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Jazz Festival brought culture and international musicians to Playa del Carmen.

The beginning - July 1976

Growing up in the Dutch City 'Den Haag', I was spoiled with the highly esteemed 'North Sea Jazz Festival' (NSJ). This 3 day Jazz festival started in 1976 with 300 musicians divided over 6 stages entertaining an audience of around 9000 jazz fans. It grew to be one of  the biggest indoor jazz festivals in the world. The North Sea Jzz Festival now features 1,200 musicians, divided over 15 stages performing 200 concerts to an estimated 70.000 people. Great jazz legends like Sarah Vaughan and Stan Getz over the years gave way to artists like Miles Davis and Erykah Badu. I usually worked as a temp, obtaining much desired back stage passes eabling me to sneak into the jam sessions that started after the official concert and lasted well into the morning hours......

Due to my love and passion of jazz I was overjoyed when I found out that less then a month after our dear friend 'Wilma' paid our coast a 3 day visit, our 3rd annual Jazz Festival, organized by Fernando Toussaint, would be bigger then ever!

Thursday November 17th, 2005

The large 'Plaza 28 de Julio' provided an impressive stage and chairs were set up for hundreds of people. On the 7th row I found Nisi, my dear friend and general manager of my company Star Condos. We were impressed with 'Manelo' one of the best local Latino Jazz bands originating in Cancun that opened this 3rd annual festival with a contemporary and latino Jazz style. Our local Playa del Carmen pride and joy 'Aguamala', featuring jazz legend and drummer Fernando Toussaint, followed the first act and sounded better then ever with this outstanding sound system.

With anticipation we awaited out great Mexican Jazz Diva's Magos Herrera and Iraida Noriega, performing their collaborative effort called 'SoliLuna'. The only thing that disappointed me was the meager attendance during such a great concert. Nisi and I both agreed that it's a shame that people who complain about the lack of culture in Playa, shine in absence during such events. But then again, we also understand that Jazz Music, like classical music, acquires an educated ear and that can make a 4 hour concert quite a challenge.

Friday November 18th

I had invited my dear friend Sally to this ticketed event in the Royal Porta Real and at the entrance we met up with more friends and found a nice round table close to the entrance and the attentive eye of our waiter. While enjoying free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres the first performance presented us with a unique and once in a lifetime combination of musicians: singer Elizabeth Toussaint and her 3 brothers, Fernando, Enrique and Eugenio, accompanied by the great musicians Cristobal Lopez, Enrique Nery and Pepe Hernandez.With Iraida Noriega, Magos Herrera and the amazing powerful voice of Elizabeth Meza we were witness to an orchestra of 4 of the best voices that Mexico has to offer! The new concert hall was filled to the rim and the enthusiastic fans created a passionate atmosphere with their loud applause, whistles and outbursts of appraisal during the 'Voces del Jazz'.

Saturday November 19th

Although there was a short threat of the tropical storm 'Gamma', the preparations for the closing night of this jazz festival were full on. Featuring 'Mint Condition' a 6 musicians band that offer a variety of influences like jazz, blues, and West African Roots, and the world famous musician Ivan Lins, we were in for a treat. Originating in Minneapolis in the early 80's, 'Mint Conditions' has produced 7 albums, the last one released this year called 'Livin' the luxury brown'. Our patience was tested for 3 hours when finally the musicians could start their first set, but just before it ended a strong tropical rainfall forced us from the beach. Their performance was in 'mint condition', but their equipment and timing could have been improved. All and all it was an enjoyable weekend of incredible music, and I am already counting the days until the 4th Annual Jazz Festival brings life and music to our area!