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Southern Devon Folk Diary

See also www.flaxey-green.co.uk which may include events not listed below.

Sunday 26 May 2019 2.30pm - Paddy’s Whiskers - The Boathouse, Preston Sands, Paignton
Paignton based Irish/Celtic/American band Paddy’s Whiskers playing a mixture of fiddle led Irish jigs and reels for dancing, banjo driven bluegrass numbers, and Scottish tunes on border bagpipes. The whole band sing and at a Whiskers gig you’ll hear well known favourites from the folk tradition, together with a few original songs and tunes written by the band. The venue is very family friendly. Live music starts at 2.30pm and entrance is free. Free entry. More information from www.paddyswhiskers.co.uk or ring Andrew on 07514 064558.

Sunday 26 May 2019 8pm - Trio of Men - Bay Horse Inn, 8 Cistern Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SP (map)
Trio of Men are municipal song-makers, a band who lead music-based projects and performances in South Devon and beyond. Their work together combines music with all-ages creative community involvement, projected imagery, humour and story. As three musician/performers, they regularly sing in 7/8 time about the Victorian engineer Oliver Heaviside, perform their own songs about illness and neighbours, sing new adaptations from the Penguin Book of English Folk Songs and write instant songs with festival goers. www.trioofmen.org/about. Sea Change Festival fringe gig. (www.seachangefestival.co.uk 24-26 May)

Thursday 30 May 2019 8pm - The Murphy Beds - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Traditional and original folk songs with close harmonies and deft instrumental arrangements for bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. Jefferson Hamer and Eamon O’Leary have been performing together since first meeting at Irish music sessions in New York City. Both had a love of collecting, arranging and performing songs from Irish, American, Scottish and English traditions. Whatever the source – songs of Irish travellers, Arkansas spirituals or their own compositions – their arrangements feature the same carefully wrought interplay of voice and strings. www.calstockarts.org.

Thursday 30 May 2019 7.30pm - Steve Turner - Tavistock Wharf (map)
Steve Turner is known as a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments, stretching the boundaries of traditional forms, with one of the best voices in the business. He is a multi-instrumentalist, who also accompanies himself on the cittern, and also plays mandolin and banjo. www.steve-turner.co.uk/index.htm. www.tavistockwharf.com.

Thursday 30 May 2019 8.30pm - Carus Thompson - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
Originally making his name as part of explosion of the Australian Roots movement in the 2000’s alongside good friends The John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Xavier Rudd and Pete Murray, troubadour Carus Thompson is a first class songwriter whose songs and stories connect. He's also toured with Jack Johnson, Dave Mathews and Damien Rice, however in the UK it was his 4 tours opening for folk star Seth Lakeman that really put him on the map, earning him some BBC2 play through folk-roots aficionado Bob Harris. February 2019 saw Carus again touring the UK opening for Seth on his Theatre Tour. £2. www.b-bar.co.uk. Tel. 01752 242021.

Friday 31 May 2019 7pm - Missin’ Tackle Shanty Group - Churston Golf Club, Churston Close, Brixham TQ5 0LA
Joined by the SeaGalls. Raising funds for the Torbay Lifeboat. Tickets £10 including a buffet supper can be obtained by from Carol 01803 851104.

Friday 31 May 2019 8pm - Luke Jackson Trio - Matthews Hall, Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HF
"Very powerful-impressive songs, individual playing and the singing-oh man the singing!" – Folkcast. "A sumptuous voice loaded with maturity and a melodically blessed guitar style" – Spiral Earth. "Luke Jackson sings with an extraordinarily rich voice and possesses a guitar technique astonishing for one so young. I first heard him sing four years ago and even then his songwriting suggested a performer of rare promise” – Steve Knightley, Show of Hands. Full details www.wegottickets.com/event/463799. Hot drinks available at the Twigg's Gigs café.

Friday 31 May 2019 7.30pm - Maddy and the Chaps - Strand Centre, 32 The Strand, Dawlish EX7 9PT
Maddy and the Chaps first gig of the year, at Dawlish Arts Festival. Come on down for some Country, Folk and Celtic Tunes. The Rock Choir will be warming us up.

Saturday 1 June 2019 7.30pm - Edgelarks - The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth TQ6 9ND (map)
Folk at the Flavel are delighted to welcome back Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin with their new band, Edgelarks. They are now well established as one of the leading acts on the folk music scene and their track record of terrific live performances and superb albums was recognised at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards where they won Best Duo in 2014 and were nominated in both 2016 and 2018. Edgelarks is both the name of their new band but also their 4th album released in 2017. Their 2019 tour will feature material from a new album to be released in May which builds on their previous work taking elements of the traditional music of the British Isles all the way to the stomping roots of Phillip’s beatbox. Book at www.theflavel.org.uk or call 01803 839530.

Saturday 1 June 2019 - Songwriters Circle - Bridge Inn, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0QQ (map)
Greg Hancock, Em Marshall & Ben Morgan-Brown. A perfect opportunity to enjoy, compare and contrast two top singer songwriters who approach the art of songwriting in very different ways, and with very different backgrounds and influences. www.greghancockmusic.com, www.emmarshall.com, www.benmorganbrown.co.uk. Full details www.wegottickets.com/event/462494 Tickets £8 from the Bridge 01392 873862.

