Port Erin Jazz Festival 2026 – Desmarais Trio

The Desmarais Trio is a London-based jazz ensemble comprising Guy Dempsey on bass, Lewis James on piano and Lester Ridout on drums. The musicians met while studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, and share a deep appreciation for timeless swing. Inspired by great piano trios past and present, they will explore music from the Great American Songbook and beyond, featuring works by Ellington, Porter and Gershwin, along with a few surprises.

Support comes from Beccy Rork and the Vanguards. Brighton-based saxophonist Beccy Rork is well known to both the Festival and the island’s jazz scene. Earlier this year, she played an impromptu gig with local quartet The Vanguards at the Jazz Club at the British Hotel. The event was such a success that everyone agreed, “we must do all this again sometime soon”. Expect a lively session with a predominantly hard bop sound.

This event is generously sponsored by Ramsey Crookall.