Jazz Festival will get Rye swinging

The curtain goes up next Thursday for four packed days of top quality entertainment including performances from Cream legend Ginbger Baker and Herbie Flowers – the man who composed the bass line for Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side.

The exciting programme includes an array of recognised UK and International talent that will be performing at ticketed events.

There will also be many free performances taking place as part of the festival fringe events. Venues include the Ypres Castle Inn, the Standard Inn, and the Queens Head, Ye Olde Bell, the Ship Inn, the Old Borough Arms and Tilling Green Community Centre.

Headline acts include Anthony Strong, on Friday August 24. Strong is one of the rising starts of British Jazz and is performing with his trio in the intimate setting of the Ballroom at George in Rye. Tickets are priced at £15.

Singer and pianist Strong is tipped as the next English jazz superstar. He is in high demand across Europe and has won praise from Rod Stewart

Legendary drummer Ginger Baker will perform at the Rye College Theatre on Saturday 25 with his band Jazz Confusion.

This concert has been sponsored by the Old Borough Arms and tickets are selling fast.

Baker, who reached world acclaim as the drummer with Cream and Blind Faith, returns back to his original roots and passion for Jazz.

Ginger is joined on stage by three outstanding and formidable musicians, bassists Alec Dankwork , African percussionist Abass Dodoo and tenor saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis. You can expect a wonderful and exciting mix of African Jazz fusion on what will be a fantastic night to remember. Tickets are £22 but you need to be quick.

Ginger Baker and percussionist Abass Dodoo are also holding a special drum and percussion workshop which takes place on Saturday afternoon before the concert at The Rye College Theatre. Tickets, priced £6 are still available and going quickly.

Festival organiser Ian Bowden said: “Sunday 26 promises to be a jam-packed day of activity and we are kicking the day off, with a stylish and intimate Jazz Breakfast with the legendary bass player Herbie Flowers and pianist Mark Edwards.

“Herbie’s Jazz Breakfast gigs have become something of a not to miss Sunday ticket amongst many music lovers from across the South East.

“As a musician, Herbie is considered a national treasure and was the genius responsible for composing the iconic bass line from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”. Over the years Herbie has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business and just a few include, David Bowie, Mark Bolan, Elton John and of course, Lou Reed.

“The simplicity of bass and piano make a wonderful combination and both of these consummate musicians will be performing a wide repertoire that will include their very own unique interpretations of the great American songbook, their own modern take on a raft of eclectic material from 1960’s onwards, with a few surprises thrown in along the way.”

It takes place in the intimate surroundings of the George in Rye Ballroom. Tickets are £20 and include a buffet breakfast prior to the performance at 11am.

London based IDMC Gospel Choir perform at St Mary’s Church Rye from 2.30pm.

John Fisher conducts a twelve strong choir and five piece live band that will be performing many of the classic gospel songs of the past, including a mix of more modern spiritual and uplifting soulful songs of recent years.

Tickets are £12.50 and group family discounts are available.

The festival performances continue throughout the evening on Sunday with a one-man solo performance by Earl Okin at the George ballroom. Earl performs songs from the great composers such as, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael and accompanies himself on piano and guitar. He is famous for his quirky vocal trumpet solos and specialises in Bossa Nova. Tickets are £10.

The Mermaid Inn hosts Dixieland Jazz and Swing with the five piece Jazz Caverners at 7pm on the Sunday. Tickets are £8.

Ian Bowden said: “There are also many other free live music events taking place at venues throughout Rye. These events form part of the fridge element to the festival and include many quality acts that will be taking to the outdoor stage at the Ypres Castle Inn.

“Other venues serving up fantastic music and great hospitality include the Standard Inn, the Queens Head, the Ship Inn, the George in Rye, Ye Olde Bell and many others.

“The Ypres Castle Inn, garden stage forms a major part of the fringe live performance. On the line up include, local blues giants, Turpin and Hubbard, Colin Tozer, the Fo Shos, the Mercurials and the enigmatic Dave Silk and special guests.

“Other artists performing over the festival include, Maureen Connett on Sunday 26 at the Standard Inn at 2.30pm, Rabbit Foot at the Queens Head on Saturday 25 at 8pm.

“Mark Wynn from York who is a wonderful blues guitarists and singer has also been confirmed to perform at the Ship Inn Rye on Monday August 27 from 4pm – 6pm.

“Other acts will be announced on the run up to the festival and these performances will take place at additional venues within Rye. These include Jazz Train, Lou Glandfield, Something Blue, the Violet Jive, Saiichi Sugiyama band and many others.

“The George in Rye plays host to three afternoon live music sessions within the courtyard. Saturday 25 August; Tudo Bem, Brazilian funk Trio from Brighton at 3.00pm – Sunday 26 August; Rod Pooley Trio from Eastbourne at 3.00pm and Monday 27August; Phil Hudson Duo from Hastings at 4.00pm.

“The festival programming also features a range of free street entertainment at locations throughout the town and at many other local venues. This will create a vibrant and colourful atmosphere and will also include a Cuban/Latin marching band.

“The historical Butter Market below the Rye Town Hall creates the perfect setting for two semi -acoustic music performances which are kindly sponsored by Valley Park, Rye. Jake Blackman performs on Sunday August 26 at 1pm – 3pm. The Jamie Murray Trio performs on Monday 27 from 1pm – 3pm.

“A core vision of the festival is to educate and inspire so we are pleased to be facilitating a number of educational projects. One such event is a special Youth, Arts & Music Project that has kindly been sponsored by Magnox.

“This event is taking place at the Tilling Green Community Centre within the festival dates. Please see the festival website for more details.

The festival is all about having fun, relaxing, listening to great music and exploring the wonderful history and heritage of Rye.

Tickets for the festival are going fast and can be purchased online directly through the festival website. The full festival programme and contact details can be found at: www.ryejazz.com or call us directly on 01892 277984.

Tickets can also be purchased at three locations within Rye. CID Property on Cinque Port Street and Grammar School Records in Rye High Street and the Old Borough Arms at the bottom of Mermaid Street.

Ian Bowden said: “The festival would like to thank our main sponsor Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers and would also like to acknowledge the support of all of our festival partners this year.

“We will be selling tickets on the door to some events, that’s if they haven’t already been sold out! See you at the festival.”