In advance of his 102nd birthday, lifelong musician Denis Malins-Smith was recognised with a ‘Recognition of Jazz Pioneer’ Award by the organisers of Jazz It Grenada!
This was the highlight of Jazz It Grenada!, the brainchild of local musician Nigel John, which was held on 29–30 March at Prickly Bay Marina. The two day event was sponsored and supported by Darren Turner, General Manager of Prickly Bay Marina and Emmanuel Duncan, Managing Director of Southern Electrical Company.
Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel, and Senator the Hon. Brenda Hood, attended the first evening’s programme of an impressive line up of local and international musicians and performers.
Local favourites included Ajamu, Cecil Bartholomew & Quiet Fire, Aiden Slinger, Paul Alexander & Jenny J and other outstanding local talent. International artistes included David Winans (Detroit) , Keith Walcott (Miami), Michael Boothman (Trinidad & Tobago).
Darren Turner, stated that even though this event has had relatively small beginnings, he is fully committed to supporting the event and endorses the wider acknowledgement of this genre of music in our local market. He believes that this event placed on Grenada’s Annual Events calendar it will attract regional and international visitors.
