The BJ'S 14th Annual Music Festival starts tomorrow - a week of non-stop live entertainment by local musicians from all walks of life - in aid of Wishing Others Well, the social arm of the Millennium Chapel in Paceville.
The project involves the building of premises adjacent to the Millennium Chapel, costing Lm200,000, of which Lm150,000 still need to be raised.
This year's edition will be a tribute to Bernard Scerri and Sonny Monte, two musicians who always participated in the marathons, but sadly passed away in the past year.
Starting tomorrow at 5 p.m., Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech will inaugurate the event, while Malta Song for Europe Festival winner Lynn Chircop will sing her winning song.
Most musical styles are catered for, with free-flowing jazz jamming co-ordinated by Paul Giordmaina between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Various guests performing during the jazz sessions include Charles 'City' Gatt, Lino Cauchi, Noel Grech, Laurie Simpson, George 'Pusè' Curmi, Martin Jenkins, Antoine Bonnici Soler and Dominic Galea.
Early afternoons will predominantly feature acoustic and semi-acoustic sets with the likes of classic guitarist Nicky Zarb and Ralph Dougall playing the guitar and singing classic oldies.
Late afternoons will feature bands and artistes playing soft rock and folk. 497, Zodiacs, Aldo Zammit Borda, Mariella Pace Asciak, Bistro, and more, Charlot Sciberras and friends, while Mandala play ambience music using such instruments as the sitar, flute and tablas. There will also be an eight-year-old drummer participating, part of the band Beetroot.
Peak hours - 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. - will feature some of the most well known musicians on the island: Mike Spiteri, William Mangion, Ivan Grech from Winter Moods, Ivan Filletti, Mnemonic, Fiona, Crosswalk, Fakawi, Recedence, Purple Haze, J.C. Blues Band, Tabooz, Maria and Bernard Bonnici, Ozzy and Friends, Paul Pullicino, Sammy Murgo and Alex Manché, the Quacks (Steve Brincat's band) Lou Bondì's band, Godwin Lucas band, Samuel Hayman's band, a band performing jazz versions of the Beatles songs (with Vinny and Walter Vella and friends), as well as Gozitan band Loose Ends.
Next, the BJ's all stars jamming band take to the stage in an open house for a couple of hours, with performers including Terry Gosdan, David Vella, Manny the fusion guitarist, the Acme Band in a Box and Paul Pullicino filling in the early hours.
Donations for Lm1 can be sent by SMS to 617512, for Lm2 to 618020 or for Lm3 to 618840 from both Vodafone and Go Mobile subscribers, as well as on the premises during the week.