Sunday 2 June 2019 - Cedric Burnside - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Sure it's blues but Cedric Burnside's music is anything but ancient, the rich tradition of Mississippi Hill Country blues dragged kicking and screaming into the modern day, a shot of the real deal for fans of the Black Keys and the White Stripes. Given his first guitar by Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars, 39 year old Cedric's a scion of blues royalty, the revered R. L. Burnside clan. 'I write my music how I live my life', he admits and there's certainly blood on his tracks.Support: Todd Allbright. Detroit native. Signed to Jack White's Third Man Record label Todd's grounded in the pre-war tradition of blues guitarists, dishing up a gritty and soulful take on the blues masters. Tickets £12.50 Box Office 01392 667080.  Full details www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/category/music.

Friday 7 June 2019 8pm - Edgelarks - Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ
In April 2018, Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin) retreated to a remote cottage in western Cumbria. Tired of the navel-gazing tendencies of sad song writing, and the terrible events frequently depicted in the folk ballad tradition, they decided to turn their attention to an oft overlooked but vital facet of our lives: hope. Swiftly, a set of songs and tunes emerged. Stories of wonder from the natural world; tales of rejoicing and long lost returns; and simple thanksgiving for their own surroundings and place in the landscape. Informed by world rhythms, British folk roots, and the duo's penchant for making as much noise as possible with only two people, the album is an upbeat celebration, an incitement to hope. Tickets £14 (seated). Box office 01404 384050. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk.

Friday 7 June 2019 7pm - Show of Hands Trio - Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0QH
Gig with supper. Tickets £30. Full details www.dartsfarm.co.uk/events/darts-farm-events/show-of-hands-concert-7-6-2019.html.
A date you won't find on the SoH website.

Friday 7 June 2019 7.30pm  - Ninebarrow - Church of St. Michaels the Archangel, Chagford TQ13 8BN
Multi-award-winning folk duo (and walkers!) who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition. Described by Mark Radcliffe as sounding like ‘two halves of one voice’, by Seth Lakeman as ‘a fantastic duo’ and by Kate Rusby as ‘absolutely amazing’, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breath taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. Most recently, the duo were nominated in the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in the ‘Horizon’ category for Best Emerging Artist. Tickets £10, child £7, available from Sally’s Newsagents, Chagford, or call 01363 85370, or online from www.ninebarrow.co.uk.

Friday 7 June 2019 - Jim Causley - Otterton Mill, nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
Award-winning singer-songwriter, musician and proud Devonian Jim Causley is an all-round entertainer and during the past decade has been nominated no less than six times for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. Last year he was also nominated as “Singer of the Year” at the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. In 2014 he won the Spiral Earth Singer of the Year award and presented his own folk music show on BBC Radio Devon. The following year he worked with BBC TV historian Dr Sam Willis to create the music for his show ‘Highwaymen, Outlaws and Villains’. www.jimcausley.co.uk. www.ottertonmill.com.

Friday 7 June 2019 7.30pm - Martin Scragg and Mensing - Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter EX2 4AZ (map)
A new collaboration between two Devon based folk acts - an established solo folk artist and the newest choir from Wren Music. MenSing is a 21-strong choir of all male voices who have been singing together for a couple of years and are causing a big stir. They are linking with Martin Scragg, an accomplished and experienced folksinger from the South Devon area. MenSing and Martin will present a full concert of folk songs, many from England, but others giving the concert an unmistakeable international flavour, with items from South Africa, Sardinia and nearer home from Scotland and Cornwall. Full details https://cygnettheatre.co.uk/martin-scragg. Tickets £10. Box Office 01392 277189/665885. www.wegottickets.com/cygnettheatre.

Friday 7 June 2019 7.30pm - Richard Durrant - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD (map)
Guitarist and composer Richard Durrant returns with a musical celebration of midsummer and another classic series of gigs on the folk/classical cusp. As the solstice approaches Durrant reveals a collection of brand new pieces, old favourites, tales from the road and the occasional song inspired by the summer solstice. "My new favourite guitarist…Richard Durrant sits completely outside the accepted genres. He has a peculiar and wonderful mind" Tom Robinson BBC6 Music.  Tickets and info 01803 875527. www.wegottickets.com/worldunlimited. Full details, programme, samples etc. www.worldunlimited.co.uk.

Friday 7 June 2019 9pm - Mae Karthauser - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
British songwriter with a rich, acrobatic voice and a distinctive circusesque piano style. Raised in a musical family and one of seven children, she began learning piano, violin and singing as a child, before going on to study at Dartington College of Arts and California Institute of the Arts in LA. Her training began classically, but quickly spread to music spanning Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Africa, North India and Java as well as in jazz, folk and more popular modern styles. Under the self pinned folk-pop-circus genre, her songs are populated by wayward characters both human and animal and leap playfully between story and fantasy and hard social questions. Inspired by the likes of Lhasa de Sela, The Do, Zulya, Kate Bush, Regina Spektor, Whiskey Moon Face, Joni Mitchell and Joanna Newsom. £3. www.b-bar.co.uk. Tel. 01752 242021.

7-9 June 2019 - Contemporary Craft Festival - Bovey Tracey
Musical entertainment includes Harbottle & Jonas on 8/6. www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk.

