As regular TGATP readers know, I am a huge fan of the Riviera Maya region in Mexico. In 2010, I reviewed the spectacular Grand Velas in the region and last year, I was blessed to spend the Thanksgiving holiday in this gorgeous area for the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. With riveting performances from Stanley Clarke, Jon Anderson, Jeff Lorber, The Yellowjackets, Natalie LaFourcade, Randy Brecker, Enrique and Fernando Toussaint, Alex Otola, and Richard Bona. It was a three-day unforgettable party!
The lineup for the 10th annual Riviera Maya Jazz Music Festival looks equally stellar featuring a one-of-a-kind lineup of some of today’s greatest jazz performers. Nestled between the white sand beaches and verdant jungles along the Eastern Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya will vibrate to the rhythm of Jazz for 3 days on November 22nd 2012 through November 24th.
The festival, hosted in Playa Mamitas and considered to be among the top 10 jazz music festivals in the world will allow music lovers to enjoy amazing performances by world-renowned artists. Over the past 10 years the festival has hosted big names such as George Duke, Four Play, Sergio Mendes, Herbie Hancock, Ivan Lins, Armando Manzanero, Sacbe, Stanley Clarke and Yellowjackets.
“The tenth annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival will showcase jazz at its finest,” said Dario Flota Ocampo (pictured above 2nd from the right), general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office. “Every year we continue to improve the festival and we are pleased to provide travelers the opportunity to enjoy the performance of world-class jazz artists at one of the world’s top travel destinations.”
The 2012 lineup is as follows.
Thursday, November 22nd
- Joe d’Etienne and his Big Band: The trumpet player, composer, arranger and pianist will kick off the festival.
- Pete Escovedo: The legendary percussionist will marvel festival-goers with a mix of Latin rhythms and jazz.
- Victor Wooten: The day will end with a performance by the 5-time Grammy award winning musician and talented bass player.
Friday, November 23rd
- Nortec: This band will get the crowds dancing with its mix of traditional Mexican, electronica and dance music.
- Poncho Sanchez: One of the most influential conga players and percussionists in Afro-Cuban jazz.
- Level 42
Saturday, November 24th
- Aguamala: This group born in Playa del Carmen will charm the crowds with a fine mix of influences, made of a base of jazz with touches of funk and rock, giving it a particular, delightful sound.
- Wayne Shorter: The 6-time Grammy award winner and one of the most significant and prolific saxophonists and composers in jazz and modern music.
- John Scofield: The masterful jazz improviser whose music falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B will close the festival.
The 10th annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival will be a celebration of music, history and culture in a beautiful venue that will provide sea, sand and sunsets, adding to the magic and beauty of the event. This is a definite must for any jazz fan!
For more information on the Riviera Maya visit www.rivieramaya.com
Twitter: @RivieraMaya
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RivieraMaya
About the Riviera Maya
One of the world’s most desirable destinations, the Riviera Maya is situated along the southeastern coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and protected jungles, the Riviera Maya stretches eighty-one miles, beginning south of the Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos and extending through Sian Ka’an, the first established Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Riviera Maya boasts the tranquility of sparsely-populated beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, more than 100 cenotes and numerous eco-adventure activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing. A vast variety of lodging options, from luxury hotels (including TGATP fav, The Grand Velas), all-inclusive properties to charming boutique hotels, provide excellent accommodations, first-class facilities and the warm hospitality of the local people. Many of Mexico’s most significant archeological sites are nearby, providing visitors with the chance to experience the fascinating Mayan culture. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for seven consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010), awarded with The Best Destination in Mexico by Crystal Apple Award 2008 and 2009; one of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was recognized as the Sexiest Destination by Recommend Magazine.
