|
|
|
Folk Sessions
A
wealth of good folk music is on tap - free of charge - at a variety of mostly
informal sessions
(mainly in pubs, but not all) across southern Devon practically every day of the week, usually on a
regular weekly or monthly basis where you can just sit and listen, or take part yourself. If
you're not a "regular", it is advisable to check with the organiser and/or venue
before setting out.
And if you have any problems using the information below -
i.e. you find mistakes! - do please Contact Us. And
why not try out the area's folk clubs.
A further, excellent source of information about folk sessions is www.flaxey-green.co.uk.
Sessions
take place at the following pubs in South Devon and adjacent areas: Bere Ferrers near Tavistock (Old Plough
Inn), Brixham (Quayside Hotel); Buckfastleigh
(Kings Arms Hotel),
Dawlish (South Devon Inn),
Denbury (Union Inn),
Ermington (Crooked Spire); Exeter (Barnfield Theatre),
Exeter (Globe Inn),
Exmouth (Bicton Inn),
Frogmore (Globe Inn); Harbertonford (French music and
dance, village hall),
Ipplepen (Wellington Inn); Horndon, near Mary Tavy (Elephants Nest,
two different sessions), Kingsbridge (Crabshell Inn), Lympstone (Globe
Inn),
Malborough
(Royal Oak),
Okehampton (Fountain Hotel), Plymouth (Artillery Arms),
Plymouth (Dolphin),
Plymouth (Hyde Park Hotel);
Plymouth (Kitty O'Hanlons), Plymouth (Minerva),
Princetown (Prince of Wales),
Scoriton (Tradesmans Arms);
Seaton (Grove Nite Club ' "Jurassic Folk");
Sidmouth (Volunteer Inn); South Brent (Pack Horse/Royal
Oak, various
sessions), South Brent (French/Breton evening); Sticklepath near Okehampton (Dartmoor
Inn), Tavistock - see Horndon,
Topsham (Bridge Inn);
Torbryan (Old Church House Inn);
Torquay, St Marychurch (Crown & Sceptre),
Totnes (Albert Inn/Barrel House),
Tuckenhay (Maltsters Arms - "Maltsters Mash" ["Trade Winds 2"]); Walkhampton near
Yelverton (Walkhampton Inn).
"Trade Winds" session (Scoriton) - see special note.
Click here for news of sessions beyond the Tamar in the Liskeard area (and even as far as Lostwithiel).
Sessions news
Bere Ferrers (near Tavistock) - Open music night
3rd Sunday, 8.30pm, Old Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers, near Yelverton PL20 7JL tel. 01822
840358 (map)
Hosted by ‘Squandered Youth’, a
female folk trio who perform traditional and contemporary folk music. Musicians
and singers welcome. It is a truly acoustic evening at the moment,
although if it continues to grow in popularity we may be forced to use a p.a.,
but we’ve resisted so far. For more details phone Jane on 01822 841064 or email musgravejane@hotmail.com
Brixham - Mixed session
1st Thursday, "Ernie Lister Bar" at Quayside Hotel, King St., Brixham TQ5
9TJ tel. 01803 855751 (map)
Resident group 'Swashbuckle' and friends, floor spots. For more details phone John Turk on 01803 856547
Buckfastleigh
- Slow strings and fiddles
2nd and 4th Monday, 8.15pm, Kings Arms Hotel (map), 15 Fore Street, Buckfastleigh
TQ11 0BT tel. 01364 642341
Music from the British Isles - String instruments only
Dawlish
- Monthly folk song/music session
Third Wednesday - South Devon Inn
(map),
Strand Hill, Dawlish EX7 9HR tel. 01626 862198
Contact: Scott 01626 862198
Denbury -
Acoustic mixed session
Every Thursday,
Union Inn (map),
The Green, Denbury, Newton Abbot TQ12 6DQ tel. 01803 812595
For details contact Vic Cornell on 01803 812535
Ermington
- Open mic folk music night
Last Friday,
Crooked Spire Inn (map),
The Square, Ermington, Ivybridge PL21 9LP tel. 01548 831288
Complimentary snacks provided. All singers/players welcome. Bar open until
midnight. A board can even be provided for step dancing!
For details contact Charlie Harris on 07990 863135.
Exeter - Acoustic Music at the Barnfield
(Usually, but please check)
First Friday , 8pm, in the Bedford Room studio theatre at the Barnfield Theatre (map). 01392 270891. Organised by FOLKAID
Barnfield Music Club, next event April 7th.,at 8.00pm., in the Bedford Suite,
Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. We have a stage, amplification and lighting, it is a
great venue and regularly get 60-70 people attend what is a popular night for
performers and audience alike. Cafe and bar open, and free parking nearby.
Musicians, singers and audience very welcome. Performers should arrive early to
get on the list, as it does get very busy. Admission is just £1 for all, which
is also a draw ticket. Further information from Jerry on 01626 772270 (or 07843
419178).