Saturday 8 June 2019 7.30pm - Lost Sound Chorus - St Pancras Church, Widecombe in the Moor
Dartmoor Folk Choir. Benefit concert for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton. This volunteer team are just amazing and need some financial support to keep us safe! Come and help us boost their coffers! Bar also available run by the team. Tickets £8.50/£10. www.thelostsound.co.uk.

Sunday 9 June 2019  - The Ruggle Regatta - Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe in the Moor
Free event. Line-up: Skylark; The Old Gaffers; Wild Goose; The Widecombe Singers; Ravens Return; Banned from the Moor; Newton Bushell Morris. www.widecombesailingclub.org.uk.

Thursday 13 June 2019 8pm - Singers night - Totnes Folk Song Club, Dartmouth Inn, 28 Warland, Totnes TQ9 5EL (map)
'Local troubadors' shanty crew The Old Gaffers to finish the evening for us. Information: Andy Clarke 01803 732312.

Friday 14 June 2019 8pm - Gallery Bar Special: Windjammer - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Plymouth band, an exciting three-piece combining bold and engaging original compositions and self-penned songs, with modern arrangements of traditional material. Jake Sonny Rowlinson (vocals, synth, concertina), Jeremy Bunting (fingerstyle guitar, percussion, vocals) and Fran Rowney (piano accordion, low whistle, vocals), began playing together in 2015 and now combine their individual approaches into a diverse and captivating whole. Their debut EP was released at a sold-out launch event in 2018 at Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre. “Improbably mature vocals and a bold, contemporary approach” – Geoff Lakeman. Free entry, informal atmosphere, donations to the band please. Full details www.calstockarts.org.

Friday 14 June 2019 8pm - Martyn Windham-Read - Church House, South Tawton, nr Okehampton EX20 2LQ (map)
Martyn has been involved in folk music for over forty years. In his late teens he left his mother’s farm in Sussex and headed off, with his guitar, to Australia where he heard, first hand, the old songs sung by some of the station hands at Emu Springs and he became captivated by these songs and the need to know more of them and where they came from grew. He returned to England in 1967 and has since produced over 40 albums and appeared at folk festivals in Australia, and around the world. Check out his website at https://dandadesign.co.uk/about. Call 01837 840775 or email andrew@frangleton.co.uk to book tickets @ £9..

Saturday 15 June 2019 8pm - Edgelarks Album Launch Party! - West Town Farm, Ide, Exeter EX2 9TG
Join Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin to launch their new album, Feather, with a party at beautiful West Town Farm. In April 2018, Edgelarks retreated to a remote cottage in Ulpha, western Cumbria. They breathed in the mountain view, banked up the fire, and took their instruments out of their cases. Then they sat down, and wrote. Tired of the navel-gazing tendencies of sad song writing, and the terrible events frequently depicted in the folk ballad tradition, they decided to turn their attention to an oft overlooked but vital facet of our lives: hope. Swiftly, a set of songs and tunes emerged. Stories of wonder from the natural world; tales of rejoicing and long lost returns; and simple thanksgiving for their own surroundings and place in the landscape. Informed by world rhythms, British folk roots, and the duo's penchant for making as much noise as possible with only two people, the album is an upbeat celebration, an incitement to hope. Full details www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/exeter/west-town-farm/edgelarks-album-launch-party.

Sunday 16 June 2019 7.30pm - Ninebarrow in concert with Glorious Chorus - Crediton Congregational Church
The Glorious Chorus choir is collaborating with BBC Radio 2 nominated folk duo ‘Ninebarrow’ with two concerts in June and July (13/7 in Totnes). Helen Yeomans will be writing new arrangements for the choir to sing with Ninebarrow on some of their songs. Check out Ninebarrow's exquisite music at www.ninebarrow.co.uk. More details www.gloriouschorus.co.uk.

NEW Friday 21 June 2019 9pm - Windjammer - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
Windjammer are a contemporary folk trio, based in Plymouth, Devon. They play original material, along with new arrangements of traditional songs and tunes, and singing in three-part harmony. £3. www.b-bar.co.uk. Tel. 01752 242021.

NEW 21-23 June 2019 - Teignmouth Folk Festival
Geoff Lakeman, Jim Causley, Paul Wilson & Marilyn Tucker, Peter & Barbara Snape, Old Gaffers, Jim Payne, Mrs Midnight's Ceilidh Band, City of Plymouth Pipe Band... www.teignmouthfolk.co.uk

NEW Saturday 22 June 2019 9pm - Lunacci & The Lunatics - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
A wonderfully vibrant folk-ish collaboration. Stylistically somewhere between Mumford & Sons and Newton Faulkner, this fun filled trio is bound to make you smile and get your feet moving. Never short for original material, folk themes and motifs resonate throughout these songs. A trio of experienced musicians that is fronted by a dynamic and seasoned front-man; live performances are full of energy and excitement, and always highly interactive. A live gig with Lunacci has one ambition: to have as much fun and interaction as possible. £3. www.b-bar.co.uk. Tel. 01752 242021.

NEW Saturday 22 June 2019 -  d'Accord Exeter - St Matthews Church Hall, Newtown, Exeter EX1 2LJ
Truffetete, our friends from N. Devon, who are 10 years old in 2019 so more birthday celebrations to enjoy! No partner is needed for many of the dances and beginners are always welcome. Doors 7.15pm. Dance tuition 7.30pm. First band around 8pm. Admission £9 includes tea and biscuits. BYO drinks. Free parking opposite.

