courageous Fisherman and Best Fisherwoman. Also up-for-grabs is the "Prettiest Boat" Award open to entrants who participate in the boat painting day prior to the Tournament. Once the Awards Ceremony finishes, the "after-tournament" fun begins with vibes provided by Teflon Sound.

For More Information:

• call 1-800-OUTPOST or 44 (0) 1895 450 731 in the UK
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: festivals, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris and John @ 4:28 PM

Port Royal Music Festival Deemed A Hit

We've just received word that Jamaica's Port Royal Music Festival was a real hit. Held September 7 through 9 in the community of Port Royal, the former pirate's lair that's just a short drive from Kingston. The Festival, endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board, consisted of three shows: The Celebrity Party, The Main Show and Jazz on the Harbour, during which international artists joined local performers to thrill and delight music lovers with a mix of genres.

Photo courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Labels: festivals, Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 8:29 PM

Jamaica Reports Successful Sumfest

As July comes to an end, Jamaica reports that the 15th Annual Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, held earlier this month at the Catherine Hall Complex in Montego Bay, was a success.

The event featured American multi-platinum rapper LL Cool J, Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, Shaggy, Beenie Man and Beres Hammond.

LL Cool J's hour-long set featured hits like Phenomenon, Radio, Number One (Love You Better), I Need Love among others. While declaring he was “King of Hip Hop”, LL Cool J paid tribute to the “King of Jamaica” - the reggae legend, Bob Marley - belting out Could You Be Loved and Jammin’.

The hip-hop soul queen, Mary J. Blige, performed an hour-long set included I’m Goin’ Down from 1994 studio album My Life and Take Me As I Am and Be Without You from her 2006 Best Selling Album The Breakthrough. She closed her set with No More Drama.

Earlier in the week (Thursday) thousands of guests attended Dancehall Night, dubbed Explosion, to see favorite acts including Beenie Man, Bounti Killer, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Assassin, Vybz Kartel, Ninja Man, Anthony B, Cham and Chuck Fenda. This year's record attendance saw more than 15,000 patrons.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism Basil Smith was pleased with the quality of this year’s event. “The Jamaica Tourist Board is delighted to once again be a partner in the staging of this remarkable event. An event such as Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest represents an important part of the culture of Brand Jamaica. Our rich music heritage transcends international barriers and is another part of the Jamaican experience we are proud to share with the world.”

During the week, most of Montego Bay’s hoteliers and villa operators reported full occupancy and with the dates a fixture on the music calendar patrons are encouraged to book in advance.

If you're already thinking ahead to next year, Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is usually held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay during the third week of July.

Labels: festivals, Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 1:23 PM