Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival
If you’ve ever been to a concert or gig, you’ll know that it is so much more than just listening to music. Nothing can beat a live performance where you feel every note, from the beginning to the end as the set unfolds. As you sing along with your foot tapping in time with the music, you turn to see that both you and your fellow members of the audience are witnessing something quite special – that’s the magic of live music! Take a trip to Rye this August and live the experience of live music as the stars align for the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival.
The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary from Thursday 25 to Monday 29 August encompassing the August bank holiday weekend. Established as one of the best boutique music festivals of its kind in the UK with international recognition, the festival attracts visitors to experience a diverse range of music styles which includes Jazz, Blues, Roots, RnB, Soul, Funk, Latin and Cuban music.
This year’s headline afternoon and evening ticketed concerts take place at the unique setting of St Mary’s church, Rye and include a stellar line-up. Acclaimed American jazz singer, saxophonist, and composer Curtis Stigers kicks off on Friday 26 August, followed by award-winning American jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan on Saturday 27 August who will be performing an afternoon concert followed by an evening show with respected British Soul singer Roachford and his band.
On Sunday 28 August, Chicago Blues giant Mud Morganfield performs an afternoon concert followed by a unique intimate concert with Irish singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Imelda May. Cuban Jazz pianist singer and songwriter Roberto Fonseca performs in the afternoon at the church with his amazing musicians to round off an incredible and truly international programme.
The festival programme also includes free music performance over three days between Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August on a dedicated community stage located within the heart of the town. You can expect to hear fabulously talented musicians from across the region and from further afield.
Free and ticketed events also take place at various fringe venues within the town and includes a special jazz and wine tasting event at the Ship Inn, Rye on Thursday 28 August, with additional great live music taking place at the Brewery Yard Club, the Rye Champagne and Jazz wine bar.
There will be so much great music on offer so why not get a group of friends together, round up the family or treat someone special and make a whole weekend of it in Rye? For the full programme of events and to book tickets online go to www.ryejazz.com.
