Several music festivals have popped up throughout the Caribbean in recent years. One of the best of these new festivals is the Cayman Jazz Fest held on Grand Cayman. This star-studded festival will take over the island of Grand Cayman this year from Thursday, December 4 to Saturday, December 6. Featuring performances by several local artists and numerous award-winning vocalists and jazz performers, the Cayman Jazz Fest has quickly become one of the Caribbean's best musical events.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, December 4, at the Pedro St. James National Historic Site. At this intimate venue, concertgoers will have a chance to enjoy the sounds of local artists early in the day and award-winning vocalists at night. Though the Cayman Jazz Fest features a number of internationally-renowned acts, the festival invites a number of jazz, pop and soul artists from both Grand Cayman and other Caribbean destinations. After experiencing a dose of local jazz flavor, guests at the Thursday performance will be treated to performances by award-winning actor and vocalist, Terrence Howard; contemporary saxophonist, Gerald Albright; and superstar vocalist, Cassandra Wilson. As the Thursday concert is presented as an luxurious alternative to traditional festival performances, all guests will be asked to dress in 'elegant casual' apparel.

On Friday, the Cayman Jazz Fest moves to Pageant Beach. The main stage will get warmed up with a performance by emerging R&B singer, Algebra. This Atlanta-born singer-songwriter has been compared to Saturday's next performer, Angie Stone. Known for her vintage sound that channels the heyday of Motown Records, Angie Stone has come to represent the newest generation of soul and R&B. Friday night at the Cayman Jazz Fest will conclude with a stirring set by world-famous vocalist, Michael Bolton. As Bolton's concerts have been known to command top dollar, his appearance in Grand Cayman will represent not only a unique musical experience, but also a great value.

The Cayman Jazz Fest will close on Saturday, December 6, with a stunning lineup of established stars and up-and-coming acts. The party starts with a performance by 23-year old jazz bass prodigy, Esparanza Spalding, an artist known for her unique fusion of genres and energetic performances. She will be followed by Grammy-winning pop instrumentalist Norman Brown and platinum-selling R&B sensation, Robin Thicke. The Cayman Jazz Fest will close on Saturday night with a special performance by a singer known throughout the world for her emotional ballads, R&B superstar, Anita Baker.

The Cayman Jazz Fest will be offering both single-day and package tickets. Visitors to the island during this exciting weekend can experience all the acts and other festival events on either Friday or Saturday at Pageant Beach for $60 each day. Those that want to visit the Cayman Jazz Fest on both Friday and Saturday will receive a $10 discount on their ticket packages. The Thursday concert at Pedro St. James Historic Site promises one of Grand Cayman's most intimate events. Tickets for the Thursday performance are $90 or can be purchased as part of packages that allow full access to all of the festival's events for $190. Both the Friday and Saturday concerts at the Cayman Jazz Fest are open seating and offer free admission to children under 12-years old. As the performances take place right on the beach, the Cayman Jazz Fest also encourages guests to bring chairs or blankets for the evening.

If you visit Grand Cayman this year during the beginning of the Caribbean tourism season, be sure to mark the Cayman Jazz Fest on your calendar. As one of the Caribbean's best music festivals, the Cayman Jazz Fest will add a unique and exciting flourish to any Caribbean vacation.