I recently won a trip to Jamaica for the 2012 Jazz and Blues Festival and brought along the homie, Tequila. It was her first trip to Jamaica, but definitely won’t be her last. Here’s what she had to say…

My first trip to Jamaica turned out to be an exhilirating experience for a sweet Georgia peach like myself. The opportunity to indulge in this gettaway came last minute with only a week and a half notice before departure.  With nothing to think about, I immediately accepted and within days was boarding a flight to Montego Bay.  Upon arrival, I was expeditiously escorted through customs and shuttled off to the Secrets-St. James Resort in Montego Bay.   Mesmerized by the beauty before me, Jamaica quickly became a new favorite.

The Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival proved to be a heavy hitter with a line up of artists ranging from local reggae groups to Celine Dion. The 3 night affair was not only outstanding but also gave me an expanded appreciation for reggae music.  I knew of international reggae artists such as Maxi Priest, Bob Marley, Shabba Ranks, and Shaggy, but this festival further exposed me to other artists such as the legendary Marcia Griffiths “The Queen Of Reggae”  and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry who both gave captivating peformances.  A high energy performance from Trinidadian artist, Destra Garcia, literally rocked the crowd with pulsating Caribbean rhythms.  Celine Dion…what can I say…its Celine Dion in Jamaica for crying out loud…how can you not love it!  With V.I.P. access all three nights the up close and personal experience was unprecedented.