The Rye Arts Festival got off to a busy musical start. Friday September 13 saw dancers open the Festival with the Rye Dance Showcase, a blur of music, energy and movement.
Saturday saw the much-admired Tasmin Little on the violin together with Martin Roscoe on the piano playing Beethoven sonatas in St Mary’s Church while, a little later, the Community Centre played host to Nancy Kerr (vocals, fiddle, mandolin and guitar) and James Fagan (vocals, mandolin and guitar. They have won twice the best duo and folk award as well as having collaborated with many celebrated names on the folk scene.
Nancy’s voice was persuasive and their harmonies were beautiful. The couple also explained where the songs came from and what inspired them to perform them which made the music even more enjoyable.
The following day in another gem at the Milligan Theatre, Rye Academy pleased an enthusiastic audience. The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) was a wonderful mix of brass, trumpets, saxophones, flute, clarinet, piano and base. A very full and well rounded sound with a couple of solo performances. The NYJO is a charity whose mission is to promote jazz as an exciting engagement and inspirational art form.
Tickets for all upcoming events, not yet sold out, are available on the Rye Arts Festival website.
