Mercedes Benz Colombo Jazz Festival announces incredible lineup

Shalin Balasuirya Co Founder Spa Ceylon, Deni Dukic GM Galle Face Hotel, Dinesh Gunaratne Mercedes Benz, Gehan Fernando Chairman of the Colombo Jazz Festival, Riyaz Rasheed Deputy CEO Etisalat, Suren Ratwatte CEO Sri Lanka Airlines, Dinesh’s Wijesinghe MD Sugar, Shamindri Fernando CEO OLU Water

The Mercedes Benz Colombo Jazz Festival organised by Mainstage Events opens on 18 and 19 February at the Galle Face Hotel. Following on the immense success of its inaugural festival in 2016, this year’s event has expanded to cover two days with over 80 artists. The concept behind the festival is a music, culinary and art event, that promises to combine and showcase the talents of the best international jazz artists as well as artists of national renown. 

The stunning heritage property the Galle Face Hotel, in Colombo, will welcome global music fans to jazz-centric celebration, where fans of all types of jazz-related music rub shoulders with aficionados of the genre. Jazz is a genre that evokes such powerful and varied emotion, and it strongly emphasises the experimentation of sound and musicianship. When putting together artists such as this, Mainstage Events, the organisers aim to capture all that diversity, all that makes this art form so beautiful, in a weekend of performances. 

The lineup is the culmination of the festival’s commitment to bringing a diverse and unique group of jazz musicians to Colombo, all flown in courtesy of festival partner Sri Lankan Airlines, to deliver a collection of performances that include exciting new artists, international and local jazz legends and groups all connected around presenting unique musical experiences in a first for Colombo. 

At a press conference at the Galle Face Hotel the Festival Founder Gehan Fernando along with partners DIMO Lanka Business Unit Manager Dinesh Gunaratne, Etisalat Lanka Deputy CEO Riyaz Rasheed, Sri Lankan Airlines CEO Suren Ratwatte, Sugar Restaurants Managing Director Dinesh Wijesinghe, Spa Ceylon Co Founder Shalin Balasuriya, Galle Face Hotel General Manager Deni Dukic and Olu Water CEO Shalindra Fernando announced the impressive line up.  

Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) with Mercedes-Benz, has partnered with the Colombo Jazz Festival for the second time since the events inception last year. This move by Mercedes-Benz to consolidate its position as the premier luxury lifestyle brand enabling the loyal customers of Mercedes-Benz to be a part of something unique, and to create lasting experiences with the brand. With curated foods and a unique blend of local and International artists, the event provides the perfect platform for Mercedes-Benz to entertain their customers and their families, and to exclusively host them at the Mercedes-Benz Lounge.

 Etisalat Lanka CEO Suleiman Alkaabi,  co-sponsor of the event noted, “Our vision is to enrich the lives of Sri Lankans by going beyond connectivity. Partnering up with this exclusive event enables us to forge our vision by interconnecting with various disciplines and industries alike. A special area will be ear-marked for our valued partners, enterprise and premier clients to experience the Etisalat hospitality on the day.” 

The renowned group headlining the festival is Incognito, which has been labelled as everything from pop band to Latin jazz ensemble, from ‘70s-styled funk crew to an acid-jazz collaboration.

 It is best defined in terms of its leader, guitarist-vocalist-composer Jean Paul (Bluey) Maunick. Over the course of the ensemble’s history and its 16 albums, Bluey, has encompassed a variety of forms of music anchored all the while by his original inspirations: Herbie Hancock, Earth, Wind & Fire and especially Stevie Wonder. His record production credits include legendary artists such as Paul Weller, George Benson, Maxi Priest; he has also collaborated with Stevie Wonder.

Another legend performing is Mud Morganfield who describes the resemblance of the tone and timber of his voice to that of his father’s voice as a double edged sword. The similarity is evident in For Pops: A Tribute To Muddy Waters. Morganfield launched his music career in blues clubs on the south side of Chicago, where he performed a mix of his father’s material and his own original works. 

The Kevin Davy Quartet, Kevin Davy is a London-based trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader. In a career spanning three decades, he has amassed an extensive recorded discography, which includes work ranging from musical theatre to modern jazz and contemporary music.  

Geoffrey Fernando of famed Sri Lankan band Purple Rain will also perform, his unique vocal style and graceful stage presence makes Geoff one of the best live entertainers to be experienced.

Jerome Speldewinde’s powerful vocal styling makes for a compelling combination when paired with his guitar skill and is really one to watch from the stellar lineup of local artists. 

Brown Sugar, regulars at 41 Sugar are one of the islands up and coming jazz sextet whose brilliantly quirky performances have made them a firm favourite in the islands music scene.

From afternoon to midnight The Mercedes Benz Colombo Jazz Festival will all take place at the iconic Galle Face hotel, designed to meet festival-goers’ every need, in the heart of Colombo with the beauty, sounds of the ocean and the cool breeze that drifts in, as its spectacular setting. The Festival will also host an irresistible ‘Feastival’ with an incredible array of speciality foods including picnic baskets with a delicious selection of cheeses and charcuterie. Wine and Champagne bars among others will also be a part of the festival. All of these elements will be installed at the Galle Face Hotel with architectural precision, turning the Festival site into a city within a city – a cultural wonderland showcasing the soul of Sri Lanka. Filled with music, food and energy, the festival aims to bring a live culture and spirit that defines jazz.

Spa Ceylon is pleased be a partner of the Colombo Jazz festival. Spa Ceylon are known for their incredible products that combine Ayurveda wisdom, fine natural ingredients and contemporary design to bring you the ultimate in Ayurveda luxury – for health, well-being and relaxation. They partner with events that resonate with the lifestyles of their clientele and feel the great performances, style and ambience of the event makes it a great fit for Spa Ceylon. They are delighted to introduce a pop up signature Spa Ceylon experience at the two day event. Soothing jazz set against the stunning backdrop of the ocean, while indulging in a Spa Ceylon foot massage, is an experience festival-goers are sure to enjoy.

The PR Designers Market will be popping up at the Colombo Jazz Festival featuring a range of designers who retail at PR and more; expect a collection of clothing and fashion accessories for ladies and gentlemen. The designers will be retailing wider ranges of their usual more curated offering at PR and presenting festival prices on selected items. 

The festival hydration partner is OLU is a unique brand of natural mineral water that is pure and distinct. Nothing is added or taken out of this water in making it suitable for drinking. It is just the way nature intended it to be. OLU is a natural mineral water originating 4,300 feet above sea level, from the cloud forests of Sri Lanka. 

The festival is produced by renowned Mainstage Events. Mainstage Events have a track record of producing successful sold-out events like The Wailers, Mohombi live, High on Heels and Julian Marley. Mainstage Events have consistently delivered exceptional events. Working with the top artists and DJs in the world, their goal and ambition is to deliver what most people have not experienced before, a world class music event, within a world class environment.

As there are a limited number of tickets available early booking is advisable. Tickets will be available from Sugar Bistro Crescat and Odel, 41 Sugar, PR and the Galle Face Hotel. They can also be purchased on line at www.colombojazzfestival.com .Tickets are priced at Rs. 5,000 for a day pass for either day and Rs. 8,000 for the weekend pass which includes entry for both days, children (under 12) are half price and toddlers are free.