Here is a complete listing from the Somerset and Dorset Folk Diary. To receive regular updates to this listing, along with other news items, please subscribe.
Regular events, such as music sessions and dance clubs are listed separately here.
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Storytellers stand on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before: teachers, tradesmen & women, travelling people, parents and grandparents.
These ghosts have given us tales to tell and urge us forward. Taffy and Chrissy Thomas and the Tales in Trust team of Norwich yarnsmith Dave Tonge & award winning singer and folk musician Mossy Christian have put together a weekend of (socially distanced if necessary!) workshops, performances and presentations to delight all who wish to tell a tale or just relax and listen.
Bring stories to share, instruments if you play one, or just come as audience. Importantly, bring your ears; for as Taffy rightly says: “If speaking was more important that listening, we’d have two tongues and one ear”. Your forbears knew that, so forward!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/tales-in-trust-ancestral-voices-part-2/
The good Doctor Martin Carthy and his twice Mercury nominated daughter Eliza Carthy, join forces to perform songs. Martin is a legendary ballad singer and guitarist who influenced a generations of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, while Eliza has been twice-nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and a multiple-award winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk awards.
This event has been rescheduled from 31 October 2020. All original tickets are valid. Details on the website.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £20.00
On the door £23.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/martin-and-eliza-carthy/
In the ten years since winning Best Newcomer at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Sam Carter has earned a reputation for vivid, narrative-driven song-writing and captivating live performances. Renowned as “the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation” (Jon Boden), Sam made a spell-binding appearance on Later… with Jools Holland in 2012 and has toured the world, sharing stages with some of the finest guitarists and songwriters, including Nic Jones, Martin Simpson, Richard Thompson, and Chris Wood.
Released during lockdown in May 2020, Sam’s fourth album Home Waters has been heralded as “an album of quiet pleasures made by a musician at the top of his game” (R2 Magazine).
Tickets: £15 Full. £14 concessions.
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/sam-carter/
Emily Portman & Rob Harbron are two of the finest and most distinctive performers on the British folk scene.
With multiple accolades for their years of work in different collaborations, now they have formed an inspired new collaboration. Together they create a boldly stripped-back and intricately woven sound, exploring traditional song alongside new writing.
£15
8.00 pm
Contact Box Office: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT thebrewhouse.net
www.thebrewhouse.net
!!! SOLD OUT !!!
Scotland’s Tannahill Weavers are one of the world’s premier Celtic bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better…yet continue to do just that.
www.tannahillweavers.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/tannahill-weavers-3/
Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base. They have released six increasingly acclaimed albums, while fuelling their creative appetites in collaborations with indigenous Australasian artists, Quebec’s Le Vent du Nord, and most recently as artists-in-residence at 2019’s Celtic Colours festival with Cape Bretoners, Beolach.
Their 15 year adventure has included live performances from Sydney Opera House to Central Park NY. They have racked up an impressive array of accolades including five Scots Trad Music Awards, nominations as ‘Best Group’ in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and ‘European Album of the Year’ in The Songlines Music Awards.
Breabach are; Megan Henderson (Fiddle, Vocals, Step Dance), James Lindsay (Double Bass, Vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Bagpipes, Whistle, Bouzouki, Vocals), Conal McDonagh (Bagpipes, Whistle, Vocals) and Ewan Robertson (Guitar, Vocals, Cajon). Acknowledging and respecting the origins of both the music they play and the roots of the band whilst embracing the future with new ideas, energy and belief is a key attribute of the band and has remained a constant theme throughout their 15 years.
£18 early bird/£20 on the door
7.30 pm
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk
On our performers night The David Hall hands over its professional stage and outstanding acoustics to budding artists of all genres.
IMPORTANT: Please pre-book your performance slot or seat. Do not walk-up on the night. (so we can manage properly in the time of Coronavirus)
If you would like to attend our Acoustic Night as a performer or audience member then please email Chris Watts folk AT chriswatts.org or call 07715501157.
Suggested donation: Just £1 for performers and £2 Audience. Please pay on the door.
Petherton Arts Trust is trying this new evening as a way of encouraging more local performers of all genres to come and perform on a professional stage and to attract more people in the audience.
It’s a great evening full of extraordinary skill, talent and variety – and it doesn’t cost the earth – just £2 audience and £1 performers to cover the cost of heating and lighting the hall.
All types of performance welcome – The David Hall has had music, comedy, poetry, dance…. All have the opportunity to deliver for 10 – 15 minutes with full PA and lighting system.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/acoustic-night-730pm-donations-only/2021-10-24/
Folk Night Concert
Keep Off The Grass, Les Sullivan & friends plus The Wareham Whalers
8pm
Contact Philip Evans: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
www.bereregisfolk.com
An evening of original song and storytelling by Louise Jordan
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Louise Jordan returns to Dorset this autumn with a brand-new show of original song and storytelling which shines a light on lesser known aspects of the life and work of Florence Nightingale.
Florence Nightingale was a campaigner and reformer whose pioneering use of statistics called for government accountability and equal access to healthcare for all. Florence Nightingale spent less than two years as a nurse in the Crimea, yet she lived to the age of ninety. She spent decades campaigning for social reform worldwide, advocating equal access to healthcare for all and become an expert in areas such as land irrigation, hospital design and postal services for soldiers to advance her causes. This solo performance of original song and storytelling shines a light on lesser-known aspects of Florence Nightingale’s life and work, and questions why Florence’s extraordinary and wide-ranging achievements are so often overlooked.
Louise Jordan lives in the New Forest and is a songwriter and performer with ten years’ experience touring the UK and Europe. Self-accompanied on guitar and keyboard, Louise is a former secondary school teacher with an MA in Human Rights and has released six recordings gaining national radio play on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show & Radio 4. This dynamic new show celebrates Florence as a ground-breaking statistician and connects Florence’s work in the 19th century with the issues we continue to face in 2021.
7.30 pm
£8, £5 u18s, £20 family
Tickets and details: 01929 423834
or
www.artsreach.co.uk
A brand-new musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s well-loved classic by Chris Green.
GreenMatthews use music, song, light and sound to bring this timeless tale to sparkling life.
Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and of course the irrepressible Mr Toad as they embark on various adventures – on the river, on the road and in the dark and dangerous Wild Wood. Using traditional English Folk melodies set to lyrics, the show paints a vivid picture of Grahame’s world – from the humble comfort of Mole End to the grandeur of Toad Hall.
The Wind in the Willows is the prefect soundtrack to reminisce the months of summer – vivacious, sparkling and full of life.
Suitable for children over 8 years.
Tickets: £13 Adults / £9 Children /£36 Family 2+2
7:00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/greenmatthews-wind-in-the-willows/
The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland 's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs,
and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike
the rich musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have
received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.
The Tannahills have turned their acoustic excitement loose on audiences with an electrifying effect. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable. Over the years the Tannies have been international trailblazers for Scottish music, and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes.
£16 / £14 concessions
8pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co,uk
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternative Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
£3/£4
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
It’s all about folk song, and it’s all in good company! Whether you want a damn good sing in the bar, to hear and share new songs, to improve your voice or to create songs of your own, this is the weekend for you.
Having hosted this weekend for several years, Tom & Barbara Brown have made the decision to step down; we’re delighted that Bob & Gill Berry have agreed to carry the flame, and lead this weekend with guest singers Jez Lowe and Emily Longhurst.
Singers of all ages (teenagers to pensioners) and abilities are welcome to join the fun, in the comfortable and relaxed surroundings of Halsway Manor. ‘Singin’ in the Bar’ (with everyone having a chance to lead chorus songs or share their favourites – if they want to) when the bar is open, and opportunities to explore songs and individual singing in between, learn how to look after your voice and performance, or have a ramble around the glorious countryside – it’s up to you! You’re welcome to bring accompanying instruments if you wish. The extensive folk library will also be open throughout the weekend should you wish to delve into the collection.
There’s also the option of staying on for the Sunday night: 5pm Leaders’ Concert, followed by supper and a Survivors’ Song Session!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/give-voice-6/
An evening of original song and storytelling by Louise Jordan
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Louise Jordan returns to Dorset this autumn with a brand-new show of original song and storytelling which shines a light on lesser known aspects of the life and work of Florence Nightingale.
Florence Nightingale was a campaigner and reformer whose pioneering use of statistics called for government accountability and equal access to healthcare for all. Florence Nightingale spent less than two years as a nurse in the Crimea, yet she lived to the age of ninety. She spent decades campaigning for social reform worldwide, advocating equal access to healthcare for all and become an expert in areas such as land irrigation, hospital design and postal services for soldiers to advance her causes. This solo performance of original song and storytelling shines a light on lesser-known aspects of Florence Nightingale’s life and work, and questions why Florence’s extraordinary and wide-ranging achievements are so often overlooked.
Louise Jordan lives in the New Forest and is a songwriter and performer with ten years’ experience touring the UK and Europe. Self-accompanied on guitar and keyboard, Louise is a former secondary school teacher with an MA in Human Rights and has released six recordings gaining national radio play on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show & Radio 4. This dynamic new show celebrates Florence as a ground-breaking statistician and connects Florence’s work in the 19th century with the issues we continue to face in 2021.
7:30pm.
£8, £5 u18s, £20 family
Tickets and information: 01258 817269 or
www.artsreach.co.uk
The head of the Lakeman musical dynasty, Geoff, does his own thing with a beautiful Duet Concertina, this time accompanied by the banjo wizard, Rob Murch.
