DSF REVERBERATES TO THE SOUND OF JAZZ

"Much more than Jazz", the jazz festival will feature music genres as diverse as blues, funk, swing, acid, rock, contemporary, modern, and fusion and will see over 75 musicians from around the world perform at the DSF event.

"The second, three-day, Dubai International Jazz Festival held earlier this year drew over 18,000 fans," said Anthony Younes, managing director, Chillout Productions. "The upcoming Dubai International Jazz Festival promises to be bigger. We are expecting around 25,000 music enthusiasts to attend the three-day festival."

In addition to the existing two stages, the 2005 festival will be having an additional stage. Each stage will play host to some leading names reflecting the sounds of different styles of jazz. Performing on the first day i.e. February 2 from 7.30pm to midnight are the Peter King Quartet, Jazz Matrix featuring Jim Mullen, Claire Martin Quarter and Ray Gelato and his giants — all from the UK.

Day 2 will see Olivier Collette Quintet from Belgium, Mike Stern from USA, Blues Caravan featuring Ana Popovic, Sue Foley, Candye Kane from USA, Canada and Europe and Ptah Brwon featuring Tim Fritz and Lello Panico from USA, perform modern jazz and blues on the three different stages while the concluding day will see Rigmor Gustafsson featuring Magnus Lendgren from Sweden perform pop jazz and David Reinhartd Quintet and Anne Ducros from France perform diva and gypsy jazz. The grand finale will be brought about by Orchestra (ELO) by the original members of the Electric Light Orchestra from the USA.

"The new stage will give jazz lovers the opportunity not to miss out on any of the concerts since the artists performing on these two stages will perform in two separate sets of half hour two hours apart," pointed out Younes.

The increase in venue also gives the Festival's official caterers, Hilton Jumeirah the opportunity to expand their food outlets to better serve the fans. Hilton is also providing all the musicians with accommodation during the festival. In addition to the food and beverage outlets, the festival will provide the opportunity for corporate hospitality.