There are women trailblazers in every discipline, every medium, every art form, and every country and culture. Today has been set aside to honor the remarkable — and incredibly diverse — contributions of women throughout the world. Michelle Obama rightly noted that “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

One such woman will be celebrated next year (2018) in great style here in American Samoa and independent Samoa. The Samoana Jazz and Art Festival, now in it's 4th year this coming November, is a signature festival which has caught the imagination and admiration of artists, fans and audiences and in the Pacific region, most notably in the 2Samoas, which is the home and birthplace of this ever growing festival.

The organizers of the Samoana Festival are preparing and promoting Mavis Rivers music and her story this year as a lead up to the 5th Annual Festival next year in 2018 - beginning with International Women's Day. "We want to start telling her story now - sharing her music - and telling the world about the wonderful jazz music that was generated  here in American Samoa all those years ago" according to Acting President of the Samoana Festival Board, Ali'itama Sotoa.  

The 5th Annual Festival promises to be a truly commemorative event, as it will celebrate — and highlight — the life and art of Samoa’s first internationally acclaimed jazz singer, known in her life as “Polynesia’s First Lady of Song” the late Mavis Rivers.

 Dubbed the “Mavis Rivers Ports of Paradise Tribute 2018” it will be held in the first two weeks of November 2018 embracing, as it has from the beginning, both the US Territory and the independent nation of Samoa.

Samoan (Upolu) born, Mavis Rivers first gained recognition as the singer in her father Moody Rivers Band - when the Samoan band relocated to Pago Pago the military base of the US during WWII - and Mavis was dubbed "the singing mascot" of the American troops, her voice was transmitted across the Pacific on short-wave radio. Later Mavis and her family moved to live in Aotearoa New Zealand, where she gained recognition as a jazz singer.  Later she moved to the United States, which she called home in her last years.  She was not as widely known among Samoans in the States, particularly among the younger generation, though she made a name for herself in the world of jazz as a recording artist in the 50s and 60s.  Contracted to Capitol Records in Hollywood, the record company was proud to feature her stunning vocals and brave arrangements.

A new generation is about to discover this legendary jazz vocalist!

As the inspiration for this groundbreaking fete, it is fitting for the Samoana Jazz Festival to highlight and honor Ms. Rivers’ life and achievements.

As today honors women internationally, it is also important to remind Samoans at home and throughout the world that this gifted musician left a legacy of which everyone can be proud.

Festival organizers are planning a Pacific concert series in 2018 to  bring her music home to her beloved Samoan islands, by the Hawaii Pops Jazz Orchestra, led and conducted by her Grammy award-winning son and acclaimed jazz musician in his own right— La’auli Matt Cattingub.

The significant contribution which Mavis Rivers made to jazz— in American Samoa, New Zealand, the US Pacific, and th States—will bring the islands of the 2Samoas into the spotlight once again as the birthplace and cultural homeland of Samoa’s first and undisputed Queen of Jazz.

“It’s hoped that the continuation of her legacy will inspire, encourage and promote the teaching and performance of Jazz music among current and future generations of Samoans,” according to the Festival’s executive director, Peta Si’ulepa.

It is also the intention of Festival organizers, according to Si’ulepa, to establish the Mavis Rivers Music Foundation to support the music development for people of Samoan descent through scholarships, study and professional mentoring support.

The Jazz Fest is looking forward to 2017, 2018 and beyond. Stay posted on the 4th Annual Samoana Jazz Fest, visit: Facebook and www samoanajazz.