Expect songs and tunes covering many genres from Morris tunes, traditional folk songs, and sea shanties, through to jazz, swing, and more.
Supporting Geoff we welcome back the talented duo of Helen Gentile (Threepenny Bit) and Lewis Wood (Granny's Attic)
Seating capacity has been reduced to allow more spacing for the comfort and Covid safety of all our guests. This means fewer tickets available. Advance booking is essential.
£15 ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Calan are a multi-award-winning Welsh Folk band comprising of five virtuoso musicians who formed after they met at a Folk music course in Sweden. They won international acclaim at the world-renowned Inter-Celtic Festival in Lorient, France, where they would eventually become the first Welsh ensemble to win the coveted International Band Trophy. In April 2019, they were voted Best Band at the inaugural Wales Folk Awards.
Calan are: Bethan Rhiannon (accordion, vocals, clog dancing); Patrick Rimes (fiddle, Welsh bagpipes); Angharad Jenkins (fiddle); Sam Humphreys (guitar); and Shelley Musker-Turner (harp).
Tickets: £18 / £17 concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/calan/
This popular wife and husband duo have been making music together for over 25 years and have delighted audiences at the Corn Exchange over and again. To celebrate this rewardingly enduring partnership, join them as they revisit and reinterpret songs which span their career. From the early days of folk supergroup ‘Equation’ through to the current release ‘Personae’ with a nod or two along the way to their extra-curricular musical adventures, the evening promises to be a whistle-stop tour through their artistic journey to date.
8pm
£18 / £16 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2021/08/19/kathryn-roberts-sean-lakeman-on-reflection/
Words and music from and connected to Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, in aid of the church.
A mix of poetry and readings from our Dorset laureates, and traditional songs and tunes from 19th-century Dorset performed by respected Dorset folk doyen Tim Laycock with Alastair Simpson.
Tickets from Winfrith Village Stores or The Sailor’s Return Pub, Chaldon Herring.
Bar in the Village Hall together with burgers and hot drinks from Busy Birds at 6.30pm onwards; cash only.
Doors open 7pm. Performance at 7.30pm.
£15
We are delighted to welcome two of Europe’s greatest exponents of the diatonic button accordion to teach this extended course at Halsway Manor for advanced, and advanced-intermediate level players. Anne Niepold is a familiar name to many at Halsway, having been a regular tutor on our DG Melodeon and European Music Weekends. Likewise, Andy Cutting needs no introduction. Anne and Andy’s exalted collaboration as a duo has been somewhat interrupted by COVID but you can find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/Niepold-Cutting
This will be an intensive week of skills-based learning focusing on your development as a musician, discovering new ways to interpret and play, and to make the music your own. We’ve deliberately chosen two musicians with a lot in common, but also with quite different backgrounds and repertoire so you’ll benefit from contrasting approaches in their playing and teaching. You need to be open to trying new things, and to be prepared to work hard – it will be intensive but also an enjoyable and rewarding week, with time to relax in the evenings and enjoy informal sessions.
The group – limited to approximately 20 students – will be split in two by the tutors at the start of the course; you’ll spend roughly the same amount of time with each tutor. This will be done according to ability level; if you are coming with friends this may mean you will be working in different groups, but there’s plenty of informal time to meet, chat and play with others.
Arrival is from noon on Monday, with lunch at 1pm, and we begin playing at 3pm!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/melodeon-study-week-andy-cutting-anne-niepold/
Following on from their joyous – and packed – vocal weekends in 2018 and 2019, we’re delighted to welcome Narthen back to Halsway for a third weekend of festive carolling.
In the company of Barry Coope, Jo Freya, Fi Fraser, and Jim Causley you’ll enjoy a sensational weekend of polyphonic unaccompanied singing in four part harmony with a tutor to lead each section of the choir!
We’ll look at some of those beautiful Yorkshire and Derbyshire carols and other festive fair, for which Narthen are so well known. Whilst this will set you up with some fantastic singing material for the festive season it won’t all be about Christmas; there will be other songs too!
Whether you like to sing bass, alto, tenor or soprano or move around between those you’re welcome. You don’t need to read music but music will be provided. The sound of massed voices together is, dare we say it, ‘heavenly.’
Who’s it For?
Singers of all levels of experience who want to have fun singing in harmony! You do not need to be able to read music; it may be provided for some songs but you will have time to learn the parts by ear and use the scores as a guide. The songs are meant to be sung with men’s and women’s voices on all parts. You may come thinking you’re a bass singer and end up doubling the soprano line. You may be a soprano on one song and a tenor on another.
The Team
Narthen are Barry Coope, Jo Freya, Fi Fraser, with Jim Causley completing the quartet.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/narthen-carolling-and-beyond-2/
Shillingstone Barn Dance Club
1st Fridays until April.
7.30 for 7.45 in the Portman Hall, .
Some precautions being taken. Please bring your own drinks and snacks if you want to.
£6
Jenny and Ian Edlin 01258 861184
Anne Niepold is an extraordinary accordionist and composer. As a performer she is a true force of nature – brash, adventurous and phenomenally skilled, she takes the humble accordion in startling directions.
Andy Cutting is a rarity. A musician’s musician: a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. He has played with Kate Rusby, June Tabor, John McCusker and Under One Sky. He has been awarded the BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the year an unprecedented three times, 2008, 2011 and 2016.
THIS IS NOT PART OF A TOUR AND IS THE ONLY GIG THAT ANDY & ANNE ARE PLAYING IN THE SOUTH WEST. CATCH THEM WHILE YOU CAN.
Tickets: £17 & £13 Concs
8.00pm
Contact Steve Coram: 01278 422700
info AT bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
https://bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk/
It’s now over 25 years that this popular wife and husband duo have been making music.
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long-established themselves as one of the UK Folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships.
To celebrate and acknowledge this milestone, the couple will revisit and reinterpret songs which span their career. From the early days of Folk supergroup Equation through to Personae, with a nod or two along the way to their extra-curricular musical adventures, the evening promises a whistle-stop tour through their artistic journey to date.
Tickets: £18.50 /£17.50 concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/kathryn-roberts-sean-lakeman/
Anne Niepold is an extraordinary accordionist and composer. As a performer she is a true force of nature – brash, adventurous and phenomenally skilled, she takes the humble accordion in startling directions.
Andy Cutting is a rarity. A musician’s musician: a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. He has recorded with Sting, John Illsley (Dire Straits), Roger Daltry and was asked to join The Who for an acoustic concert in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall. He has been awarded the BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the year an of the year an unprecedented three times, 2008, 2011 and 2016.
8pm
Tickets: £17 & £13 conc
Tel: (01278) 422700
https://www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
Folk duo Ninebarrow impress us time and again 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.
Nominated in the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Emerging Artist and most recently picking up Best Duo in the Folking.com awards 2019, their latest album, ‘A Pocket Full of Acorns’ (released in March 2021) was released to wide-spread critical acclaim including coverage on BBC1’s Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s ‘Front Row’.
*Note: As you may be aware, Herrison Hall is currently temporarily closed to assess recent unexpected damage to the roof. We are aware of this situation and are monitoring closely, however we do not envisage long-term closure of the building. We are confident that our autumn programme will continue unhindered.
8pm
£18 / £16 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2021/08/19/sun-7-november-ninebarrow/
Còig is one of Atlantic Canada’s most exciting Celtic traditional groups made up of accomplished multi-instrumentalists, Chrissy Crowley, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen. With the fiery Celtic high-energy style as its musical core, Còig easily shifts between century-old tunes of past generations to original and upbeat compositions, featuring the band's range of over a dozen instruments (vocals, fiddles, piano, guitars, banjo, mandolin, viola, bouzouki, whistles, and more). With driving tunes, haunting songs and infectious energy, Còig is an unparalleled music force.
Còig is one of Atlantic Canada’s most exciting Celtic traditional groups made up of accomplished multi-instrumentalists, Chrissy Crowley, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen. With the fiery Celtic high-energy style as its musical core, Còig easily shifts between century-old tunes of past generations to original and upbeat compositions, featuring the band's range of over a dozen instruments (vocals, fiddles, piano, guitars, banjo, mandolin, viola, bouzouki, whistles, and more). With driving tunes, haunting songs and infectious energy, Còig is an unparalleled music force.
£16 early bird
7.30 pm
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk
Folk duo Ninebarrow impress us time and again 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.
8pm
£18 / £16 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2021/08/19/sun-7-november-ninebarrow/
Social dance week for more experienced dancers to learn and enjoy dances from ‘Both Sides of the Pond’ and beyond.
Rosemary Hunt leads the course; she regularly calls at events in UK, Europe and USA. The band is Orion’s Ring, well known for their lift and danceability.
For more information and to book please contact Rosemary and Steve Hunt:
Tel: 01202 814858
Email: rosemary.hunt AT uwclub.net
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/mostly-english-dance-week-2/
The remarkable intimate solo performances Martin gives go from strength to strength – every gig is a masterclass. He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing.
40 years after he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin is known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world.
www.martinsimpson.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £16.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/martin-simpson-a-master-of-his-art/
A long weekend for dancers & musicians to enjoy together, with the added element of straw craft for those who are interested!
