Four ‘world class’ headline acts have been announced for this year’s Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival, taking place from Friday, May 26 until Monday 29.
The festival will open with multi award-winning American singer, saxophonist and composer Curtis Stigers on May 26; British acid-jazz stars The Brand New Heavies will perform on Saturday 27; blues heavyweight Mud Morganfield (son of Muddy Waters) will play on Sunday 28; and British jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine OBE will close the event on Monday 29.
As well as the headline concerts there will be three days of free music on the festival’s outdoor stage at Blackmore Gardens, live performances at various local venues, and – subject to funding – music workshops and other community events.
Early bird tickets for the headline concerts will go on sale for one week from Monday, February 27 until Monday, March 6. A crowdfunder will also be launched soon to help pay for the free music events.
Festival director Ian Bowden said: “Our free music attracts audiences and visitors to come into Sidmouth from across the region, not only to enjoy the music but to also experience Sidmouth as a town and all that it has to offer.
“We are immensely proud to be providing the platform for wonderful regional emerging and established music talent to perform to new audiences, including jazz, swing, blues, roots, soul, funk, Latin and Cuban music.
“Whilst we have a certain level of funding in place, the festival requires additional funding support to complete its full free music programme. Securing funding is incredibly hard in this climate and to raise funds we are launching a crowdfunder so that the public, businesses and private patrons can make a much needed and appreciated donation.
“We pay all of the musicians to perform and there any many additional costs that have to be met so that this can all happen.
“Music is such a brilliant tonic and enriches our lives, so please do support the festival by making a donation, however big or small.”
For further information on the artists, to purchase tickets online and to support the crowdfunder, visit www.sidmouthjazz.com
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