Tuesday, November 7, 2006

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Natalie Cole, the smooth and soulful eight-time GRAMMY Award winner, will thrill music lovers as she headlines the 3rd annual Cayman jazz fest, in the Cayman Islands from November 30 to December 2, 2006.

The daughter of legendary singer and pianist Nat "King" Cole, Natalie Cole has followed the family tradition to become one of the most revered singers of our time. Her classic and contemporary material are in frequent play on jazz radio stations, and her new album Leavin' reveals her soulful roots and inspires listeners through its silky and alluring tracks. Cole's musical appeal and success have helped her sell more than 30 million albums worldwide, and inspired other artists to combine style and soul.

Internationally acclaimed musicians KEM, Jeffrey Osborne, Boney James, and Mike Philips will join the Caribbean's own Arturo Tappin to perform on Grand Cayman. "With Natalie Cole and other internationally acclaimed jazz and R&B artists, this year's Cayman jazz fest is going to be a great event," declared Cayman Islands’ Minister of Tourism, Charles Clifford. "We are confident that jazz fans will seize this opportunity to not only be a part of jazz fest, but also to experience Cayman's fine dining, incredible beaches, and unique culture."

In the Governor's Ballroom in the Westin Casuarina Resort on Thursday, November 30, jazz fest kicks off with an intimate evening event, featuring an eclectic mix of R&B and smooth jazz performances by KEM and Mike Phillips and the rhythms of Cayman's own Intransit. On Friday, December 1, the exclusive Pageant Beach will usher in the soulful sounds of Jeffrey Osborne and jazz musician Boney James, in addition to local bands Mainstream and Velvet Touch. Jazz fest culminates in a sparkling finale on Saturday evening, December 2 with the creative musical genius of Caribbean jazz star Arturo Tappin, Natalie Cole and Caymanian talent Swanky and Hi-Tide.

Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with BET Digital Networks, said the Cayman festival crowns another successful year for BET J and BET Event Productions. "The Cayman festival gets better and better each year and we are pleased to present this incredible destination along with exceptional musicians to our discerning viewers," she said.

A preview show of this year's event, featuring highlights of last year's festival, is currently on rotation on BET J's "Island Lime" format on Saturdays. Upcoming air dates on BET J are November 11, 18 and 25 (8 a.m. and 6 p.m.); and December 2 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.). All telecast times are Eastern.

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