CONNECTING the Fijian people to the Jazz and Blues Festival is one of the goals festival organisers hope to achieve. Festival director and musician, Billy TK Jnr says that he hopes to achieve this, and they are offering a free program at Port Denarau.
He said they have worked with the NZ High Commission to deliver free workshops about music and the business to aspiring Fijian musicians.
Billy said the event started early 2008 in the Cook Islands, followed by a big festival in Samoa and their first Fiji Festival last year. He had initially suggested to host the event in Fiji and with help managed to do so. The event did not only help bring a new dynamics to tourists but locals as well. Billy said he could have not done it without friends Michael Nacola and Jo Tuamoto.
Asked whether there's anything in particular to look out for this 2012 festival, Billy said everything is special but the gala dinner is extra special because people can sit down and listen to some of the artists not present at the port.
He said legendary Jazz singer, Lenora Helm was supported by the US Embassy to come to the festival and will be present at the dinner.
"This festival is a real opportunity for people to come together and share a great experience in Fiji - for tourists it will be about enjoying the beauty of destination, music and Fijians themselves," he said. "For Fijians it is a chance to expand horizons and make new friends and I hope people take the opportunity to do so".