August 31st and September 1st

In 2010, the festival in Rotterdam gained a younger sister: Curacao North Sea Jazz. Good music combined with the tropical atmosphere on the island makes the formula a huge success. This Summer, it’s time for the fourth edition.

The biggest annual event on the island is ta-king place on Friday August 30 and Saturday August 31. Or really, even sooner. Traditionally, audience can enjoy related concerts in the week prior to the actual festival. The Brionplein in Willemstad will welcome El Gran Combo on Monday August 26, for which entrance is free. On Thursday August 29, José James will perform at Brakkeput Mei Mei.

For the festival itself, the programme is shaping up nicely. On Friday, there will be performances by, among others: Marc Anthony, Gladys Knight, Sonny Rollins , Erykah Badu , Raphael Saadiq, Sabrina Starke , Oumou Sangaré, Mud Morganfield , Kris Berry and New Cool Collective. On the schedule for Saturday so far are Luis Miguel , Paul Anka, The Roots, Los Lobos, Esperanza Spalding Radio Music Society , Christian McBride Big Band, Edmar Castañeda , Sherry Dyanne, Pernell Saturnino and Kizzy McHugh. What’s special about this year’s edition, is that for the fi rst time, Curacao North Sea Jazz will have four stages instead of three: besides the big Sam Cooke stage and the indoor Celia, the new Etta James stage will be located at the spot that used to belong to the Sir Duke stage, which was moved to the beach last year.

Just like in previous years, Curacao North Sea Jazz will take place at the World Trade Center near Piscadera Bay. Ever since the fi rst edition in 2010, audiences have been able to enjoy a string of performances by well-known artists. Lionel Richie, George Benson, John Legend, Simply Red, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Rubén Blades, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Alicia Keys, Maná, Caro Emerald, Waylon, Sergio George’s All Star Salsa Friends… They are just a taste of the huge amount of performers filling the different stages.

Please see www.curacaonorthseajazz.com for the most recent updates on the line-up, as well as other information. For tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com.

The Curacao North Sea Jazz is brought to you by: Fundashon Bon Intenshon.