Tickets for the 14th annual Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival went on sale on Wednesday 3 June. Seven headline concerts are planned for St Mary’s, with Mica Paris returning at the festival finale.
Rye Jazz takes place over the bank holiday weekend 28 to 31 August and a new website promoting the festival also launched this week.
“We’re really excited to put on such a fantastic range of artists,” said Ian Bowden Festival Director. “We open on the Friday with the Van Morrison Alumni Band. They’re the guys who’ve played with Van and they’re the only band endorsed by him. Bringing in Earl Thomas from the USA will be incredible and closing with Mica on Monday will be wonderful. She’ll be performing soul and gospel with a full band.”
He said he hoped Rye would get behind the festival again this year, “The church is such a great venue and people come back year after year. I love seeing the concerts full of people having a great time enjoying the fabulous music.”
There are plans too for free music events over the weekend, and a crowdfunder to help pay for them about to be launched.
The St Mary’s Church Line-Up
Friday 28 August | 8.00pm
The Van Morrison Alumni Band – Featuring musicians who performed and recorded alongside Van Morrison throughout some of the most celebrated periods of his career.
Saturday 29 August | 3.00pm
Alice Armstrong – Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most exciting blues artists,
Saturday 29 August | 8.00pm
Myles Sanko – One of Europe’s most exciting soul and jazz artists, he has built an international reputation for his uplifting song writing and smooth vocals.
Sunday 30 August | 3.00pm
Elles Bailey – Winner of multiple UK Blues Awards and one of the most distinctive voices in British roots music.
Sunday 30 August | 8.00pm
Earl Thomas – Widely regarded as one of the great soul and blues voices of his generation.
Monday 31 August | 3.00pm
Ray Gelato & The Giants Known around the world as ‘The Godfather of Swing’, Ray Gelato is one of the UK’s most celebrated jazz entertainers.
Monday 31 August | 8.00pm
Mica Paris – One of Britain’s most celebrated soul singers, Mica Paris has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades.
Full details of the line up are here.
Image Credits: Rye Jazz Festival .