Scarborough (18 April, 2014) - Reggae Star Tarrus Riley is ready to hit the Speyside stage to kick off Tobago Jazz Experience at seaside town. Riley said he’s “coming to give smiling vibes,” and added that, “the audience should expect a “live in concert vibes; reggae music in fine style.” Riley was speaking at a media briefing at THA's Division of Tourism and Transportation head office in Scarborough.

Claire Davidson-Williams, Administrator of the Division gave a warm welcome to Riley saying “we hope you enjoy and love Tobago as much as we do, while adding, “the Experience offers ‘much more than music, it highlights our culture, our food, our people and our beaches.”

Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine, for whom Riley sang “She’s Royal” last August, anticipates “a mammoth crowd at Speyside" where he will “palance and mash up the place.”  Davidson-Celestine added "the Tobago Jazz Experience is about celebrating our culture and our unique and historical experiences here in beautiful Tobago." She further highlighted benefits can be gained from TJE through entrepreneurship and fostering the community spirit.

Riley known for rhythmic hits such as She’s Royal and Good Thing Going takes centre stage this Saturday 19 April, 2014 at 5pm at the Speyside Recreation ground. The event is free to the public.  Other acts for the night include Barbadian singer Nikita Browne, Roy Cape All Stars featuring Blaxx, Michael Boothman, Joel Phillips and Rhapsody Next Generation.

Limited tickets are also still available for Youthopia on Saturday, featuring NBC's The Voice winner, Jamaican Tessanne Chin; and for Beach Jazz Fiesta on Sunday, with Keyshia Cole and soul masters Earth Wind and Fire.

Background Information:
The Tobago Jazz Experience is owned by the Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly and it is one of the many initiatives used to increase Tobago’s visibility in the local, regional and international tourism market. The annual festival presents an opportunity to promote the Tobago brand, stimulate economic activity for the Tourism Business Unit and showcase to the world everything the island has to offer.

Schedule
Jazz in the East – Saturday 19 April, Speyside Recreational Grounds, 5 pm
Hillside Jazz – Sunday 20 April, Signal Hill Recreational Grounds, 7:30 pm
Mt Pleasant Sports Day – Monday 21 April, Mt Pleasant Recreational Grounds, 11am
Buccoo Goat Races – Tuesday 22 April, Buccoo Integrated Facility, 1 pm
Jazz on the Waterfront – Wednesday 23 April, Scarborough Esplanade, 6 pm
Northside Jazz – Thursday 24 April, Castara Beach, 1 pm
World Music Night – Friday 25 April, Pigeon Point Heritage Park (PPHP), 7:30 pm
Youthopia – Saturday 26 April, PPHP, 7:30 pm
Jazz on the Beach – Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April, Mt. Irvine Bay, 11 am
Beach Jazz Fiesta – Sunday 27 April, PPHP, 4 pm

For more information visit: www.tobagojazzexperience.com