SCORES of residents in the tiny
village of Plymouth, Tobago, chose to remain on the outside for
the highly publicised Plymouth Jazz Festival even as thousands
of outsiders shuffled their way through the small community and
into the village recreation ground to witness performances from
top local and international acts.
Last weekend’s three-day festival featured big names like
Stevie Wonder, Patti La Belle, P Diddy, Vanessa Williams, Sting
and Natalie Cole among many.
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Residents
brought their chairs and took in the
show from the outside.
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Tobago boy Shurwayne Winchester and Traffik gave hometown fans
a treat on Friday night.
With a well-rested throat and showing off his voice range Shurwayne
had them calling for more as he delved into hits, soca, reggae,
ballad, old and new.
Unlike the visitors, residents said the prices of tickets were
way above their heads and not all of them were able to secure
complimentary tickets.
As a result, many of the simple country folk grabbed every possible
vantage point close to the action.
Whether it was behind the tall wire fence where they held their
ground until the show was over, or on top the rooftops, or the
back of a vehicle they got a taste of calypso, R&B and jazz.
Some walked with their chairs and made themselves comfortable
in front the fence from where they peeked in just getting a small
glimpse of the artistes as it showed over the big screen.
Those who couldn’t get room alongside the fence limed on
the streets and partied away like thousands on the inside.
Then there were those who stayed behind and busily plied their
trade in front their homes attracting the taste buds of Jazz Festival
lovers on their way to festival village.
It was the second annual Jazz Festival in Plymouth and bigger
names are expected for next year’s.
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