Exeter - 'Mostly music sessions'
Generally 4th Friday, 8pm til late,
Globe Inn, Clifton Road EX1 2BL (map)
tel. 01392 256491
Contact Iain Baines tel. 07813 818305
Exmouth - Live acoustic folk and blues
First Thursday, 9pm at the Bicton Inn (map),
5 Bicton St, Exmouth EX8 2RU tel. 01395 272589
Featuring musicians from current and locally well known bands. Organised by the
landlord who also plays. Includes former members of well known local folk bands:
Bobbie King used to play with Flowers and Frolics and used to borrow Martin
Carthy's
guitar! Colin Wilson was with The Joyce Gang and Shaking Ground. Jeff
Lewis plays some great Morris tunes! Dave currently plays with Laughing
Gravy. It's all very informal.
Frogmore - Mixed folk session
1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday, 8.30pm, Globe Inn (map),
Frogmore, Kingsbridge TQ7 2NR
Singers and musicians welcome. For info call Nigel or Sarah on 01548 531525
Horndon (5 miles N of Tavistock, turn off at Mary Tavy
Inn and follow signs)
Elephants Nest
(map), Horndon,
Mary Tavy, Tavistock PL19 9NQ
tel.
01822
810273
1st Wednesday,
about 9pm -
Informal
acoustic music night
Everyone welcome. Host Phill Amaani. Call Peter on the above no. for more
details.
or contact Rob Shepherd on 01822 616389 (home) or
01752 769675 (work) for information
3rd
Wednesday, 8.30pm - Tavistock Folk Evening
contact Rob Shepherd on 01822 616389 (home)
Ipplepen
- Acoustic folk session
1st Wednesday; Wellington Inn (map). Contact: Chris Eccleshall 01803 812885 / 01364 643403.
Kingsbridge - Mixed folk session
1st Thursday, 8.30pm, Crabshell Inn
(map),
Embankment Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1JZ tel. 01548 852345
All welcome for an informal sing. Unaccompanied, accompanied, on your own, in
groups, or just join in the choruses! (or just listen of course!) Occasional
guest nights featuring visiting professional singers and bands. Mostly Folk
music but not all! The Crabshell Inn is a friendly pub that does excellent food
and good ales. For more info. call 01548 853351
Lympstone
- Lympstone Folk - Song, music and words - experience the
atmosphere of a folk club in the comfort of the Globe Inn. Everyone welcome to
perform, or simply come along and listen.
2nd Wednesday, 8.30pm,
Globe Inn, The Strand, Lympstone, Exmouth EX8
5EY (map)
(changed from 1st Weds in 9/08)
Call Tony Day on 01395 268653 for further information
Malborough - Mixed folk session
2nd and 4th Wednesday, 8pm,
Royal Oak (map),
Higher Town, Malborough, Kingsbridge TQ7 3RL (tel. 01548 561481) For
details phone Nigel and Sarah 01548 531525)
Okehampton
- Mixed folk session / folk club
Last Sunday (except December), 8pm, Fountain Hotel, Fore Street,
Okehampton, Devon EX20 1AP
Hosted by Wren Music.
Plymouth - Mixed folk session
Tuesday, fortnightly, 8.30pm, Artillery Arms (map), 6 Pound Street, Stonehouse,
Plymouth
PL1 3RH tel.
01752 262515
Singers particularly welcome
Plymouth - Mixed folk session
1st Sunday, 1.30pm, The Dolphin (map),
14 The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LS
tel.
01752 660876
Plymouth - Regular Plymouth Folk Roots
mixed music/song session (listed
2/08)
2nd Wednesday evening, Hyde Park Hotel
(map),
Mutley Plain, Plymouth
Details from Ali 01752 662002; Martin 01752 550768
being replaced as of 16/11/08 by:
3rd Sunday 1.30pm onwards,
The Dolphin (map),
14 The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LS
tel.
01752 660876
Contact: Martin 01752 550768
Plymouth - Weekly singaround (listed 9/07)
Every Tuesday evening, Fortescue
(map),
Mutley Plain, Plymouth PL4 6JQ
tel.
01752 660673
Contact: Joe Higman 01752 227086
Plymouth - Mixed folk session (started 24/11/04)
Every Wednesday evening, Minerva Inn (map),
31 Looe Street, Plymouth PL4 0EA tel. 01752
223047
Organised by Ned Couch and Helen Prentice
Princetown - Sing-a-round folk club
4th Thursday, 8pm, Prince of Wales
(map), Tavistock Road, Princetown,
Yelverton PL20 6QF tel.
01822 890219
Mainly traditional, but basically
anyone welcome, acoustic only
Scoriton - (near Buckfastleigh)
Tradesmans Arms (map),
Scoriton, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0JB
4th Sunday, starts at 7.30pm, "Trade Winds" -
Storytelling, song, poetry
A Dartmoor Come-All-Ye session for singers, storytellers, poets, musicians
and everybody else.
Trade a poem for a song for a story for music for fine company. Call Simon or
Sue Williams for information on 01364 631308 or email susan@farmhouse.ac.
Usually takes a summer break.
Seaton
- Grove Nite Club (map)
3rd Wednesday - "Jurassic Folk" - Regular monthly folk and acoustic music at the Grove Night Club.
