Welcome to the very first
Rye International Jazz Festival
23 - 27 AUGUST 2012

NEW FESTIVAL WEBSITE TO BE LAUNCHED IN MAY

Momentum continues to build for our exciting festival this year. We will be announcing a range of fantastic live events on the new website that include, professional concerts, free and subsidised community and educational projects, and a proposed colourful Mardi Gras Parade.

There will also be street entertainment, acoustic sessions and many live performances featuring local and regional musicians and groups. These events will take place throughout Rye and the immediate area at many pubs, hotels, and restaurants.

Education, learning and participation plays a very important and core part of our festival programme. The festival will be inclusive and offer opportunities for growth.

» You will be able to reserve and purchase tickets from venues directly and via the festival organisers. There will also be details of events, venues and links to all of the festivals confirmed and agreed partners.

By day, head to the river where you'll find a whole host of free music, before taking a stroll down cobblestoned Mermaid Street for a spot of shopping whilst once again enjoying free music... or indulge in a Sussex Cream Tea at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town.

When the night draws in the entertainment does not stop. Head to one of the many atmospheric venues and enjoy a meal while soaking up the music. Finally wend your way to one of the many charming hotels or B&Bs and look forward to the next day's entertainment.

The big idea

Drawn on the inspiration and success of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival, and combined with the colours, hustle and bustle and vibrancy of New Orleans, The Rye International Jazz Festival promises to be an annual highlight in the South East events calendar for music lovers, day trippers and long weekenders.

Our BIG IDEA is to create an annual festival that compliments and adds diversity to the many successful events that take place in Rye each year. Throughout all of our months of planning, it has always been our vision and ethos to create a sustainable, inclusive, and diverse festival that benefits the inhabitants, businesses and the wider community of Rye.

Many of our planned festival activities will involve the collaboration of local arts groups, schools, The Rye College and the less privileged community areas of Rye. These initiatives will create opportunities for growth, confidence, inclusion and participation.

The festival has one common goal, which is to attract and unite like-minded people to share and revel in the five days of jam packed with wonderful music and arts related activities. All of these activities are designed to make a positive impact to the local economy and attract new audiences to Rye.

Our BIG IDEA is all about having fun, relaxing and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere of Rye, whilst experiencing and listening to some of finest music that you will hear this side of the pond.

Programming

The word JAZZ can easily disguise the sheer breadth and range of music styles that sit within this fascinating genre. Jazz was borne out of the freedom songs of slaves in the southern states of America, and these early jazz pioneers influenced many other styles of music that are linked in inseparable ways. The festival will be presenting a wide range of performances that sit within, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk and World Music.

We will be featuring a wide selection of Jazz performances, ranging from the traditional, straight ahead, modern and the more adventurous avant-garde. If you are really into Jazz or just appreciate great music, then there will more than enough on the menu to satisfy the hungriest of aficionados.

If you prefer your music to be more solemn, laid back, bluesy, in the groove, racy or even downright funky, then you will find it being performed in abundance throughout venues all over the town. The festival programming will feature some of the classiest names in the music business from the UK and distant shores. There will also be many performances of established and up-and-coming artist from Rye and across the region.

There will be a mixture of many free and paid for events throughout the five day festival period. These include, street busking, a Mardi Gras procession, jazz brunches, acoustic sets, lunchtime sound bites, outdoor staged events, evening concerts, late night jam sessions and impromptu collaborations.

As part of our wider vision and longer term legacy, the festival will include a strong community and educational link. These will include a range of music workshops and master-classes and a special youth project that will involve the collaboration and inclusion of local community groups and schools.

The streets of New Orleans may seem a far cry from the cobbled pavestones, golden quarter boys of St Mary's and the abundance of old ship timber built houses of Rye. However, the festival will create its own unique atmosphere by the coming together of a huge variety of musical influences, origins and emotions.

Rye is a living testimony to nearly a thousand years of fascinating and some cases turbulent history. The festival will embrace the wonderful heritage and character of Rye to evoke a living harmony between the old with the new. It is our vision that the festival will create a history and a longer lasting legacy of its very own.

Welcome to Rye, welcome to the Festival and welcome to our world.

Artists

It is our desire to ensure that the programming across the five day festival period appeals to a wide audience. We strongly believe that there is something for everyone, whatever your musical persuasion.

The artists below forms part of our original wish list of artists that we would like to attract to the festival in 2012 and beyond. The content of the festival will be dynamic and we intend to grow our festival year on year with the aim to attract many of these artists to appear at the festival in the future.

