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Folk Diary coverage: events mostly within an approx. 30 mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies, i.e. including Exeter and Plymouth, and covering Tavistock, Okehampton and Sidmouth for example. It is the main reference for compilation of the Harberton Folk email circulars. Map links (streetmap.co.uk): yield a fully zoomable map. I'm increasing including postcodes in the venue information for those of you who rely on satnavs. To submit new Diary entries: many new Diary entries come from you, our readers. If you know of a folk event not listed below, please contact us by email giving concise details of the event, performer(s) etc., using the format below so that your item can be copied and pasted with minimal editing. Please note that no flyers, posters or images are used - send only text, no graphics. Thanks! All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey.

Southern Devon Folk Diary

Friday 25 July 2014 9pm - Sound of the Sirens - B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (map)
Exeter’s Hannah and Abbe have been gathering quite a lot of attention recently. The duo draw upon folk-rock inspirations but it is their original material that shows off the brilliance of their chemistry and beauty of their vocal harmonies. More powerful than their description can suggest and a reputation for an engaging live show means anyone coming out for this will be in for a treat. £3. Full details at www.b-bar.co.uk.

Saturday 26 July 2014 - Lydstock Music Festival - Lydford
Multi-genre mini music festival, 5th year. Main charity for this year's event is St Lukes Hospice South West. Acts confirmed so far include: Appaloosas, Orangutan Wheelbarrow, Josie Lloyd, Stage 2, Sky Walkers, 3's A Crowd, Kerina and The Slaves, Trefoil, Dmitry Babichev, Jack Woodward, Ophelia Devon, A Cherry On Top.  Gates midday, main stage closes 11pm. www.lydstock.com

Sunday 27 July 2014 7.45pm - Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill, Ivybridge PL21 9EE (map)
Winners of the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and this year's Horizon award this immensely talented duo will dazzle you with thier skills on fiddle, bouzoukis, guitar and English concertina as well as with their sogwriting and vocal abilities. They display a musical maturity way beyond their years. £10. Book by email folkonthemoor1@gmail.com. www.moorfolk.co.uk.

Sunday 27 July 2014 7.30pm - Phil Beer - Maker with Rame Community Hall, Fore St., Kingsand, Cornwall PL10 1NS
Phil Beer is one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, he is perhaps best-known as a top-flight fiddle player and plays in the all-star line up "Feast of Fiddles". But his skills don't stop there, he also plays slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American cuatro, not to mention contributing rich vocals. This concert is being organised as a joint venture with the Maker with Rame Community Hall. Box office 01579 347483. Details www.wegottickets.com/event/263723. A 'Liskeard Concert Series' event (www.liskeardconcertseries.btck.co.uk) organised as a joint venture with the MwR Community Hall.

Sunday 27 July 2014 7.30-10pm - Balkan and Gypsy Dance - Moose Hall, Bowden Hill, Crediton EX17 3EJ
Dance to Balkan & Gypsy music with Steve Tyler & Katy Marchant playing hurdy gurdy, mandolin, bagpipes, shawm, voice etc. and with dances led by Kushuma Holyoak (01837 82001) and Fiona Parr (01626 821110). Cost £7. BYO refreshments.

29 July - 4 August 2014 - 'Dance by the Sea' International Folk Dance Course - Livermead House Hotel, Torquay
Residential summer folk dance holiday with Turgay Onatli teaching Turkish folk dance and Dimitar Petrov ('Mitko') teaching Bulgarian folk dance. Dance course, Music Making with Maya Buckley, singing with Turgay and Mitko, and further opportunities to share dances, songs, music etc. in the free time Comfortable ensuite hotel accommodation, DB&B plus lunch, award winning chef, heated outdoor pool. £460 /£495 residential 6-night dance course; £370 for non-dancing friends & family. Options to stay for the 1st part (Tues - Fri) or the weekend (Fri - Mon). More information www.balkanfolkdance.org.

Wednesday 30 July 2014 - Balkan Instrumental Day Course - Livermead House Hotel, Torquay
10am-5pm. £30 (this is running alongside the "Dance by the Sea" course). Led by musician Maya Buckley. All instruments welcome. Instrumentalists are invited to play for part of the social dance on Wednesday evening. Course includes an optional session Tuesday 29 July from 3pm, and an opportunity to attend the Turkish and Bulgarian "Culture Corners" on Tues and Weds evenings. More information www.balkanfolkdance.org.

Thursday 31 July 2014 - Maurice Dickson with Catherine Ashcroft - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
Maurice and Catherine return to the Mill as Irish duo Mochara. Always one of our most popular acts, Maurice sings and plays guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and bodhran, while Catherine plays the Uileann pipes and whistles with breathtaking speed and virtuosity. Performing a mix of original and traditional Irish songs and tunes, the duo promise audiences a night of spellbinding music. www.mauricedickson.co.uk.  Bookings 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com

1-8 August 2014 - Sidmouth Folk Week
The full festival programme can now be downloaded from www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk. 880 events!

