Puerto Plata welcomes the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival over the Constitution Day long weekend. Now in its 17th year, the jazz festival promises a mix of globally acclaimed musicians and beach fun.
From Thursday 31 October to Sunday 3 November, Latin jazz, hybrid Jazz and traditional Dominican merengue soul will be played in Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete venues.
“The Jazz Festival is the largest free cultural event in Dominican Republic,” says Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “The festivities are popular with locals and international tourists alike, and we are proud to host some of the world’s best known musicians. Music is a key element of our culture and is deeply ingrained into our everyday lives.”
This year, the sounds of musician and former New York Yankee player Bernie Williams (USA), Rufus Reid (USA), Johnny Ventura (Dominican Republic), Alex Acuna (Peru), Marco Pignataro (Italy), Richie Flores (Puerto Rico), Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez (Cuba), Pengbian Sang & Retro Jazz (Dominican Republic), Abraham Laboriel (Mexico), the Berkelee Global Jazz Institute and many more can be heard at the event.
The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival dates and locations are:
– 31 Oct. 2013 – Puerto Plata, Independence Park
– 1 Nov. 2013 – Sosua, Parque Mirador
– 2-3 Nov. 2013 – Cabarete, Cabarete Beach
In addition to celebrating the country’s historical musical roots, the festival works to bring music education to the young people of the region. Affiliated with FEDUJAZZ and local non-profit organizations, the world-famous musicians performing at the festival will lead student workshops to educate aspiring jazz artists. See www.DRJazzFestival.com.