Ian Shaw

‘Best Jazz Vocalist’ at the BBC Jazz Awards in 2007 and 2004, Ian Shaw has already amassed a number of highly acclaimed albums and is a popular performer both in the UK and the US. An incredibly colourful character, he has been cited, along with Mark Murphy and Kurt Elling, as one of the world's finest male jazz vocalists.
» www.ianshaw.biz

Claire Martin

The First Lady of British Jazz, Claire Martin, has won Best Vocalist at the British Jazz Awards on six separate occasions.

In June 2011, Claire was appointed an O.B.E. in The Queen's Birthday Honours list for her services for music.
» www.clairemartinjazz.com

Marius Neset

Modern Jazz - Acclaimed Norwegian Saxophonist.
» mariusneset.com

Carleen Anderson

Carleen Anderson is an American soul singer, who is most well known as the lead singer in the Young Disciples as well as for her own solo career. A UK resident since 1990, Carleen first came to the attention of the music industry as the lead singer of the Young Disciples with their classic hit "Apparently Nothing". Carleen has since released a number of solo albums to critical acclaim. Carleen remains a consummate and wonderful live performer.
» www.carleenanderson.net

Georgie Fame

Legendary R&B Hammond organ player and vocalist.

Throughout his 40-year career, Georgie Fame has recorded over 20 albums and 14 hit singles. He is equally at home in the company of jazz groups and big bands, orchestras, rock groups and his own band, The Blue Flames. As a sideman, he has recorded with many artists, including Gene Vincent, Prince Buster, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Andy Fairweather-Low, Bill Wyman and Van Morrison.

Ever on the road, Georgie Fame continues to perform his unique blend of jazz/rhythm and blues for live audiences at clubs and music festivals throughout Europe.
» www.georgiefame.absoluteelsewhere.net

Ray Gelato & The Giants

Big band Jazz - The "Best Band" at the 2007 Ronnie Scott's Awards, Best UK "BBC Radio 2 Artist of the Year. Ray's distinctive vocal style is exemplified in the Cole Porter standard "Just One of Those Things" while his world class sax playing is brought right to the fore with his soul wrenching version of Frank Sinatra's "Angel Eyes". Ray performs with an all start cast 7 piece "Giants Orchestra".
» www.raygelato.com

DENNIS ROLLINS' VELOCITY TRIO

Virtuoso trombonist Dennis Rollins has performed at the forefront of UK jazz, funk and pop for 25 years, sharing the stage with such stars as Maceo Parker & Courtney Pine. His latest project is a brilliant mix of refined contemporary jazz arrangements with simmering funk grooves.
» www.dennisrollins.com

Kyle Eastwood

Jazz bassist & band leader and son of the legendary Clint Eastwood. His performances with his live band have sold out venues and received the highest critical acclaim.
» www.kyleeastwood.com

London Community Gospel Choir

The UK's longest standing award winning choir. Trying to fit LCGC into a neat slot is virtually impossible. LCGC is known for their funky gospel flair, swing-beat, R'n'B, traditional and soulful arrangements, with invigorating choreography and vocal gymnastics.
» www.lcgc.org.uk

Jose Feliciano

Multi Grammy award winning and legendary Guitarist, recognised as the first Latin artists to cross over into the English music market. Jose came to prominence with the hit Light My fire and has recorded just under seventy albums.
» www.josefeliciano.com

Iain Ballamy

Iain Ballamy, is arguably one of the most creative and versatile forces in British contemporary music. His pedigree as a first-rate player and composer is without question, from his early work with Loose Tubes, Balloon Man and Acme, right through to the more straight-ahead approach of Anorak and more recently the freer, electronic territories of Food.

His plaintive tone recalls Stan Getz but his lyrical invention and vocal expressiveness, coupled with his command and range of the instrument, makes him a true one-off and inspiring to hear: one of our most treasured voices in jazz.
» www.ballamy.com

Bobby Caldwell

Bobby Caldwell's live performances are always electrifying! Drawing from his vast repertoire of rousing R&B, intimate smooth jazz styling's, and big band songs, Bobby has the ability to entertain at any venue, for fans of all ages.

As a singer, he has a successful career with numerous solo releases, which have earned accolades far and wide. His song writing skills have earned hits not only for himself, but also for well-known artists like Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau.
» www.bobbycaldwell.com

Diane Schuur

Legendary two-time Grammy award winner and one of the world's best known contemporary Jazz singers and musicians.