Friday 1 August 2014 5-6pm - Music for Moon Bears - Mill House Retreats, Rocknell Manor Farm, Westleigh EX16 7ES
[not folk, but included by special request] A summer concert, near the Grand Western Canal,  by local musicians in aid of Animals Asia at Mill House Retreats. Hilary Boxer (cello) & David Cottam (guitar), with poetry readings by Vanessa Ascough. Tickets £12 (includes nibbles) from Revd Lynne Chitty 01884 829000 lynnechitty[at]fsmail.net or janetaylor[at]millhouseretreats.co.uk. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf2DnFaVDXM for a beautiful song by Lynne about the Moon Bears.

Saturday 2 August 2014 - Gren Bartley Band - Blue Walnut Cafe, Walnut Road, Chelston TQ2 6HS (map)
Gren Bartley is a prolific and exceptional songwriter. He is constantly touring and forever writing. The critically acclaimed new album “Winter Fires” (out Spring 2013) is yet another giant leap forward and is building further upon the success of 2012’s critically acclaimed “Songs To Scythe Back The Overgrown”. www.grenbartley.com. Tickets £10 adv from 01803 394113, £12 door. www.bluewalnuttorquay.co.uk

Sunday 3 August 2014 8pm - Tony McManus - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Virtuoso guitarist. Once again we’re collaborating with Sidmouth Folk Week to showcase top musicians who rarely perform in the UK. Canada-based Tony McManus is recognised throughout the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic music. www.tonymcmanus.com. "Tony McManus is the best Celtic guitarist in the world” John Renbourn; “World class. Masterful playing as usual”- Steve Howe. Details www.calstockarts.org/sunday-3-august-tony-mcmanus-virtuoso-guitarist-celtic-music-and-beyond.

8-10 August 2014 - Dartmoor Folk Festival - South Zeal
Artists announced, to date, include: New Rope String Band (Friday), Lady Maisery, Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar (winners of the BBC Young Folk Awards 2013), Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, The Old Fashioned, Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher, Chalktown and Pete White's Suitcase Circus.
Other artists attending include Trevor Organ's Cracking Crockery, The Dartmoor Pixie Band, Tony Beard, Entertainingly Different, Dave Wills, various morris and dance teams, plus more to be confirmed.
The festival will include a packed programme of concerts, a ramble on Dartmoor, a ceilidh, folk service, craft displays, dances, a Children's Festival, a Dartmoor Fayre, music hall, pub sessions and music, song and dance workshops. Competitions include the Dartmoor Broom Dance championships and Dartmoor Stepdance Championships.
It was 37 years ago that the festival was founded by the late Bob Cann, who lived in the parish of South Zeal. He had the dream of a folk event on his doorstep that would help to revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor.It was the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area that formed the basis for the first festival and they still remain for the association which runs the festival today. Since it was founded it has grown so that it can invite some of the best folk artists around, whilst maintaining its reputation for being a relaxed, friendly and traditional festival. For further details about the Festival, or to enquire about booking tickets, telephone 01837 840102 or visit the brand new website: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk

Saturday 9 August 2014 8pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Victoria Inn, Salcombe
The South Hams shanty crew on a regular visit to their 'local' in Salcombe www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

Sunday 10 August 2014 pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Brixham Lifeboat Stataion
The South Hams shanty crew sing at an RNLI fundraiser www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

Friday 15 August 2014 9pm - The Grenaways - B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (map)
The band describes their sound as “In the folk music genre, but none of us are true folkies (apart from maybe Laura who grew up on Lindisfarne). So we feel free to interpret folk music from a number of different angles. The results tend to be quite a unique mix of influences in the folk style, with definite nautical undertones. We just love this style because it has a rich tradition in Cornwall where it has always been the music of the people, influenced so much by the sea and coastal living. In some ways it’s the original dance music too, and gives us huge scope to write about everything from the romantic to the downright jiggy! £3. Full details at www.b-bar.co.uk.

15-17 August 2014 - Beautiful Days Festival - Escot Park, east of Exeter
First announcement of acts was made recently, including Seasick Steve, Levellers, Bellowhead, Steeleye Span, Seth Lakeman, Fisherman's Friends, The Bad Shepherds, 3 Daft Monkeys... Weekend tickets on sale now (no day tickets). www.beautifuldays.org

Saturday 16 August 2014 7.30pm - Rachel Sermanni - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD
Scottish contemporary folk singer-songwriter launched her career when only 17, and has since played in excess of 500 shows across the UK, Europe, North America and a handful of shows in Asia. 2013 was spent touring North America and Canada. Her debut album Under Mountains, released in late 2012, brought her bewitchingly beautiful, powerfully impassioned, magically eloquent music to a fresh crop of fans. A straight-up storyteller with a voice to blow all others clean out of the water, this young Scottish singer-songwriter packs an almighty punch with her earthy folk melodies and dextrous fingerpicking. www.rachelsermanni.net. Tickets £10+ adv from www.wegottickets.com/event/279722. Further info 01803 875527 or world.unlimited@o2.co.uk. www.worldunlimited.co.uk.

