One of the island’s premiere production companies—Gaiety Productions Limited––is going full swing into the jazz scene for the first time and presenting the first jazz show for St Lucia Jazz 2008. Teaming up with another thriving local business––The Travel Boutique––to produce what is expected to be one of the highlights of this year’s jazz season. the show: "The Funky Roots & Grooves Concert" will be headlined by one of the greats of jazz music Maceo (pronounced "May –sio") parker.
A force to be reckoned with in the musical world, Maceo is referred to as an "alto-sax maestro" and has played alongside musical icons such as James Brown, Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, James Taylor and more contemporary groups such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and more recently Price. In fact it was James Brown who coined the now universal phrase for his horn blower Maceo, "I want you to blow!"
The show to be held at the Gaiety-on-Rodney Bay on Wednesday, May 7 the day before the official Kick-off of St Lucia Jazz 2008, will also feature saxophonist Rob ‘Zi’ Taylor and his band "Sole Food" starring the remarkable Teddyson John "TJ," the island’s Groovy Soca Monarch working another musical another musical genre and showing off his fantastic vocals.
"The Funky Roots & Grooves Concert" will also afford patrons their first look, taste and feel of the new Gaiety-on-Rodney Bay, refurbished just in time for the event. Directors Gillan Adjodha and Mikey Pilgrim say the recently renovated upper floor balcony that has been transformed into an elite VIP lounge with plush seats and separate entrance, will bring exclusive treatment to special guests to another level.
The all-inclusive event will carry a cover charge of EC$100 including all drinks from a premiere bar for general admission while entry to limited access VIP Lounge will be EC$140. Hors d’Ouevres and premiere drinks will be served throughout the night to the VIP guests. "Two Funky Horns, One Great Show!" featuring the undisputed funky man of jazz Maceo Parker and the inimitable talents of St Lucia’s Rob ‘Zi’ Taylor is sure to set just the right tone for St Lucia Jazz 2008.