Jazz and World Music Festivals in The Caribbean - First quarter 2025

                               

The Caribbean is a vibrant tapestry of culture, music, and celebration, and 2025 is set to be a year filled with incredible jazz and music festivals that highlight the region's rich traditions and diverse sounds. From the soulful roots of Jamaica's Rebel Salute to the pulsating rhythms of deep house in St. Lucia's ZEMI Festival, the wonderful jazz festivals, including regional and international stars, each event offers a unique experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart and soul of the Caribbean. Whether you're drawn to the electrifying energy of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival or the laid-back, intimate vibe of the Virgin Islands Jam Fest, there's something for every music lover to enjoy. As you plan your 2025 festival calendar, get ready to explore stunning island destinations, dance to the beats of world-renowned artists, and create unforgettable memories in paradise.

Panama Jazz Festival

Ciudad de Panama, Republica de Panama

Teatro Ateneo, Teatro El Dorado

January 13-18

Artists: Ledisi, Danilo Perez, Terry Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Everette Harp, Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth SWAY, Bohuslan Big Band, Princess Orella Collective, Luca Ciarla solOrkestra, Berklee Global Jazz Institute, New England Conservatory and more...

https://youtu.be/Up3tyFAH_Xs?si=P3VeKN-jigNHYZdv

Rebel Salute

Plantation Cove, St. Ann, Jamaica

January 18

Artists: Maxie Priest, Tony Rebel, Luciano, Raheem Bowes aka 'Valiant,' Queen Ifrica, and Richie Spice light up the stage with reggae's finest vibes.

https://youtu.be/ynenu13qFZs

Puerto Rico Jazz Jam 2025

Sala de Teatro Rene Marques

January 24-25

Artist: Little Jhonny Rivero & His Giants, Miguel Zenon & Luis Perdomo, Humberto Ramirez and Camila Isabel

https://youtu.be/Lj_be817kRI?si=NoULDTxJ-dlxG2t6

La Habana Jazz Plaza Festival 2025

La Habana, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

January 26 - February 2

Artists: Arturo O'Farrill, Black Alley, Roberto Fonseca, Joaquin Betancourt Jazz Band, Ernan and Harold Lopez-Nussa, Rolando Luna, Hector Quintana, Bobby Carcasses and more...

https://youtu.be/dRY7tSXWrnI

Bequia Music Festival

Bequia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines

January 30 - February 2

Artists: Various artists.

https://youtu.be/GXjgfA3M7K4

Cayman Arts Festival 2025

George Town, Cayman Islands

February 6 - 15

Artists: The African Series: Experience the richness of African art music featuring Rebeca Omordia (piano), Leon Bosch (Double bassist), Glen Inanga (piano), and Richard Olatunde Baker (percussion). Cayman Youth Choir & New York Cabaret Singers: A spectacular fusion of local talent with Broadway stars.

https://youtu.be/bljoW1YewfQ?si=IRSQIoC3LmCxn4L7

Soca Supper - Guyana

Scotty’s Smokehouse. Music, Georgetown, Guyana

February 24

Artists: Various Artists.

https://youtu.be/Ia1F5q6TjZY?si=pI5oWkZwK5AWGGNx

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

Port of Spain, Trinidad

February 26 - March 01

Artist: Various Musical Groups

https://www.youtube.com/live/TeRdBCPKx1I?si=0U9TUGk6ZXQrdT3x

One Caribbean Music Festival 2025

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

February 28

Artists: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17rYeozKp7/

Tool Live in the Sand 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

March 7-9

Artist: Eagles of Death Metal, Coheed &Cambria, more...

https://youtu.be/o4kbGU78vR0?si=QZ1AwJqU2PxnmCxk

SXM Festival - Saint Martin

The Villa Party, Panorama Party - Saint Martin

March 12-16

Artists: Anvaya, Bora Uzer, Divine and more...