Sunday 17 August 2014 pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Dittisham
The South Hams shanty crew sing at Dittisham Regatta www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

18-22 August 2014 - Joe Broughton's 7th Annual Folkworld Course - Rattery Village Hall nr Totnes TQ10 9LD
We do hope that you will join us for another fantastic Folkworld week. Last year the course was full and this year we will be limiting the places further as Paloma will only be able to be with us part time (due to having an 8 week old baby at that point!). Course Director: Joe Broughton. Student age range: 10-21 years. Cost: £220 total. Deposit £50 payable on booking (non-refundable), balance £170 paid on 18th August. For more information please don't hesitate to contact Joe direct: joebroughton@talktalk.net. To book please send a cheque for your non-refundable deposit to Joe Broughton, 19 Loxley Road, Birmingham, B67 5BL and clearly state your name and name of student(s) and your email address. Course sessions: 18/1 10am-4pm, 19/8 1.30-4.15pm (no morning session), 20/8 10am-4.15pm, 21/8 10am-4.15pm, 22/8 10am-5pm (3pm concert - all welcome)

Thursday 21 August 2014 7.30pm - Geoff Lakeman - Brixham Theatre Studio, TQ5 8TA (map)
Support: Doxies. Geoff Lakeman, who lives on Dartmoor, is an internationally-recognised leading exponent of the rare Crane Duet Concertina. He performs self-penned songs. English, Irish and Scottish folk and other music as varied as Jimmie Rodgers, Randy Newman, Richard Thompson and 1920/30s jazz standards. Doxies - three lovely ladies from Looe and Lostwithiel, forming a mutual friendship and a love for the wonderful songs of the sea and the land. Kate Ward, Steph Althaus and Jo Ballard extend the heartfelt approach they have to their songs, adding a creative and feminine touch to the delivery of the music they love and a quirky edge to their performance to boot! £10/£8. Bookings www.batsweb.org.uk, tel. 01803 882717.

Thursday 21 August 2014 - Martyn Joseph - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
One of the most celebrated songwriters of his generation, Martyn has toured with (among others) Suzanne Vega, Joan Armatrading, Jools Holland, Mark Cohn and, even, Celine Dion. This most compelling live performer and social commentator presents his audience with challenging narratives, tempered with songs that comfort and speak to the soul. His music is filled with passion, intelligence, intensity, and humour, all delivered by one of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today Tom Robinson BBC 6 music. A rare chance to catch Martyn in an intimate venue. www.martynjoseph.net.  Bookings 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com

Thursday 21 August 2014 - Gigspanner - Hazelwood House nr Loddiswell TQ7 4EB (map)
Gigspanner are returning to no doubt raise the roof with their enigmatic playing. Steeleye Span fiddler Peter Knight (the Jimi Hendrix of the fiddle) is enhanced by the flawless playing of Roger Flack on Guitar and Vincent Salzfaas on Congas and Djembe. The band amalgamate a heady mix of Eastern European, French, Cajun, African and even Aboriginal influences, transporting audiences on a blistering pace of a musical world tour. “Peter Knight can spin the World on his Bow" - Sir Terry Pratchett. www.gigspanner.com. £15. Bookable pre-concert buffet available. See www.hazelwoodhouse.com for details. Tel. 01548 821232.

Friday 22 August 2014 - Gigspanner - Maker with Rame Community Hall, Fore St., Kingsand, Cornwall PL10 1NS (map)
Peter Knight’s Gigspanner has been hailed by Songlines magazine as 'another milestone in folk’s rebirth of cool', but those in the know will tell you that there is more to Gigspanner than meets the eye. Without doubt a bedrock of British traditional music is to be expected from Steeleye Span’s legendary fiddle player. But Gigspanner’s musical reach flirts audaciously with Eastern European, French, Cajun, African and even Aboriginal influences transporting audiences on a 'blistering pace of a musical world tour' (Phil Widdows, Folkcast). 'Peter Knight can spin the World on his Bow' - Sir Terry Pratchett. www.gigspanner.com. Tickets from Jane Mutch on 01752 823423 or online at www.gigspanner.com/tickets.html.

Saturday 23 August 2014 8pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Victoria Inn, Salcombe
The South Hams shanty crew on a regular visit to their 'local' in Salcombe www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

Monday 25 August 2014 pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Staverton
The South Hams shanty crew sing at Staverton Elizabethan Fayre www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

Thursday 28 August 2014 9pm - Jeff Horsey & Gareth Hedges - B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (map)
Two incredibly accomplished musicians with impressive histories come together to play a special evening of traditional music. Drawing primarily on the blues but effortlessly nodding to aspects of jazz, folk and roots music expect a perfect rendition of styles long passed as well as some unique and insightful anecdotes. £2. Full details at www.b-bar.co.uk.

Friday 29 August 2014 9pm - Adam Piggott & Jayne Freeman - B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (map)
Described by NetRythms as “Genuinely uplifting” with “Intensely adept acoustic guitar styling” this guitar/ukulele duo showcase their song writing alongside fresh interpretations of often unexpected classic songs. With strong influences from country, folk, blues and jazz their sound has been described as a mix of Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Debbie Harry and Ry Cooder with a modern Nouvelle Vague twist. £3. Full details at www.b-bar.co.uk.