Vocalist/pianist Diane Schuur is as eclectic as she is brilliant. A long-time disciple of Dinah Washington and other legendary jazz singers of the '40s and '50s, Schuur has built a stellar career by embracing not only the jazz of her parents' generation, but also the pop music of her own youth during the late 1950s and '60s. In a recording career that spans nearly three decades – and includes two Grammy Awards and three Grammy nominations – Schuur's music has explored nearly every corner of the 20th century American musical landscape.
» www.dianeschuur.com

Jon Cleary

Cleary is one of the finest funk and R&B musician's of his generation and is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is from Cranbrook in Kent, England, and has studied for the past 20 years the "musical culture and life of New Orleans. Cleary is an accomplished pianist, vocalist and song-writer.
» www.joncleary.com

Angela Brown and The Mighty 45's

One of the foremost Blues Singers from America who resides in Germany but works and performs with a UK band.
» www.myspace.com/bluesangelabrown

Brenda Boykin & The Club Des Belugas

Brenda is one of the great contemporary jazz singers and one of the most creative voices of her generation.
» www.chinchin-records.com

James Taylor Quartet

The James Taylor Quartet is a British four-piece jazz funk band who have become renowned for their live performances. JTQ have been blending a very wide array of musical influences since their first 45 was recorded in September 1986. The tune was a punky reworking of Herbie Hancock's soundtrack to the then cult movie 'Blow Up'.
» www.jtq.co.uk

More professional, local and regional artists and bands will be added to this list in the near future.

Venues

Live performances will take place at numerous venous throughout Rye over the planned five day festival period.

We have approached and had meetings with the appropriate owners and venues listed below. We would like to thank all of these venues and the local authorities for their assistance, participation and support. The exact number of performances at each indoor and outdoor location will be confirm and publicised when we festival publicity is launched in early 2012.

Rye Town Hall - Butter Market

Semi acoustic performances are planned throughout the festival period utilising the Butter Market area that is part of the existing Rye Town Hall.
» Butter Market

Street Entertainment Busking and Mardi Grass Procession

Live entertainment will take place at designated and approved locations throughout the streets of Rye throughout the festival period. These locations will be carefully considered and will be managed in accordance with all of the approved licensing regulations and stipulations.

The Strand Quay – Outdoor stage Area

The use of this venue has kindly been approved by The Environment Agency. The festival is proposing to use this venue to present a range of live music throughout specific days of the festival. These presentations will form part of the festival community events.
» www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Watchbell Street- Small Garden and Roundel

We are currently investigating this location as a venue to present small live music presentations at certain times within the festival period. We have already opened discussions with RDC and we are exploring the licensing and road closure implications.

Saltcote Place

We are currently in discussion with the owners of Saltcote Place in respect of the possibility of presenting a very intimate PAID ticketed event at this wonderful location.
» www.www.saltcote.co.uk

The Town Salts- Potential Outdoor Stage Area

The festival organisers are currently in discussion with RDC to potentially use this venue which will be utilised for a mixture of FREE and PAID FOR events. This venue will be utilised to stage the larger live music performances. This location would only be used when the appropriate level of funding would be available.

As an option, the festival organisers will continue to liaise with the local authorities to ensure that the festival does apply for the appropriate licensing and consent to ensure that this location can be utilised if required.

Additional Festival Venues

The festival organisers are in discussion with a number of other venues within Rye that we would like to present live music performances throughout the festival. We would be delighted to hear from new venues within the town that would also like to be included within our initial festival plans.

The festival organisers are also exploring the use of other venues including the possibility of presenting live performances within temporary structures.

Health & Safety/Event Licensing

Individual independent venues will have existing performance licenses already, a requirement to present live music. If larger groups will be performing it is possible to apply for additional licenses. These additional licenses will be reviewed if necessary by the festival organisers.

The festival organisers will apply for temporary events notices (TEN) for certain performances at venues and locations. The larger venues will require specific entertainment licenses to accommodate audiences in excess of 499.

The majority of all live events will fall under TEN licenses with the exception of the larger events. Street entertainment has a separate set of licensing regulations which fall under the "Byelaws" made under section 235 of the local government act 1972 by RDC.

The festival organisers will ensure that all H&S/risk assessments procedures are implemented where necessary. Individual venues carry their own public liability insurance for which the owners of the venues will be fully responsible. Rye International Jazz Festival will provide any event insurance that is necessary over and above the insurance that covers these venues.

