JAZZ & BLUES 2021

Major support also came from Jamaica Customs. As
Richard recalls, “we got off to a somewhat rocky start
as the very first event of that first festival, which was held
at Pier 1, was delayed by several hours due to difficulties in
clearing equipment at customs. However, over the years the
Jamaica Customs became another stalwart supporter of the
festival. They guided us and helping to make sure that equipment
and performers got in in good time.
It was these types of partnerships and support that resulted in
the growth and success of the festival.
THE VENUES
The first venue for the main show was the Rose Hall Great
House. Other shows that had been held there generally used
the house as the backdrop for the stage, but we turned it
around and the sea became the backdrop and the grounds
formed a natural amphitheatre. Of course, that created
issues for the construction and support of the stage but
we pulled it off. The ambience we were trying to create
was a relaxed, picnic setting with patrons spreading their
blankets on the ground – a Hollywood Bowl scenario.
SKY BOXES AT CINNAMON HILL
We moved from Rose Hall and Montego
Bay to James Bond Beach, Oracabessa.
This had a different type of charm. However,
limited access with one narrow road coming
in and out created a bottleneck and major
annoyance for patrons.
The next venue was the Cinnamon Hill Golf
Course, Rose Hall. This was the favourite
of many people and it was beautiful. This
was where we first constructed sky boxes
and sponsors had the space to be creative in
their activations on the ground. When it got
dark, we would light bonfires on the hill behind
the crowd which not only contributed to the
ambience but generated heat to warm up the,
sometimes, cold venue. It had its logistic issues
as changing rooms were located at the bottom of
the hill and so we had to transport the performers
up and down the hill. The show grew in popularity
and soon outgrew this venue.
The move was made to the Aqueduct, where there
was much more space both to set up the show and also
provide more than adequate parking. It was flat and easier
to work on. The main attraction was the aqueduct itself
which provided a beautiful backdrop for the stage.
The final venue was the Trelawny Stadium. This was the
best space in terms setting up for the show – there was space
and comfortable facilities for patrons.
My favourites were Rosehall Great House to which I had a
sentimental attachment and eventually the stadium which
was easy to work with.
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THE AQUEDUCT
TRELAWNY STADIUM