The last year has been tough, but things are definitely looking up with an amazing line up of events this summer. And what’s not to love about the idea of an afternoon of jazz and gin on a summer day? So, we’re thrilled that following on from the success of the first Loxwood Jazz, Gin and Blues Festival, they are doing it all again this year and tickets are now on sale for the 1st August.
Set in the Enchanted Woodland at the Loxwood Meadow, this boutique festival has a stellar line-up of jazz and blues artists. It’s being curated by Simon Bates, the founder and organiser of the legendary Loxwood Jazz Club. And artists such as John Etheridge, Derek Nash’s Sax Appeal, Harry Greene and Ashton Jones, Simply Swing, Tim Staffell and Paul Stewart will be performing live.
The legend that is Simon Bates
For anyone that doesn’t know Simon Bates, he’s recognised as one of the country’s leading jazz saxophonists and you should be prepared to be impressed by his awesome technique and versatility. He started to play sax at the age of 14 and got his first paid gig in the same year. Whilst studying for a classical music degree, he turned to jazz and improvised music. He studied Stravinsky by day and played Charlie Parker by night in London’s clubs and bars. Simon has appeared live and recorded with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Bette Midler, Shane MacGowan, Sister Sledge, Lulu, Rick Wakeman, Dizzee Rascal, The Sugarhill Gang, Chaka Khan, Emma Bunton, Seal, Eddie Floyd, Billy Ocean, Darius Campbell and Carleen Anderson.
He’s recognised as one of the country’s leading jazz saxophonists and appears regularly at respected UK venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The Jazz Cafe, 606 Club, The Bull’s Head and the finest jazz clubs and festivals worldwide. He performs regularly with many of the jazz world’s biggest stars including John Dankworth, Jamie Cullum, Peter Erskine, and Sax Appeal.
Not forgetting the gin
As you ease into the moment, a number of independent local gin producers such as Cabin Pressure Spirits, Madame Jennifer Distillery, Corner 53 and Generation 11 will be on hand to help quench summer thirsts. In addition, the award-winning Langham Brewery will be providing real ale, with Loxwood Meadworks providing heritage brews, re-imagined for the 21st century. There will also be a mix of local food stalls, offering a selection to suit all palates with cream scones through to sizzling burgers, and tasty vegetarian and vegan options to complete a perfect afternoon.
Slip into the sublime
There’s something very magical about the Enchanted Woodland (presumably that’s how it got its name) and the combination of live music by some of the country’s top performers washed done with some great (and local) craft gins is set to make for a unique and special afternoon.
The festival is from 12 noon through to 8pm, and has only a limited number of 500 tickets available. The Loxwood Jazz, Gin and Blues festival takes place in the Loxwood Meadow, RH14 0AL; home of the Loxwood Joust and just off the B2133 between Wisborough Green and Loxwood. There is ample Free Parking. For tickets and more information, please visit www.jazzginblues.co.uk; or call 07866 468632. Advance tickets cost £25.
This event has now finished but you can do it all again next year and if you like this post about Jazz, Gin and Blues, you may also like:
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Steyning Food & Drink Festival
