Ian Bowden is the Jazz Festival of Rye. It is in his DNA. He is the festival’s director and producer and the energy behind and in front of the stage.
This year, the festival celebrates ten years of the Rye Jazz Festival. And celebrate we should, because one man’s dream and vision became a reality and has survived through the challenges of the last ten years. As the Chinese say: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. It is remarkable. It may look seamless, but it requires at least six or eight months of meticulous planning with his team who support him tirelessly.
When he first started the festival with a small budget, little did he know how successful it would be. People travel miles, from across the south east and as far as Liverpool and the Midlands and even from other countries to come to the amazing line-up that is on offer.
Ian believes that the festival brings joy to all, and that it stimulates mental health. It unites people and is accessible to the wider community. There are five free acts each day for those who cannot afford the big shows on the festival’s outdoor community stage.
These shows are free to the public, but Ian must raise considerable funding from a variety of areas to make such free music possible. He starts early in the year gaining sponsors and patrons so this can continue. So, if you have the same passion as Ian and want to help in any way financially by supporting the free music performances, then please get in touch. What a wonderful way of saying thank you to him and his team for all their demanding work.
It is his passion; it is not just a job, it is an enterprise. It adds a great deal to the local economy as people who come to the festival often stay and dine out in the marvellous restaurants, cafes, and bars. A win-win situation.
Ian said: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved and the positive benefits that the festival brings to Rye.”
The festival is also looking for volunteers who would like to help during the festival so please do contact Ian via his email ian@ryejazz.com
Image Credits: Kt bruce .