In our ever changing world Covid–19 has impacted on all of our lives and none more so than the arts and the live music industry – and we all yearn for the day when we can enjoy and experience live music as we all remember and the joy, excitement and memories that music provides to us all.
It is with mixed emotions that we were unfortunately unable to present this year’s annual Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival as I know how much joy and lasting memories the festival has provided for so many people, not only from Rye but from across the region over the years.
Despite not being able to proceed with the 2020 August festival, we are delighted to confirm that we have rescheduled three of our original headline artists to perform in Rye at the 10th anniversary festival for August 2021. In addition to this, we will be announcing new artists as part of next year’s programme over the coming months, one of which we are delighted to announce being the incredibly talented Ashley Henry who will be performing on Sunday August 29 2021. Please see www.ryejazz.com for latest updates.
I would like to personally thank all of our loyal audiences, venues, the town of Rye, supportive sponsors, patrons and all those associated with the festival in making what the festival is today – a unique event that will continue to go from strength to strength.
In the absence of being able to present events this year we have been working hard to reschedule some of our artists that were due to perform with us in early and late May this year. Our plans include concerts in May 2021 and we hope to confirm these new concerts in the near future.
Events that we are delighted to confirm and which are taking place at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill in 2021 are our rescheduled concert with wonderful singer Rumer on Friday March 12 2021, tickets now available, and the amazingly talented American Soul singer, songwriter and actress Macy Gray who will be performing with us on Sunday June 20, book now to avoid disappointment!
2021 will be an exciting year as the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary which will include an expanded programme of events with world class headline concerts, outdoor stages, music workshops, a dedicated festival jazz club, street music, and music at local venues.
The festival is also working on plans for a hugely exciting new live music series ‘UNITY’ which will be taking place at the stunning setting of St Mary In The Castle, Hastings during 2021. We plan to announce these events over the coming months and we will also continue to present outstanding events with our friends at St Mary’s church, Rye and The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill.
Thank you for all of your support and rest assured that we will be BRINGING BACK THE MUSIC.
Image Credits: Kenneth Bird , Tony Ham .