Blog

Posted 20/12/2017 by Ian Bowden

Thank you to all those that attended our stunning December series of concerts at St Mary’s Church, Rye which we hope got you all into the Christmas spirit. We extend our appreciation and gratitude to all of the superb artists that performed, Mica Paris, Judi Jackson, Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook and Arcelia, our sponsors, the ever helpful team at St Mary’s Church, all of those that attended the concerts and our dedicated and passionate team of professionals and volunteers that make our events truly memorable.

Posted 18/12/2017 by Ian Bowden

Spring will certainly be in the air come the early May Bank Holiday 2018, as we are thrilled to announce a number of exceptional 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 world class quality artists in an ‘Up Close and Personal’ environment.

Posted 13/11/2017 by Ian Bowden

Rye is renowned for many events throughout the year and is a unique and very special town, steeped in history, character and charm. There are many wonderful festivals and events that take place in Rye each year which attract thousands of visitors from across UK, Europe and the World. Christmas is a very special time in Rye, and we are delighted to be presenting our live music concerts at St Mary’s Church this coming December.

Posted 10/11/2017 by Ian Bowden

The experienced and passionate team behind the Rye international jazz and blues festival are extremely proud to announce that we are in the process of planning two very high profile events to celebrate this hugely significant global event in East Sussex in April 2018. This exciting project will be a beacon for jazz not only for the South East but nationally in 2018 and will take place at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Saturday 28th April and at St Mary’s in the Castle, Hastings on International Jazz Day, Monday 30th April.

Posted 30/08/2017 by Ian Bowden

The streets were alive with live music and carnival spirit in Rye over the festival weekend. Audiences were treated to the sounds of the best Jazz, Blues, Swing, Funk and Latin music. There was a real party atmosphere as music lovers, families and friends experienced the free street music at the Kino Cinema outdoor performance stage and the Georgian Butter Market venue. Local suppliers cooled down the crowd and we hope you enjoyed the diabolically delectable Gin by Mayfield Sussex Hop Gin and the wonderful bar from Harvey's.

Posted 15/08/2017 by Ian Bowden

Tickets are selling fast for the sixth annual Rye International jazz and blues festival which is taking place from Thursday 24th - Monday 28th August and encompasses the Bank Holiday weekend. This year’s programme includes five superb intimate world class headline concerts which are staged in the stunning setting of St Mary’s Church, Rye. Headliners include Scottish brothers Pat and Gregory Kane, Hue & Cry, American Soul and Jazz singer Kandace Springs, acclaimed American Blues singer Eric Bibb and Folk singer and guitarist Seth Lakeman. We are excited to announce The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars perform Ronnie Scott's Songbook a show not to be missed for lovers of music - sneak a peek at the video below.

Posted 15/08/2017 by Ian Bowden

On Monday afternoon we proudly present a very unique and special concert ‘The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars’ and the ‘Ronnie Scott’s Songbook’ live at St Mary’s Church. This fantastic afternoon show will take you on a musical journey of amazing music, providing you with an insight into the heritage of the world’s most famous and iconic jazz clubs. Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world-class live jazz, narration and rare archive images, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage to celebrate ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook’.

Posted 14/07/2017 by Ian Bowden

On Sunday 9th July, the Rye International Jazz & blues proudly presented the People's Tenor Russell Watson at Tonbridge Castle. Concert attendees were treated to a fantastic afternoon of world class music and lots of sunshine!

Posted 14/07/2017 by Ian Bowden

Rye jazz & blues festival are proud to team up with Nyetimber to create the perfect summer terrace with English sparkling wine, food and world class live music. Stunning views, wonderful music, award winning wines and a selection of superb food platters, prepared by the Rye Lodge Hotel’s executive chef Attila Csicso, combine to create a relaxed and truly memorable experience.

Posted 05/06/2017 by Ian Bowden

Thank you to all those that attended our stunning Spring series of concerts at St Mary’s Church, Rye over the last May Bank Holiday weekend. We would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all of the superb artists that performed, Nigel Kennedy, Stacey Kent, Liane Carroll, Antonio Forcione, Sarah-Jane Morris, our sponsors, advertisers, media partners, the ever helpful and lovely team at St Mary’s Church and the festival personnel who worked so incredibly hard over the three days and nights.

Posted 09/05/2017 by Ian Bowden

Make a date in Rye for the end of August as we announce the first of our exciting festival headline concerts. We will be announcing additional artists in the near future, but to wet your appetites and so that many of you can plan ahead, we are delighted to confirm the following five headline concerts taking place over the August Bank holiday weekend in the beautiful setting of St Mary's Church in Rye.