NEW Sunday 23 June 2019 - Moreton Music Day - Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor (various venues)
details tba Annual multi-genre free music event of over 20 years standing... www.facebook.com/MoretonMusicDay.
12.30pm: Short set from Dartmoor Folk Choir Lost Sound Chorus

NEW Sunday 23 June 2019 2pm - Guitar workshop with Ben Walker - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
NEW Thursday 27 June 2019 8pm - The Blues Band - Exeter Corn Exchange, George St, Exeter EX1 1BU (map)
2019 sees The Blues Band Celebrate their 40th year together, Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher. Many of the Blues Band’s 21st century fans weren’t even born when these five virtuosos, already music industry veterans, decided to fly in the face of musical fashion in 1979 and form a band ‘just to play the blues’. No one could have predicted that, 40 years on, they’d still be dazzling audiences with their showmanship and virtuosity. About 20 albums and thousands of gigs later, they’ve earned a reputation around the world as one of the finest exponents of the blues tradition in all its forms. With this line-up, it’s hardly surprising. Full details, bookings etc. www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on.

NEW Thursday 27 June 2019 8.30pm - Geoff Lakeman - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
B-Bar regular Geoff Lakeman, dad to famous folk stars Seth, Sean and Sam, plays for us again his inimitable blend of west country, American and Irish folk, Americana and even 20's/30's jazz, showcased on his rare duet concertina. £2. www.b-bar.co.uk. Tel. 01752 242021.

NEW Friday 28 June 2019 7.30pm - Keith James: The Songs of Nick Drake - The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth TQ6 9ND (map)
A haunting and immaculately crafted concert which begins with an introductory set of timeless songs by brilliant songwriters – all contemporary with Nick Drake. Richard Thompson, Roy Harper, Sandy Denny, Al Stewart, Vashti Bunyan, John Martyn and Bert Jansch. Also featured are poems by William Blake which Keith has set to guitar arrangements based on Nick’s unique style. A number of years have now passed since singer/guitarist Keith James paralysed the whole country with his stunningly beautiful series of concerts entitled The Songs of Nick Drake. At the beginning of the project in 2001 he was the first artist ever to bring this fragile and intriguing music to theatres across the UK in its pure live concert form. www.keith-james.com. Book at www.theflavel.org.uk or call 01803 839530.

NEW Friday 28 June 2019 - Veronica Sbergia & Max de Bernadi - Otterton Mill, nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
Winners of The European Blues Challenge 2013, exciting Italian duo Veronica and Max play country blues and ragtime, hokum, jug band and rural music from the 20’s and 30’s in their own unique style. Using ukulele, washboard, kazoo, guitars and mandolin, they sing and play with passion and humour, as they keep a precious musical heritage alive by faithfully reproducing its original sound, updated with a modern twist. Expect songs from Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Minnie, Jimmie Rodgers, Sidney Bechet, Lucille Bogan, Bo Carter and the Delmore Brothers. www.maxandveronica.com. www.ottertonmill.com.

NEW Saturday 29 June 2019 9pm - Maddy and the Chaps - The Stand Off Irish Bar, Exeter
Maddy and the Chaps bringing their folk, celtic and country sounds to The Stand Off.

NEW Sunday 30 June 2019 - Cosgrave & Banks - Sharpham Trust Open Day, Ashprington TQ9 7UT
We are delighted to welcome Mike and Steve back to the beautiful setting of Sharpham on the river Dart. Mike Cosgrave (Sin é, Jackie Leven, Jackie Oates) and Steve Banks (Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band, Blue Jewel) have built a reputation for top quality musicianship and entertainment. www.cosgraveandbanks.com. “One of Devon’s multi-instrumental treasures.” – Topsham Folk Club. "Superb playing and singing, all with a great sense of style and fun" - Tom McConville. Free entry. Small fee for parking. www.sharphamtrust.org.

NEW Saturday 6 July 2019 - 8th Annual South Brent Folk Day
Singing, music, dancing, workshops and concerts around the village. The headline evening concert is at 7.30pm in the Village Hall (with Reel Ale bar) featuring: • Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman: Dartmoor-based husband and wife duo who have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. An enviable class act of imaginative song-writing and musicianship, they have twice won the coveted Best Duo title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (2016 & 2013); Granny’s Attic: Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals) and Lewis Wood (fiddle, mandolin, vocals) – a folk trio who play the tradition with verve, energy and their own inimitable style. Three exceptional musicians and fine singers, who have been heralded for their lively performances playing English traditional and original music and their delivery and selection of traditional songs. FFI: Contact Eileen McKee: email eileen.southbrentfolk@gmail.com or call 01364 73699 or John Rawlinson: email john.rawlinson@southbrent.gov.uk or call 01364 73117. Organised by South Brent Folk to support folk music in the South Brent area: www.southbrentfolk.org.uk.
Sunday 7 July 2019: South Brent Folk Breakfast Buffet 9.30-11.30am in the Old School Community Centre. After the concerts and activities of the Folk Day, enjoy our Self Service Breakfast Buffet with more music and good company.

