This August bank holiday weekend the streets will come alive with the sounds of top class blues, jazz, funk, fusion, Cuban and jive. Bring the family and soak up the wonderful vibrancy of the best music this side of New Orleans and experience the fun of the festival and the wonderful heritage of Rye.
Headline concerts for Mica Paris, the UK queen of soul and jazz singers Liane Carroll and Joe Stilgoe are selling fast but there are still tickets available, so be sure to book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
The festival kicks off on Thursday August 25 with three superb events. Phil Law, the local pianist, is joined by friends from 7pm at the Standard Inn, mixing their unique blend of jazz, blues and rock n’ roll.
Jazz Nights All Stars perform at the Mermaid Inn from 8pm, with classy jazz standards, the best in modern jazz and songs from the American Songbook.
A very special free music event at the Kino outdoor stage takes place on Friday August 26 from 7pm with Sky Arts Guitar Stars, Blues guitarist and finalist Steve Morrison (above) and Jazz Fusion guitarist and winner of the 2016 Guitar Star Zayn Mohammed who also performed at Latitude Festival earlier this year.
We are thrilled to be able to include these two amazing performers which have kindly been sponsored by Pizza Express Live. For lovers of top class Blues and Jazz this evening of music top class music is a must to attend, so make that special journey to Rye Friday night!
Friday night also includes superb live music from 8pm at the Grapevine, with cool Latin and jazz rhythms from Hastings based Jazz Train at 8:30pm. Rye favourites and the immensely talented Rye Bay Crew swing their way into the festival weekend at the Queens Head.
Other exciting announcements include Dorset based multi – award winning blues singer Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion (above) performing at the Kino Cinema outdoor performance stage on Saturday August 27. On Sunday August 28, London based Cuban band Kandela Mi Son will be performing their vibrant blend of Cuban music guaranteed to get you and the family dancing. Headlining Sunday August 28 will be the Fabulous Red Diesel, the Hastings based funk band that will get you into the groove with catchy originals and edgy retro funk.
The Butter Market below the Town Hall plays host to outstanding free music performances from the Louis Turpin Blues Trio on Saturday August 27 at 3pm. New Orleans Jazz maestro Dom Pipkin and his band the Ikos (pictured above) will transport you to Bourbon Street on Sunday August 28 at 1pm and on Monday August 29, Brighton based Paul Richards and his Latin Guitar Trio will get your hips swaying to the coolest latin sounds with catchy bossa novas and sambas
The outdoor Kino performance stage and the Butter Market will create a wonderful atmosphere within the heart of the town where there will be a fully licensed bar serving the best local beers and wines including the “Jazz Top” festival pale ale and all of your usual favourite tipples. Amazing street food will also be available, serving up delicious Cajun jambalaya and the mouth-watering BBQ cuisine and face painting for the kids!
For something a little more relaxed the Rye Lodge Hotel presents champagne and jazz on the terrace on Sunday August 28 from 1pm and Blues and Roots Guitarist King Size Slim performs at the Standard Inn from 4pm.
Events also include an alfresco jazz brunch at the Kino on both Sunday and Monday mornings from 10:30am and on Monday August 29, you can experience free music events at the Grapevine, Paul Richards Latin jazz at The Old Borough Arms from 3pm, Jazz Funk Giants outside Simply Italian from 3pm and blues at the Ship Inn from 4pm.
Don’t forget to listen out for the eight piece Brass Funkeys marching band from 12pm at the Kino stage and then throughout the streets in the afternoon of Saturday August 27.
Come to Rye this bank holiday weekend and have an amazingly fun time.
For more updates, go to the festival website www.ryejazz.com to see the full line-up of ticketed and free music events. We look forward to seeing you at the end of August.