Dancers will explore how callers, dancers and band interact to produce an enjoyable dance, with opportunities to try calling a dance. Musicians will focus on playing as a band, and performing tunes in an interesting and danceable fashion! With a supportive atmosphere and approachable leaders, the groups work together to put on a Playford Ball on Saturday (costume welcome) and a Ceilidh on Sunday. Music, both Playford style and Contra, is available in advance. The programme will consist of morning workshops, free time in the afternoons, and evening dances.
Straw Craft is newly listed on the Heritage Craft Association’s list of endangered crafts, so we’re especially delighted that Dorothy Seedhouse once again will be here for the weekend. You may book to join Dorothy for the full weekend, or musicians and dancers are welcome to drop into classes during free time in the afternoons.
The musicians’ side of the course is designed for players of any instrument. An ability to read music is necessary. Please let us know your instrument, and keys you can play in, when making a booking.
The dancing is aimed at people with some experience of folk dancing who are keen to learn more. If you’re interested in trying calling then this can be included.
Optional straw craft workshops are designed to be fun for both beginners and those with some experience, offering the chance to learn something new and to develop existing skills.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-dance-and-music-weekend/
The Violin making workshops are extremely popular at Halsway Manor, with many of the participants coming back year after year. The workshop gives maximum continuous time at the workbench supported by Neville Gardner, who has been teaching violin making for the last sixteen years. He is joined by Corrie Schrijver to ensure that there is a ratio of 1 tutor to no more than 5 participants giving plenty of patient and knowledgeable support.
Arrive from 4pm Friday; depart after lunch on Monday.
This course is for all levels of ability and beginners are very welcome. As well as the violin family, support can also be given for making a Rebec (an ancient ancestor of the violin). The class size is limited so that participants have plenty of support from the two tutors. Before enrolling please contact Neville Gardner – Neville AT nevillejgardner.co.uk – to discuss the suitability of the course for your needs.
The Team
Neville Gardner was a University Lecturer and has been teaching violin making for twenty years.
Corrie Schrijver graduated from the Welsh School of Violin Making, with Merit in 1980. Since then she has worked at various workshops, making and restoring for professional players.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/violin-making-5/
Nominated in the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Faustus are three of the leading lights of their generation: Benji Kirkpatrick (Seth Lakeman Band, Bellowhead), Saul Rose (Waterson:Carthy, Whapweazel) and Paul Sartin (Bellowhead, Belshazzar’s Feast). They have a plethora of experience between them, brought together here in a virtuosic display of musicianship. Rooted deeply in the English tradition, in 2007 they received a 75th Anniversary Award from the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
www.faustusband.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £16.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/faustus-2/
The annual visit from our club patron Chris Leslie is always popular. Since none was possible in 2020, there will be great demand for tickets for this evening. At time of announcing this date, there are only a few seats available so do not wait, book NOW.
Seating capacity has been reduced to allow more spacing for the comfort and Covid safety of all our guests. This means fewer tickets available. Advance booking is essential.
£15 ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
After 60 years of touring and recording, Martin still remains one of the most respected and influential figures in the folk world, with a broad and varied experience of many aspects of the music business. He's agreed to do an interview/Q & A session during the afternoon, from 3.30pm prior to an evening concert scheduled for 8.00pm. Tickets for the afternoon will be £7.00, and £15.00 for the concert, or come to both for £20.00.
Food will be available from the pub if ordered in advance call the Trooper on 01963 362405 to order from their menu.
Tickets from John Waltham on 01963 362890.
Martyn Joseph is a completely unique and mind-blowing artist. Take everything you think you know about singer/ songwriters….and rip it up. For just one man and a guitar he creates a performance with a huge far-reaching sound that is energetic, compelling and passionate. Be it to two hundred people or twenty thousand, he blows the crowd away night after night.
Martyn is gifted with the rare ability to speak to the soul with his expressive and poignant lyrics and has a career spanning 30 years with 32 albums, over a half a million record sales and thousands of live performances.
A unique talent driven by passion, social awareness and love for his trade, he’s a jaw-dropping guitar player who has developed a unique percussive style, teamed up with a powerful show-stopping voice, and has been called “The Welsh Springsteen”
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/martyn-joseph/
With a professional conductor and aimed at a more advanced level of playing, being able to play a bass recorder of some description is essential. All participants are expected to frequently change instruments through the course to give everyone the opportunity to play a variety of recorders. This course will focus on cannons and fugues.
Because of the challenging nature of the repertoire, all course participants should have a very good sense of rhythm and be experienced ensemble players. Ideally you should also play both F and C instruments, including tenor AND bass. Being able to play a bass recorder of some description is essential.
This partnership event is organised by Recorders for All, an entirely voluntary, not-for-profit organisation with Pam Smith as musical director and Jan Epps as secretary and administrator. For more information go to the Recorders for All website.
http://www.recordersforall.org.uk
For more information and to book please contact Jan Epps:
Tel - 01752 417093
Email - jan.epps57 AT gmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/recorders-for-all-2019/
Folk supergroup Show of Hands are finally reuniting to perform on the neglected stages of the UK.
Music legends Phil Beer, Steve Knightley, Miranda Sykes and Cormac Byrne will return to captivate audiences with live renditions of their award-winning hits and festival favourites, two years since their concerts were cancelled due to Covid-19.
The band will perform a mouthwatering compilation of iconic signature tracks from the last 25 years, including their two Folk Award-winning songs, ‘Arrogance Ignorance Greed’ (AIG) and ‘Country Life’.
Fans will also be entertained by the band’s new lockdown-themed single ‘The Best One Yet’.
£28.50 ADULT adv / £30 door. U21s (With valid ID) £14.75 adv & door.
https://www.electricpalace.org.uk/events/event/show-of-hands/
Following an unavoidable break last year, we’re delighted to welcome back the team for the 18th Annual Zesty Contra House Party! Expect an exhilarating, popular and fun weekend designed to extend your dance horizons! Bring your instruments too if you fancy joining the band for a session or two.
Contra dancing is a development of the English country dances taken up by the French at the end of the 17th Century which were then exported back to England and subsequently travelled with the early settlers to America. The resurgence of interest in recent years has led to a more contemporary “zesty” contra style.
For regular dancers, with or without experience of Contra.
Dance callers Rhodri Davies and Mark Elvins are two of the very best contra dance callers in England. Their annual double-act of workshops and dances at the House Party gives them an extended opportunity to work with and to entertain dancers.
Wild Ride are the much-in-demand trio of Holly Norton (piano/fiddle), Robbie Thomas (guitar, mandolin, banjo) and Bob Tracey (fiddle). A hit on the festival circuit, Bob, Holly and Robbie share a wide range of musical influences and experiences and take an obvious delight in playing together. Combining the groove and drive of American contra music with infectious tunes from the American, Scottish and Irish traditions, to set your feet flying!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/the-18th-zesty-contra-weekend/
Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has (according to Mojo magazine) "Quite possibly the world's most beautiful female voice".
Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her album “Wanderer” which is a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman. Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs. Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.
With support from Jess McAllister
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £21.00
On the door £25.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/cara-dillon/
With just two old guitars and a bucketful of aching harmony The Goat Roper Rodeo Band are preaching ‘Cosmic Country Blues’ like you never heard…
From a lonesome shack in the North Wales hills, Jim and Sam have honed their craft on a diet of country classics and down home roots records over the past decade, culminating in their own brand of trippy yet soulful acoustic blues.
It’s up, it’s down, it’s soft and loud, it’s dark and lonesome too, there’s hurt and shame and some mean old pain but there’s love in what they do!
There’s a hint of Gram, a sniff of Dylan and a twist of Waylon’s blues … Simply put, it’s exactly what it says on the tin.
The events of the past year have allowed the duo to concentrate on what matters… song.
Tickets: £17 Full. £16 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-goat-roper-rodeo-band/
Join Ralph McTell on his tour for his new album ‘Hill of Beans’.
Produced by the legendary Tony Visconti, it is Ralph’s first album of original material for 9 years. The performance will feature plenty of songs from his 50+ year career in addition to showcasing some of his most recent work.
£25
7.30 pm
Contact Box Office: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT thebrewhouse.net
www.thebrewhouse.net
Indian Tales brought vividly to life with music and words
Join storyteller Emily Hennessey and sitar player extraordinaire, Sheema Mukherjee, as they return to Dorset for three performances of their mesmerising storytelling and musical show with Artsreach this autumn. They have been fusing live storytelling and music for many years, specialising in Indian mythology with music that draws on both Indian classical and contemporary traditions.
Together Emily and Sheema conjure fast-flowing worlds of cosmic creatures, celestial curses, wise women and gods behaving badly in this brand-new show, featuring Indian stories of liberation, love, life, truth and illusion.
7:45pm.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+, further information and tickets are also available from www.artsreach.co.uk
Local contact: 01297 560948
Daoiri Farrell is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars to come out of Ireland's rich singing tradition in recent decades and has become a world phenomenon. He has been described as " so talented, so natural, that you feel as if you might as well give it all up and just listen in awe". He's normally playing in large concert halls so we're lucky to have him booked at the Trooper.
Meals will be available in the pub before the concert if booked in advance - call 01963 362405.
Tickets are £15.00 each and are strictly limited, so advance booking is strongly advised. Contact John on 01963 362890
Indian Tales brought vividly to life with music and words
Join storyteller Emily Hennessey and sitar player extraordinaire, Sheema Mukherjee, as they return to Dorset for three performances of their mesmerising storytelling and musical show with Artsreach this autumn. They have been fusing live storytelling and music for many years, specialising in Indian mythology with music that draws on both Indian classical and contemporary traditions.