The festival organisers will ensure that all H&S/risk assessments procedures are implemented where necessary.

About Rye

Cast your mind back almost a thousand years in history and you can imagine the humble beginnings of the wonderful medieval market town of Rye in East Sussex. Rye is recognised as the jewel on the South Coast of England, it is one of most beautiful and historic towns that has survived through the many changing faces of the past.

Rye was to become a limb of the famous Cinque Ports Confederation, and was once a major defensive stronghold to protect our trade between northern Europe and repel our shores against the many attacks from our French neighbours. Rye was almost entirely surrounded by the sea and the ancient tradition of fishing from the town still survives to this day.

During its history its association with the sea has included providing ships for the service of the King in time of war, and being involved with smuggling gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries such as the notorious Hawkhurst Gang who used its inns such as The Mermaid Inn and The Olde Bell Inn, once connected by secret passage ways.

These historic roots and its individual charm make Rye a superb destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Much of Rye's economy is based on tourism and there are many wonderful hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, tea rooms and restaurants, as well as many other attractions to ensure that your visit to Rye will be jam packed with things to see and do. In fact, there is so much to see in Rye that a weekend break is highly recommended.

Over many years Rye has attracted famous playwrights, composers, actors and affluent personalities to make their homes here. Today, Rye also plays host to a range of local talent and boasts numerous Arts galleries where many local and International names exhibit their works. You will also find many interesting and quirky retail shops as you make your way through medieval landgate at the top of the town through the high street and down to the Strand Quay.

Today, Rye is a living, working town that is incredibly proud of its heritage. In these ever changing modern times, Rye has managed to adapt to the demands of modern day life but importantly, still retain the incredible charm and mystique that seems to rub off on everyone that visits this beautiful town.

We hope that you enjoy your visit to Rye and please do click on the links provided on our festival teaser website. These links will give you further information about the range of accommodation, hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and the wide variety of shopping that you will find available in abundance on your visit.

Welcome to the past and welcome to the future and most of all welcome to Rye.

Partners

The festival organisers would like to thank the following organisations that have embraced our exciting festival plans. All of these organisations and their members have been kind enough to offer their guidance and support across many areas.

The Rye Town Council

We are pleased that the members of Rye Town Council welcome and support our festival initiative. We continue to work with the Council in order to help them achieve their aspirations for the wellbeing and greater benefit of the town.

Rother District Council

We would like point out that we are awaiting further discussions with the members of RDC in respect of potentially assisting and supporting the festival plans. We would like thank the personnel of the Environmental Health & Licensing team for all of their help and assistance.

The Rye & District Chamber of Commerce

We would like to thank the committee and members of the chamber for all of their fantastic support for our festival plans. The festival is committed enhancing retail and local business trade throughout the five day festival period.

The Rye Partnership

The Rye & District Hotels & Caterers Association (HOTCATS)

Please note that we are awaiting further discussions with both HOTCATS and The Rye Bay Marketing Group. Both these organisations have been extremely supportive.

Rye & Battle Observer: Festival Media Partners

We would like to thank the Marketing and Editorial team for agreeing to support and sponsor our exciting festival plans. The coverage and exposure will greatly assist in the promotion of the festival.

Creative Partners

We would like to thank our creative partners wave in Hastings, who have produced the stunning graphics and branding for the festival.

Printing Partners

We would like thank our printing partners Adams of Rye for their support and sponsorship of specific publicity materials.

Clive Sawyer Photography

We would like to thank Clive Sawyer for the kind permission to use the many images of Rye that feature within this website.

Rye Tourist Information Centre TIC

Hastings Tourist Information

The above tourist information organisations have kindly agreed to assist and partner the festival in order to create awareness and information.

The festival organisers would like point out, that the website links between all of the above partners will carry further information as the festival plans become confirmed in the near future.

Festival Venues

Thank you to all of the venue partners that are listed within the venues page of this website. We appreciate their support for our festival plans and very much look forward to presenting a range of live music at these venues throughout the festival.

Contact us

We are in the process of looking to secure further funding for a range of activities within our planned festival programme. We would be delighted to provide any organisations and potential patrons information of these packages and the advantages associated with our wide reaching festival plans.

For more information relating to our exciting festival plans please do make contact via email or call us on the contact telephone number below.

Rye Int. Jazz Festival Limited
Landgate Chambers
Rye
East Sussex
TN13 7LJ

t: +44(0) 1892 277984
e: info@ryejazz.com

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