The August bank holiday means one thing in Rye – world class music with the return of the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival running from Thursday, August 22 to Monday, August 26.
With concerts in St Mary’s church, an outdoor stage of free music outside the Kino, and musicians playing at venues around Rye, festival goers are promised an eclectic programme of jazz, blues, roots, soul, funk and Cuban music.
Festival organizer Ian Bowden says the musicians playing this year are exceptional. “It’s such an honour to get artists like Monty Alexander to play in the church. He is an absolute legend. Mica Millar will be stunning too, in fact all of musicians that are performing at the festival are outstanding and I am confident as in previous years the festival will give so much joy to those who attend.”
Other headline acts playing in St Mary’s include: Eric Bibb, Omar, Tunde Baiyewu and Mica Millar. The outdoor stage at the Kino hosts free music each day Saturday to Monday. Gates open from 11am with live music from 12pm to 8pm on each day. Acantha Lang will perform on Sunday, August 25 and you can see The Jazz Defenders on Monday, August 26.
For full details of what’s on visit the Rye Jazz Festival website.
Rye News will have full reports and pictures next week
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Eric Bibb archives .