Posted 09/04/2017 by Ian Bowden

Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival proudly present singing sensation Russell Watson at a special outdoor summer picnic concert in the stunning and historic setting of Tonbridge Castle, Kent on Sunday 9th July and we are delighted to announce that acclaimed Jazz singer Liane Carroll has been confirmed to perform in the supporting line up.

Posted 15/03/2017 by Ian Bowden

Spring is most certainly in the air, and at the end of May, so will be the sound of exceptional music in Rye. We haven’t been in hibernation, far from it, and we are delighted to announce a very special series of world class concerts for the spring May bank holiday. Make a date in your diary, and please join us for these three stunning, intimate and high quality concerts at the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church, Rye East Sussex.

Posted 21/12/2016 by Ian Bowden

Thank you to all those that attended our stunning December series of concerts at St Mary’s Church, Rye which we hope got you all into the Christmas spirit. We also extend our appreciation and gratitude to all of the superb artists that performed, Rick Wakeman, the LCGC, Mica Paris, Ian Shaw & Claire Martin, Tom Chaplin, our sponsors, advertisers, media partners, the ever helpful and lovely team at St Mary’s Church and the festival personnel who worked so incredibly hard… you are all stars.

Posted 05/12/2016 by Ian Bowden

Nigel Kennedy returned to his Brighton birthplace last weekend and put on a show to remember. He wasn't in his usual Classical mode. Instead he was at The Dome to play the music of his idol, Jimi Hendrix. The virtuoso violinist bounded on stage, exchanged fist-pounds with his band and warmed the audience up with ‘Third Stone From The Sun’. The tone was set for a night without vocals and it was clear Kennedy was in a playful mood.

Posted 11/10/2016 by Ian Bowden

As the Christmas season once again approaches, the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival are delighted to announce a very special series of stunning, high quality, world class concerts in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church in Rye. We are also providing VIP Premier Packages for these special events and pre-concert dining so why not take advantage of these superb opportunities, treat yourself, your better half or get a group of friends together and make a real night of it and enjoy an early Christmas treat….well it is December after all

Posted 29/06/2016 by Ian Bowden

Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival proudly presents Nigel Kennedy Plays Hendrix for a very special exclusive UK concert at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall this November. ​The world’s biggest selling classical Violinist of all time, maestro and maverick Nigel Kennedy performs the music of Jimi Hendrix for a very special exclusive UK concert at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall this November.

Posted 03/09/2015 by Ian Bowden

Thousands from across the South East and from as far as Birmingham descended upon the beautiful town of Rye over the bank holiday weekend to experience a stunning line-up of International Jazz & Blues talent at the 2015 Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival.

Posted 27/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

As the festival launches this evening at the Spectrum Jazz Lounge. We thought it's time to say good luck to our amazing festival team. There are still tickets available for this evenings performance with the Theo Jackson Quartet. Come along and join in the launch night fun!

Posted 26/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

​We are delighted to welcome Earl Okin to the Spectrum Jazz Lounge for what promises to be an outstanding afternoon cabaret performance with this musical genius! His one man show is one hot gig and it's sure to be a highlight of the Festival Programme.

Posted 24/07/2015 by Ian Bowden

The festival is thrilled to announce that James King and Miss Valentine will be supporting Clare Teal at the festival. James is making waves in the International music scene and has just been announced as the singer songwriter winner of Sundown Festival and will open the festival main stage on the Saturday. He's appearing with a special guest Miss Valentine and will definitely get the crowd warmed up for Clare. Clare Teal will be taking to the stage at 8pm in an exclusive, intimate picnic style performance in the stunning walled garden of Lamb House on Saturday 29 August. The doors will open at 6:30pm so there's plenty pf time for you to organise your rugs, chairs, picnics, Prosecco and take in the wonderful support we have lined up for you! In the event of bad weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the stunning St Mary's Church, just around the corner from Lamb House. Tickets are now on sale priced at £24 for adults, £10 under 16's and children under 5 free.

Posted 23/04/2018 by Ian Bowden

Rye international jazz & blues festival is reaching out for talented regional performers that would like the opportunity to perform at the 2018 summer festival. You will have the opportunity to open on the outdoor music stage over the August bank holiday weekend and to perform to a packed audience. The festival is committed to providing the platform for regional emerging talent to reach a wider audience. We’d love to see applications from across music genres including folk, pop, spoken word, jazz and blues - you might be an acoustic singer-songwriter, jazz duo or blues band. You need to have the passion and desire to take part in one of the South East’s premier boutique music festivals.

