St George is to host the third Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival on 20 & 22 September at Imperial Wharf, London's leading riverside destination.
The Boulevard at Imperial Wharf offers the perfect opportunity to relax in style at one of four exciting restaurants over-looking the River Thames and enjoy this free event with the mellow and up-beat sounds from some of the world's finest musicians.
Michael Meanley, Managing Director of St George Central London commented: "St George is thrilled to be presenting some of the very best jazz artists in the UK for the third year running at Imperial Wharf. We very much hope this festival gives Londoners the opportunity to hear these great artists in a new surrounding."
Thursday's highlight is the James Taylor Quartet, the jazz funk band renowned for its exciting live performances led by Taylor's driving Hammond organ. BBC Jazz Award winner Liane Carroll, one of the most charismatic jazz singers on the scene opens the evening with special guest composer and trumpeter Guy Barker.
Saturday promises to be a fun day out for the whole family and begins with the Ronnie Scott's All Stars followed by the London Community Gospel Choir, with their uplifting traditional and soul arrangements. Spanish guitarist and composer Eduardo Niebla performs flamenco gypsy jazz fused with Arabic, Indian, Latin and classical influences, followed by Ray Gelato, the UK's foremost exponent of swinging good-time jazz and crossover ska band Babyhead. The evening finishes with Roberto Pla's Latin Jazz Orchestra - its superb arrangements, outstanding brass section and red hot rhythm section all under the direction of Europe's leading timbalero Roberto Pla will surely have everyone dancing in the Boulevard.
This year the festival introduces performances between sets with The Portico Quartet on Thursday and the 1930's style 'a cappella' trio The Bovril Sisters and a juggler on Saturday.
At the heart of Imperial Wharf is the Mediterranean style Boulevard offering a range of fine restaurants where one can either dine al fresco and enjoy the Festival or within the various establishments' stylish interiors. Diners can enjoy the Chinese and Teppanyaki delights of Yi-Ban (020 7731 6606), Thai delights from the palatial Saran Rom (020 7751 3331), Indian flavours from Memories of India on the River (020 7731 6606) and the highly acclaimed seafood of Deep (020 7736 3337); venue for the second series of Gordon Ramsay's the F Word, as well as the highly popular Young's Waterside bar and restaurant (020 7371 0802).
The Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival brings new energy to London's regular diary of free events. With a line up this strong, Imperial Wharf looks certain to stay on the cultural map and pioneer what is set to become a series of regular events.
The event has been programmed and produced in partnership with St George by leading event production company ESIP (www.esip.co.uk/), also behind the Global Mix concert series and label.
For further details on the Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival click here