Together Emily and Sheema conjure fast-flowing worlds of cosmic creatures, celestial curses, wise women and gods behaving badly in this brand-new show, featuring Indian stories of liberation, love, life, truth and illusion.
7:30 pm.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+, further information and tickets are also available from www.artsreach.co.uk
Local contact: 01308 485730
Michelle Plum and Nick B Hall are Plumhall, an electrifying duo from Yorkshire whose award-winning original songs are earning them well deserved plaudits from the likes of Miles Hunt, Phil Beer and Steve Knightley. They certainly pack a punch with powerful acoustic (occasional electric) guitar and luscious harmony-driven textures of original contemporary folk rock.
£13
8.00 pm
Contact Box Office: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT thebrewhouse.net
www.thebrewhouse.net
Indian Tales brought vividly to life with music and words
Join storyteller Emily Hennessey and sitar player extraordinaire, Sheema Mukherjee, as they return to Dorset for three performances of their mesmerising storytelling and musical show with Artsreach this autumn. They have been fusing live storytelling and music for many years, specialising in Indian mythology with music that draws on both Indian classical and contemporary traditions.
Together Emily and Sheema conjure fast-flowing worlds of cosmic creatures, celestial curses, wise women and gods behaving badly in this brand-new show, featuring Indian stories of liberation, love, life, truth and illusion.
7:30 pm.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+, further information and tickets are also available from www.artsreach.co.uk
Local contact: 01258 860319
Discover French dance or develop your dance horizons! Both experienced and novice French dancers are invited to a week of expert tuition led by Peter Clifton, and supported by Karen Prager. The course will be taught to exemplary live music from Richard Heacock (violin) and Paul Hutchinson (accordion), and David Faulkner (pipes). Yannick Minvielle-Debat will join the team for part of the week to introduce traditional singing-for-dancing.
Dancers will be introduced to French couple dances: Scottish, Bourrée, Waltz and Mazurka, and to Breton circle and chain dances. (You don’t need to bring a partner for the couple dances). Lesser-known dances will also be taught, including some from the Vendée and Poitou regions. The focus will be on dance variation and developing communication and dynamics through both couple and circle dances.
Yannick will add some easy-to-learn French songs to the mix, which can be applied to well-known dances, and practised within the week at workshops and evening bals.
Dancers who also play are encouraged bring to bring instruments if they wish; there will be opportunities to play for some of the dances in the bal each evening. The week will end with a public Bal on Thursday night, when we’ll be joined by guest musician Dave Faulkner (Eel Grinders).
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-breton-dance-week-4/
A special party night plus memories of Ann Binding
8.00 - 10.00 pm.
Robert Blackborow 01823 491662
robertfolk01 AT hotmail.com
Martyn Joseph is a completely unique and mind blowing artist. Take everything you think you know about singer songwriters….and rip it up. For one man and a guitar he creates a performance with a huge far-reaching sound that is energetic, compelling and passionate. Be it to two hundred people or twenty thousand, he blows the crowd away night after night.
He is gifted with the rare ability to speak to the soul with his expressive and poignant lyrics and has a career spanning 30 years, 33 albums, over a half a million record sales and thousands of live performances.
Autumn 2021 will see him releasing a brand new studio album of new material, with songs of both insightful observations of our times, along with poignant more personal reflections.
martynjoseph.net
£18.00
Doors 7:30pm
Music from 8:00pm
https://bournemouthfolkclub.com/product/martyn-joseph/
Martyn Joseph is a completely unique and mind blowing artist. Take everything you think you know about singer songwriters….and rip it up. For one man and a guitar he creates a performance with a huge far-reaching sound that is energetic, compelling and passionate. Be it to two hundred people or twenty thousand, he blows the crowd away night after night.
He is gifted with the rare ability to speak to the soul with his expressive and poignant lyrics and has a career spanning 30 years, 33 albums, over a half a million record sales and thousands of live performances.
Autumn 2021 will see him releasing a brand new studio album of new material, with songs of both insightful observations of our times, along with poignant more personal reflections.
£18.00
Doors 7:30, Music 8:00pm
Contact Leonardo MacKenzie: 07780847867
info AT bournemouthfolkclub
bournemouthfolkclub.com
Bringing a refreshing glimmer of hope and an abundance of heart and positivity, British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emma Stevens first picked up a guitar at the age of two and has since learnt cello, piano, banjo, ukulele, mandolin and bass.
Emma achieved four consecutive play-listed singles on BBC Radio 2, extensive international radio play in the UK, Europe and Australia, an iTunes single of the week with her song “Riptide”, sold out headline shows and supported The Feeling, Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Train, Albert Lee and Simply Red to name a few!
Emma’s catchy pop melodies and folky instrumentation has been used on many TV shows on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4, and even featured on a TV show in China which was broadcast to 75 million people, receiving a whopping 500 million streams in China after!
Since losing her Mum to cancer in 2012, Emma has dedicated her life to her music, writing messages of positivity, hope and love. Her music breathes life and honesty, and is re-establishing a lyrical connection with her audience, something seemingly so absent from an overcrowded marketplace.
www.emmastevensmusic.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/emma-stevens-trio/
Rachel Sermanni is a Scottish singer-songwriter whose beautiful, fluent sound is a perfect match for eloquent lyrics and a captivating stage presence. Her new single 'Travelled' has just been released.
Written predominantly while pregnant on tour in the US, the lead single actually sees us begin at the journey’s end. Borne into the world two weeks ahead of the birth, the Scottish songwriter celebrates the innate spirituality that inspired her to surrender to the tides, sifting through any mud that came her way to achieve a clarity as crystalline and clear as the sea’s shimmering blue.
+ support
This event has both seating and standing room – be sure to purchase the correct ticket.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance seated or standing £14.00
On the door seated or standing £17.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/rachel-sermanni/
– A ‘Chance to Dance’ Event
Over the last 15 years, Skerryvore have brought their performances to audiences across the globe, from their early days in Scottish West Coast halls and bars to festival crowds in the USA, Canada, Australia and throughout the UK and Europe. Picking up Scottish traditional music’s Live Act of the Year twice on the way – in 2011 and again in 2016 – the band’s wide range of influences and talent produce a musically expansive, high-energy set that excites and captivates audiences.
With a mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving base, drums and key, Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish Traditional music. Their six studio albums demonstrate the wide range of influences the individual musicians bring to the mix – a unique fusion of Folk, Trad, Rock, and Americana, with even some Jazz in there!
Tickets: £23. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/skerryvore-a-chance-to-dance-event/
Rachel Sermanni is a Scottish singer-songwriter whose beautiful and fluent sound, pairs perfectly with her eloquent lyrics and captivating stage presence. Her new single 'Travelled' has just been released. Rachel Sermanni has announced a new EP, ‘Swallow Me’, that charts her journey to motherhood.
£14.00 advance seated or standing / £17.00 on the door seated or standing | 10% discount for members
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/KTcZPtQwzBfV
Following their visit as special guests of Blowzabella three years ago, we are delighted to welcome back in their own right Naragonia – Toon Van Mierlo & Pascale Rubens – to lead an intensive music workshop weekend. The weekend will focus on ensemble playing (Toon) and diatonic accordion (Pascale) plus a chance to see the duo in action in a Saturday evening concert / bal. Please tell us which workshop you are planning to follow when making a booking enquiry.
Toon’s Ensemble Workshop: Welcome for a new experiment! Sorry, there will be no melodies this time. We will create together a long music story around a tale. We will work together as an orchestra with many parallel lines playing together. You can’t prepare yourself for this but you will need a happy open mind and good concentration, because we will be playing nearly all the time. The good news is that everyone will play and be challenged on his or her own level because of the parallel lines. We will combine basic lines with very odd and difficult lines and put them together to get a interesting movie sounding musical story. So please join us and enjoy the trip!
Level: you have to know the good basics of your instrument and be able to keep at the rhythm.
Pascale’s Diatonic Accordion Workshop: Welcome for this workshop! You will receive beforehand the sheet music and you will have to prepare yourself a little bit, so we can fully focus on the music during the workshop and not on learning tunes. You will meet lots of new stuff about chords, left hand rhythm, variations in melody…. You will be challenged to discover your instrument in a different way with lots of left and right hand separate exercises.
Level: intermediate level.
Who’s it For?
For Toon’s workshop: players of all instruments, please tell us what you plan as you book. You’ll need a good basic foundation to playing your instrument and the ability to keep to a rhythm. the music will be constructed with simpler and more complex parts as a way to include and stretch everybody. You’ll need an open mind and to be willing to play by ear.
For Pascale’s workshop: players of DG melodeon (2 row, 8 bass minimum) of an intermediate standard and above. By this we mean you’ll be confidently playing simple tunes up to speed with both hands together. You’ll be familiar in playing in a variety of keys (eg. D, G, Em) and be crossing rows in your right hand; you’ll know where to find your basses and chords in the left hand and be secure in a variety of left-hand rhythms. If you read our Melodeon Workshop Levels, we mean level 3 and above.
Neither workshop is suitable for beginners.