Posted 19/03/2018 by Ian Bowden

We've teamed up with our friends at Bramley & Teal Holiday Cottages for your chance to WIN a four night cottage stay in Rye and two premier tickets to all five of the Rye Jazz Spring Series concerts in 900 year old St Mary's Church in May.

Posted 19/12/2017 by Ian Bowden

We are delighted to offer an exclusive VIP Package for Russell Watson at St Mary's Church Rye this May. The VIP Package includes reserved VIP seating in St Mary's Church, a delicious Canapés and Bubbly reception at the historic, world famous The Mermaid in Rye and a signed CD. These tickets will be in demand so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

Posted 10/11/2017 by Ian Bowden

August 24th to 27th 2018 Save the dates and join us in Rye to celebrate our 7th annual festival in the beautiful and historic setting of Rye, East Sussex. The festival is now firmly established over the August Bank Holiday weekend as one of the leading boutique music festivals in the UK, with an ever growing reputation for quality, diversity and audience engagement. Our festival programme grows year on year which attracts greater audiences from across the UK and the region to attend world class headline concerts with internationally acclaimed artists, many free music events and fringe activities at many venues across the town.

Posted 10/11/2017 by Ian Bowden

Rye international jazz and blues festival is firmly established over the August Bank Holiday weekend as one of the leading boutique music festivals in the UK. With an ever growing reputation for quality, diversity and audience engagement, the festival provides the perfect platform for brands and businesses to associate themselves with success providing regional brand and marketing exposure to a captive audience and demographic. A festival that takes place at key locations within the heart of the beautiful and historic town of Rye. In addition to the main August festival, we also present additional special projects at key locations at carefully selected venues across the South East, and we would be very pleased to also discuss these projects and partnership opportunities with you.

Posted 17/07/2017 by Ian Bowden

Nyetimber Terrace at the Rye Lodge Hotel - Wine Tasting Evenings. There will be two wine tasting events taking place on the terrace from 6pm - 7pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August. Each evening there will be an exclusive tasting of Nyetimber’s award-winning sparkling wines.

Posted 06/06/2017 by Ian Bowden

Fantastic free music takes place at the dedicated outdoor music stage which is located at the Kino Cinema Terrace and the Butter Market within the heart of Rye in Lion Street. These events create a wonderful vibrant fun atmosphere and there will also be refreshments, food and bars serving your favourite drinks throughout each day. Expect the very best in jazz, blues, RnB, Soul, Folk, Roots, Latin, Cuban and contemporary music performances on the outdoor stage with performances taking place from 1.00pm – 7.00pm on Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August.

Posted 17/03/2017 by Ian Bowden

The Rye jazz & blues festival is at the heart of all of our exciting future plans, and will take place as usual over the August bank holiday weekend from 24th – 28th August 2017. Our clear aim and vision, is to continue to build the festival organically year on year, attracting world class artists to perform in the cobbled streets of beautiful Rye, whilst at the same time, attracting new audiences to visit the festival and the town.

Posted 17/03/2017 by Ian Bowden

We have certainly not been in hibernation over the recent winter months in fact, we have been working on a whole range of very exciting plans for this year’s summer festival. Already established as one of the leading music festivals in the UK, our 2017 programme will be exciting and dynamic as always, with a carefully selected number of world class concerts, presented to the highest quality at intimate venues. We welcome families and music aficionados to attend our fun and vibrant event, with many thousands expected to attend the beautiful town of Rye at the end of August.

Posted 14/11/2016 by Ian Bowden

We are delighted to offer an exclusive VIP Package for Nigel Kennedy - Bach meets My World at St Mary's Church Rye this May. The VIP Package includes reserved VIP seating in St Mary's Church, a delicious and substantial Canapés and Bubbly reception at The George in Rye and a signed CD. These tickets will be in demand so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

Posted 14/09/2016 by Ian Bowden

The street vibe of New Orleans came to Rye over the festival weekend where audiences were treated to the sounds of the best Jazz, Blues, Swing, Funk and Latin music. There was a real party atmosphere as music lovers, families and friends moved freely from one venue to another experiencing the free street music at the Kino Cinema outdoor performance stage and the Georgian Butter Market venue. We hope that you also managed to sample the delicious Cajun food on offer and enjoy the festival jazz ale – Jazz Top made by our friends at the Old Dairy Brewery.

Posted 17/08/2016 by Ian Bowden

A weekend of top quality free live music awaits you at the Butter Market and the Kino Cinema Terrace from Friday 26th – Monday 29th August. We proudly announce the inclusion of two more outstanding bands, set to perform on the Kino Cinema outdoor stage, kindly supported and arranged by Kino Digital.

