Spring will certainly be in the air over the early May Bank Holiday, as the Rye international jazz and blues festival present an exceptional series of headline concerts taking place at the stunning St Mary’s Church, Rye East Sussex.
These special and eclectic concerts provide a unique live music experience with the opportunity to see quality artists in an ‘Up Close and Personal’ environment. Tickets will be in high demand so we encourage you to book early and arrange your accommodation in Rye.
The festival is delighted to welcome “The UK’s Best Selling Classical Artist” singer Russell Watson to perform an exclusive and incredibly special intimate concert performance on Thursday 3rd May. Russell has sold over seven Million albums, he performs all over the world to sell out audiences and is known as the ‘Peoples Tenor’ and a VIP package for this wonderful event is also available which includes a pre-concert reception, premier front seats at the venue, signed CD and the opportunity to meet with Russell on the evening. Since being described by the New York Times as a performer “Who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Sinatra” he subsequently released ten studio albums, each one receiving more critical acclaim than the last.
If you haven’t been to the church of Avery Sunshine (pictured) then you are going to have to hold on to your hats as she takes you to the most joyous of uplifting, gospel and soul infused heaven as she headlines at St Mary’s on Saturday 5th May. Avery is releasing her newly awaited album in March 2018 and the festival is delighted to have enticed her to perform a rare UK date on her spring visit from the US. Avery’s ability to deliver stunning soulful sensibility, the possessor of thunderous, gospel-bred vocals and the talent to craft self-penned heart-to-heart content, this singer-songwriter can’t help spilling the truth in her music.
Kyle Eastwood, son of screen legend Clint and his hugely talented jazz Quintet will be delighting jazz fans with a special afternoon concert on Sunday 6th May with his band of young, English ‘cats’ by his side, as well as a very special guest – Stefano Di Battista, sounding more lyrical than ever – the double bass player embodies the vitality of an art which he reinvents with elegance and passion. Catchy and modern, In Transit has many virtues. Enthusiasts will see in it the blueprint for a contemporary form of jazz which encompasses melodic richness and groove, whereas purists, as well as enjoying original compositions, will be able to roam through history thanks to some enthralling Count Basie, Monk and Mingus covers, not to mention Kyle Eastwood’s favourite Italian cinema theme, which symbolises his special relationship with the film industry.
The Iconic UK band The Christians renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits; Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, What’s in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more perform an evening concert on Sunday 6th May. The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s both in the UK and Europe…..over 30 years later and they’re still going strong! Another Liverpool success story emerging in the late 80s, they were described as a latter-day ‘Temptations in Ripped Jeans’. Their first album, ‘The Christians’, exploded onto the scene spawning the aforementioned hit singles.Their 2nd album, ‘Colour’, knocked Phil Collins off the number one spot!
“The hottest guitarist in the world”, Miloš Karadaglić performs an afternoon concert on Monday 7th May as he continues to top the record charts and delight audiences worldwide. His first three releases on “The Yellow Label” achieved major chart successes around the globe and turned him into “classical music’s guitar hero” (BBC Music Magazine) overnight. His 2014 recording of Rodrigo’s concertos had the Sunday Times calling him “The King of Aranjuez”, while “Blackbird- the Beatles album” (2016) was received with unanimous critical acclaim. Classic BRIT Award-winner Miloš has become one of the most sought-after concert soloists in the world, with performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall under his belt. You can expect a wonderful programme of Spanish classics, cool Latin, Bach chaconnes, Beatles arrangements and more.
For tickets and information please go to www.ryejazz.com
