To begin a new year (and a new decade) on the beautiful island of Barbados is something I look forward to every year. Having attended 14 out of the 17 years, I have watched this festival grow into a world class event.

As always, the 17th Annual Barbados Jazz Festival was programmed for every musical taste that complimented the variety of historic outdoor venues.

Opening night at Sunbury Plantation House featured trumpeter Etienne Charles with Joe Lovano headlining, Tuesday is always reserved for Bajan artists at the Heritage Rum Factory where singers Shane Forrester and Toni Norville brought the house down with guest artists Gospel singer Paula Hinds and rapper Kirk Brown joining in.

Garfield Sobers Sports Auditorium, the only indoor venue hosted singer Smokey Robinson. The magnificent Crane Resort brought in Elio Villafranka to perform Cuban Classics under the stars at the edge of the sea. Lalah Hathaway entertained at the official Prime Minister's residence in a lovely outdoor setting.

Finally the weekend brought the festival to scenic Farley Hill Park where Lao Tizer, Bwakore from Martinique, and headliner Robin Thicke performed on Saturday.

Alt rocker Alex M, Arturo Tappin, Marisa Lindsay, (with guest Toni Norville), Warren Hill, and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds brought the 2010 Barbados Jazz Festival to a close on Sunday.

Artists interviews and performances by Etienne Charles and Joe Lovano can be seen at: www.youtube.com/ejazzTV