The Tribune

Jazz has a rich history in the Bahamas, which will be showcased all day today at the UNESCO International Jazz Day in Pompey Square.

Secretary General of the Bahamas National Commission to UNESCO, Dr Leon Higgs, said this is the first year that the UNESCO Bahamas Office has decided to participate in International Jazz Day, which is being celebrated by UNESCO offices all around the world. The host city this year is Osaka, Japan, where Herbie Hancock will headline a star-studded event.

Here in the Bahamas, the legendary Lou Adams, Sr, will be the honoured during the opening ceremony at 1.30pm. Adams opened many doors for Bahamian musicians. When the Zanzibar opened in 1940, the Lou Adams’ band, along with vocalist Eloise Lewis, brought thousands to the establishment, making it one of the most exciting places to visit in Over-the-Hill Nassau.

And the opening of the Balmoral Hotel saw the first black Bahamian band, the Lou Adams Orchestra. Adams further broke barriers at the British Colonial Hilton, leading the first black band to perform there.

The UNESCO Bahamas office will have information on the history of jazz in the Bahamas on display. There will also be food and drinks on sale, as well as art and craft items. Admission is free. The festival starts at 11am and runs until 10pm.