Saturday 30 August 2014 8pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Victoria Inn, Salcombe
The South Hams shanty crew on a regular visit to their 'local' in Salcombe www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

Thursday 4 September 2014 7.30pm - Phil Beer - Community Hall, Lawn Drive, Chudleigh TQ13 0JJ (map)
(at Chudleigh CE Community Primary School) Fundraiser for the Youth Centre. Tickets £14 available from Sue Metcalfe on 01626 853651 or email susan.metcalfe[at]hotmail.co.uk.

Friday 5 September 2015 - Pete Morton - Brixham Folk Club, Brixham Theatre, TQ5 8TA (map)
Pete is a songwriter, singer and ‘folk rapper’ with a wealth of great songs and stage presence. His live shows are dynamic and thought provoking, while remaining approachable and fun loving. Ticketing details tba

Saturday 6 September 2014 8pm - Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar - Ley Arms Folk & Acoustic Music Club, Ley Arms, Kenn nr Exeter EX6 7UW (map)
Winners of both the 2013 BBC Young Folk Award and 2014 BBC Horizon Award. Exciting and dynamic young duo with musical abilities, vocal maturity and professionalism beyond their years. Growing festival favourites, the duo have appeared at prestigious venues as Cropredy Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival. Their new album, The Call, is now available. www.russellalgar.co.uk. Support: Martyn Cornelius. Tickets: £9 adv; £11 door, info / ticket reservations contact leyarmsfolk@hotmail.co.uk or 01392 210983 (The Cornelius Family).

Friday 5 September 2014 7.30pm - James Taylor - Plymouth Pavilions (map)
Legendary five-time Grammy Award winner James Taylor. Details www.plymouthpavilions.com/prod-productions_details.asp?pid=879. Tickets only available - if still available - from the box office 0845 146 1460.

Thursday 11 September 2014 8pm - Bob & Gill Berry - Totnes Folk Song Club, Dartmouth Inn, Totnes TQ9 5EL (map)
A Wiltshire duo with great voices and wicked sense of humour. Great chorus songs from these two. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YJiZokL0ts

Thursday 11 September 2014 - Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle: Made In The Great War - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Seated. Six years ago Sam Sweeney, fiddle player with Bellowhead, bought a violin in Oxford. It had all the appearance of a new instrument but the label inside gave the date 1915 and the name Richard S Howard. Research revealed that the violin had been made – but never finished – by a luthier and some-time music hall performer from Leeds called Richard Spencer Howard. He had been conscripted in 1915 at the age of 35 and two years later was killed during the battle of Messines Ridge. His violin had been left unfinished in his workshop. The pieces were given to his daughter Rose in a manila envelope, as a memory of her father. She kept them all her life. On her death they were sent to an auction house. The parts were bought and the violin was finally finished by luthier Roger Claridge in 2007. The fiddle was then placed in the window of an Oxford music shop where it was spotted by Sam. Discovery of the history behind the fiddle has inspired Sam to create a multi-media performance telling the incredible story of the fiddle which took nearly 100 years to complete, to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I. Collaborating with award-winning story-teller Hugh Lupton, fellow Bellowhead band mate Paul Sartin and acclaimed concertina player Rob Harbron, as well as Bellowhead lighting designer Emma Thompson who has developed set, projections and lighting for the show. Made In The Great War will bring the reality of World War I into 2014, as Sam performs the show with the actual fiddle made by non-returning World War I soldier Richard Howard. Box office 01392 667080. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/sam-sweeneys-fiddle-made-in-the-great-war.

Thursday 11 September 2014 8pm - Whitetop Mountain Band - B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (map)
Family-based band from the highest mountains of Virginia. Whitetop, Virginia is an area rich in the old time music tradition; this band has deep roots in mountain music. The members have done much to preserve the Whitetop region's style of old time fiddling and banjo picking and are legendary musicians and teachers of the style. At the same time, Whitetop Mountain Band shows are very versatile and entertaining containing everything from fiddle/banjo instrumentals to powerful solos and harmony vocals on blues, classic country, honky tonk, traditional bluegrass numbers, old timey ballads, originals, and four part mountain gospel songs. Shows also include flat foot dancing. The band is well known for their high energy and charisma on stage. £12. Full details at www.b-bar.co.uk.

Friday 12 September 2014 - Gallery Bar Special: Rum and Shrub - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Our film festival weekend celebrating the River Tamar gets off to a fine start with the Rum and Shrub Shantymen, a group of traditional singers from Cornwall with a worldwide reputation for lively singing of shanties, sea songs and folk songs. Their unusual name is taken from one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets and is the band’s favourite throat ‘medicine’ – Shrub being an alcoholic cordial reputed to have been enjoyed by smugglers to disguise the salty taste of their contraband, and rum being rum. Free entry, chatty atmosphere, donations to the band would be very welcome. Full details www.calstockarts.org/friday-12th-september-gallery-bar-special-with-rum-and-shrub.