NEW Sunday 7 July 2019 8pm - Ryan Young - Matthews Hall, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
Ryan Young, who is a young fiddle player from Scotland, has exploded onto the traditional scene in the last 18 months - one of a ‘new wave’ of young players bringing fresh and inventive ideas to traditional Scottish music. Ryan focuses mainly on Scottish music, bringing new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way. He is accompanied here by Jenn Butterworth on guitar. www.ryanyoung.scot. £10 adv/£12 door. Tickets available online at www.topshamfolkclub.org.

NEW Thursday 11 July 2019 - Eve Selis - Otterton Mill, nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
Eve’s previous visits to the Mill have brought the house down! San Diegobased Eve converts country, R&B, blues, folk and rock ’n’roll into a musical force that stops you in your tracks. This gifted writer and electrifying singer has been likened to Bonnie Raitt, Joan Osborne and Melissa Etheridge, and numbers Bob Harris among her fans – “One of the best shows I’ve ever seen in the UK”. www.eveselis.com. www.ottertonmill.com.

NEW Saturday 13 July 2019 - Steve Knightley - St Pancras Church, Widecombe in the Moor
As a long-serving troubadour of the folk and acoustic music scene, master songwriter, storyteller and Widecombe Sailing Club's Rear Admiral, Steve Knightley has spent much of his life on the road, collecting songs, stories, anecdotes and Rowlocks (well, one of those) – with the odd disaster along the way. Steve returns to Widecombe to present 'Roadworks' - a stripped-back, one-man show that’s infused with wit, warmth and alchemy. Pay bar. Tickets £18 from Daf Edwards on 07957 280129 or dafedwards53@gmail.com. www.widecomebsailingclub.org.uk.

NEW Saturday 13 July 2019 7.30pm - Ninebarrow in concert with Glorious Chorus - St John's Church, Bridgetown, Totnes TQ9 5AD (map)
The Glorious Chorus choir is collaborating with BBC Radio 2 nominated folk duo ‘Ninebarrow’ with two concerts in June and July. Helen Yeomans will be writing new arrangements for the choir to sing with Ninebarrow on some of their songs. Check out Ninebarrow's exquisite music at www.ninebarrow.co.uk. More details www.gloriouschorus.co.uk.

NEW Saturday 13 July 2019 7.30pm - Lost Sound Chorus with Chris Hoban - Matthews Hall, Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HF
Dartmoor Folk Choir Lost Sound Chorus in concert with Chris Hoban. Tickets £8.50/£10. www.thelostsound.co.uk.

NEW Sunday 14 July 2019 8pm - Gigspanner Big Band - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Two of our most popular bands come together for one exceptional performance. Gigspanner, formed by multi-award winning fiddle player Peter Knight (ex-Steeleye Span), has established a reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene. BBC Folk Award winners (Best Duo), Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin are also well known at Calstock Arts. Their appearances together as the Gigspanner Big Band are a rare, but highly sought after affair, thanks to performances of dazzling musicianship and arresting on stage chemistry. Taking self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles and beyond, with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, they produce richly atmospheric arrangements layered within a wealth of subliminal musical influences. “They don’t play together very often, but when they do it’s spectacular” 5***** R2 Magazine. www.calstockarts.org.

NEW Tuesday 16 July 2019 8pm - Don Gallardo - B-Bar, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (map)
Nashville, TN based American Singer-Songwriter playing Americana / Country / Folk Music strumming his way across the US and the UK. £12.50 adv, £14 door. Full details https://barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on/don-gallardo. www.b-bar.co.uk. Tel. 01752 242021.

NEW Fri/Sat 19/20 July 2019 - Chagstock Festival - Whiddon Down, nr Chagford
More acts announced. Limited number of Early Bird tickets are now on sale at cheaper than 2018 prices! See www.chagstock.info.

NEW Thursday 25 July 2019 - Tipitina - Otterton Mill, nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
Another return visit to the Mill from this wonderful trio. Their music is a life-enhancing blend of swing, boogie woogie, jive and blues in the New Orleans tradition. Championed by BBC Radio 2’s Paul Jones, the band had us dancing in the aisles on previous visits. “Vocalist Debbie Jones is as sultry as a night downtown, Justin Randall’s piano boogies like there’s no tomorrow... Glorious”(The Mail). www.bigbearmusic.com/tipitina. www.ottertonmill.com.

NEW Friday 26 July 2019 8pm - Gallery Bar Special: The Countrymen - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
The Countrymen return with their unique brand of Cornish folk-rock harmony. Since their last appearance with us, they’ve played the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth Week with The Wurzels, Looe Saves the Day, as well as appearances on BBC Radio Cornwall and BBC Spotlight. Plus there’s a new CD in the can. This event is part of Calstock Heritage Weekend, so this is the time to visit the village if you like steamboats, folk music, Morris dancing, sea shanties and drinking and lazing on the quay, hopefully in the sun! Free entry, informal atmosphere, donations to the band please. Full details www.calstockarts.org. Doors 7pm.