https://youtu.be/0dHgjsPD0E8?si=rT3D8SmG8vdu7Y5t

Jamaica Jazz Festival 2025

Montego Bay, Jamaica

March 14 - 16

Artists: Keiko Matsui, Kim Waters and others

https://www.tiktok.com/@cenartmx/video/7435774817724337464

Moonsplash 2025: Anguilla's Legendary Music Festival

Planet Dune, West End Village, Anguilla

March 13 - 16

Artists: not available now

https://youtu.be/kwfVCNNN57c?si=JckFEFbQLbg-Vrsl

St. Patrick's Festival 2025 - Island of Monserrat

Brades, St. Patrick's - Monserrat

March 3-17

Artist: Various artists.

https://youtu.be/-5Fjya0XfPg?si=J4g6B90gSCR8QKHu

Virgin Island Jam Fest

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

March 6-8

Artists: Tand, Elephant Proof, Organically Good Trio and more...

https://youtu.be/JQ8SedjZ9e8?si=IogWxqpxJsIhSC79

Viva The Latin Jazz!!

www.jazzcaribe.blogspot.com

jazzcaribe2001@yahoo,com

Note: The successful book of musical literature, "The Bible of Latin Jazz" by the renowned writer, educator and musicologist Luis Raul Montell, is available on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/5Yhh0W6

https://a.co/d/fJZot8N

Luis Raul Montell and Latin Jazz: An Explorer of Sounds - Artificial Intelligence (IA)

 

Below I share with you the accurate analysis carried out and published by IA on Luis Raúl Montell and Latin Jazz: 

https://g.co/gemini/share/5ebc4b2113e7

Luis Raúl Montell and Latin Jazz: An Explorer of Sounds

Luis Raúl Montell is a leading figure in the world of Latin jazz, renowned for his deep knowledge and passion for this musical genre. His most significant contribution is undoubtedly the compilation and analysis of a vast amount of Latin jazz recordings, captured in his masterpiece: The Bible of Latin Jazz.

The Bible of Latin Jazz: A Bible for Music Lovers

 www.amazon.com  Bible of Latin Jazz book cover

This series of books has become a must-read for any lover of Latin jazz. Montell not only compiles an extensive discography, but also offers detailed analysis, insightful commentary, and fascinating anecdotes about each recording. His work has been instrumental in documenting and preserving the history of Latin jazz, as well as introducing new generations to this rich musical heritage.

What makes The Bible of Latin Jazz special?

Commented and comprehensive: Each entry includes detailed information about the musicians, instruments, recording dates, and the historical context in which each record was produced.

Critical analysis: Montell offers a personal and expert view of each recording, highlighting its unique qualities and importance within the genre.

Diversity: The series covers a wide spectrum of Latin jazz styles and subgenres, from mambo and cha-cha-cha to Afro-Cuban jazz and Brazilian jazz.

Luis Raúl Montell: Beyond the Books

Montell is not only a writer, but also a passionate music lover and a deep connoisseur of Latin American musical culture. His work has helped raise the profile of Latin jazz and consolidate it as a complex and sophisticated musical genre.

What can we learn from Luis Raúl Montell?

The importance of documentation: Montell teaches us the importance of documenting and preserving our musical heritage.

A passion for music: His contagious enthusiasm invites us to explore new sounds and discover the richness and diversity of Latin jazz.

The Need for a Critical Approach: Montell shows us how critical analysis can enrich our musical experience and help us appreciate music in all its complexity.

In short, Luis Raúl Montell is a key figure in the history of Latin jazz. His work has been instrumental in preserving and spreading this musical genre, and his passion for music continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

Would you like to know more about a specific Latin jazz artist or album?

What aspects of Latin jazz interest you most?

Feel free to ask!

Note: If you would like to delve deeper into a particular topic, such as the influence of Latin jazz on other music or the history of a specific instrument, we can explore these issues together.

Keywords: Luis Raúl Montell, Latin jazz, The Bible of Latin Jazz, Latin music, Afro-Cuban jazz, Brazilian jazz, mambo, cha-cha-cha.

