.Home.South African trumpeter Masekela features in Pan Jazz
Published: Wed, 2011-05-18 23:46
Hugh Masekela Following the success and response to last year’s production of Folklore Tales of the Caribbean, the producers of Pan Jazz are continuing down the path of showcasing musical talent from the Caribbean along with a touch of Carnival tapestry for what will be a culturally rich format. Former Miss Universe and current Pan Jazz ambassador Wendy Fitzwilliam will again serve as this year’s host. Heading this year’s Pan Jazz 2011 Festival is legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, and also returning to Pan Jazz saxophonist is Arturo Tappin from Barbados. Other highlights will also feature Carnival designer Brian MacFarlane who will again provide an abstract visual representation to complement the musicians’ repertoire.
The seventh annual presentation in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month will take place on June 18 at Frederick P Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th & Broadway, New York City. It commences at 7 pm. The steelpan talent featured this year, Victor Provost and Leon Foster Thomas, are meticulously collaborating with Masekela for something very special. Also appearing will be Etienne Charles (who is no stranger to the Pan Jazz stage), bassist Emanuel Chulo Gates, drummer Damon DueWhite, percussionist Gezim Sherifi, and pianist and musical director for Pan Jazz 2011 Rashid Lanie. Jazz Tales from the Silk Cotton Tree, a spin-off from the 2010 production, will feature Cebia, the enchanted silk cotton tree comes to life and shares the folklorish tales the world over.
Producer Ralph Ramsey says, “The message is in the music, bringing the music to life visually was a hit in 2010 and it’s been extremely fun working with all the creative talent musically and culturally to create this year’s production.” Preceding the show will be a complimentary Taste of the Caribbean Festival, from 4.30 to 6.30 pm in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Atrium. Sponsors for this pre-show bonus feature South African Tourism Board, Trinidad and Tobago Development Corporation, Tropical Paradise Restaurant, Sugarcane, Negril Village, Spoonbread, Allan’s Bakery, Jazz Beer, and Soco Restaurant.
• Tickets may be purchased at Jazz at Lincoln Center (212-721-6500) or online at:
www.panjazz.com.
• Pan Jazz 2011 is a production of Abstract Entertainment Inc. For more information, call Toll Free 855-PAN-JAZZ.
