Second Annual Cayman Jazz Fest 2005

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and BET Jazz have assembled some of the world's most renowned jazz, R&B and Gospel artists -jazz/R&B keyboardist George Duke, jazz/crossover legend Al Jarreau, smooth guitarist Earl Klugh, straight ahead tenor and soprano saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, pop-jazz saxophonist Najee, and stellar gospel vocalist Yolanda Adams - to headline the second annual Cayman Jazz Fest, December 1, 2, 3 in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands. Local Caymanian musicians will also be featured in the festival, including jazz group Intransit, rock / blues / soul island band Hi Tide, the island's exclusive steel band Pandemonium Steelband, husband and wife duo Barrie and Chuck with their island jazz band SEA N'B, and soul diva KayKay.

“This year should definitely put the Cayman Jazz Fest on the 'must go to' calendar of international jazz events," said the Hon. Charles E. Clifford, Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism. “Visitors will get the whole package: a great vacation and the best music the world has to offer."

“Our team at BET Jazz and BET Event Productions are pleased with this partnership and we enjoy working with the Cayman Islands. This destination has everything required to make this festival successful. It's a beautiful island with wonderful people, great hotels and restaurants, and more importantly, the artists are excited to make the trip," said Paxton Baker, Executive VP and General Manager of BET Digital Networks and President of BET Event Productions. “This year will be even better than last year... and we are looking forward to presenting the concerts on BET, BET Jazz, and the VH1 Digital Networks."

Director of Tourism Pilar Bush commented that the Cayman Jazz Fest 2005 is a collaborative project made possible by the support of local and international sponsors. Ms. Bush also congratulated Red Stripe on being the first major company to sign on in a growing list of sponsors.

A preview of this year's Cayman Jazz Fest can be seen on BET and BET Jazz on the following dates (all times are ET):
BET - 10/09/05 at 4:30pm
BET Jazz - 10/12/05 & 10/26/05 at 12pm, 8pm, 1am;
BET Jazz - 10/16/05 & 10/30/05 at 1pm, 6pm, 10pm;
BET Jazz - 11/02/05 & 11/16/05 at 12pm, 8pm, 1am

Festival packages starting at $799.00 per person based on double occupancy are available from Delta Vacations by calling 1-877-668-Jazz (5299) or logging onto www.deltavacations.com. Concert tickets are available online at www.ticketweb.com. Jazz fans can also sign up to receive regular updates on the second annual Cayman Jazz Fest by visiting www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest.

Cayman Islands: Located 480 miles south of Miami in the quiet western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its beaches and diving spots, and ranked as the world's fifth largest financial center, the Cayman Islands offer exciting recreational opportunities along with friendly, high quality, modern service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky, or call your local travel agent.

BET JAZZ: The Jazz Channel, a subsidiary of BET and Viacom, Inc., is the principal location for the fulfillment of all jazz interests. The network is the first and only 24-hour television programming service dedicated exclusively to jazz music and culture. BET Jazz features many of the finest names in jazz through in-studio performances, festivals, and concert coverage and celebrity interviews. Many of the shows feature original programming as well as historic footage unavailable on any other television network.

BET Event Productions (BEP) is in the business of producing “Best in Class" live events, events that are designed to facilitate the advertising and promotional needs of its clients. BEP offers a full range of services, including project development and management, event marketing, artistic direction and production.