Dominican Republic's North Coast to Host Seventh Annual Jazz Festival

Dominican Republic's North Coast to Host Seventh Annual Jazz Festival

Four-Day International Event Features Performances by Top Acts at Beachside Locations on the North Coast

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized for its vibrant music scene, the Dominican Republic (DR) is a mecca for merengue and bachata enthusiasts. However, for the past six years, this Caribbean country has also been attracting jazz aficionados from around the world to its annual Dominican Jazz Festival. To be held October 20 to 23, the festival brings together the best of the Dominican Republic -- warm tropical breezes, Caribbean hospitality and beautiful beaches -- with legendary Latin Jazz performers.

The largest festival annually held in the DR, the Dominican Jazz Festival turns the beachside towns of Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete into lively entertainment venues. Each day features a line-up of recognized musicians from countries such as the U.S., Cuba, Puerto Rico and, of course, the Dominican Republic. But music isn't the only attraction. The festival also incorporates Dominican cuisine, cocktails and plenty of space to accommodate everyone's dancing feet.

"The annual Dominican Jazz Festival is one of the premier events held on the north coast each year," notes Luis Simo, Vice Minister of Tourism. "While merengue and bachata often come to mind when people think of the DR, this festival allows us to show that our country appreciates and celebrates music from a much broader perspective."

While several top name acts require tickets (US $17), most are free of charge. Performers at this year's event include:

Thursday, October 20; (Central Park, Puerto Plata) Puerto Plata Jazz Ensemble, Dominican Republic Gonzalo Rubalcaba, United States Free

Friday, October 21; (Cabarete Beach) Bellita y Jazz Tumbata, Cuba Ari Hoenig, United States Free

Saturday, October 22; (AmhsaCasa Marina, Sosua) Chuco Valdez, Cuba Ramon Vasquez, Puerto Rico David Sanchez, Puerto Rico US $17.00

Sunday, October 23; (Sea Horse Ranch, Cabarete) Bellita y Jazz Tumbata, Cuba Tes A T, Dominican Republic US $17.00

Many area hotels are offering special rates and packages in conjunction with the festival. Visit http://www.dominicana.com.do/ for listings.

For more information on the seventh annual Dominican Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, visit http://www.drjazzfestival.com/ or call 888.374.6361.

Rich in history, the Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then, it has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors. At 10,000 feet, the Dominican Republic is home to the highest point in the Caribbean. It also features some of the best golf courses and beaches in the world, the largest marina in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families. For more information on the Dominican Republic, visit http://www.dr1.com/ .

Source: Dominican Republic

CONTACT: Patty Tazalla, +1-414-247-2174, ptazalla@bvk.com, Laura Tanin, +1-414-351-9563, laurat@bvk.com both of BVK PR

Web site: http://www.dr1.com/ http://www.drjazzfestival.com/ http://www.dominicana.com.do/

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