This month sees a series of outstanding concerts from world class artists. Venues include St Mary’s Church in Rye, the historic setting of Hever Castle and the iconic De La Warr Pavilion on the coast at Bexhill on Sea. So now is the time to choose your concerts and reserve your seats!
Friday 3rd May – Sergio Mendes. St Mary’s Church Rye, East Sussex 8.00pm
The ‘Godfather’ of bossa nova and Brazilian music Sergio Mendes make a very special appearance as part of a limited number dates that he will be performing in the UK this year. Sergio Mendes came to stardom with his iconic band Brazil ’66 and has a sound that combines Brazilian rhythms with jazz, pop, soul and funk. His music is instantly recognisable, including his 1966 hit Mas Que Nada, which topped the charts again forty years later in collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas.
Saturday 4th May Madeleine Peyroux. St Mary’s Church Rye, East Sussex 8.00pm
The highly acclaimed American jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux will be performing songs from her latest album, Anthem and her impressive back catalogue. Eight albums and 22 years since her debut ‘Dreamland’, Madeleine continues to challenge the confines of jazz, venturing into the fertile fields of contemporary music with unfading curiosity.
Sunday 5th May – Jimmy Webb & Guests. St Mary’s Church Rye, East Sussex 7.30pm
The legendary Multiple Grammy-winning American songwriter Jimmy Webb performs a truly unique concert ‘An Evening with Jimmy Webb’ with special guest jazz singers and songwriters Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll. Jimmy Webb is the genius behind so many hit records such as Wichita Lineman, By The Time I get to Phoenix and Rhinestone Cowboy. Webb will deliver a humorous tour covering many subjects.
Saturday 25th May Courtney Pine. Hever Castle, Kent 8.00pm
Multi-instrumentalist Courtney Pine CBE is a British-born Jazz giant. In the 80’s he was one of the first black British jazz artists to make a serious mark on the jazz scene. For his latest project “Black Notes From The Deep” Courtney returns to the tenor saxophone for the first time in a decade and features the vocal talents of UK soul star Omar.
Sunday 26th May Miloš Karadagli´c, Hever Castle, Kent 8.00pm
Firmly positioned as a leading exponent of his instrument, “The hottest guitarist in the world” (Sunday Times), Miloš Karadagli´c, continues to top record charts and delight audiences worldwide. Classic BRIT Award-winner Miloš has become one of the most sought-after concert soloists in the world. Miloš has created a special programme for this concert and will be performing with a five piece string ensemble.
Monday 27th May Mica Paris Sings Ella Fitzgerald. Hever Castle Kent 8.00pm
Mica Paris will be performing this unique celebration to Ella Fitzgerald with her immensely talented jazz musicians and you can expect to hear many of Ella’s wonderful songs such as “Imagine My Frustration” and “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye, Summer Time and classics from the American songbook”. Mica will be performing with her immensely talented jazz musicians and you can expect to hear many of Ella’s wonderful songs.
Saturday 25th May Nigel Kennedy Plays Gershwin. De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea
(Main photo) This unique show sees Kennedy and his talented band reinterpreting the work of George Gershwin along with pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, and his own compositions from his illustrious career. Kennedy remains the bestselling violinist of all time. The result is Kennedy Meets Gershwin, an assured and joyful re-imagination of Gershwin’s timeless compositions, given new life.
Demand for these concerts will be high so we encourage you to book early so that you can plan your holiday weekend in style!
