The St. Maarten Council on the Arts is gearing up for its 2020 Summer Jazz Virtual Weekend, happening this weekend, from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28.
Organizers had a regal line-up for Summer Jazz III, which would have been a long weekend of jazz concerts, parades and block parties throughout Philipsburg. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, these plans will come into play next year for Summer Jazz IV, which will take place on June 25-27, 2021.
However, not wanting 2020 to pass with no Jazz music celebration, the St. Maarten Council on the Arts decided to create the Summer Jazz Virtual Weekend which will highlight various interviews and video snips from both local and international jazz artists.
They will also debut their mini documentary series entitled, “Jazz Conversations a Summer Jazz Special” produced by Lucinda “La Rich” Audain, filmed by Focal Length Studios and hosted by Lydia Arnell.
The docuseries features local artists and organizations that have helped shape the jazz scene on St. Maarten dating back to the early 90s. The four-part series features the founding members of the Jazz and Blues Foundation, Frank Arnell and Clive Coffie.
Additionally, Clara Reyes talks about her journey though music and jazz by highlighting her band Light; Isidore “Dow” York gives an introduction to Calypso Pan Jazz; and Philipsburg Community Center events director Urmain “Youmay” Dormoy talks about the arts and Jazz music influence.
The Council is encouraging all jazz enthusiasts and jazz lovers to get connected with them for more information about Summer Jazz and to enjoy the virtual weekend on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SXMSummerJazz.