NEW 27 July-24 August 2019 - Dartington International Summer School & Festival
Folk during week 2, 3-10 August. Courses: Three Hundred Years: Music from Northumberland and the Borders (Alistair Anderson) - Creative Writing: Poetry of Place (Katrina Porteous with Alexis Bennett) - Folk Choir (Harbottle & Jonas) - Playing for Dancing (Alistair Anderson) - Folk Collective (Emily Portman, Alexis Bennett, Harbottle & Jonas) - Folk Surgery (Alexis Bennett) - Creative Conversations (James Runcie). Full details www.dartington.org/whats-on/programme/summer-school. Concert/ceilidh information tba

NEW 2-9 August 2019 - Sidmouth Folk Festival
Early line-up announcements, website launched, tickets on sale (Super Early Bird). The Sidmouth Folk Festival goes back to its roots in 2019 and reclaims its title for its 65th edition. www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk. Join the festival mailing list for regular updates (which have already started): www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/mailing-list.

NEW 3-7 August 2019 - Sidmouth Fringe Sessions - Salcombe Regis
Coincides with (but independent of) the long-established Sidmouth Folk Festival. The Sessions celebrate the very best in emerging acts, breaking artists and under-the-radar musicians - not just locally but from across the whole UK. The Fringe has been supported by BBC Introducing (Devon & Cornwall) over recent years who host the shows. Plus occasional international touring artists. A fantastic mini festival of live music. An eclectic mix of many genres - and has included folk/roots, bluegrass, stomp, blues, acoustic, jazzfusion, world and indie rock/pop - plus everything in-between. Full details www.sidmouthfringe.co.uk.

NEW 16-18 August 2019 - Beautiful Days Festival - Escot Park near Exeter
Tickets are on sale. Line-up includes: Levellers, The Stranglers, Steeleye Span, Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, Ferocious Dog, Cara Dillon, Tom Robinson, Fisherman’s Friends, Karine Polwart, Grace Petriem Sound of the Sirens. See www.beautifuldays.org for more.

NEW 22-26 August 2019 - Cornwall Folk Festival - Wadebridge
5 evening concerts: Steve Knightley; Wizz Jones at 80 Celebration + Midnight Skyracer; The Unthanks and Krelys; Flats and Sharps + Mick Ryan’s ‘Here at the Fair’ folk opera; Noble Jacks + Granny’s Attic. Plus local and regional musicians, workshops etc. www.cornwallfolkfestival.com. Early bird tickets now on sale.

NEW Thursday 29 August 2019 - Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman - Otterton Mill, nr Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG (map)
A return visit from Best Duo winners in the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, with their recent album “Tomorrow Will Follow Today”. Kathryn and Sean are widely recognised as two of the folk scene’s most accomplished musicians. Musical collaborators with the likes of Seth Lakeman (Sean’s younger brother), Cara Dillon, the Levellers, Kate Rusby and Show of Hands, this husband and wife duo deliver an intimacy and strength of passion in their music. Kathryn’s sublime voice and effortless delivery, combined with Sean’s gifted guitar playing and masterly arrangements make for a captivating live performance. www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com. www.ottertonmill.com.

NEW Thursday 12 September 2019 7.30pm - Martin Simpson - The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth TQ6 9ND (map)
Folk at the Flavel welcomes back a true Flavel favourite, one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin Simpson. Martin will be featuring new tracks from an album being recorded for release over the summer. The sell-out audiences at Martin’s previous visits to the Flavel have seen that whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material he is a guitarist of immense subtlety. Martin has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the 16 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - more than any other performer. There is no doubt that, after 45 years as a professional musician, Martin is better than ever. Book at www.theflavel.org.uk or call 01803 839530.

NEW Friday 13 September 2019 8pm - India Electric Co. - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Sometimes folk, sometimes not, India Electric Co. use traditional instruments in contemporary styles to explore diverse themes from Eastern Europe, Irish traditions and modern urban alienation to end up with something “quirky and glittery – a veritable musical magpie’s nest.” – BBC Radio 3. Their 2015 debut album release was followed by a world tour with Midge Ure, with whom they’ve worked extensively. With live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, performances at Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival, the duo are now embarking on their own headline tour. “Exceptional talents.” Songlines Magazine. “Fresh and gobsmacking!” Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music. “Two of the most extraordinary musicians, a phenomenal duo” BBC Radio 2. Full details, samples etc.  www.calstockarts.org.

NEW Friday 13 September 2019 8pm - Miranda Sykes - Exeter Folk & Acoustic Music Club, Victoria Park Tennis Club, Lyndhurst Road, St. Leonards, Exeter, EX2 4NX (map)
details tba www.mirandasykes.com. Support: TBA. Tickets (this is an advanced ticket reservation concert only) - Paid in advance £??; advanced notice without pre-payment £?? (paid on door). Info / ticket enquiries contact: exeterfolkclub@outlook.com or 01392 210983. www.facebook.com/groups/exeterfolkclub. www.exeterfolkclub.org.

NEW Friday 20 September 2019 7.30pm - Claude Bourbon - Downderry and Seaton Village Hall, Main Road, Torpoint, Cornwall PL11 3JY
Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take blues, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Russian stylings into uncharted territories. Each year Bourbon plays more than 100 shows around the world. Born in France in the early 60’s, Claude Bourbon grew up in Switzerland, where he was classically trained for many years.

NEW Saturday 21 September 2019 - Crabstock - Kingsbridge
details tba On the banks of the sunny Kingsbridge Estuary at the Crabshell Inn Kingsbridge an all day celebration of folk music in all its forms. Full programme to follow but there will be concerts, sessions and an evening ceilidh. Not to be missed. Booking details soon.

