Miami, Florida:Celine Dion, who vacationed in Jamaica some years ago, says she is looking forward to performing for patrons at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, January 2012.
Dion, the biggest star to hit the jazz stage since its inception 16 years ago, gave Walter Elmore, chairman of the Art of Music Production (AMP), organisers of the event, backstage access to a concert she performed at in Miami last Friday night.
Dion did a benefit for the Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute and the physicians who helped save her husband René’s life three years ago at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Dion helped to launch the institute’s $60-million expansion campaign.
“I got goose bumps just standing next to her. She makes you feel as if she has known you all her life,” said Elmore in an exclusive interview with The Gleaner Saturday morning.
He described the Miami, Florida, performance by the woman who has made millions using her voice as “simply amazing. The range, the power of her voice is unparalleled”.
According to the man who in the past brought stars such as John Legend, Anita Baker, Air Supply, Natalie Cole, Laura Izibor, Alicia Keys, Al Green, the late Lou Rawls, Nora Jones and Dionne Warwick to the festival, Jamaica is in line to receive one of the most unforgettable performances from this mega star.
“The entire crew is excited,” he revealed. Some 38 people, the standard number for mega acts such as Dion, will travel with the singer, who will grace the stage on Friday, January 27, alongside leading jazz performer Nicole Henry and Canadian Jully Black.
The white reggae artiste who has made a name for himself, Gentleman, who was born in Germany; Jamaica’s Richie Stephens; sisters Tami Chynn and Tessane Chin complete the compelling Friday-night line-up.
While in Miami, Elmore said he met with Dion’s team to finalise production, travel and security details, including lighting, stage and sound.
In celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence, AMP has announced a stellar mix of musicians who will showcase the evolution of the country’s music. They include Toots Hibbert, Marcia Griffiths, Yellow Man, Shaggy, John Holt and Half Pint.
Again this year, the event has attracted sponsors such as The Gleaner, Half Moon, RIU Resorts, Iberostar, Jewel Dunn’s River, Sunset Beach Resort and Spa and the Jamaica Tourist Board.
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