Friday 12 September 2014 8pm - Steve Knightley - Ilsington Village Hall, Ilsington TQ13 9RG
In 2010 Steve won BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Best Original Song category and as the songwriting force behind the phenomenally successful acoustic roots duo, Show of Hands won the BBC Radio2 Folk Awards, categories Best Live Act and Best Duo. From a rock background, Steve is known for his strong narrative songs, many inspired by people and places in his native West Country. Booking details etc. www.ilsingtongigs.co.uk.

Saturday 13 September 2014 8pm - Phil Beer solo - Bow Village Hall, nr Crediton EX17 6HU (map)
As one half of Show Of Hands Phil has gained a huge following and is one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, he is perhaps best known as a top flight fiddler and plays in the all-star line-up, Feast of Fiddles. But his skills don’t stop there, he also plays slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American cuatro, not to mention contributing rich vocals. Contact 01363 82379. Full details, ticketing etc. www.theheartofdevon.co.uk.

Saturday 13 September 2014 8pm - Blackheart - Landscove Victory Hall, nr Ashburton
Samples www.blackheartmusic.co.uk. details tba

Rearranged from cancelled 18 May
Sunday 14 September 2014 7.30pm - Steve Knightley - Lympstone Village Hall, School Hill, Lympstone, Exmouth EX8 5JY (map)
Steve sees his 'Grow your Own gig ' tour very much as a return to the rural roots of his music. "With so many songs about people who live and work in the countryside and the day to day issues they face -it will be great to actually perform them in their spiritual homes." Send your cheque (£16) payable to Kevin Henderson, Lodge Music Promotions, Woodbury Business Park, Woodbury, Exeter EX5 1AY. Please enclose SAE and contact email address and phone no. Contact 07771 558914, email kevin@lodgemusicpro.co.uk. Doors 6.15pm.

Sunday 14 September 2014 8pm - Altan - The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6RJ (map)
With very special guests guitar supremo Chris Newman and on the Irish harp Máire Ní Chathasaigh. Budleigh Assorted Tunes are absolutely delighted to welcome one of the all-time, top flight traditional Irish bands …a fabulous repertoire of Irish language songs and all the reels and jigs, the craic, the blarney and all the joy that only the unique heritage that is Irish traditional music can bring to the concert stage. In the course of their long and distinguished career, they have worked with musicians as diverse as Dolly Parton, Enya, The Chieftains, Bonnie Raitt and Alison Krauss. Standing with limited bookable seating. Box office and details 07891 663044 or 01395 443419 (cards accepted), or www.wegottickets.com/event/254565, earlybird tickets until 17 August. Doors and bar (and food - call for details) open 6.30pm.

Rearranged from postponed 7 June
Thursday 18 September 2014 - Matthew & Me - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
Standing with VIP gallery seating. One of the region's biggest names, Matthew & Me have taken their carefully crafted brand of alt-folk across the UK and beyond, and have packed houses in cities up and down the nation. Crowds are regularly surprised by their live show, never knowing quite what to expect. The five-piece band create huge waves of sound, unexpected chaos, haunting vocals, light and shade, with moments of stark contemplative hush. Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.southdevonarts.co.uk/#!matthew--me/c1p5p. + Special guests.

Friday 19 September 2014 - The Wurzels - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
Standing with VIP gallery seating. The Wurzels head to South Devon at the perfect time of year, when the combine harvesters are out in the fields, and the cider apples are freshly squeezed! + Special guests Skimmity Hitchers. Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.southdevonarts.co.uk/#!the-wurzels/cyj8.

Saturday 20 September 2014 8pm - Blackheart - Tipton St John Hall, nr Sidmouth
Samples www.blackheartmusic.co.uk. details tba

Sunday 21 September 2014 8pm - Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman - Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
Twin daughters and a folk-rock whirlwind forced Kathryn Roberts (vocals /piano /woodwind) and Sean Lakeman (guitar) to sideline their popular duo performances in the mid noughties. Now the timing is right for a return to form from the Dartmoor based couple. Two of the British folk scene's most accomplished performers, Kathryn and Sean have graced stages the world over in a number of guises. However, the intimacy and strength of passion shown as a duo combined with an eclectic repertoire ensures a rare treat for any listener. ‘Classy return for Devon based husband and wife duo’ – Q Magazine. www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com £10 adv /£12 door.  www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk

Friday 26 September 2014 8pm - Blackheart - Broadwoodkelly Hall, N of Okehampton
Samples www.blackheartmusic.co.uk. Contact 01837 83625.

Friday 26 September 2014 - Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin - Barrel House, Totnes (map)
details tba www.barrelhousetotnes.co.uk. Tel. 01803 849290

Friday 26 September 2014 - The Willows - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
Seated. A folk roots family band from Cambridge, fronted by the breathtaking voice of Jade Rhiannon. Supported by rich vocal harmonies and sensitive acoustic musicianship the band draw inspiration from the Americana and British folk traditions in equal quantity. Standout festival performances at the likes of Cambridge Folk Festival, Folk By The Oak, FolkEast and Secret Garden Party are helping build a reputation as a compelling live act. www.thewillowsband.co.uk. "Absolutely gorgeous sound" Bob Harris. Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.southdevonarts.co.uk/#!the-willows/cnjc.

