The second Ipswich Jazz Festival took place from 23rd to 25th June. Playing to packed audiences each of which gave standing ovations, we were treated to spectacular performances by the three main acts. We wanted to showcase a wide range of jazz styles as well as provide opportunities for local jazz musicians and amateur players and a range of jazz activities. This festival did that and more.
A huge thank you to our sponsors without their support, the festival could not happen – Arts Council England, Kerseys Solicitors and Colourplan Print who provided financial sponsorship, our media partner BBC Radio Suffolk, Ipswich Town and Waterfront for support in kind with publicity and Ipswich Borough Council also for help and support with publicity.
Many thanks to our 2017 sponsors and media partners:
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Claude Deppa and the Clare Hirst Band got everyone up and dancing to their upbeat Township-style jazz played solidly by Claude Deppa (trumpet), Clare Hirst (saxophones), Andrea Vicari (keyboard), Dorian Lockett (bass) and Brian Abrahams (drums). Watch out for the recording made by BBC Radio Suffolk.
On Saturday, “Stars at St Peter’s” John Etheridge (guitar), Art Themen (saxophone) and the Chris Ingham Trio (Chris Ingham piano, Arnie Somogyi bass and George double drums) were joined by Vimala Rowe on vocals for a spectacular and long evening of outstanding music kicked off with a magnificent opening set by the South Suffolk Youth Jazz Ensemble.
To close the festival, top name big band Back to Basie played an exemplary and thumping selection of Count Basie’s music to a full house at the New Wolsey Theatre.
On Saturday budding jazz players worked hard in workshops for drummers, bass players, ensemble musicians and even music photographers. Young people took part in a day long course led by Claude Deppa and the Clare Hirst Band and the Suffolk County Music Service
People seeking refuge in more passive entertainment enjoyed jazz films – Finding Fela and the remastered Stormy Weather at Ipswich Film Theatre and a jazz-themed art show by Subterranean Arts. While energetic souls took part in a Lindy Hopping workshop at Dance East.
At our Sunday pub gigs, mostly non-jazz audiences, enjoyed free gigs by local musicians – Twofold, Cinquenta, the Parker/Virley Quartet and the Frank Weatherley Trio and on Saturday budding jazz players worked hard in workshops for drummers, bass players, ensemble musicians and even music photographers. Young people took part in a day long course led by Claude Deppa and the Clare Hirst Band and the Suffolk County Music Service.
Finally, we could not run this festival without the help and support of many people – volunteers who helped with publicity, helping at gigs and in many other ways and Pink House Design for their wonderful designs. Thank you, especially Ian Buzer, Mahesh Raval and Howard Pugh.
Thank you to local jazz clubs for your support – Ipswich Jazz Club, Fleece Jazz, Hadleigh Jazz Club, Jazz East, Colchester Jazz Club and Lowestoft Jazz Club
And a huge thank you to our sponsors without their support, the festival could not happen – Arts Council England, Kerseys Solicitors and Colourplan Print who provided financial sponsorship, our media partner BBC Radio Suffolk, Ipswich Town and Waterfront for support in kind with publicity and Ipswich Borough Council also for help and support with publicity.
If you would like to become a sponsor, please get in touch.
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Ipswich Jazz Festival would like to thank our 2018 sponsors and media partners for their support.
Ipswich Jazz Festival Ltd is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 9778435.
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