The daffs are out and the sun is shining and it’s nearly that time of year again … when strolling through Ventnor, you’ll be able to hear the sazzy sound of the saxophone in the distance or the husky vocals of a jazz diva.
Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s nearly time for the IW International Jazz Divas Festival.
Last year was a huge success, not only for the organisers but for Ventnor as well. Over the three day festival, the town was jam packed with people, each and every one with a smile on their faces. The cafes were full, the pubs were full and the hotels and guest houses were full.
This year, organisers Geri Ward and Phil Snellen have a bumper festival planned for you.
Topping the bill are undoubtedly the ‘King and Queen’ of British Jazz, Cleo Lane and John Dankworth. Sadly tickets are sold out for that gig now, but there’s tons of other stuff going on.
Over the three days you can catch, Sax Appeal, the Norma Winstone with The Stan Tracey Quartet featuring Bobby Wellins, Swing Fever with Dave Shepherd, and Chris Walker plus Rhythm, Esther Miller Quartet, Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co, La Banda Martinez, The JazzCotech Dancers and “The Messin’Around” London Jazz Cafe DJ’s, Fidgety Feet – A Strolling Dixieland Band, Dave O’ Higgins and Simon Purcell Quartet, Juliet Kelly Quartet featuring Seb Rochford, Bryan Corbett Quartet, James Evans’ Incredible String Four, Dave Stapleton Quintet, The Bovril Sisters.
And the list goes on …. and on …. and on.
Stroller tickets will cost you £58 for the weekend, or day strollers at £32 per day (Sat or Sun). Kids aged 16 and under will cost £30 for the combi stroller or £16 per day (Sat or Sun)
However, if that’s a bit beyond your means, don’t forget there are tons of fringe events you can get into for free. Infact some of these were the highlight for us last year. The 2007 festival sees a huge expansion to the number of fringe venues and includes …
The Beach Hut Diner, Ventnor Baptist Church, The Crab & Lobster Stables Bar, Spyglass Inn, Bar at the Winter Gardens, Tinto’s Wine Bar, Tilly’s, Picardie Hotel, Richmond Arms, DJs Coffee Shop and The Volunteer Inn.
Finally, don’t forget that one of the festivals major sponsors this year are Velocity who have created some rather intriguing direct energy source drinks.
Check their Website for more info on lineup and tickets.
