There was a buzz in town as we looked forward to this year’s jazz festival, Thursday August 25 – Monday August 29. A very informative and colourful printed booklet gave the details of the paid events and the many free music offerings throughout the town. At times it was difficult to chose which band to listen to and one wanted to be in two places at once. I tried my best to get to as many as possible over the weekend and still missed quite a few wonderful bands, I was told by friends.
A Thursday night performance at the Standard in The Mint was the start and a very lively one. When local blues pianist and composer Phil Law and friends are advertised it is impossible to get into the pub. Luckily they play loudly enough to be able to be heard sitting outside in the cool air on the steps opposite.
On Friday 26, I managed to hear the fun Brass Funkeys on the stage outside the Kino, standing room only. Afterwards they strolled through Rye, playing to the visitors around the streets.
The crowd didn’t have to move far, a quick sustenance from the Kino bar and everyone back in their seat, again standing room only. The Brillos continued the fun with big sounds on tiny instruments – the ukulele.
I play the ukelele myself with friends and love the instrument. Maybe one day in the future they’ll invite us to join for a number, or maybe not.
Next, a few steps past the lovely food tents as one went out of the Kino gate, an interesting set up awaited us in front of the Butter Market, underneath the Town Hall. Half of Market Street was full of chairs, already busy with people waiting for the next band.
The cars coming up East Street must have been very surprised as it was too late to turn round. It was great to take over a street space.
On Sunday evening, again at the cinema terrace was an eclectic funky band, The Fabulous Red Diesel, with a fabulous fusion on their different instruments. Sadly it started to rain so picture didn’t work which was a pity as it was a very colourful group.
Finally, Monday, back to the Butter Market for Paul Richards’ Latin trio with their vibrant brazilian rhythms.
Paul is a wonderful guitarist, mesmerizing even, every man/woman’s best friend.  But it was time to move on after anhour of joyful sounds and so off to the Grapevine on Conduit Street, a perfect venue for intimate jazz, blues and a glass of bubbly.
Dom Pipkin  entertained us with the “finest exponent of New Orleans jazz piano”. He was performing Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Satchmo Blues and more apart from also being quite funny. He actually played earlier in the Butter Market with the Ikos, very lively and appreciated by the listeners.
There were lots more wonderful bands in different areas, including outside Simply Italian and  the Mermaid Cafe down at Strand Quay.
Well done Ian Bowden and team for organising this varied and fabulous weekend. It certainly brought many new people into Rye which only can be good for the town.
Photos by Heidi Foster
Ian Bowden and his team deserve a massive thank you and future support for this event. My husband and I were visitors to the town and recieved tremendous hospitality and felt very included. During our four night stay We spent a small fortune (for us) but feel every penny was well spent. Congratulations to the businesses in Rye who supported this fabulous event and for those who didn’t, maybe you need think again.
I can only echo the comments in the above email. I had never visited Rye before but spent two nights here and saw several fantastic bands. The festival was brilliantly organised, and the music was of a very high standard. Rye not only looks beautiful but everyone is immensely friendly. I really hope the festival runs again next year.