The Team
Naragonia play original, beautiful folk-inspired dance music with a refined, strong energy; their music is as much a pleasure to listen to as to dance to. The duo came into existence spontaneously in the summer of 2003 at the Andanças festival in Portugal; since then they have gained popularity across the folk world at home and abroad with 7 very well received albums and two tune books to their name. Naragonia are much in demand for concerts and bals in Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal and Italy, and have also played in Poland, Great Britain, Spain, Croatia, Switzerland and Ireland.
Toon Van Mierlo (bagpipes, diatonic accordion) studied oboe for several years as a child at the music academy in Turnhout. Ten years later at twenty-one, Toon fell head-over-heels for uillean pipes (Irish bagpipes), French pipes, clarinet, soprano sax, and button accordion soon followed. In 2003, Toon joined the band Fluxus and after that was soon asked to join Floes, Embrun, Harakiwi, Manimoen, and other bands. Today he plays with Naragonia, Naragonia Quartet, Hot Griselda, Novar and in duo with Olle Geris. Toon has recorded many albums with these groups and played as a guest artist on many more and he loves people and nature 🙂
Pascale Rubens (diatonic accordion, violin) began playing classical violin when she was only nine years old but at eighteen fell in love with the button accordion. In 1999 she began the duo Musaraigne with cellist Hannes Pouseele. In 2005, the duo released their first album, “Convoi exceptional”, and represented Belgium in the International Radio Festival in Gdansk. In 2002, Pascale became the box player for the band Griff, who also released a debut album in 2005. In 2003 Pascale and Toon formed their duo.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/naragonia-workshop-event/
All welcome! We are looking forward to a lively evening of dancing.
Hopefully most people will be double jabbed. There will be a hand sanitiser at the hall if you haven’t brought your own and we intend to improve ventilation. Please bring your own food and drink as this will not be provided.
£6 under 16 free
Start 7.15 for 7.30
Finish 9.30
Contact Sally Condon 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.
£15
8.00 pm
Contact Box Office: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT thebrewhouse.net
www.thebrewhouse.net
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. Bonded by an unseen alchemy, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have entwined their professional and personal relationship into an enviable class act of imaginative songwriting and musicianship.
www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
7:30pm.
Tickets and information 01963 220208.
£10, £6 u18s, £25 family
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, full information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk
One of our most popular concert nights featuring Anthony John Clarke, accompanied by his long time pal, Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg (Peggy).
AJ is a tour de force of songwriting and terrible jokes, aided and abetted by Peggy with a variety of musical instruments, featuring some of his own compositions too.
Supporting them is the amazing duo from Salisbury, Antoine and Owena.
Seating capacity has been reduced to allow more spacing for the comfort and Covid safety of all our guests. This means fewer tickets available. Advance booking is essential.
£15, ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
On our performers night The David Hall hands over its professional stage and outstanding acoustics to budding artists of all genres.
IMPORTANT: Please pre-book your performance slot or seat. Do not walk-up on the night. (so we can manage properly in the time of Coronavirus)
If you would like to attend our Acoustic Night as a performer or audience member then please email Chris Watts folk AT chriswatts.org or call 07715501157.
Suggested donation: Just £1 for performers and £2 Audience. Please pay on the door.
Petherton Arts Trust is trying this new evening as a way of encouraging more local performers of all genres to come and perform on a professional stage and to attract more people in the audience.
It’s a great evening full of extraordinary skill, talent and variety – and it doesn’t cost the earth – just £2 audience and £1 performers to cover the cost of heating and lighting the hall.
All types of performance welcome – The David Hall has had music, comedy, poetry, dance…. All have the opportunity to deliver for 10 – 15 minutes with full PA and lighting system.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/acoustic-night-730pm-donations-only/2021-11-27/
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. Bonded by an unseen alchemy, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have entwined their professional and personal relationship into an enviable class act of imaginative songwriting and musicianship.
www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
7.30 pm
Tickets and information 01929 450587.
£10, £6 u18s, £27 family
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, full information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. Bonded by an unseen alchemy, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have entwined their professional and personal relationship into an enviable class act of imaginative songwriting and musicianship.
www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
7:30pm.
Tickets and information 01258 480698.
£10, £6 u18s, £25 family
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, full information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk
Travel back in time with Mary Mohan and Jude Rees from Archaedium as your guides, learning tunes from the Middle Ages. Discover some of the wonderful syncopated melodies among the hundreds of Cantigas da Santa Maria from Medieval Spain; compelling and often hypnotic dance tunes from across Europe; early English songs and more. We will look at ways of taking these often deceptively simple melodies and turning them into performances. Learning will be done both by ear and with notation, so whichever method works for you is fine.
Arrive for lunch on Monday; depart after lunch on Wednesday.
Who’s It For?
This course is for all instrumentalists who want to dip their toes into the fascinating world of Medieval music. As tutors Mary and Jude between them play a wide number of modern and early instruments (cello, viol, medieval vielles, violin, viola, double bass, oboe, recorders, shawm, hurdy gurdy, crumhorn, curtal, bagpipes, clarinet, sax, flute, percussion) and of course they both sing. Whatever your musical background, you will have a warm welcome on our course.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/the-medieval-folkie-with-archaedium/
West Gallery Carols, Harmony Songs and Dance Music from Thomas Hardy’s Wessex
The Mellstock Band invite you to join them for a weekend of music and song from the West Country, as immortalised in the poems and novels of Thomas Hardy. For over thirty years Dave Townsend and the band have been resurrecting his musical world, finding forgotten gems of vocal and instrumental music from village musicians’ manuscript books and the early folksong collectors. Hardy and his family were active local musicians with their own collection of song and dance manuscripts, and Hardy noted down songs from his family and friends.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/christmas-in-mellstock-2/
Richard Digance is a BAFTA-nominated entertainer and a recipient of The Gold Award from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. He has also won a Sony Award and is one of only three British Folk singers mentioned in The Virgin Anthology of Songwriters for his contribution to comedy songwriting.
Richard has released 31 albums, written 14 books and has had nearly 5 million visits on YouTube. He also composed the songs and music for Bill Bryson’s best-selling audio CD book, The Road To Little Dribbling. He has worked in America with movie star Steve Martin and recalls two of his greatest moments as playing The London Palladium with Robin Williams and a guitar duet on TV with Queen guitarist, Brian May.
Off-stage he composes soundtracks and incidental music for TV and movies plus audio CD books
Richard ends another year of touring with a very special Christmas show for grown-ups who still believe. An evening of festive merriment and audience participation to celebrate the end of over 50 years of touring up and down the country without Santa’s magical sleigh! Nothing rude, but it certainly isn’t a school Christmas concert.
Tickets: £16 Full, £15 concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/richard-digance/
Shillingstone Barn Dance Club
1st Fridays until April.
7.30 for 7.45 in the Portman Hall, .
Some precautions being taken. Please bring your own drinks and snacks if you want to.
£6
Jenny and Ian Edlin 01258 861184
The Stanchester Quire are pleased to welcome the Folk Maestro once more to perform his incredible Christmas masrepiece!
£10
8.00 pm
Contact Bonnie by email: stanchesterquire1 AT gmail.com
or Phil by phone: 07 778 119 663
stanchesterquire.org.
Join us for an evening of dancing, carolling and carousing in English Tradition with songs, tunes and tales from Hardy’s Wessex.
The Mellstock Band return to Halsway Manor for a weekend workshop of West Gallery Carolling. This evening is their seasonal public concert. An uproarious celebration of dance, drink and general misbehaviour as carried on at Christmas in many villages until about a hundred years ago – along with sobering admonitions from puritans, parsons and angels. The band perform in period costume with a mix of early and modern instruments.
The stories and poems come from Dorset stalwarts Thomas Hardy and William Barnes. Hardy’s family were themselves musicians and collectors of folks song and dance manuscripts. These dance traditions were central to Christmas celebrations alongside the ancillary activities of drinking, singing and revelry. Alongside this are carols dedicated to dancing, bell-ringing and cider, and the Devil’s own tunes, with parsons and preachers caught in the crossfire.
8pm–10pm
£12
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/mellstock-band-a-shepherds-calendar/
Christmas Carol Concert
Retiring " silver+" collection
7:30pm
Contact Alison Suter
leosca4 AT gmail.com
Delve into the wonderful world of klezmer with Susi Evans and Szilvia Csaranko (and Indra Buraczewska TBC) at the helm to inspire you to explore this celebratory, soulful and melodic music from nineteeth century Jewish Eastern Europe.
Go at your own pace, learn great tunes and gain knowledge of the modes, ornamentation, rhythms and accompaniment that give klezmer its unique flavour. Play in small ensembles, be part of the Halsway Klezmer Orchestra and learn tips and tricks on your instrument to play in a klezmer style. There will also be a tutors’ concert and plenty of opportunity for jamming in the bar!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/klezmer-music-course/
Join host Roger Phipps and friends at our informal Music and Song session. We usually meet on the first Sunday of each month at 8pm. Tonight we’ll be sharing the Manor with arrivals on the Klezmer Music course, so we may combine for some or all of the evening – we’ll wait and see!
Open to all singers and musicians – or you are welcome to just come and have a drink and listen. We have a folk theme, but really all types of acoustic music, song and poetry are welcome. We generally combine some playing together with some individual spots. We don’t frown on you having your words or music in front of you and we encourage beginners.
There’s no admission fee; we generally ‘pass the hat’ for donation to Halsway.
