The Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival, hosted by St George on 20th & 22nd September, proved to be a fun filled and successful event for the whole family.
Thousands of visitors enjoyed mellow beats and lively sounds from some of the world's finest musicians at Imperial Wharf, London's leading riverside destination. The free event along The Boulevard at Imperial Wharf offered the perfect opportunity to relax in style at one of the exciting restaurants and bars over-looking the River Thames.
The highlight of Thursday's performance was 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 opened the evening with special guest composer and trumpeter Guy Barker.
Saturday certainly proved to be a fun day out for the whole family commencing 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 performed 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 finished 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 got everyone dancing in the Boulevard.
Michael Meanley, Managing Director of St George Central London commented:
"St George is thrilled to have hosted the third annual Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival, presenting some of the very best jazz artists in the UK. There was a fantastic turn-out at the event as it gave local residents, and others from around London, the opportunity to hear these incredible artists in a great open-air surrounding."
The third annual Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival brought new energy to London's September calendar of free events and St George look forward to pioneering what is set to become a series of regular events at a number of their other award winning mixed use developments.
The Festival was programmed and produced in partnership with St George by leading event production company ESIP (http://www.esip.co.uk/), the company behind the Global Mix concert series and label.
At the heart of Imperial Wharf is the Mediterranean style Boulevard offering a range of fine restaurants where a number of revellers visited, dining al fresco and enjoying the Festival or relaxed within the stylish interiors of the various establishments. Diners can visit Imperial Wharf to 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).
For further details on the Imperial Wharf Jazz Festival or to view pictures from the event please click here.