Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Announces Internationally-Acclaimed Lineup for 8th Annual Event

RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico, April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Once a sleepy fishing village, the Riviera Maya, celebrating its eighth annual Jazz Festival, is quickly becoming what Conde Nast deemed "Mexico's most fashionable getaway." Nestled between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and emerald jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is proud to announce an acclaimed line-up of internationally-renowned jazz musicians at the highly-anticipated 2010 Jazz Festival to be held November 25-28.

Drawing more than 50,000 visitors to the Riviera Maya last year, the Festival has showcased acclaimed jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock, Kool and the Gang, Gino Vanelli, Pat Martino, Sergio Mendes, The Tower of Power, Fourplay and George Benson, among others, while also giving local jazz musicians the opportunity to display their talents. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is free and open to the public, allowing residents and visitors alike to easily partake in this unforgettable experience.

"With white sand beaches, an ideal climate and the warmth of the local people, the Riviera Maya provides the perfect setting for this inspired Festival," states Javier Aranda, general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office. "The opportunity to sit on the beach, under the twinkling stars while listening to a mixed genre of jazz is sure to turn a good evening in the Riviera Maya into a truly unforgettable one."

During the four day festival, concerts will begin in the evening around 7 p.m., allowing attendees to explore Riviera Maya during the day. In addition to enjoying the sun at the stunning beaches, festival attendees can peruse local boutiques, restaurants, shops and clubs on Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue, tour notable Mayan architectural sites such as Tulum and Coba, snorkel and dive at the world's second largest barrier reef, The Great Maya Barrier Reef, explore underground caverns and ponds, ride ATVs along the coast or zip line atop the canopy of the jungle.

In advance of the 2010 Jazz Festival, internationally-renowned musical artists Phil Perry and Brian McKnight will perform a free concert the evening of Saturday, May 29 at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.

Phil Perry, R&B singer, songwriter and musician, got his start in the music industry as a member of the soul group, The Montclairs. Perry again saw great success a couple decades later with the number one R&B hit, "Call Me," as well as with other top 40 R&B singles "Amazing Love" and "Forever."

Brian McKnight, a platinum recording artist who has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, is known for his soulful fusions of pop and R&B and has established himself with enviable chart consistency, has toured for more than a decade, and has collaborated with artists across a multitude of genres such as Justin Timberlake, Willie Nelson and Christina Aguilera, to name a few.

Mamitas Beach Club is one of Playa del Carmen's most popular spots for lounging and relaxing just steps from the Caribbean Ocean. It is also home to the renowned Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. For more information, including the full Jazz Festival lineup, visit www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com.

About The Riviera Maya

One of the world's most desirable destinations, the Riviera Maya is situated along the eastern coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and protected jungles, the Riviera Maya stretches eighty-one miles, beginning south of the Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos and extending through Sian Ka'an, the first established Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Riviera Maya boasts the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, more than 100 cenotes and numerous eco-adventure activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing. A vast variety of lodging options, from luxury hotels, all-inclusive properties to charming boutique hotels, provide excellent accommodations, first-class facilities and the warm hospitality of the local people. Many of Mexico's most significant archeological sites are nearby, providing visitors with the chance to experience the fascinating Mayan culture. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for six consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009), awarded with The Best Destination in Mexico by Crystal Apple Award 2008 and 2009; One of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was awarded as the Sexiest Destination by Recommend Magazine. For more information on the Riviera Maya visit www.rivieramaya.com.

SOURCE Riviera Maya