Camilla George, Monty Alexander and Jon Cleary head to Rye Jazz & Blues Fest

The Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival returns to the historic town of Rye, East Sussex and presents its 12th edition across the bank holiday weekend from Thursday 22 to Monday 26 August. Afternoon and evening concerts take place at St Mary’s church and include a Friday night headline show from celebrated American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Eric Bibb and his full band (23 August).

The following day features an afternoon show from saxophonist/composer Camilla George and band, followed by an evening headline show with Tunde Baiyewu, the vocalist/songwriter and former lead singer of the Lighthouse Family (24 August). Sunday 25 August sees a rare chance to hear Jamaican jazz piano legend Monty Alexander when he performs in Rye with his trio, and there’s an evening show from Jazz FM Award winning soul-jazz singer Mica Millar and her band.

The bank holiday Monday features  a special afternoon concert from Grammy-winning pianist Jon Cleary who celebrates the music of New Orleans, paying homage to Crescent City icons Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Art Neville, James Booker, and others (26 August).

The wider programme includes sets from bands from the local area with free performances taking at participating fringe venues around the town.

For more information and tickets visit www.ryejazz.com