The South Coast Jazz Festival recently confirmed the dates for their fourth festival, to be held at The Ropetackle in Shoreham from 20th to 28th January, 2018. The artists performing will be announced in the coming months, so expect some of the UK’s finest jazz artists as well as masterclasses, workshops and exhibitions.

    Although there’s no Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival this year, whilst they take a year off, watch out for some of their promotions, especially the appearance on Sunday 3rd September of master saxophonist Colin Stetson at the Duke of York’s Cinema in Brighton.

    Also keep an eye out for the September mini-tour of The Drawtones and The Deptford Rivieras who will be offering a double bill with two guest saxophonists from the Jools Holland Orchestra, Derek Nash and Phil Veacock. The tour kicks off at The Komedia, Brighton on Wednesday 20th September, the Underground Theatre, Eastbourne on Friday 22nd September and ends up at St Mary in the Castle, Hastings on Saturday 23rd September.

    Much-loved saxophonist Ian Price will be remembered fondly by both musicians and fans alike. The annual charity celebration of his life takes place at The Hare and Hounds in Worthing on Tuesday 5th September, hosted by drummer Alex Eberhard. Special guests include many of the musicians who performed with Ian over the years, including Mark Bassey, Simon Robinson, Nigel Thomas, Sara Oschlag, Jason Henson, Terry Seabrook, Dan Sheppard and Spike Wells. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

    The Labour Party conference comes to Brighton in September and a number of Sussex’s best musicians are performing two evenings of jazz, raising funds for the local Labour party. The Jazz for Labour event will be just around the corner from the conference centre at The Walrus, Ship Street, Brighton. Monday 25th September will be Liane Carroll headlining with Terry Seabrook’s Triversion. The following night, Tuesday 26th September, will feature Claire Martin plus the Julian Nicholas band. Both nights will feature a jam session and  a DJ set. Entrance £10.

Charlie Anderson