Ticket sales for this year’s Rye Arts Festival open to the public on Monday August 6. And a selection of around 60 events between September 15-30 across the wide range of arts is being laid on for Ryers’ entertainment. You can take your pick from contemporary and classical music, literary events, talks, walks, films and much more. Whatever floats your boat!
The contemporary music programme takes a trip around the world to bring artistes and musical styles. But, as in the past few years, there is a strong emphasis on Celtic music in general and Irish music in particular. And this marriage with the Emerald isle sees something old and something new, although definitely not anything blue!
In the past decade Rye has enjoyed a couple of memorable gigs by Dervish and the band is coming back again this year with a gig at the Rye Community Centre on Saturday September 22, providing the meat filling in the middle of the sandwich that is the Festival.
Dervish are soon to celebrate their 30th anniversary and they have built a reputation as one of the finest traditional Irish music bands around. Whether it is a reel or a jig or a mournful slow number, the musicianship of Dervish shines through. And they are fronted by the irrepressible Cathy Jordan, (who has also performed at Rye Arts Festival in the past without the band), who has a truly gorgeous voice. Plus, her song introductions and asides are so funny she could have been a stand-up had she not remained true to her vocation and talents as a singer and musician.
A word to the wise, given the limited capacity of the venue, a sell-out is anticipated so you should book tickets early, especially since their fans travel from far and wide to see them.
While Dervish are old favourites of Rye, the Festival is also delighted to bring someone new over from Ireland to entertain. On Saturday 29th Daoiri Farrell will also be performing at Rye Community Centre and he is rapidly making a big name for himself as the future of traditional Irish music. Daoiri (pronounced ‘Derry’) played at St Mary in the Castle in Hastings last year and went down a storm with the audience. A singer who plays the bouzouki, he has been described as “one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in the last decade” by no less a judge than Donal Lunny, who was a founder member of Planxty back in the 1970s. And Donal’s opinion was echoed by the judges at the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, who nominated Daoiri for three and gave him two titles.
Tickets are now on sale for members of the Festival, and go on general sale on August 6. For the full list of events, and to book tickets, go to ryeartsfestival.org.uk . Otherwise ring the Box Office on 01797 224442 or pop into Phillips & Stubbs on Monday to Friday mornings. Brochures are available from the box office plus dozens of shops, hotels, hostelries and so on in and around Rye.
We will preview more artistes next week.
Photos: Rye Arts Festival