2009 Martinique Jazz Festival Lineup Released

Caribbean`s Longest Running Jazz Fest Dating Back to 1983 to Be Held Nov. 26 to
Dec. 6
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Melodious musique de jazz will fill the air once more this fall as the
Caribbean`s longest running jazz festival, the Martinique Jazz Festival, will be
held November 26 to December 6. The festival, which dates back to 1983, has long
provided a showcase for local and international artists to share their talents
with a lively and appreciative crowd of music lovers from all corners of the
globe. This year will be no exception, as a solid line-up of musicians are set
to combine with interactive master classes, film screenings and exhibits to
create the ultimate jazz experience under the warm Caribbean sun.

Among the international artists scheduled to perform are Elizabeth Kontomanou
(France), the Kenny Barron Trio (USA), and Lionel Loueke (Bénin/USA). A
highlight of the event will no doubt be the performance of steel pan master,
Andy Narell (USA), who will team with calypso legend, Relator (Trinidad) to
perform innovative "PanJazz" selections from their new album, University of
Calypso.

Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA,
commented on the festival, stating: "Over the years, the Martinique Jazz
Festival has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz and scores of their
fans to our shores. We look forward to more of the same in 2009 and beyond."

Jazz luminaries who have performed at the Martinique Jazz Festival in years past
include the Marsalis brothers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito d`Rivera, Chucho
Valdes, and many more.

Martinique Jazz Festival performances will be held primarily at L`Atrium, in the
capital city, Fort-de-France, with additional concerts and events held in the
towns of Sainte Anne, Sainte Marie, Lamentin, Riviere Salee, Sainte Luce and the
La Pagerie Museum in Trois-Ilets, childhood home of Empress Josephine.

For more information, including performance schedules, ticket information and
more, contact Le Centre Martiniquais d'Action Culturelle (www.cmac.asso.fr) at
Tel: 011 596 596 70 79 29, or Email: communication@cmac.asso.fr.

About Martinique (www.martinique.org)

The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of
the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) - by any one of its many
names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in
the world; as unforgettable as a summer romance or a first kiss. Named "Best
Gourmet Island of the Year 2008" by Caribbean World Magazine, Martinique is an
overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary
delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and
so much more. Napoleon`s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. The
Pompeii of the Caribbean, St. Pierre, is found here. The finest French products,
from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are readily available here. La Route
des Rhums, a tour of the world`s finest rum distilleries based on France`s famed
Route des Vins, is offered here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to
offer - Martinique c`est magnifique!

For more information, contact the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA, 825 Third
Ave, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10022 - Tel: 212 838 6887 - Fax: 212 838 7855 -
Email: info@martinique.org - Web: www.martinique.org.

Martinique Promotion Bureau
Christel Coïta, 212-745-0970
christel.coita@franceguide.com
or
SBPR Corp
Steve Bennett, 954-566-1522
Steve@SBPRcorp.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009