As the Christmas season once again fast approaches, the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival announces a very special series of stunning, high-quality, world-class concerts at the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church in Rye.
The first of two confirmed special concerts combines the very best in inspirational musicianship, singing prowess and fun, providing audiences with a wonderful night to remember for a very long time.
On Thursday, December 8, the festival proudly presents the legendary and renowned rock keyboard pioneer, maestro, composer and member of progressive rock group Yes, Rick Wakeman, following his extensive 2016 sell out American tour this October and November.
Rick will be performing a specially prepared  programme for this unique performance on acoustic piano. His solo career is both impressive and expansive producing over 100 solo albums and selling more than 50 million copies across the world.
Rick is famous for his one-man shows and you can expect seriously amazing music, fun, laughter, and stories from Rick’s almost 50 years in the music business and much more.
St Mary’s is just the perfect intimate and atmospheric setting for this absolutely not to be missed event.
“A keyboard wizard that amazes audiences with his unique journey through progressive rock, jazz infused baselines and blues”- Evening Standard
“Pure genius and an enthralling performer, it doesn’t get much better than this”– Independent   Â
Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season on Friday, December 9, when the festival presents a truly magical, inspirational and uplifting concert with the amazing multi-award winning London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) and very special guest, the UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris.
Those that attended Mica’s sell-out concert at the festival in August will vouch for what an amazing concert it was and the audience was utterly blown away by her performance.  So much so that the organisers just had to ask the wonderfully gifted Mica back to Rye to perform with the best gospel choir in the world.
Mica’s music inspiration is firmly rooted in gospel and soul music, an interest which started from an early age and the combination of the uplifting voices and harmonies of the LCGC, the choir,band and Mica Paris will without question take you to a whole new soulful level.
The London Community Gospel Choir
“A wonderful uplifting and engaging experience guaranteed to satisfy your soul” – Blues & Soul MagazineÂ
“The multi -award-winning gospel choir who have worked with Sting, Tina Turner, Elton John, Blur, Luther Vandross, Paul McCartney, George Michael, Mica Paris and many others” Â
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Expect a diverse programme of repertoire including classics such as “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “This Christmas”, “Little Drummer Boy” and a wonderful version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. Edgy funk and rhythms and Mica performing a selection of her hits and much more will leave you rocking in your shoes.
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“Powerful soulful vocals and immensely engaging, a dynamic performer” – The Times
“Sheer joy and brilliance, you have to see Mica live to feel that soul” – Evening Standard
VIP Premier Packages and pre-concert dining is also available so why not take advantage of these superb opportunities, treat yourself, your better half or get a group of friends together and make a real night of it and enjoy an early Christmas treat . . . it is December after all!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.ryejazz.com