Byron Wallen and Alina Bzhezhinska help jazz bounce back this summer at Ipswich Jazz Festival

The festival will feature nine very different acts over the weekend, including vocalist Tina May, award-winning trumpeter Enrico Tomasso and the Chris Ingham Trio; swing-rooted ensemble Kansas Smitty’s; Byron Wallen’s Four Corners playing music from their album Portrait: Reflections on Belonging; saxophonist Derek Nash’s Picante group; internationally renowned harpist Alina Bzhezhinska and her trio Hip Harp; Xhosa Cole Trio playing the music of Thelonious Monk with some contemporary arrangements; Jimbino Vegan and the Swing Barbarians playing traditional New Orleans swing and jazz; Motuz Group, a new group of young musicians accompanied by a dancer; and the Rosina Hepburn Band conjuring up the golden age of jazz.

Ipswich Jazz Festival 2021 is dedicated to the memory of local jazz enthusiast, guitarist and Ipswich Hospital consultant haematologist, Dr Nick Dodd (1950–2020). As things stand at the moment, audience numbers will be limited to just 30 people with ventilation, socially distanced seating and other Covid-safe practices in place. The organisers will continue to monitor and guidance about the pandemic and the festival will only go ahead if it is safe and legal to do so. Tickets are on sale now and each performance will cost £10, with a limited number of concessionary tickets for Ipswich residents on low incomes at just £1.

For more info visit www.ipswichjazzfestival.org.uk