Herne Bay Festival
21st July to 25th August 2024

Sunday August 21st

Herne Bay Jazz and Swing Festival @ Herne Bay Pier Stage 

FREE ENTRY 2pm to 10pm – No Booking Required

Will include performances by: 

2:00pm Roan Kearsey-Lawson Quartet (vibraphone) – Roan Kearsey-Lawson is “a talented multi-instrumentalist and composer” (Ian Maund, Sandy Brown Jazz, 2014), a Classical Timpanist, Classical World & Jazz Marimba Player, a Classical Percussionist and Piano player, and a experienced Theatre Drum Kit performer. He is “Described as One of the World’s Greatest Vibes Players” (Club for Acts & Actors, London, June 2017).

Where: HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 2:00pm 

3:00pm Kai Hoffman Quartet (vocals) – Originally from Boston, MA, USA, Kai Hoffman is a jazz, swing and blues singer, as well as a songwriter, bandleader and recording artist.  “A TRUE entertainer, and we don’t see so many of those anymore!” – Jim Caruso @ Birdland, NYC. Kai Hoffman is a favourite performer at venues across London including Ronnie Scott’s where she held an eight-year monthly residency. Fast gaining a reputation on the international stage, “There is no denying that Hoffman has a very special voice: rich, super smooth and full of old time sparkle… It is a joy to listen to her sing.” – Broadway Baby. Kai is the founder and artistic director of the Herne Bay Jazz and Swing Festival. 

Where: Wimereux Square (Children’s Concert) Saturday August 20th at 11am / 

HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 3:00pm

4:10pm Daniel Cano Quartet (trumpet) – Andalucian trumpeter Daniel Cano is one of the most exciting jazz musicians on the Kent scene. Playing regularly with US drummer Doug Sides, he has been captivated and inspired by the UK scene in both Afro-Beat and free jazz, contributing to his own compositions. His album ‘Social Music’ was inspired by the words of Miles Davis and the traditions of the art of jazz.

Where: HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 4:10pm 

5:20pm Tony Kofi Quartet (saxophone) – Multi-instrumentalist, Tony Kofi is a UK Jazz icon at this stage. A player of the Alto, Baritone, Soprano, Tenor saxophones and flute; the award-winning artist has established himself as a totemic presence in British jazz as a musician, a composer, and educator. “There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi.” – Jazzwise; Passionate… superb… heartfelt” – The Guardian

Where: HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 5:20pm 

6:30pm Elaine Delmar Quintet (vocals) – “One of the ageless, evergreen singing stars that we have … as beautiful and talented as ever… she’s marvellous!” -Michael Parkinson, BBC Radio 2. Parliamentary Jazz Award-winner Elaine Delmar has long been established as a singer of the very highest calibre – with the voice, looks and personality that have captivated audiences wherever she has appeared the world over. With a career spanning nearly seven decades, Elaine has appeared with jazz giants including Herb Ellis, Benny Carter and Stephane Grapelli as well as in concert performances with stars including Andy Williams and Michel LeGrand. We are honoured to have her at Herne Bay Jazz in 2022. 

Lineup: Elaine Delmar, vocalist / Robin Aspland , piano / Dave Green, double bass / Bobby Worth, drums / Andy Panayi, sax/flute

Where: HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 6:30pm 

7:45pm The Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion (Spectacular 8 Piece Band) – The electrifying Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion specialises in blues music from Chicago to the Delta, West Coast and British, and are monthly residents at this world famous club. Featuring top performers from the world of jazz and blues music! Co-led by bassist Nick Cohen and explosive funk, blues and jazz guitarist Tony Remy (Incognito, Annie Lennox and Craig David) and featuring superb guitarist/vocalist Marcus Bonfanti as well as a world-class horn section. Expect blues classics from Eric Clapton, BB King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Peter Green, Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Cray amongst others.

Lineup: Marcus Bonfanti – vocals and guitar / Tony Remy – guitar / Stevie Watts – keys / Nick Cohen – bass / Frank Tontoh – drums / Winston Rollins – trombone (and brass arrangements) / Derek Nash – saxes / George Hogg – trumpet

Where: HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 7:45pm 

9:10pm Sarabanda with Sara McGuinness (Cuban Music at its Finest) – Sarabanda regularly pack the house out at Viva Cuba, Upstairs at Ronnie Scotts. Sliding effortlessly between classic Cuban cha cha cha, mambo and son to the latest hot timba, salsa, and Latin jazz, this is Cuban music at its very finest. Sara McGuinness (bandleader and piano) was awarded UK Lukas Awards Latin Musician of the Year 2018. Sarabanda’s obvious love of the music they play is evident in the passionate and exuberant original compositions and arrangements of Cuban songs both classic and modern.

Where: HB Pier Stage, Sunday August 21st, 9:00pm