Rye jazz festival has its heart set in New Orleans

The 2016 Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival takes place in multiple venues across the beautiful historic town from August 25-29 encompassing the August bank holiday weekend.
Brass Funkeys at Rye Jazz festival SUS-160108-110607001Brass Funkeys at Rye Jazz festival SUS-160108-110607001
Brass Funkeys at Rye Jazz festival SUS-160108-110607001

Now in its fifth year the festival is recognised as one of the best boutique music festivals of its kind in the UK and provides variety, vibrancy and fun with a range of top class headline ticketed concerts and many free live music events at local venues and street music.

The festival attracts audiences from across the South East and provides a really chilled out and relaxed atmosphere for all of the family and lovers of great music.

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Headlining the festival this year is the UK Queen of Soul, Mica Paris on Saturday August 27 and a dynamic jazz double bill concert with acclaimed and award winning jazz singers Liane Carroll and Joe Stilgoe on Monday August 29.

Ms Paris will perform at the stunning St Mary’s Church and organiser Ian Boweden commented: “It is quite a coup to secure Mica for the festival this year who is undoubtedly one of the UK’s finest and most respected female singers with a career full of Top 10 hit singles and albums worldwide. The range, power, and sheer soulfulness of Mica Paris’ singing made an immediate impact on the UK music scene and she has collaborated and worked with music legends such as Dione Warwick, Prince, Bobby Womack, David Gilmore and many others.”

Another hotly-anticipated highlight will be a performance by Hastings own Lianne Carroll with her friend Joe Stilgoe, who is an acclaimed musician and actor. This will also take place at St Mary’s church.

Many free live music events take place across Rye at wine bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafés.

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A series of fantastic free music will also take place at two dedicated locations at the Butter Market below the Rye Town Hall and on the terrace of the Kino Cinema located within the heart of Rye.

Performances feature talented local and regional musicians performing the very best in Jazz, Blues, RnB, Funk, Latin and World music.

There is plenty to see and do when visiting both Rye and the festival; visitors can explore the wonderful history of Rye which dates back to the medieval period, visit the many quirky boutiques, high street shops, cafés, and restaurants. The streets of Rye come alive with music over the festival weekend which includes the incredibly funky brass marching band the Brass Funkeys providing that New Orleans edgy vibe and colourful atmosphere.

The festival’s official charity partner is the Kent Surry and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSS) and audiences are encouraged to donate to their brilliant work throughout the festival weekend. For more information go to; www.kssairambulance.org.uk

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Ian added: “Tickets are selling fast and be sure to make that special journey to Rye at the end of August. For more updates go to the festival website www.ryejazz.com to see the full line-up of ticketed and free music events. We look forward to seeing you in Rye at the end of August.”

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