The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival formally launched its 2018 programme at the George Hotel in the High Street, last Thursday, August 2. Violet Jive, a four-piece band, entertained with wonderful jazz.
Ian Bowden gave a brief speech thanking the team, including the volunteers who have worked with him each year and who will do so again this August 23-27, making sure that the festival runs smoothly. Ian introduced the festival seven years ago and it has since gained great support, bringing a fantastic and varied programme to the town.
This year the festival is supporting the charity The Music Well and Niki Stuart, one of the directors, thanked Ian for choosing them, and explained the charity’s work, which provides music therapy to children in schools as well as privately.
The Jazz Festival has an amazing line up, Joan Armatrading, Courtney Pine and Zara McFarlane being just a few of the acts. There will also be many fringe events at various venues. On top of that, the live music acts continue on August 31 at the Queens Head, Landgate, with Rye Bay Crew and on September 8 with international star Dionne Warwick at Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion. More details can be found on ryejazz.com.
Also present was a display of Mayfield Sussex Hop Gin. We were able to taste the gin and were shown the seven botanicals in small bottles which make up this unique blend. Adam Thomas, a Mayfield local and brand manager for Mayfield Gin enthusiastically explained the process of production.
Photos: Heidi Foster