Just come along, or give Roger a call on 01278 671685 if you’d like to know more.
8pm–10:30pm
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-sunday-club-2/
Christmas Carol Concert
The quire are performing their Christmas Concert in support of the hall.
£8
7:30pm
Phone: 01460 240340
info AT thedavidhall.org.uk.
2-day workshop
Arriving Thursday evening, then two full days of multi-instrumental group arrangements, playing and tuition for intermediate players. Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20 participants. Booking at 01643 821425.
You can come as a resident in the hotel or as a day visitor.
Call the hotel for details, depending on day or residential visit.
Contact Jon Bennett: 01865 769206
MoonrakersCelticMusic AT gmail.com
www.moonrakers.net
A heart-warming look at the timeless rituals and folklore of midwinter England. Mysterious and magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire and incessant feasting come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Add a smattering of hilarious original songs and a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and supported by his scintillating skill on squeezeboxes, and you have the recipe for a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.
8pm–10pm
Full price: £14
Concessions: £12
Concessionary priced tickets are available to full-time students of any age (including children)
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/john-kirkpatrick-carolling-crumpets-2/
Ellie Gowers has been making an impression wherever she lands. Her music embeds a fierce energy that echoes the 60’s folk revival scene and she is known to hold pride of place on stage with her strong and lucent vocals. Her songs are built from a childhood love of literature and traditional folk song, but also discuss the more modern narratives of the present day. These influences fuse together to create a sound that has been deemed unique and incomparable.
8pm
£12
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk
The band that gives Christmas songs a good, if respectful, kicking. They bring sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes, both original, and those you know so well (or thought you did). Great musical talent, wit and invention in the form of founder member Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) and Chris While and Julie Matthews (Radio 2 Folk Award Winners). They have brought joy, laughter and a few tears to every concert performance for the last 20 years.
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/st-agnes-fountain-christmas-2021/2021-12-10/
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. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.
Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. December 2019 saw Mad Dog Mcrea released a 5-track EP titled ‘It’s a Sign’.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
8pm
£16.50 / £14.50 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2021/09/20/mad-dog-mcrea/
Some seasonal, and not so seasonal songs and tunes from the wonderful Jez Lowe with his brilliant Bad Pennies.
Joining them for this brilliant night's entertainment is Benny Graham.
There is no additional support.
Seating capacity has been reduced to allow more spacing for the comfort and Covid safety of all our guests. This means fewer tickets available. Advance booking is essential.
£20
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
The quire are pleased to be performing again in this very special church.
Early booking is advisable as numbers are strictly limited.
£8 to include mince pie and mulled wine.
7pm.
Contact Graham: 01963 219632
friendsofholnest AT gmail.com.
The band that gives Christmas songs a good, if respectful, kicking. They bring sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes, both original, and those you know so well (or thought you did). Great musical talent, wit and invention in the form of founder member Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) and Chris While and Julie Matthews (Radio 2 Folk Award Winners). They have brought joy, laughter and a few tears to every concert performance for the last 20 years.
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/st-agnes-fountain-christmas-2021/2021-12-10/
Much-toured 4-piece band, Moonrakers (harp, cello, stringed instruments, whistles, female/male vocals) pride themselves on having brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in festivals, arts centres, churches and village halls across the UK in recent years. Songs and tunes from the English, Irish and Scottish tradition as well as their own compositions.
£15
7.30 pm
Contact Regal Theatre: Booking: 01643 706430.
MoonrakersCelticMusic AT gmail.com
www.moonrakers.net
Brand-new for 2021! Following on from A Christmas Carol: In Concert and A Brief History of Christmas, GreenMatthews present their new festive show. Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show is brought to life with GreenMatthews’ trademark wit and humour.
8pm–10pm
Full Price: £12
Under 18s: £10
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/greenmatthews-midwinter-revels/
Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin return to Halsway with their festive show – Mistletoe and Whine. Christmas starts here!
Belshazzars’ Feast start with traditional folk music, add a touch of classical and jazz, sprinkle over a few TV and movie themes, and top it off lashings of laughs for a unique live experience. A seasonal treat that sends audiences home with a smile.
Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals), “one of folk’s odd couples”, have for nearly 25 years wowed audiences around Europe, The States and Australia, with virtuoso musicianship tempered by wry humour.
8pm–10pm
£15
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/belshazzars-feast-3/
Lunchtime Christmas Carol Concert
1.00 pm
krisemmett AT live.co.uk
Banding Together summer weekends provide advanced and fluent English concertina players with the opportunity to join with others of similar proficiency to play as a big concertina band. The music is varied and challenging but help with preparation is provided. The result is an electrifying big band sound!
This winter weekend is altogether a more relaxed affair. It is a Christmas House Party for concertina bandits (ie English system players addicted to concertina band) with repertoire focusing on seasonal music. Festive fun and games will form an integral part of the weekend.
Unlike the summer weekend, the music will not be outrageously complicated but attention to detail, our hallmark, will not be compromised. Participants will still be expected to come well prepared and “band ready”, having spent time working on the music. Dots and resource materials are all emailed in advance.
Bandits finding the summer weekend too advanced might find this a more comfortable level.
Who’s it For?
Players must be fluent and confident on their instrument and read notation accurately. Preparation is essential. Music, together with audio files and practice guidance, is provided in advance. It is open to any English system concertina player who meets these criteria.
The Team
Banding Together weekends are organised by Junction 25 Concertina Band.
Music for Banding Together is sourced, arranged and led by J25 director Claire Wren.
For details and booking of this partnership event please contact:
Claire Wren: bandingtogetherwithj25 AT gmail.com
Jackie Oates is a mainstay of English traditional music. Regarded as one of the country’s best loved folk performers, Jackie’s current focus is on collaborating with a diverse array of artists and commissions. Following the death of her much-loved dad five days after the birth of her first child, Jackie’s 2018 album The Joy Of Living reached beyond the past lives in folk song to the lived experience of all of us. The Guardian called it “utterly gorgeous… moving, depth-filled.” Since then, Jackie has released classic covers with Scritti Politti’s Rhodri Marsden, researched pagan Bath for the mavericks at Lush cosmetics, been Artist In Residence at the Twitter-famous Museum of English Rural Life, lent her voice and musicianship to CBeebies’ Nick Cope’s Popcast, and begun an ongoing mixed media work about the history of lace telling. Jackie Oates continues to bring elements of the English folk tradition to new people and places; in turn bringing a much needed calm and joy to those who hear it.
For this special Christmas show Jackie will be joined by double bassist John Parker and Mike Cosgrove on piano and accordion.
jackieoates.co.uk/
£15.00
Doors 7:30pm
Music from 8:00pm
https://bournemouthfolkclub.com/product/jackie-oates/
Jackie Oates is a mainstay of English traditional music. Regarded as one of the country’s best loved folk performers, Jackie’s current focus is on collaborating with a diverse array of artists and commissions. Following the death of her much-loved dad five days after the birth of her first child, Jackie’s 2018 album The Joy Of Living reached beyond the past lives in folk song to the lived experience of all of us. The Guardian called it “utterly gorgeous… moving, depth-filled.” Since then, Jackie has released classic covers with Scritti Politti’s Rhodri Marsden, researched pagan Bath for the mavericks at Lush cosmetics, been Artist In Residence at the Twitter-famous Museum of English Rural Life, lent her voice and musicianship to CBeebies’ Nick Cope's Popcast, and begun an ongoing mixed media work about the history of lace telling. Jackie Oates continues to bring elements of the English folk tradition to new people and places; in turn bringing a much needed calm and joy to those who hear it.
For this special Christmas show Jackie will be joined by double bassist John Parker and Mike Cosgrove on piano and accordion.
£15.00
Doors 7:30, Music 8:00pm
Contact Leonardo MacKenzie: 07780847867
info AT bournemouthfolkclub
bournemouthfolkclub.com
Three time winners of the prestigious BBC Folk Awards, The Young’uns are one of the hottest properties on the UK Folk and Acoustic scene. A unique act – performing mainly accapella - these 3 huge hearted, brass lunged lads from the North of England sing folk songs for our times with heart and humour.
Their album Strangers was voted Best Album by the British public at the 2018 BBC Folk Awards (adding to the Best Group awards the band won consecutively in 2016 and 2015). Described as a ‘record for troubled times’ and ‘an antidote to Brexit,’ it is a bold, profound and resonant collection of songs showcasing the growing talents of Sean Cooney, fast becoming one of folk’s finest songwriters.
Together with Michael Hughes and David Eagle (who is also an award winning stand-up comedian) the Young’uns live performances achieve one of the trickiest balancing acts – an ability to truly ‘make them laugh and make them cry’, while cutting straight to the heart of some of today’s most topical issues.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £17.50
On the door £20.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/the-younguns/
CHRISTMAS TOUR – 2021
Cara Dillon, possessed of one of the most celebrated folk voices to have
come out of Ireland, will be touring her annual Christmas show “Upon A
Winter’s Night”. The overwhelming success of previous tours cementing this
magical and memorable festive experience as a firm tradition for many years
to come.
£25 + BOOKING FEE
19:30
https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/events/cara-dillon-upon-a-winters-night/
On our performers night The David Hall hands over its professional stage and outstanding acoustics to budding artists of all genres.
IMPORTANT: Please pre-book your performance slot or seat. Do not walk-up on the night. (so we can manage properly in the time of Coronavirus)
If you would like to attend our Acoustic Night as a performer or audience member then please email Chris Watts folk AT chriswatts.org or call 07715501157.