Posted 17/08/2016 by Ian Bowden

A veritable guitar feast of free music takes place at the Kino Cinema outdoor stage on Friday 26th August from 7.00pm with Sky Arts Guitar Stars. We are delighted to welcome Blues guitarist and finalist Steve Morrison and Jazz Fusion guitarist and winner of the 2016 Guitar Star Zayn Mohammed who also performed at Latitude Festival earlier this year.

Posted 07/08/2016 by Ian Bowden

Our friends and official brewery partners The Old Dairy Brewery have masterfully crafted a must try special festival beer called the ‘Jazz Top’ 4.6% Pale Ale. Be sure to ask for a pint or bottle of this fabulous festival beer and enter into the spirit of the jazz festival! You will be able to find ‘Jazz Top’ and other wonderful Old Dairy beers at many venues within Rye. The ‘Jazz Top’ and another brewery favourite ‘Gold Top’ will be served at a dedicated outdoor bar at Kino Cinema Terrace where fabulous free live music is taking place from lunchtime onwards on Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th and Monday 29th August.

Posted 28/06/2016 by Ian Bowden

Welcome to Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival 2016 taking place from 25th to 29th August in beautiful Rye. This year the number of events are more compact and include a bijou and intimate series of free and ticketed presentations that will provide wonderful variety. Headline artists include the UK's very own Queen of Soul Mica Paris and Jazz singers Liane Carroll and Joe Stilgoe. Tickets for these headline events are now on sale. More acts and our fringe programme will be announced over the coming days.

Posted 22/06/2016 by Ian Bowden

Hot on the heels of his sell out shows at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London and much anticipated performance at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival in association with the Assembly Hall Theatre proudly present an outstanding live concert with Curtis Stigers one of the most respected and acclaimed jazz singers of his generation. Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience an evening of exceptional jazz talent.

Posted 10/04/2016 by Ian Bowden

We are hoping the bring the Brand New Heavies to the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells in October. Dates and full details to be announced soon.

Posted 10/04/2016 by Ian Bowden

A date for your diary is Saturday 30th April 2016 which has been designated as International Jazz Day by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Posted 04/04/2016 by Ian Bowden

After a sell-out performance at the Rye International Jazz Festival in 2015. We are delighted to be bringing one of the most respected and talented jazz singers of this generation to the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. We proudly present Clare Teal & Her Mini Big Band on Saturday 28th May 2016. This performance is Kindly sponsored by Berkeley Group, Royal Wells Park.

Posted 04/04/2016 by Ian Bowden

As spring makes a welcome return it is at this time we announce a number of updates for our future plans . We have certainly not been in hibernation over the winter months; in fact, we have been busy exploring and planning a series of outstanding live performance plans which will take place at carefully selected locations and venues throughout 2016 and into 2017.

Posted 24/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

After the jazz funk outfit Hardines have taken you to your funky place, we change the music mood at the Spectrum Jazz Lounge to a more relaxed and chilled out feel with Gwyneth Herbert and Ned Cartwright. This will be a delightfully intimate performance from the award-winning composer and lyricist and versatile musical adventurer who continues to redefine and challenge expectations. Appearing on home turf, Gwyn appears tonight on vocals, ukulele, French horn, melodica and cheese-grater alongside boy-wunderkind pianist Ned Cartwright. Expect tales of jaded seaside hotels, East End vagrants, loves and losses and drips and drops and the occasional Swahili singalong!

Posted 24/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

Don't miss out on one of these three fantastic afternoon performances. Thank you for your interest in the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival we are looking forward to it all kicking off on Thursday. Have you booked for one of our fantastic afternoon performances? If not, in the final run up to the festival we would be delighted to offer you a 15% discount for these superb shows.

Posted 19/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

Our friends at the Old Dairy Brewery have been working hard on the Rye Jazz & Blues Festival BeeBop Top. We want to give you a peek at the beer and the brewery from your armchair before you come on down to the festival to enjoy a Pint in the pubs, bars and our own Spectrum Jazz Lounge around Rye! BeeBop Top ‘…satchmoo approved!’

Posted 14/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

Wednesday night saw young and emerging artists gather at Grosvenor Casino in Piccadilly London where the final auditions for the Chapter & Lyric stage at the Festival were taking place.

Posted 14/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

The Festival is proud to announce Joe Corbin will be supporting Wilko Johnson on Sunday 30th at Milligan Theatre. Joe came to the festival's eye through our Chapter & Lyric events and we are delighted to offer him the chance to support Wilko. Joe and his guitar will take to the stage at 7pm.

Posted 03/08/2015 by Ian Bowden

Having trouble finding somewhere to stay during the festival? We want to make your festival experience as trouble free as possible.

