Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Festival’s extra jazz and blues
Just a stone’s throw from Kent, the village of Rye has some world class musicians queuing up to play there. On top of its annual Rye Jazz and Blues Festival in August there are three extra dates to be played at St Mary’s Church from Thursday, May 25, to Saturday, May 27.
They include a special show by maverick musician Nigel Kennedy, regarded as one of the world’s greatest violinists, who plays a sell-out gig on the first night, Thursday, May 25, entitled Bach Meets My World. The repertoire will include pieces from fellow violinist Stéphane Grappelli, who was a lifelong friend, and music from one of his musical heroes, Jimi Hendrix.
On Friday, May 26, the Grammynominated American jazz singer Stacey Kent will perform with her band, with songs including from her latest album, Tenderly.
On Saturday, May 27, there will be a double bill of singers, Sarah Jane Morris and Liane Carroll. Joining Sarah Jane will be Italian guitarist Antonio Forcione, and the pair will be playing songs from their new collaborative album Compared To What. Liane will give a solo performance with songs from her album Seaside.
To book go to ryejazz.com
The annual summer Rye Jazz and Blues festival runs from Thursday, August 24, to Bank Holiday Monday, August 28. For details of the line-up and to book go to ryejazz.com