Suggested donation: Just £1 for performers and £2 Audience. Please pay on the door.
Petherton Arts Trust is trying this new evening as a way of encouraging more local performers of all genres to come and perform on a professional stage and to attract more people in the audience.
It’s a great evening full of extraordinary skill, talent and variety – and it doesn’t cost the earth – just £2 audience and £1 performers to cover the cost of heating and lighting the hall.
All types of performance welcome – The David Hall has had music, comedy, poetry, dance…. All have the opportunity to deliver for 10 – 15 minutes with full PA and lighting system.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/acoustic-night-730pm-donations-only/2021-12-19/
A true celebration of a traditional Dorset Christmas. Playing locally collected West Gallery music with readings from the era of William Barnes and Thomas Hardy, Dorset's own enthusiasts Tim Laycock,Phil Humphries and the Ridgeway Singers and Band have once again tuned their fiddles and voices to present a joyous celebration of Christmas past and present.
7.00 pm.
https://ridgewaysingersandband.org/
Tickets available from 01305 852826
Tourist Information ttps://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets/
Ticketsource https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ (search for ridgeway-s-and-b)
We are delighted to present you PDSW’s Christmas Ceilidh, the premier English Ceilidh series in the South West.
The dances will be held in our fully air-conditioned Ocean Room Theatre, here at Pavilion Dance in the heart of Bournemouth.
The dancing will be on our sprung floor with atmospheric lighting creating a unique folk dance club experience.
Come with a partner, group of friends, or on your own; English Ceilidh is a social dance and often dancers will change their pairs to meet new people.
English Ceilidh (pronounced Kaylee) is a lively and energetic form of communal folk, barn, or country dancing.
You’ll be led by the “Caller” who will guide both novice and experienced dancers through each of the dances.
Doors open at 6:30 pm for a 7 pm start with a break halfway through the evening. Dancing finishes at 10 pm.
Wear comfortable shoes and cool clothing as you will get warm whilst dancing.
Our fully licensed bar will be open throughout.
Children aged 10 and upwards are welcome.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-ceilidh/
The Ceilidh Series will be in the heart of Pavilion Dance in our Ocean Theatre and curated by PDSW's Matt Smee. Using his twenty plus years experience as a folk musician and dancer we have created an exciting line up of some of the best callers and bands in the folk scene. With our sprung dance floor, excellent acoustics and atmospheric lighting, the room will be transformed into a relaxed folk club where you can kick back with friends and family and dance to your heart's content. Just what we all need!
There will be a well-stocked bar, and "grab and go" food on a first-come-first-served basis.
Doors 6.30 dancing 7-10
Tickets £15 standard £12 concession
Tickets can be booked by visiting https://www.pdsw.org.uk/whats-on/ or phoning the box office on 01202 203630
A dinner-dance, folk style! Enjoy a delicious home-cooked supper followed by light-hearted country dancing. All welcome, including those new to country dance. Simon Mapplesden (caller) leads the dancing with live music from musicians Chris Toyne and Henry Lovegrove.
All welcome, for food, folk-dancing and fun!
The Team
Simon Maplesden has been calling for folk dances for about ten years and has a wide repertoire from Playford to Ceilidh for all ages and abilities. He’s still trying to learn to play the melodeon but would argue he’s a better caller than a melodeon player!
Chris Toyne has been playing the accordion for both Folk and Morris dancing since the early 70s. From Playford to present day tunes, it’s all about making music work for the dancing. These days Chris can be heard around many of the local folk dance clubs and events as a solo musician and with his “Big Band” (of 3 !).
Henry Lovegrove has been playing in ceilidh and morris dance bands for over 50 years, rejoices that he can still do it, the more the better!
6pm–11pm
Dinner & dancing: £15
Dancing only (8pm approx): £5
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/county-christmas-dinner-folk-dance/
A true celebration of a traditional Dorset Christmas. Playing locally collected West Gallery music with readings from the era of William Barnes and Thomas Hardy, Dorset's own enthusiasts Tim Laycock,Phil Humphries and the Ridgeway Singers and Band have once again tuned their fiddles and voices to present a joyous celebration of Christmas past and present.
7.00 pm
https://ridgewaysingersandband.org/
Tickets available from 01305 852826
Tourist Information ttps://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets/
Ticketsource https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ (search for ridgeway-s-and-b)
Come and enjoy the Christmas celebrations at Halsway Manor in the company of your MC Gareth Kiddier, who will be cooking-up a fine programme of festive delights with plenty to keep you entertained!
Expect enjoyable and varied folk activities – music, dancing, singing, quizzes, a film-night or two, informal concert, murder-mystery dinner and general merry-making. Plus great food, roaring log fires and convivial company. Bring your instruments, dancing shoes – and walking boots too if you fancy a stroll – and prepare for a very Merry folk Christmas!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/christmas-house-party-2020/
Celebrate the New Year in style – folk style that is! Join us for an enjoyable Hogmanay break with a great team at the helm.
COVID-allowing, we’re expecting a return to social dancing, with workshops and evening dances as a part of the programme, plus plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. With optional walks and playing sessions; pack your walking boots and instruments.
Enjoy the Manor is its festive finery and see-in the New Year with great music and good company!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/new-year-house-party-2020/
New Year’s Eve Celebration Ceilidh with Crooked Furrow. A ‘Support the Hall’ Event.
Bring in 2022 in style with music and dance.
Crooked Furrow have been around for many years performing for ceilidhs through Devon, Somerset, Dorset and beyond. The band is Derek who is the caller and also plays bass guitar, banjo & guitar, Judy playing fiddle and whistle and Mark on the accordion. The emphasis is on fun for all ages with a variety of reels, jigs, hornpipes and one or two unmentionables!
Early booking essential by Friday 17 December. No tickets available on the night.
Tickets: £17. No concessions.
8.30 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/new-years-eve-celebration-ceilidh/
Shakespeare And Dance is the theme for this year’s Historical Dance Society Weekend at Halsway Manor. Classes (beginners and improvers) will work on dance scenes from Henry VIII with Anne Daye, or Romeo and Juliet with Ann Hinchliffe, for performance on the Saturday evening as part of a Revel (costume very much encouraged!) with measures and country dances.
If enough musicians apply (any portable acoustic instrument) we will also run a workshop on playing Tudor dance music.
Saturday evening open to non-residents, a chance to dance in historical gear if you like!
Tutors: Anne Daye and Ann Hinchliffe
Further information: Historical Dance Society Facebook and website
Or from Ann Hinchliffe: 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com.
Alex Garden (fiddle) and Ford Collier (guitar, low whistle) are a duo with a new take on the timeless folk union of fiddle and guitar. Combining, breath-taking live energy, 'a brave experiential bent' (David Kidman - FATEA), and a wealth of endlessly danceable tunes, they have been described as 'indecently talented (Mike Harding) and earned themselves a nomination for the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. With an album release and Arts Council funded tour in the pipeline for 2022, this year The Drystones are drawing from material they have gathered in the 10 years since they began busking on the streets of Somerset in their teens. Their stripped back live shows focus on the raw elements of their finely honed instrumental playing, and it makes for an unforgettable experience.
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/diary
Leveret features three of England’s finest folk musicians – Andy Cutting, Rob Harbron, Sam Sweeney – in an acclaimed collaboration. All three are experienced teachers and workshop leaders, sharing a commitment to developing the next generation of folk musicians, and we’re delighted to be working with them to offer this intensive weekend exploring ensemble playing, aimed exclusively at young adults. Leveret are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants both during and outside workshops.
Aimed at young adults aged from 18 to about 30, you’ll be a competent musician with a good knowledge of your instrument; the weekend will focus on general music-making skills rather than instrument-specific technique, so you’ll need to have a sufficient grasp of your instrument to get involved. You’ll be happy to learn by ear, with a desire to build confidence, develop musical ideas, and experience playing in ensembles.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/leveret-young-musicians-weekend/
Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has (according to Mojo magazine) “Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”.
Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album “Wanderer” which is a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman.
Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs. Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.
Tickets: £22. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/cara-dillon/
Join us for an exploration of 18th century English dance tunes! The last edition of Playford’s Dancing Master was published in 1728 but other publishers continued in his footsteps, making the 1700s a golden age for English vernacular music. It was a time when the lines between folk and classical music were blurred with the likes of Purcell and Handel equally at home composing jigs and hornpipes as they were with operas and oratorios. We’ll be learning some superb tunes from this period, looking at them in their historical context but also exploring ways to make them swing in the 21st century.
The course leaders are fiddle player Richard Heacock (Boldwood, The Warleggan Village Band), guitarist Chris Green (GreenMatthews, The Warleggan Village Band) and bagpiper and early woodwind specialist Sophie Matthews (GreenMatthews). All three have a longstanding expertise in this repertoire and the emphasis of the week will be very much on ensemble playing.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/beyond-playford/
Simon Mayor is beyond doubt this country’s finest mandolin player, moving effortlessly between classical, traditional folk, jazz & blues. His dazzling technical skills grace all the music he plays. He’s also a fine guitarist & fiddle player, with a delicious sense of humour & great teaching ability.
The overwhelming success of Simon’s ‘Halsway Manor Mandolin Workshop Weekend’ over the last three years prompted immediate requests for this return visit – and here it is!