Posted 25/06/2015 by Ian Bowden

Since the inception of the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival 4 years ago, festival director Ian Bowden had his sights on securing the voice of jazz Mr Gregory Porter and last night the vision became reality as we presented an exclusive pre-2015 festival performance at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. Read our review here...

Posted 25/06/2015 by Ian Bowden

Dom Pipkin is one of the leading exponents of New Orleans RnB and blues in the UK and he will be talking about his first hand experiences of visiting New Orleans after Katrina, the people and characters that he met and how the music of this fascinating city, famous the world over for its music got itself back on it's feet. The mood will be high and in full swing when he's joined on stage by his band The Ikos to get us all up partying - New Orleans style!

Posted 03/06/2015 by Ian Bowden

James Tormé - Celebrates the Greats - live at St Marys is sure to be a Festival highlight. Tickets are selling fast - Book today! The Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival is proud to welcome award-winning jazz singer James Tormé, for a celebration of music’s greatest legends, from Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee and Nat “King” Cole, to Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, and of course, his own father, 3-time Grammy Award winner Mel Tormé.

Posted 23/05/2015 by Ian Bowden

Welcome to our new website and welcome to Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival 2015 taking place from 27th to 31st August. Take your time to have a look through some of this year's fantastic line-up including GoGo Penguin, Wilko Johnson and Avery Sunshine. Tickets for these headline events are now on sale. More headline acts and our fringe and street programme will be announced over the coming days.

Posted 23/05/2015 by Ian Bowden

We are super excited and gearing up for tonight's Gregory Porter concert at the De La Warr Pavilion. This event is now sold out. Special thanks to sponsors Future Climate Info and the Old Borough Arms, Rye. Gregory will be speaking in an live interview with BBC South East News this evening! Make sure you are watching...

Posted 01/05/2015 by Ian Bowden

Following our festival preview which took place last night we are delighted to announce that tickets for the 2015 festival will go on sale on Saturday 23rd May to coincide with the launch of our very gorgeous new website!

Posted 30/04/2015 by Ian Bowden

On International Jazz Day we are delighted to be launching our festival Friends & Patrons membership. The scheme will be officially launched at a reception this evening at The Rye Retreat. For details about the exclusive benefits you can receive read on...

Posted 18/04/2015 by Ian Bowden

Premium Tickets for Gregory Porter's one-off performance at the De La Warr Pavilion on Wednesday 24th June are now available online by booking via ryejazz.com priced at £44.

Posted 10/04/2015 by Ian Bowden

The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival proudly presents a special pre-festival concert with the amazing, internationally acclaimed voice of Jazz, Gregory Porter on Wednesday 24th June. Tickets go on sale with the De La Warr Pavillion today and a further allocation of tickets will be available from Rye International Jazz Festival week commencing Monday 13th April.

Posted 04/04/2015 by Ian Bowden

With Easter upon us and Spring now in the air we have some exciting new announcements for you in the coming days. Check back in with us next week when we will be annoucing an exclusive 'for one night only' concert with one of the most talked about artists in the industry at this time; 'the new voice of jazz' comes to the De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill on Wednesday 24th June.. we are super excited and are bursting to tell you!

Posted 27/12/2014 by Ian Bowden

As 2014 draws to a close, we take a look back on another fantastic year for the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival.

Posted 02/09/2014 by Ian Bowden

Alchemy Charitable Trust, a charity established to helping those in exceptional need across Sussex and West Kent proudly presents an intimate, fun and outstanding Jazz concert with acclaimed multi award-winning Jazz singers Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll on Saturday 25th October at The Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Posted 22/08/2014 by Ian Bowden

With tickets selling fast for festival events don't miss out on remaining tickets for Ola Onabule, he is set to raise the roof of St Mary's Church on Sunday 24 August with his outstanding 5-piece band.

Posted 20/08/2014 by Ian Bowden

Delighted to announce that the festival was featured on BBC South East News tonight at 6.30pm. Interviews with Jason Rebello, Ola Onabule and Herbie Flowers. You can watch again if you missed it here The festival already has several sold-out events

Posted 23/12/2013 by Ian Bowden

Picture Highlights from the 2012 and 2013 Rye International Jazz Festival.

Posted 01/06/2012 by Ian Bowden

We hope you enjoyed the unique atmosphere of Rye and experienced an unforgettable five days of the very best in live music entertainment. Our programme for 2013 was all about having fun, relaxing and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere of Rye and the sun (with the exception of Saturday), whilst experiencing and listening to a diverse mix of great jazz influenced musical styles. Even on the Saturday like true Brits we got out there and enjoyed!! Here's some some photos to remind of you the great time we all had....