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The Colombo Jazz & Blues Festival, presented by Mainstage Events recently announced its stellar lineup which includes a diverse array of headlining acts for the inaugural event, taking place on the 7th of February at the Galle Face Hotel. The concept behind the Colombo Jazz & Blues Festival is a music, culinary and art event, that promises to combine and showcase the talents of international jazz artistes as well as those of national renown. This event, the first of its kind ever in Colombo promises to be spectacular.
The lineup is the culmination of the festival’s commitment to bringing a diverse and unique group of jazz musicians to Colombo to deliver a collection of performances that includes exciting new artists, international and local jazz legends and groups all connected around presenting unique musical experiences in a first for Colombo.
Blues legends like Jimmy Thomas, who has performed with Ike Turner, John Legend and the Rolling Stones will perform alongside famed local artistes like Jerome Speldewinde and Geoffrey Fernando of Purple Rain fame. Upcoming stars like Sannie Fox described by The New Age as “belting out the blues like she was born in a Louisiana swamp” will also form part of the star studded line-up.
The festival starts at 12 noon on Sunday the 7th of February and will continue till 11pm. You can start your Sunday off with a leisurely brunch while listening to the first act of the day. Picnic-style seating with rugs and cushions are available and can be reserved for groups of six and above. Delicious picnic baskets with wine, cheese, sandwiches and cold cuts can be ordered as well should you wish to dine al fresco. Other great dining experiences include a sunset seafood barbecue, fish and chips, an oyster and champagne bar and a wine tasting lounge.
‘Live music is my passion. I want to bring more and more quality acts to Sri Lanka and am proud that Mainstage has been able to continually present talented musicians to an appreciative audience. I look forward to this upcoming event and even more to the next and the next!’ Gehan Fernando, Founder and Chairman, Mainstage Events.
An event like this is not possible without the support of sponsors.
The visual arts play a part in the festival with the Colombo Design Market presenting a pop-up shop and movie buffs can enjoy short films which will be screened with headphones to allow them to run parallel to the musical acts performing.
Jazz is a genre that evokes such powerful and varied emotion, and it strongly emphasizes the experimentation of sound and musicianship. When putting together artistes such as this, Mainstage Events, the organizers of the Colombo Jazz & Blues Festival aim to capture all that diversity, all that makes this art form so beautiful, in one full day of performances. It will definitely be the best way to spend your Sunday on the 7th of February.
The Colombo Jazz & Blues Festival is produced by renowned Mainstage Events. Mainstage Events have a track record of producing successful sold- out events like The Wailers, Mohombi live, High on Heels, Kitten & the Hip and Julian Marley. Mainstage Events have consistently delivered exceptional events. Working with the top artists and DJs in the world, their goal and ambition is to deliver what most people have not experienced before, a world class music event, within a world class environment.
Gehan Fernando further states, ‘One of the main aims of the Colombo Jazz and Blues Festival is to promote Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination with a rich and diverse heritage and I look forward to this platform presenting more and more local artistes.’
Colombo is a place filled with soul, culture and creativity, and we have a great legacy of music here. The Colombo Jazz & Blues Festival hopes to truly showcase what makes our city special, from food to art to music.
As there are a limited number of tickets available early booking is advisable. Please contact Natalee on 0778 774 950 for reservations.