Friday 26 September 2014 8pm - Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes - The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SZ (map)
Details, booking etc. www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk/what-s-on/albert-lee.

Saturday 27 September 2014 - Rue Royale - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
Seated. Anglo-American indie folk duo playing "hypnotic indie-folk-pop influenced by American and British folk, soul and rock", inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, Grandaddy, John Martyn, Jose Gonzalez and Elbow. www.rueroyalemusic.com. Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.southdevonarts.co.uk/#!rue-royale/c9sx.

Saturday 27 September 2014 8pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Victoria Inn, Salcombe
The South Hams shanty crew on a regular visit to their 'local' in Salcombe www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

Saturday 27 September 2014 - Steve Knightley - Doug's Shed, Splatthayes, Buckerell, nr Honiton
Box office: 01404 850637. www.growyourowngig.co.uk.

Sunday 28 September 2014 8pm - Steve Knightley - Buckfastleight Town Hall
In 2010 Steve won BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Best Original Song category and as the songwriting force behind the phenomenally successful acoustic roots duo, Show of Hands won the BBC Radio2 Folk Awards, categories Best Live Act and Best Duo. From a rock background, Steve is known for his strong narrative songs, many inspired by people and places in his native West Country. Booking details etc. www.growyourowngig.co.uk/gigs.

Sunday 28 September 2014 8pm - Dervish - The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6RJ (map)
With special guest Paul Metsers. Box office and details 07891 663044 or 01395 443419 (cards accepted)

Saturday 4 October 2014 7.30pm - Jackie Oates - South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach TQ10 9AQ (map)
Jackie Oates is a singer and fiddle player who has become one of the top names in the national folk scene including winning two BBC Folk Awards. Her CDs ‘Jackie Oates’; ‘The Violet Hour’; ‘Hyperboreans’; ‘Saturnine’ and ‘Lullabies’ have attracted wide critical acclaim as well as collaborative work with various other projects including ‘The Imagined Village’ and ‘The Cecil Sharp Project’. Jackie headlined the sell out concert during the 2012 South Brent Folk Festival and as she now lives in Oxford this will be a welcome return for her to Devon. [tbc: Jackie will be accompanied by Tristan Seume from the Jackie Oates Band.] Reel Ale bar. Tickets £10 adv from artworks www.artworksouthbrent.co.uk or £12 door. Information: Eileen McKee tel 01364 73699 email: eileen.southbrentfolk@gmail.com. One of a number of events organised throughout the year to support the South Brent Folk Festival (July 11/12 2014).

Sunday 5 October 2014 8pm - The Will Pound Band - Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
The Will Pound Band plays a mix of English, Irish and Northumbrian tunes with jazz, bluegrass, blues, rock and funk rhythms. Its lineup is BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Musician nominee, harmonica player Will Pound, with Chris Sarjeant on guitar/vocals, Henry Webster on fiddle and John Parker on double bass. A flat out genius harmonica player' - Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 2. www.willpound.com £10 adv /£12 door.  www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk

Wednesday 8 October 2014 - Show Of Hands - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Seated. Undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music – England’s finest and most popular roots duo and something of a ‘people’s band’. Full details www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/show-of-hands. Box Office: 01392 667080.

Friday 10 October 2014 - Steve Knightley - George Hotel, South Molton (map)
'Grow Your Own Gig' tour. www.georgehotelsouthmolton.co.uk. Tel. 01769 572514.

Saturday 11 October 2014 7.30pm – The Carrivick Sisters – Charleton Village Hall, Kingsbridge TQ7 2AJ
Identical twin sisters Charlotte and Laura have grown up playing and writing music together. Their unique style shows their strong bluegrass influences without obscuring their English roots. With tight harmonies that only siblings can achieve, they perform their original songs on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro and clawhammer banjo. They have performed both in the UK and internationally. Fundraiser by Friends of Prawle Point for National Coastwatch. Tickets available later in the year. Contact: Jane Payne email jane[at]paynes.org.uk.

Wednesday 15 October 2014 - Lúnasa - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Ireland's premier traditional acoustic band. The line-up for this tour will feature Kevin Crawford, and Cillian Vallely on traditional Irish instrumentation of low whistle, uilleann pipes, tin whistles, Tula Custy on fiddle, augmented by Trevor Hutchinson on double bass and Shane McGowan on guitar. Although there is no new album available for the October tour audiences will have a chance to enjoy some of the band's most popular back catalogue as well as hearing some new material for the first time which is destined for the band's next studio album. Booking details tba. Box Office: 01392 667080.