Viva The Latin Jazz!!

www.jazzcaribe.blogspot.com

jazzcaribe2001@yahoo.com

Note: "The Bible of Latin Jazz" is available on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/h2JNsoO

https://a.co/d/71VBfiu

Latin America begins 2025 with three prestigious jazz festivals: Punta del Este, Panama and Havana

 

The Latin American jazz tour starts at the El Sosiego farm, Punta del Este, its permanent headquarters, with this edition it will celebrate 29 years of its creation. 

Francisco Yobino and Paquito D'Rivera, as always, are in charge of the organization of this event that is characterized by the combination of jazz, nature and the stars.

The artistic-tourist event will bring together illustrious musicians such as: Elio Villafranca, Diego Urcola, Brianna Thomas, Cliff Korman, Camila Cortina and Maestro Paquito D'Rivera among others.

Stars have previously participated in this Festival: Clark Terry, Benito Gonzalez, James Moody, Alon Yavnai, Michael Brecker, McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter, who have given it a place in the world of jazz and Latin jazz.

This is the beautiful stage that annually receives musicians and audiences eager for good live music!

With great enthusiasm Panama Jazz Festival celebrates its 22nd edition. How quickly time has passed and this event has achieved solidity with the help of Master Pianist Danilo Perez and Patricia Zarate.

Last year the famous Panamanian drummer Billy Cobham was honored and now the honors will go to Princess Orelia Benskina, pioneer of Panamanian jazz.

Invited to this celebration are: Grammy winner Ledisi, sensational drummer Terry Lyne Carrington, renowned acoustic and electric bassist John Patitucci, saxophonist Everette Harp, Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Master Pianist Danilo Perez and more.

The musical events will be at the Ateneo Theater and the participation of the new generation of Panamanian musicians creates great expectations.

The month of January 2025 closes with the 40th edition of the Habana Jazz Plaza Festival.

Despite all the inconveniences of the largest of the Antilles, national and international musicians have been able to endure this historic Festival, now under the musical direction of pianist Roberto Fonseca.

In the past here are some of the artists who have performed at this renowned Festival: Arturo O'Farrill, Jorge Reyes, Alain Perez, Jane Bunnett, Bobby Sanabria, Bellita and Jazz Tumbata, Los Van Van, Benjamin Lapidus, Nestor Torres, Chucho Valdes, Steve Turre, Dave Valentin, Jorge Pardo, Roy Hargrove, Bobby Carcasses and more.

The Festival will have three venues: Santa Clara, Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

Viva The Latin Jazz!!

www.jazzcaribe.blogspot.com

jazzcaribe2001@yahoo.com

If you want to know more about Latin Jazz, its musicians and recordings, I invite you to read or consult "The Bible of Latin Jazz" (available on Amazon) by the writer and journalist Luis Raul Montell.

2025 GRAMMY AWARDS: Best Latin Jazz Album Nominees

 

CATEGORY 34

Best Latin Jazz Album

For vocal or instrumental albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.

Spain Forever Again — Michel Camilo & Tomatito

Cubop Lives! — Zaccai Curtis, Luques Curtis, Willie Martinez, Camilo Molina & Reinaldo de Jesus

COLLAB — Hamilton de Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Time And Again — Eliane Elias

El Trio: Live in Italy — Horacio 'El Negro' Hernández, John Beasley & José Gola

Cuba And Beyond — Chucho Valdés & Royal Quartet

As I Travel — Donald Vega Featuring Lewis Nash, John Patitucci & Luisito Quintero

The 2025 GRAMMY Awards, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will take place live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb.2, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount. 

Viva The Latin Jazz!!

www.jazzcaribe.blogspot.com

jazzcaribe2001@yahoo.com

Note: The best gift for this Christmas: "The Bible of Latin Jazz" by the writer, journalist and educator, specialist in Latin Jazz Luis Raul Montell

The Bible of Latin Jazz available on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/4tQD58x

https://a.co/d/17j94kf