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COVID19 forced the cancellation of Tobago Jazz Experience 2020, the premier festival on the Tobago calendar, but a virtual event is on the cards for 2021.
Tobago Festivals Commission CEO John Arnold's executive team has been holding consultations with stakeholders, to discuss the practicality and feasibility of hosting virtual events for Tobago Jazz and Carnival 2021.
Arnold told Newsday on Sunday, the aim is to monetise both festivals.
The covid19 pandemic continues to force the majority of the world to place restrictions on travel and gatherings. As a result, Tobago's tourism-based economy has taken a tremendous blow.
Tobago has had experience hosting virtual events in the latter half of 2020, with the Heritage Festival and Blue Food Festival garnering significant online interest.
Arnold said meetings are ongoing on Jazz 2021 and an announcement will be made before February.
[caption id="attachment_863845" align="alignnone" width="640"] Tobago Festivals CEO John Arnold[/caption]
"In terms of Jazz, we've already started the kinds of discussion to look at how that is possible. We've started to discuss monetisation, the kinds of (hosting) platforms, ticketing platforms. So far my team has met with one guy who has the experience of hosting international events...We learnt a lot from him."
Arnold said two of the main costs in hosting virtual events are performance fees and the infrastructure for artistes to perform in a particular space.
Addressing plans for Carnival, Arnold said the roll-out of plans should take place by the first week in January.
"The meetings we've had so far with the stakeholders – pan, mas, calypso – they've sent proposals and they all speak to the spirit of a virtual. I've also met with the mud mas people and the soca monarch.
"What I'm trying to do is improve stakeholder relationships and manage relationships to understand that all of us are on the same page."
[caption id="attachment_863843" align="alignnone" width="1024"] FILE PHOTO: Jazz singer Leandra performs at Jazz on the Waterfront 2019, at the Esplanade, Scarborough. -[/caption]
Arnold said his goal is "building these indigenous festivals and the tourist festivals, for a bigger reason."
He was adamant the quality of production must be international standard.
Arnold, who boasts experience hosting several Tobago festivals, said monetising Carnival and Jazz will not be a problem.
"There are several platforms, networks now to monetise. But the two issues are: which markets you looking at to get this message out and the quality. We have to make sure the quality of what we selling is really on top. The quality of production is what I'm focusing now, and the stakeholders appreciate that."
He believes the public accepts and appreciates virtual entertainment as the new normal.
"Yeah, yeah, because there are so many ...I've just finish a personal thing with the Tobago Grassroots (Talent), and when you see what the engagement is and the reach – people out of Guyana and US following the show regularly.
"For example pan, I think we can reach pan enthusiasts in Japan, China, France, where pan is big. We have a wonderful opportunity...You can think of adding culinary to that, art, craft, everything and make it a whole (experience). You have to try and make it unique."
[caption id="attachment_863841" align="alignnone" width="1024"] FILE PHOTO: Legendary R&B singer Toni Braxton commands the stage on the final night of Tobago Jazz Experience 2019 at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago. -[/caption]
Arnold said he has taken a personal interest in mud mas which he believes has tremendous potential for worldwide appeal.
"I'm very interested in the mud mas. We are probably the largest mud mas in the world. The filming of it, how they excavate the mud, boiling the mud, behind the scenes – these are experiences. They have to say, 'Bago Carnival is something we need to go. It's a nice kind of relaxed Carnival down there.'"
 
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