Friday 17 October 2014 - Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman - Milverton Music, Victoria Rooms, Fore St, Milverton, Taunton TA4 1JU
Popular return visit. www.milvertonmusic.co.uk/page2.html

Saturday 18 October 2014 - Nicky Swann - Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross, Liskeard PL14 5AZ (map)
details tba www.sterts.co.uk

Thursday 23 October 2014 - House of Hats & Carrie Tree - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
Seated. The Best Of Brighton Folk. House of Hats with a style likened to Crosby, Stills and Nash - Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons. “Your set was stunning, such harmonies, stayed with me.” Zoe Ball - Radio 2. They deliver a textured and pure sound with male and female figures sharing the lead. www.houseofhatsmusic.com. Carrie Tree has been a well known name on the UK alternative/green festival scene for several years with regular appearances at Glastonbury and Green gathering. "Bjork, with English folk sensibilities!” www.carrietree.co.uk. Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.southdevonarts.co.uk/#!house-of-hats-and-carrie-tree/csb7.

24-26 October 2014 - Baring Gould Folk Weekend - Okehampton
Held in a range of comfortable venues all in the centre of the old market town. Artists include: Tickled Pink, Phil Beer, James Findlay, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Jon & Alfie, Lester Simpson and the Wren Band. As well as the strong programme of concerts and dances, you can sing with the Festival Choir or play with Festival Orchestra. On the Saturday night there is a Feast with hog roast or vegetarian options and even more music and song, and Sunday features the annual Prize Conker Competition. Weekend tickets £30 buy, 3 get 1 free! www.baring-gould.co.uk or call 01837 53754.

Saturday 25 October 2014 - Seth Lakeman - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Folk singer, songwriter and virtuoso fiddler Seth Lakeman unearthed hidden histories and unsung everyday heroes to commemorate in song for his new album Word of Mouth which stormed into the charts on its release in February this year. The album includes 12 brand new songs including the BBC Radio 2 playlisted single The Courier. Seth will be joined by his multi-instrumental band on his October tour playing songs from Word of Mouth and other live favourites. Details, bookigns etc. www.theatreroyal.com/whats-on/2014/seth-lakeman-2014/#. Selling strongly already!

Saturday 25 October 2014 8pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Victoria Inn, Salcombe
The South Hams shanty crew on a regular visit to their 'local' in Salcombe www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

27-31 October 2014 - Baring-Gould Folk Song School - Okehampton
Led by Wren Music's Director Paul Wilson with the Wren team of Sarah Owen and Rosa Rebecka, Marilyn Tucker and David Faulkner; visiting tutor Janet Russell . Tuition in large and small groups, as well as one-to-one. You will have the opportunity to plan your own week, balancing your own programme from the three main strands: 1. Developing Technique warming up; finding your own voice; breathing; pitching; phrasing; ornamentation; creating your own harmonies. 2. Developing Repertoire searching the archive; collation of text and tunes; putting tunes to words (and vice versa); arranging; using harmony; accompaniment. 3. Developing Performance Skills opportunities to sing away from the clubs; using PA systems; building confidence; overcoming nerves; relaxation; telling the story. The 2014 fee is £300 if paid in full before 30 September, £350 thereafter (if any places still available). www.baring-gould.co.uk 01837 53754.

?? November 2014 - Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin - Brixham Library
date/details tba With Maggie Duffy & Mike Weed, Les Noden and Mick Bramich

Sunday 16 November 2014 8pm - Peter Knight's Gigspanner - Topsham Folk Club, Matthews Hall, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
Peter Knight’s Gigspanner has been hailed by Songlines magazine as 'another milestone in folk’s rebirth of cool', but those in the know will tell you that there is more to Gigspanner than meets the eye. Without doubt a bedrock of British traditional music is to be expected from Steeleye Span’s legendary fiddle player. But Gigspanner’s musical reach flirts audaciously with Eastern European, French, Cajun, African and even Aboriginal influences transporting audiences on a 'blistering pace of a musical world tour' (Phil Widdows, Folkcast). 'Peter Knight can spin the World on his Bow' - Sir Terry Pratchett. www.gigspanner.com. £12 adv /£14 door.  www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk

Sunday 16 November 2014 8pm – Reg Meuross – Acoustic Warehouse Open Mic Music Club, Passage House Inn, Hackney Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot TQ12 3QH
details tba www.regmeuross.com Tickets available on any club night, telephone 01626 362528 or email acoustic.warehouse@gmail.com. www.myspace.com/acoustic_warehouse.

Sunday 16 November 2014 7pm - Bellowhead - Plymouth Pavilions (map)
After their special sell-out 10th Anniversary shows at The Royal Albert Hall and Manchester Bridgewater Hall, award-winning big band Bellowhead are delighted to continue the celebrations with the announcement of their biggest ever UK tour. Details www.plymouthpavilions.com.

Sunday 16 November 2014 - The Fisherman's Friends - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Seated. Shanty singers from Port Isaac who have delighted visitors and locals there for more than 15 years, with almost 300 live performances under their belts. Full details www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/the-fishermans-friends. Box Office: 01392 667080.