NEW Sunday 22 September 2019 8pm - Midnight Skyracer - Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock PL18 9QX (map)
Midnight Skyracer has been tearing up the UK bluegrass and folk scene since its inception less than two years ago. The all-star lineup and exciting live performances have sent the band racing skywards at an astounding pace right from the start, with Leanne Thorose’s powerhouse vocals and driving mandolin, Tabitha Agnew’s sweet voice and virtuosic banjo playing, Eleanor Wilkie’s rock solid bass grooves, Laura Carrivick’s flair - being equally adept on both fiddle and dobro - and her twin sister Charlotte’s agility on the guitar, with both sisters filling in the vocal harmonies. tba: [Full details, samples etc. www.calstockarts.org.]

NEW Friday 27 September 2019 - Rory McLeod - Matthews Hall, Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HF
Rhythmic storyteller, multi-instrumentalist, ex-circus clown and fire eater, is a one-man-soul-band, and poet. He has a natural troubadour's talent for weaving magical, musical, storytelling spells accompanied by his own bizarre solo orchestra of distinctive instruments. www.rorymcleod.com. Full details www.wegottickets.com/event/463486.

NEW Rescheduled from Thursday 14 March
Saturday 28 September 2019 8pm - Nick Harper - Dolphin Hotel, Station Road, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AL
Son of the legendary Roy Harper, with 10 albums behind him Nick is a highly accomplished singer and songwriter. Nick can coax the most glorious of sounds from the humblest of guitars. He has been called at various times 'the acoustic Hendrix', the 'English Jeff Buckley' and 'the new Jeff Beck' but he is definitely his own man and according to the Times "has so much musicianship in him that it just leaks out all over the place." Come on out for an unforgettable evening! Full details www.southdevonmusic.co.uk.

NEW Sunday 6 October 2019 8pm - Leveret - Matthews Hall, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
Leveret is a unique collaboration between three of England’s finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina) are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. www.leveretband.com. £14 adv/£16 door. Tickets available online at www.topshamfolkclub.org.

NEW Thursday 10 October 2019 8pm - Fairport Convention - The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SZ (map)
Fairport Convention has been making great music for over fifty years. Credited with originating British folk-rock music, the band has been through many changes but the current members retain a passion for live performance. Fairport Convention features Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. Full details, bookings etc. www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk. Tel. 01752 892220.

NEW Rescheduled from Friday 1 February
Saturday 12 October 2018 7.30pm - Wren Music: Gothic Dartmoor - Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter EX2 4AZ (map)
The Gothic Dartmoor concert explores a rich vein of myth and legend through the tales of Dartmoor. The songs are selected from the folk song collection made at the end of the C19th by Squire and Parson Revd. Sabine Baring-Gould, and inspired by his other writings, including The Book of Dartmoor and The Book of Were-Wolves. Wren Music has put together an impressive company to bring you ‘Gothic Dartmoor’ – Marilyn Tucker: Singer and storyteller, Paul Wilson: Multi-instrumentalist and singer, Jon Dyer: Experienced performer and a fabulous flautist and Hannah Cumming: Fiddle player and singer, plus a specially formed Gothic Dartmoor Choir. Tickets £12. Box Office 01392 277189/665885. www.wegottickets.com/cygnettheatre. www.wrenmusic.co.uk.

NEW Saturday 19 October 2019 7.30pm - Autumn Céilidh with The Mooncoin Ceilidh Band - South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach TQ10 9AQ (map)
Dance into the longer nights with caller Anne Gill ; Steve Gill (melodeons); Sophis Colkin (fiddle); Nick Scott (Uillean pipes/Bodhran), Andy Clarke (guitar/bouzouki) - all welcome: Reel Ale bar and nibbles available. Tickets £8 on door or from artworks (Station Road). FFI contact Eileen on 01364 73699 or email eileen.southbrentfolk@gmail.com or visit www.southbrentfolk.org.uk. One of a number of events organised throughout the year by South Brent Folk to support folk music in the South Brent area.

NEW Sunday 27 October 2019 7.30pm - Marry Waterson & Emily Barker - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD (map)
What happens when two critically acclaimed folk and roots artists collaborate on songwriting for the first time and then employ the eclectic production skills of Adem and the multi-instrumentalist skills of Lukas Drinkwater to record a full album of original songs? After a fortuitous meeting on a songwriting retreat at the invitation of Kathryn Williams, the pair reconvened to continue their writing partnership, creating a set of songs on new album A Window to Other Ways that are a fly-on-the-wall observation of the contradictions and disconnections of modern life.  Tickets and info 01803 875527. www.wegottickets.com/worldunlimited. Full details, programme, samples etc. www.worldunlimited.co.uk.

NEW Wednesday 30 October 2019 7.30pm - Show of Hands - Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ
First night of the autumn ' Now We Are Four' tour. Show of Hands fans rejoice as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, two undisputed kings of the folk, roots and acoustic scene reunite with long-term collaborator Miranda Sykes for a brand-new album and tour. And there’s more, because the trio is expanding to include master percussionist Cormac Byrne who returns with his infectious rhythms by popular demand. There are no support acts on this tour, and instead during the opening set each musician will introduce themselves and play in six unique duo combinations where literally anything could happen! This will be an evening spent immersed in the talents of some of the most accomplished musicians of their time, and is not to be missed. Steve says, “With the heartbeat and harmonies that Cormac and Miranda add, we are at last creating a sound we’ve dreamed of making for twenty-five years!”. The album and tour promise infectious new songs and a sound with more depth and intensity than ever before. www.showofhands.co.uk.

