A DAZZLING international line-up has been confirmed for the new-look 2018 Upton Jazz Festival.
Renowned jazz bands from across Europe and beyond will be flocking to the riverside town next month to play the four-day festival starting on June 21 – the 33rd annual event.
In a series of intimate, atmospheric venues, jazz fans can catch Mama Shakers, five young Parisians who play the forgotten music of the cotton fields and backstreet bars of Louisiana.
Expect high-energy jive and swing from Holland’s number one Jazz Connection.
Les Zauto Stompers will be playing old-school trad to the crowds, while composer and clarinet and sax maestro James Evans returns from New Orleans.
Closer to home, London outfit Vitality Five will be kicking out authentic 1920s Hot Club jazz, The Water Gypsies will be leaving their narrowboat on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath to travel to the festival and the celebrated Jake Leg Jug Band will be entertaining audiences with their blend of 1920s and 30s American sound.
Festival-goers will be treated to exciting, original guitar from Madi Stimpson and his quartet along with virtuoso pianist Tom Bell.
A raft of British Jazz Award-winners and nominees, including Alan Barnes, Amy Roberts, Robert Fowler, Keith Nicholls and Craig Milverton will also be gracing the stages.
“It really is a dazzling line-up,” said Rachel Hayward, the festival’s musical director.
“Whether you’re into Dixieland or European jazz, Hot Club or Gypsy, there really is something for everyone.
“This year, now we’re back in town in some fantastic venues, the atmosphere is going to be better than ever.
“And that fact that Upton, now in its 33rd year, continues to attract world-renowned talent from across Europe and beyond, is testament to how well regarded the festival is.
“We’re really looking toward to seeing everyone next month.”
Festival-goers can expect more than 50 gigs in Upton’s renowned pubs and clubs, riverboat shuffles aboard the town’s iconic Conway Castle river cruiser and a lively fringe festival raising money for The Nathan Tomkins Trust.
In addition, the renowned Best of Young Jazz programme celebrates the rising stars of the jazz world from schools, colleges and conservatoires across the region.
Jazz and camping tickets £30 while evening tickets, at £15, are available each day of the festival from 6pm.
Visit www.uptonjazz.co.uk to book tickets and for further information.