Everyone welcome, established performers, audience, and a chance for first-time
performers to air their talents in public. Free entry. Bar. Call Peter Arnold
01297 20064 for info or see
www.eastdevonfolk.org
Sidmouth - The Volunteer Inn (map)
1st Wednesday, Traditional session with residents The Claque, Lister, Addison,
Lowry, O'Shea
Contact Sean O'Shea sean.oshea[at]hotmail.co.uk
South
Brent -
Pack Horse,
Plymouth Road, South Brent TQ10 9BH tel. 01364 72283 (map)
Tuesday, fortnightly,
(mainly) singers' night
Call Keith Beeby on 01364 72587 to check dates.
South
Brent - Royal Oak,
Station Road, South Brent, TQ10 9BE tel: 01364 72133
1) Every Wednesday: Traditional folk and song from 8.30pm.
2) Every other Wednesday: Children’s folk night 7.30-8.30pm.
Call Caroline or Steve on 01364 73490 for more details.
(These sessions were formerly at the Pack Horse, South Brent)
3) 3rd Thursday: more traditional folk:
South
Brent -
le bal folk - Palstone Recreation Room at the
sports field on the eastern edge of South Brent
Fest Noz live French and Breton music and dance
(not a pub session)
1st Friday, 8-11pm. Music from central France and Brittany - everyone is welcome
to join in the dance or just enjoy the music. Bring your own bottle of French
wine - Tea and coffee are available, BYO anything else. Contribution towards
costs.
Contact Louise at louise.scammell[at]gmail.com.
Note: The group takes a summer break.
Recently (autumn 2009) moved from Harbertonford VH.
More French and Breton dance happens with
d'accord at Ide in the Exeter area.
Sticklepath - Devonshire Inn
(map),
Sticklepath, near Okehampton
EX20 2NW tel. 01837 840626
1st Sunday - local traditional singers and musicians also the occasional poet,
step dancer and broom dancer. Bill Murray generally keeps order
Contact Doug Dwyer dougfgd@hotmail.com
Torbryan
- Mixed session (reportedly moved back to Two Mile Oak
as at 12/09)
Every Sunday evening, Old Church House Inn (map),
Torbryan, Newton Abbot TQ12 5UR tel. 01803 812372.
Everyone is welcome
to come along to listen or to join in. Information from Spike or Maddy on 01626 208116.
Torquay, St Marychurch - Mixed session
Every Friday, 8.30pm, Crown & Sceptre (map),
2 Petitor Road, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4QA tel. 01803 328290
Topsham
- Bridge Inn, Topsham - Mixed session (map)
1st Sunday. Lunchtime session. All styles, Irish, bluegrass, songs and whatever!
A warm welcome to new players regardless of ability (within reason). Contact:
Steve Ewart 01392 875649
Totnes - The Albert, Bridgetown, back bar.
1st Sunday of the month, 8pm. Music: Mostly English tunes, with the occasional
song. Contact is Marjorie on 01803 782164.
Totnes - Barrel House, High Street, Totnes (map)
3rd Thursday (from 22/1/09) - Klezmer & East European folk session
Basil and friends hosting an informal evening of music - bring an instrument and
join in or just come along and enjoy the atmosphere, free admission. Enquiries
about music etc to 01803 862393.
Tuckenhay - Malsters Arms (map), Tuckenhay
nr Totnes
"Maltsters Mash" - usually on the first Saturday of the month (but
do check) - A Trade Winds-like session for poets, storytellers, singers and
musicians. Similar format to Trade Winds, with one story, two songs/tunes, three
poems per slot (around five minutes). The evening will have a more jazzy feel,
thanks to the participation of jazz greats, Sam Richards and Mick Green but, as
always, feel free to perform whatever takes your fancy. See
www.tuckenhay.com/poetrypints.htm and for further details, phone Susan &
Simon on 01364 631308 or email:
susan@farmhouse.ac.
Walkhampton
- Open session - Wednesday session no longer running
(8/06)
Last Wednesday, Walkhampton Inn (map),
Walkhampton, Yelverton PL20 6JY tel. 01822 855556
Also live music "mostly folky" (according to correspondent T.) every other
Saturday night
Beyond the Tamar - Liskeard area sessions
Some time ago I asked for information about any known sessions in this area. I
am very grateful to several contributors who provided information, much of which
is to be found on the "Lynher Valley Sessions" website at
www.freewebs.com/lyhnervalleysessions/info.htm. This includes sessions at St
Cleer (The Stag), Upton Cross (The Caradon Inn and Sterts Cafe Bar), Linkinhorne
(Church House Inn), North Hill (The Racehorse), and Crows Nest (The Crows Nest).
The website gives contact numbers for all these venues; as always, you are
advised to check before travelling a distance. Further contributions:
St Ive -
"There is also a session at the Butcher's Arms, St Ive."
Gunnislake - "The Rising Sun has a folk night on the 2nd Sunday of each month."
Lostwithiel - "King's Arms, Fore Street", every Tuesday from about
9pm; singers and musicians equally welcome, and performers get a free pint
(usually). Contact is Phil Wisdom, 01208 873214" [changed 9/08 from Weds at Earl of Chatham, Grenville
Road]