With just under two and a half weeks to go until this year’s eleventh Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival, the final preparations are well underway for what undoubtedly promises to be a wonderful music filled five days.
Ian Bowden, the man behind organising this wonderful event, told Rye News: “It’s going to be a fabulous weekend of live music not to be missed with the absolute best in jazz, blues, soul, funk, Latin and Cuban music! If you love your music, then you can’t miss this festival!
“Seven exceptional world-class headline afternoon and evening concerts take place at stunning St Mary’s church Rye and the festival has a wonderful reputation of presenting the highest quality concerts at the church with specialist staging and lighting, creating an exceptional and intimate atmosphere.
“Tickets for the festival’s headline concerts at St Mary’s church are flying out the door and there is a wonderful mix of music styles on offer, from which to choose. Lara Mvula opens the festival on Friday, August 25 with a truly unique intimate concert with two grand pianos. Other headline evening shows include baritone Sicilian jazz and soul singer Mario Biondi, British-Jamaican R&B singer Ruby Turner and closing the festival on Monday, August 28, The Brand New Heavies bring the funk to Rye.
“If you love Latin and Cuban music then the afternoon concert on Saturday, August 26 with Snowboy and The Latin Section, Europe’s leading Afro – Cuban jazz ensemble is a must to see.
“Afternoon concerts also include Grammy award–winning American blues and country singer Mike Farris with his full band on Sunday, August 27 and on Monday, August 28, multi-talented jazz singer, songwriter and pianist Joe Stilgoe takes to the stage at St Mary’s church with his quartet. Joe’s live performances are renowned for his virtuoso musicianship, breath-taking theatricality and interaction with the audience.
“Three intimate evening ticketed jazz club format events take place between Friday 25 to Sunday 28 August, at the Rye Community Centre with Will Collier’s Chet Baker project, Bbues singer Collette Cooper, and Kitty LaRoar.”
The Grapevine Champagne and Jazz Bar in Rye is the place to be for cool jazz and blues from Thursday 24 to Monday, 28 August. The Grapevine is presenting a wide selection of superb live music throughout the festival where you can relax in the intimate and atmospheric setting of the stylish wine bar.
There are three days of exceptional free live music on the festival’s outdoor stage located on the terrace of the Kino Cinema in Rye. You can expect to hear fabulous jazz, blues, funk, soul, Latin and Cuban music from noon to 9:30pm on Saturday 26, Sunday 27, and Monday, August 28.
There will be many highlights to enjoy not least soul sensation Hannah Williams and The Affirmations and the Cuban rhythms of Indira Roman & Aji Pati.
You can also check out live music taking place at local venues during the festival at The Ship Inn Rye, The Old Bell, William the Conqueror at Rye Harbour and at the Lookout in Rye.
Bring the family or get a group of friends together to enjoy the best live music, the vibrant atmosphere and all that the beautiful town of Rye has to offer.
For the full programme and to buy tickets go to ryejazz.com.
Image Credits: Carl Hyde , Kitty Laroar , Oliver Gestin , Kt bruce .