The Buxton International Festival, founded in 1979, has a worldwide reputation for its opera productions, literary events and a particular and special ‘festive’ atmosphere, writes Charlie Rees. Now, for the first time, the festival in the Derbyshire spa town has announced a selection of jazz performances for its opening weekend, 7-10 July 2022. Booking opens on Monday 6 December.
Neil Hughes was recently appointed as Buxton Festival’s jazz director. His previous roles include managing the Cinnamon Club in the Manchester area from 2002 until early 2020, as well as a four-year run as creative director for the Southport Jazz Festival. Commenting on his new role, he says: “I am delighted to bring my twenty years jazz experience to Buxton. We will cover all genres from Basie to Bowie over seventeen wonderful concerts.”
He has brought an outstanding array of performers to Buxton, including The Impossible Gentleman, with a brand new lineup featuring Laurence Cottle (bass) and Ian Thomas (drums) – joining founding members Gwilym Simcock and Mike Walker in their first live appearance as a band since 2016; a duo concert from Ian Shaw and Guy Barker, both of whom will also guest alongside the Swingtime Big Band in their performance featuring Emma Holcroft; award-winning vocalist Clare Teal, performing songs from the Great American and British Song Books with her all-star sextet; as well as the Jay Phelps Quartet, and more still to be announced.
Performances will take place over the weekend of July 7-10, with tickets going on sale from Monday 6 December. But, for the especially eager fan, London Jazz News is delighted to provide our readers with the opportunity to book in advance using code BIFJAZZSPT. Booking for the Jule Styne/ Stephen Sondheim Musical Gypsy is also open from Monday. The opera performances start bookings for members in March (details).
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