South Coast Jazz Festival returns to Ropetackle after last year's success

Ropetackle spokesman Mark Phillips said: “After the sell-out success of its 2015 debut, Ropetackle is delighted to announce the South Coast Jazz Festival will return for a second year this January, bigger, better and brighter than before.

“The festival has been curated once again by jazz singer Claire Martin and saxophonist Julian Nicholas, with a rich and diverse programme reflecting many styles of jazz music. The festival will also feature educational workshops, guest speakers, a special exhibition of jazz photography and displays by the National Jazz Archive.

“Following the success of the first festival, this year really is a step up and offers the chance to see some of the leading lights from the UK’s vibrant jazz scene. As well as this, BBC Radio 3 will also be present to record the Saturday night session.”

Festival highlights

Thursday, January 21: The Jack Kendon Quartet With Imogen Ryall and Alex Garnett’s Bunch Of Five; Anita Wardell vocal workshop

Friday, January 22: Gareth Williams and Dave Green’s Tribute To Bill Evans and Scott LaFaro; Nikki Iles and Norma Winstone’s The Printmakers; Gareth Williams’ instrumental workshop.

Saturday, January 23: The Christine Tobin Trio; The Arun Ghosh Quintet; Jazz For Juniors workshop; Jazz for Absolute Beginners talk with Kevin LeGendre.

Sunday, January 24: Claire Martin and Pete Long celebrate Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington with the Echoes of Ellington Orchestra.

Mark added: “Whether you know you love jazz or not, this festival is for both newcomers and aficionados alike, curated by the best and featuring the best. The South Coast Jazz Festival is shaping up to be a fixture of Sussex’s cultural calendar, and another great example of the superb artistry right here in our wonderful county.”

For more information see ropetacklecentre.co.uk or visit www.southcoastjazzfestival.com.

Call the box office on 01273 464440 or email ropetacklecentre.co.uk.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page

3 Follow us on Twitter

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

Be part of it.