Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and is commonly referred to as “Jamaica’s Tourist Capital.” It is home to Jamaica’s largest airport, the Sangster International Airport, and the world famous Doctor’s Cave Beach. But that’s not all that this destination has to offer! With discotheques, live shows, festivals, and reggae musicians, Music in Montego Bay is an attraction in its own.
Montego Bay is home of Jamaica’s two largest festivals, the Reggae Sumfest and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.
The Reggae Sumfest takes place each year in mid-July with an explosion of music with the world’s biggest stars, all set against the backdrop of the aquamarine Caribbean Sea. This music festival in Montego Bay features Jamaican reggae artists such as Damian “Junior Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley, Beres Hammond, and Freddie McGregor. Dancehall stars like Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, and Bounty Killer, as well as international artists including R. Kelly, Rihanna, Destiny’s Child, Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent, and Usher also graced the Sumfest stage. Talk about music in Montego Bay, right?
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival
The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is, of course, jazz and blues performed by a star-studded cast. However, the festival branches out to appeal to lovers of pop, reggae, hip hop, and other types of music as well. This yearly festival takes place in January and attracts a mixed crowd from all over the world. People gather to enjoy music in Montego Bay, but also visit other great destinations in Jamaica, like Ocho Rios or Negril. Past artists that have participated in this festival included Shaggy, Air Supply, Celine Dion, John Legend, Morgan Heritage, Lionel Richie, and Chicago.
Music in Montego Bay does not stop at festivals, though! You can also boogie on down to local restaurants and bars, like the toe-tapping Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville located on the “Hip Strip”, Gloucester Avenue. If you are looking for food, entertainment, and an exciting, cool atmosphere then Margaritaville is the place for you. It’s a favorite with both locals and visitors for its lengthy drinks menu, outdoor seating, and a massive water-slide that goes from the restaurant’s top deck straight to the waves below. At nights it even transforms into a booming disco with your favorite DJ keeping you dancing ’till you drop!
After dinner, you could also segue to the adjacent Blue Beat jazz and blues bar for a martini. This popular bar offers live music nightly and Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine. It’s a cozy establishment that has been adopted as a favorite haunt of Montego’s beautiful people. BlueBeat has also attracted a string of visiting stars and celebrities, most recently film producer and director Spike Lee! Definitely, a more upscale place to enjoy music in Montego Bay.
