Abby-Gaye Dallas with her back-up singers at Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.

Western Bureau: Powerful performances reigned supreme on Thursday night from the diverse group of musicians who showcased their musical prowess during each intermission of the 2009 JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival on the 'Art of Music' stage.

The stage, which is smaller than the main stage with headline acts, gave upcoming musicians an opportunity to display their talents at an international event.

Most of the entertainers who spoke with The Gleaner were performing at the festival for the first time; but their delivery on stage was on par with that of most veteran artistes.

One such performance was that of the Total Five Band, which was an instant hit with the crowd throughout its set. But it was the band's original song, Girl, that opened the eyes of the audience to the band's diversity and creativity as the slow ballad mixed with dub poetry offered a sensual interpretation of jazz.

a dream come true

For aspiring musician Abby-Gaye Dallas, performing at the festival was a dream come true.

"I've been dreaming of this opportunity to showcase my talent and grateful for this moment as it is my first time at Jazz, so I am just loving every minute of it. My aim is to be on the main stage come next year," an elated Dallas said.

Dallas showed no signs of performance jitters and gave the crowd something to cheer about with each strongly executed note. So captivating was her performance, ace Jamaican actor, Paul Campbell, went backstage to offer his congratulations to the young musician.

Among the top performers on the Art of Music stage was The Resolvers Band out of Miami, Florida, which boasted Ernie Smith's son, OJay Smith, as the lead singer. While the group had a short stint on stage, its presence was intensely felt as the crowd experienced the sheer diversity of the musicians' talent.

Other performers who excited the crowd were the Blow Wow Band and Montego Bay's Tammie and Kylve, who are renown in the hospitality music circuit for their cabaret performances at various hotels along the north coast.

The Total Five Band at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival. - photos by Sheena Gayle