QUEENS — The sound of jazz will once again greet travelers coming to Jamaica as the AirTrain Jazz Festival is kicking off this Thursday.
The series, held at the Jamaica AirTrain station, first launched last year with eight performances, but it was so popular, that the organizers decided to expand the program to 30 shows this season.
“It was very well received last year,” said Greg Mays of A Better Jamaica, a nonprofit that promotes cultural events in Jamaica, who came up with the idea and organized it with the help of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District.
“Some people were just passing by and some people were stopping to enjoy the music,” Mays said.
Several passengers who traveled with their own instruments even joined the bands for an impromptu improvisation, he added.
Mays said he wanted people traveling through Jamaica to have a similar experience to those visiting Caribbean countries, where passangers are often greeted by calypso bands at the airports.
Jazz music seemed to be a perfect match for Jamaica, which was essential in the development of the genre, Mays said.
Lon Ivey with his 4th Millenium Band will open the series this Thursday.
Thanks to local councilmen, Daneek Miller and Rory Lancman, who provided funding, the concerts will run through May 26, the organizers said.
The AirTrain Jazz Festival will run from Oct. 15 through May 26. Every Thursday, musicians will perform from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (two sets with a break in between) on the concourse level of the Jamaica AirTrain Station at 93-40 Sutphin Blvd. Those interested in participating should contact Greg Mays at AirTrainJazz@abetterjamaica.org. The organizers provide a $500 compensation for artists.