Tuesday 18 November 2014 - Boo Hewerdine - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD
Much loved English songwriter Boo Hewerdine releases his first career retrospective My Name In Brackets (The Best of) on November 3rd 2014 via Reveal Records. Featuring many of his greatest songs from Boo’s time leading The Bible in the mid-eighties and his subsequent solo career, the compilation spans over 25 years worth of recordings and also includes some brand new songs written specifically for My Name In Brackets. Boo Hewerdine will tour the UK in November 2014 where audiences can expect to hear plenty of their favourite Boo songs alongside a clutch of newer songs as yet unreleased. His shows are famous for his bone dry between song banter, he appears to have an endless supply of anecdotes about his brushes with ‘almost, nearly, not quite fame’! Tickets £12+ adv from www.wegottickets.com/event/282968. Further info 01803 875527 or world.unlimited@o2.co.uk. www.worldunlimited.co.uk. Doors 7.00pm

Friday 21 November 2014 7.30pm Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin + special guests - Brixham Library
Phil and Hannah curate an evening of songs from some of Devon’s finest musicians. Bringing together instruments from Dobro (slide guitar), fiddle, banjo, and viola, to beatbox harmonica, Phil and Hannah combine influences from India to America; but remain firmly rooted in the traditional musics of the British Isles. Having released two acclaimed albums that draw much inspiration from their south west home, the duo look forward to bringing together a wonderful group of musicians for a unique collaborative evening, celebrating the music, history and landscape of the area in support of Brixham Library. £10. http://friendsofbrixhamlibrary.wordpress.com/forthcoming-events/2014-events-programme.

Friday 21 November 2014 8pm - Joan Armatrading - Exeter Corn Exchange (map)
"I will never retire but this will be the last major tour that I will undertake. For the first time these concerts will be me solo on stage playing the guitar, piano and singing. I want these concerts to be a special lively interactive one to one experience. I have absolutely enjoyed the last 42 years of performances but now, with my final major tour, I want to capture a unique memory for both myself and the audience." Box office 01392 665938 or online www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange/index.aspx?articleid=14892.

21-23 November 2014 - West Country Christmas Carols -
Folk South West's ever-popular weekend of workshops and concerts. Tutors will be Helen Coombs, John Kirkpatrick, Tim Laycock, Carolyn Robson, Eddie Upton and Peter Wilton. Book your accommodation now for a stimulating and enjoyable weekend of workshops and concerts.

Saturday 22 November 2014 - Lisbee Stainton Duo - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell
When multi-instrumentalist Lisbee isn’t writing and recording her own work she tours as a special guest with Seth Lakeman’s band, with the folk star describing her as, “a fantastic singer songwriter.” “Bound for glory…an exquisite slice of traditional songwriting” – The Times. Online tickets £10+ www.wegottickets.com/event/273768. Doors 7pm.

Saturday 22 November 2014 8pm - Blackheart - Bickington Hall, nr Newton Abbot
Samples www.blackheartmusic.co.uk. details tba

Fri/Sat 5/6 December 2014 7.30pm - Show of Hands - Exmouth Pavilion, The Esplanade, Exmouth EX8 2AZ
The only tour of the year, last two dates, and the only gigs in our coverage area (nearest other Barnstaple and Yeovil). Enjoy a full evening of Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes - two sets with no support. See www.showofhands.co.uk for details.

tbc Sunday 7 December 2014 - St Agnes Fountain - local venue tba
details tba

Tuesday 9 December 2014 - Bella Hardy - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
Seated. BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year Award. Bella's captivating voice inhabits her characters and spins her stories with an equal balance of strength and sensitivity. With fiddle in hand, she presents folk songs in the best tradition; not as antiquated museum pieces, but as relevant and very human artworks. www.bellahardy.com. Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.southdevonarts.co.uk/#!bella-hardy/c217f.

Tuesday 9 December 2014 - Luke Daniels - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose talents are becoming widely recognised. Immaculate acoustic guitar playing and insightful, honest lyrics exploring love, life, doubt and faith and the idea that happiness and hope spring from what we have in common, rather than what we can acquire as individuals. Over the course of a twenty-year career Daniels has already earned his place on the UK Folk scene as a virtuoso melodeon player with the likes of Riverdance, De Dannan and Ian Anderson, whilst performing with his own band at The London Jazz Festival, The Royal Festival Hall and credible folk festivals in the UK and internationally. Luke also worked alongside Howard Shore and The London Philharmonic Orchestra as a soloist on the movie soundtracks for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and is currently a regular member of The Cara Dillon Band. Full details www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/luke-daniels. Box Office: 01392 667080.

tbc Friday 12 December 2014 - Ceilidh with Random - local venue tba
One of the top national ceilidh bands, featuring brilliant melodeon player Saul Rose from Waterson Carthy, Faustus, Whapweasel... Details tba

Friday 19 December 2014 - Mad Dog Mcrea - South Devon Arts Centre, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LE (map)
tba Full details, ticketing, samples etc. www.facebook.com/southdevonarts/app_203279979821689

Wednesday 31 December 2014 8pm - Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - Victoria Inn, Salcombe
See the New Year in with the South Hams shanty crew at their 'local' in Salcombe www.oldgaffers.co.uk.

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