NEW Saturday 9 November 2019 8pm - The Sounds of Simon - The Rum Store, Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard (map)
A tribute to the wonderful music of Paul Simon, through the years as one half of Simon and Garfunkel, to the enduring success of his solo career. Come on a journey as the full band take you through the early Simon and Garfunkel albums, through the massive success of Bridge Over Troubled Water and on to the Grammy award winning success of Still Crazy After All These Years and Graceland. Paul and Art are played to perfection, bringing in elements of their famously fractious relationship, as well as replicating the beautiful harmonies flawlessly. With video clips, stories, and memories from the last 50+ years, this is a wonderful show filled with excellent music, nostalgia, and a genuine love for some great musicians. This is the UK’s longest running tribute to Paul Simon. Come and see why! www.soundsofsimon.co.uk. www.carnglaze.com.

NEW 9/10 November 2019 - West Gallery Music Association, Singing/Instrumental Workshops - Sidmouth
Both day workshops and residential places are open to non members. Saturday: Local psalms, hymns and short anthems (optional afternoon workshop: 19th century glees/dance & militia band tunes); Sunday: Local carols. Full details www.wgma.org.uk/Sidholme%20A4%20flyer.pdf.

NEW Monday 18 November 2019 7pm - Julie Felix - Brook Inn,  33 Longbrook Street, Plympton St Maurice, Plymouth PL7 1NJ
We are absolutely delighted that Julie is returning to The Brook again this year - it's becoming an annual event now! Julie is an absolute folk legend who has hosted her own TV show and appeared at venues around the world. She's performed with a huge list of the great and the good of the music world and has a host of stories to share. An Evening With Julie Felix costs £20 each and includes a two course meal prior to the performance. (Trip to the zoo not included!!). www.facebook.com/pg/BrookInnPlympton/events. www.brookinnplympton.co.uk. Tel. 01752 297604 for further details.

NEW Friday 29 November 2019 7.30pm - The Hut People - The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SZ (map)
Taking the audience on a musical journey around the World, English instrumental due The Hut People (Sam Pirt and Gary Hammond) have firmly established themselves as one of the best loved and entertaining acts on the UK folk scene today. Mixing global rhythms with folk tunes from Quebec to Spain, Scandinavia to Sussex and everywhere in between, this is a quirky celebration of our rich musical heritage – and it works so well! This is a show like nothing you’ve ever seen before – expect fee-good dancing tunes, audience participation, step dancing, Quebecois foot-percussion (whilst playing the accordion!) and humour aplenty. Full details, bookings etc. www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk. Tel. 01752 892220.

NEW Thursday 5 December 2018 8pm - St. Agnes Fountain - The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SZ (map)
The band's 18th Christmas tour. Since their first recording of the eponymous St Agnes Fountain album in 2001, founder member David Hughes, Fairport Convention's Chris Leslie and BBC Folk Awards Best Duo 2009, Chris While and Julie Matthews, have brought musical invention and laughter to the star-dust atmosphere of the season. They have now released twelve treasured albums; eight studio albums and two live CDs as well as a couple of ‘Best Of’ albums, but it is, without question their magical live performances that have endeared them to an ever-growing audience. Full details, bookings etc. www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk. Tel. 01752 892220.

NEW Friday 6 / Saturday 7 December 2019 7.30pm - Show of Hands - Exmouth Pavilion, The Esplanade, Exmouth EX8 2AZ (map)
Last 2 nights of the autumn ' Now We Are Four' tour. Show of Hands fans rejoice as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, two undisputed kings of the folk, roots and acoustic scene reunite with long-term collaborator Miranda Sykes for a brand-new album and tour. And there’s more, because the trio is expanding to include master percussionist Cormac Byrne who returns with his infectious rhythms by popular demand. There are no support acts on this tour, and instead during the opening set each musician will introduce themselves and play in six unique duo combinations where literally anything could happen! This will be an evening spent immersed in the talents of some of the most accomplished musicians of their time, and is not to be missed. Steve says, “With the heartbeat and harmonies that Cormac and Miranda add, we are at last creating a sound we’ve dreamed of making for twenty-five years!”. The album and tour promise infectious new songs and a sound with more depth and intensity than ever before. www.showofhands.co.uk.

NEW Wednesday 18 December 2018 8pm - Mad Dog Mcrea - The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SZ (map)
Standing. Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard! Doors 7.30pm. Full details, bookings etc. www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk. Tel. 01752 892220.

NEW Friday 27 December 2019 - Twixt Christmas and New Year Céilidh with Buttoned Up - South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach TQ10 9AQ (map)
details tba Chill out and enjoy the music after the Christmas festivities or dance your (new) socks off. One of a number of events organised throughout the year by South Brent Folk to support folk music in the South Brent area. See: www.southbrentfolk.org.uk.

NEW Saturday 1 February 2020 8pm - Sarah McQuaid - Bridge Inn, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0QQ (map)
details tbc Music etc. www.sarahmcquaid.com. Tickets £?? adv from the Bridge Inn 01392 873862, £?? door. www.facebook.com/thebridgeinntopsham.

John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
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