Tobago Jazz Experience, April 20-28

Get ready for a musical adventure that will introduce you to the soul of Tobago.  The Tobago Jazz Festival will bring together some of the best elements of this little Caribbean island like beautiful beaches and magical sunsets – with music from world renowned artists.  The nine day concert event will be happening all over the island with plenty of time for adventure and sightseeing since on most days the music doesn’t start until after sunset.  Check out one of the island’s award-winning eco-attractions, the Main Ridge Rainforest, the oldest protected rainforest reserve in the western hemisphere.

Kicking off the festival with a bang is Jazz in The East at the Speyside Recreational Grounds where headliners and emerging acts take the stage together.  The next night is Hillside Jazz at Signal Hill Recreational Grounds, fondly known as “Heaven on a Hill” because of its spectacular coastal views.  This year the festival will include Edu-Jazz, a two day workshop with hands on, educational components to give young musicians the opportunity to interact with some of the festivals more seasoned performers.

Next is Jazz on the Waterfront at Milford Road Esplanade which is themed like a New Orleans big-band affair with simultaneous performances on several stages along the waterfront and local vendors supplying food, drinks and crafts.  The following day is Northside Jazz at Castara Beach- the festival’s first daytime show, starting at 1pm.  Concertgoers can listen to jazz and reggae while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.  The day ends with a traditional boat christening and a sampling of old fashioned fish broth, an island soup made from marinated fish.

The second weekend starts with World Music Night at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, a mesmerizing beach setting with lots of space for relaxation, good food and the Grammy winning vocals of Melanie Fiona.  Also performing at World Music Night is Lianne La Havas, the London-based songstress whose album Is Your Love Big Enough was named iTunes’ 2012 U.K. Album of the Year.  The following evening is Pazzazz, the Pantrinabago experience combining jazz and the beats of a steel band with performances by the celebrated Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and Earl Brooks.

Saturday and Sunday kick off early at 11am with Jazz on the Beach, a series of performances at Mt. Irvine Bay featuring international, regional and local artists.  Enjoy smooth rhythms while you soak up some sun.  The grand finale is the Beach Jazz Fiesta back at Pigeon Point where Grammy Award winners, Dionne Warwick and India.Arie will take the stage with local favorites.

From villas to resorts, there are a variety of places to stay on the island with many offering great deals during the Jazz Experience.