Kai Hoffman, the singer, songwriter and band leader who is also the artistic programmer of the Herne Bay Jazz & Swing Festival is a great proponent of making jazz reach out to everyone. As she says, “In the era of so much free downloadable content, it is more important that ever that people experience the music directly, accessibly and economically. Anyone coming along on the weekend of the 15 to 17 August can expect to experience a real range of top-quality, exciting and approachable music. And for the majority of it we only ask that you buy a drink or a meal to give some support back to our venues!” Indeed, she jokes, as well as a treat for the aficionados, this is also a festival for people who think they don’t like jazz.
Given that about half the 12,000 extra visitors last year were local residents, the formula seems to be working, and the festival is now a firmly established as a major summer cultural event on the North Kent coast. Now in its 8th year, is it delivered in a range of relatively closely-spaced venues in the town, including the venerable King’s Hall, the M.I.M.S (Music in Mortimer Street) in the United Reform Church, as well as well-known music venues including The Ship Inn and Briggsy’s. One of the major attractions of its compact coastal location is how easy it makes it to drop in on free event venues like the New Four Fathoms, The Grapevine and the Pier Ceylon, each only a couple of minutes’ walk from each other.
Topping the bill at the King’s Hall on Friday evening 15 August are The Jive Aces, who have established themselves as one the top swing bands in the world, renowned for their showmanship and energy. They have performed their show in over 35 countries and released a dozen albums since their formation in 1989. On the afternoon of Saturday 16 August, pianist Janette Mason’s Rewired Trio will take the stage at M.I.M.S to perform a set of reworked chart classics and timeless songs from her latest release Rewired. Combining the swing, soloing and rhythm of jazz with the hooks and melody of pop music, the set will showcase a musician as deeply influenced by Kate Bush and David Bowie as by Oscar Peterson and Sergio Mendes. And on Saturday evening Roberto Pla’s Big Band Latino will display the excellence of the UK latin jazz scene in the King’s Hall. Widely recognised as the godfather of UK latin music, Pla, together with his dynamic 20-piece ensemble will bring a spectacular mix of jazz, afro-cuban, salsa and other latin energy to the festival.
On Sunday 17, the free Herne Bay Pier stage will be the focus of much of the programme, including performances from acts ranging from the Blow the Fuse Trio featuring Alison Rayner and Deirdre Cartwright to the Wonder of Stevie show featuring Derek Nash and Noel McCalla, as well as funk and New Orleans-influenced local Kent favourites The Native Oysters. The festival will also include a whole range of other memorable and creative Kent-based jazz artists including leading trombonist Geoff Mason with the Dave Robinson Band, singer Nina Clark with Sam Dunn, composer and pianist Frances Knight performing with saxophonist Matthew Miles, as well as violinist and singer Adrian Hackford duetting with guitarist, bassist and composer Stephen Bridgland, and many more.
And as Kai says, there’s a lot more to enjoy than just the acts. This was a festival originally inspired by the relaxed vibe at Newport Jazz. “Come down and unwind, perhaps listen the future great jazzers in Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra, take part in a drumming workshop, then enjoy your fish and chips and perhaps take part in our seafront musical parade on Sunday!”
