International Jazz Festival Kicks Off in Bahrain

Renowned American vocalist and pianist Karen Edwards will join the Jarek Smietana Trio on stage at the La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama on Saturday, while Dutch trumpeter Saskia Laroo and American pianist/composer/vocalist Warren Byrd will perform on Sunday. Both concerts form part of the fourth Gulf Jazz Festival, which will feature performances in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar until April 21. This year's festival promises to showcase the talents of a diverse lineup of international jazz musicians.

Key Takeaways:

• Karen Edwards, a Grammy Award-nominated vocalist and pianist, has worked with renowned musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Tony Bennett, Pharoah Sanders, and Prince.
• Jarek Smietana, a critically acclaimed Polish jazz performer, has been honored with several awards, including the 1998 Fryderyk award for his album "Songs And Other Ballads" and the President of Cracow Prize for Eminent Cultural Achievements.
• Smietana's career has seen him perform and record with artists including Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Henderson, Joe Zawinul, Gary Bartz, and others.
• Warsaw-born Polish jazz guitarist Jarek Smietana has worked extensively with the Polish jazz group Extra Ball and has also performed with Sounds, the Symphonic Sound Orchestra, and the Polish Jazz Stars Band.
• Saskia Laroo, a Dutch trumpeter, began playing the instrument at the age of 8 and has since performed at numerous festivals and concerts across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa.
• Laroo has performed alongside musicians from across the musical spectrum, including jazz and pop musicians like George Coleman, Steve Davis, Hans Dulfer, and Wynton Marsalis.
• Warren Byrd, an American pianist, composer, and vocalist, has worked with performers including Archie Shepp, Eddie Henderson, Frank Lacy, and Saskia Laroo, and has released four ensemble albums and two duo albums.
• Byrd's first album as a bandleader, "Truth Raised Twice", was released in 2000 and laid the groundwork for his future international tours and musical contributions.

Statistics:

• The Gulf Jazz Festival is in its fourth consecutive year, featuring performances in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar from April 12 to April 21.
• Tickets have sold relatively well, but are still available for both performances on Saturday and Sunday.
• Concert-only tickets will cost BD20 per night, while dinner concert tickets will cost BD25 per night. Combo deals for both nights include dinner concert tickets for BD45 and concert-only tickets for BD36.
• Shows will start at 8pm on both nights, with dinner concert tickets available for purchase at the La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama.

Sources:

• Gulf Daily News, April 12, 2009
• Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company, 2009