Simon will cover all right & left hand techniques including position shifting, tremolo, decoration, tone production & more. There will also be the opportunity to accompany songs with singers from Hilary James’ Voice Workshop which runs alongside this event.
Halsway Manor will be hosting this weekend workshop alongside the Hilary James Song Weekend
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/simon-mayors-mandolin-weekend-3/
This weekend runs alongside the Simon Mayor Mandolin Weekend
Hilary James and Simon Mayor’s annual visit to the idyllic Halsway Manor has – for the third year – the added attraction of Hilary’s sister Janet Giraudo who will be travelling from the South of France to join us for the weekend. Janet left for France over thirty years ago but the sisters have started to sing together again, revisiting songs from early teenage forays into folk clubs.
Singers of all abilities are invited to join Hilary & Janet to enjoy the pleasure of group singing as you discover the potential of your own voice. Explore the wealth of songs within the British folk tradition and take a peek beyond: ballads, sea shanties, lullabies, comic songs and more. You’ll be working largely ‘by ear’ with simple improvised vocal harmony but, for the more experienced, written parts for some songs will be available. As well as singing acappella the group will join Simon Mayor’s mandolinists for some joint pieces.
Simon, Hilary and Janet will perform an informal concert on the Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/two-sisters-song-weekend-2/
We were extremely saddened at the loss of Pete Hendy last year, who, together with wife Marj, ran this and many other events at Halsway over the years. We’ve decided the best way to celebrate his legacy is to continue in his sizeable footsteps, treading a merry path between encyclopedic folk knowledge and dedicated silliness (we’ll try at least!). The team are planning on a similar format to previous Winter Warmers, with a similar range of activities: dances, dance workshops, music workshops, games, quizzes, singing, craft activities, and hopefully a walk or two, depending on the weather.
We’ve a team of faces both new and familiar: Sue Irving has agreed to host the event and lead some fun and games to keep everyone relaxed and entertained; Madeleine Smith – well known to many as a friendly and knowledgeable caller – will lead the dancing, assisted David Capron; musicians Dampiers’ Round (Peter & Moira Gutteridge) will be back, leading music for dancing and also offering workshops for musicians. We’re delighted that Marj Hendy has agreed to join us too, and she’ll be helping with the activities and will be calling some of the dances. There will also be opportunities for anyone attending to call a dance or run an activity, if they so wish.
There will be a range of activities to keep you entertained including daily music and dance workshops, plus afternoon activities and walks for those who want to get out into the fresh air. Dances every evening, with the option for you to play in the band or call a dance should you so wish, before retiring to the bar to enjoy the convivial relaxed atmosphere of the manor.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/winter-warmer-5/
Folk Dance Workshop Residential weekend
A 2 night residential Folk Dance workshop weekend, includes full board accommodation and Sunday lunch, and all dances. An excursion is included to Exmoor's hidden snowdrop valley. Discount available for bookings before 30/09/21
£305.00 per person sharing, £320.00 single occupancy
Contact Antony Brunt: 01643 821425
hotel AT yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
Dive into the fantastic world of folk harp playing. Join us for a weekend of harp workshops and sessions in our second annual weekend dedicated to harp playing in a folk context.
We are delighted to welcome back Steph West and – we hope – Merit Zloch, though as she’ll be travelling from Germany COVID-19 restrictions may make this impossible. Just in case we’re enormously grateful to the wonderful Scots harper and teacher Irene Watt, who is poised to step in should the need arise.
Using repertoire from the UK with Steph, and Germany with Merit (or Scotland with Irene) we’ll explore the music, arrangements and techniques for playing the harp in folk context.
The course will be taught by ear with notation available at the end of the weekend. You are welcome to bring your recording devices.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-harp-weekend-2/
Why “Churchfitters”? Nobody knows! They’re not fitters and have absolutely nothing to do with churches. The name’s origin is lost in the mists of time but there is one aspect that suits them perfectly – its quirkiness. When your array of instruments includes a motorcycle petrol tank, a musical saw and a Mercedes Benzouki made from hubcaps, there’s little point worrying if the name makes sense! Saucepan dulcimer, glass harp, Bing-Bong machine and magic boots all join some more conventional instruments (fiddle, banjo, sax and whistle, to name a few) to back Rosie Short’s sublime voice.
The three flamboyant characters that make up Churchfitters present their uplifting and entertaining show with a unique dynamism and describe their music as ‘Folk Unlimited’.
Tickets: £15. No concessions.
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-churchfitters/
Reg Meuross is delighted to be returning to Halsway to run another songwriting retreat, together with guest singer-songwriter Katie Spencer. Fees include workshops, small group song clinics, full board and accommodation.
As well as running workshops and song clinics throughout the three days Reg and Katie will perform at a live gig on Thursday night (free for retreat participants and ticketed to the public).
This retreat is a wonderful opportunity for songwriters of all levels to forget about the rest of the world and immerse themselves in their writing amongst like-minded people, and well-supported by Reg and his team (Katie Spencer and Reg’s manager Katie Whitehouse). The programme includes group and individual tasks to stretch and challenge, opportunities to collaborate, a chance to play songs to Reg and Katie for feedback (song clinics), song sharing with the group, Q&A sessions, space to write brand new songs, time to relax at the bar, and to enjoy good food and good fun.
Online bookings via eventbrite: search for:
reg-meuross-somerset-songwriting-retreat-at-halsway-manor
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/songwriting-retreat-reg-meuross-with-katie-spencer/
Details later
Sharon Shannon is a musician who likes to surprise. While she is known for her arrangements of traditional Irish tunes and Irish-influenced compositions, she has always been eager to explore new styles, and to meet and work with other musicians. The accordionist from Ireland has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the much-maligned accordion 'cool' in her home country. Renowned for her collaborations, not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres, Hip-Hop, Cajun, Country, Reggae, Classical and Rap.
Sharon has recorded and toured with a who's who of the Irish and Global Music Industry, including Bono, Adam Clayton, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The RTE Concert Orchestra, The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan - a list that is testament to Sharon's versatility as well as talent.
£22
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/diary
For the first time in over a decade, Lau present an entirely acoustic tour. The pioneering Scottish folk trio have always experimented with sound and form; the results have always been complex and thrilling.
This event has been rescheduled from 29 May 2020, 4 November 2020, and 18 June 2021. All original tickets are valid. For more information see the web site.
Already acknowledged as phenomenal live performers (‘the UK’s best live band’ – the Guardian), Lau arrived at a new creative peak with 2019’s Midnight and Closedown (Reveal Records). That album was produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, This Is The Kit), who said: ‘Lau are in touch with their roots but not bound by them’.
Now 2020’s Unplugged concert tour sees traditional music’s most celebrated innovators strip away their banks of electronics, loops and wild effects. The trio of Kris Drever (guitar, vocals), Martin Green (accordion) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle) feel drawn to a more raw and plain-speaking aesthetic. The approach is subtler, less about spectacle, more about close listening. In brash and polarised political times, here is the poetry of real instruments and considerate music making.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £18.50
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/lau-in-lyme-regis/
The Ceilidh Series will be in the heart of Pavilion Dance in our Ocean Theatre and curated by PDSW's Matt Smee. Using his twenty plus years experience as a folk musician and dancer we have created an exciting line up of some of the best callers and bands in the folk scene. With our sprung dance floor, excellent acoustics and atmospheric lighting, the room will be transformed into a relaxed folk club where you can kick back with friends and family and dance to your heart's content. Just what we all need!
There will be a well-stocked bar, and "grab and go" food on a first-come-first-served basis.
Doors 6.30 dancing 7-10
Tickets £15 standard £12 concession
Tickets can be booked by visiting https://www.pdsw.org.uk/whats-on/ or phoning the box office on 01202 203630
One of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups, Blazin’ Fiddles, formed for a one-off tour of the Scottish Highlands in 1999 are still raising roofs far and wide well over two decades later.
Encompassing a rare and virtuosic selection of the fiddle’s diverse Highland and island voices, with ensemble and solo-led sets the band is backed by powerhouse guitar and piano.
Blazin' Fiddles pack all the power, passion and sensitivity of Scotland’s traditional music into a single show.
£18.00 advance / £22.00 on the door | 10% discount for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/blazin-fiddles/
Entertaining audiences worldwide for more than 40 years, the Brewhouse invites you to join us for a night with legends of Irish music and song, The Fureys.
£24
7.30 pm
Contact Box Office: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT thebrewhouse.net
www.thebrewhouse.net
Chris Wood is an uncompromising folk singer songwriter whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £14.00
On the door £17.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/chris-wood/
More details later
https://bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
The Phil Beer Band performs a unique blend of 'folk and roll' trawled from Phil's treasure trove of traditional tunes and American country rock.
£24
7:30 pm
Contact Box Office: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT thebrewhouse.net
www.thebrewhouse.net
Singer-songwriter, storyteller and Hammond organ donor, Joshua Burnell grew up in various locations between France and Scotland. He now resides in York, but everyone assumes he’s from Rivendell. At some point, English folk, prog, contemporary classical, and vintage pop-rock all got mixed up and everyone had a great time so he decided to make a career of it.
Joshua sparked the interest of the folk world with his ambitious Seasons Project which saw him release one of his folk-rock arrangements of a traditional song or tune every week for a year. Fourteen favourites formed Joshua’s release, Songs From The Seasons, released on the 4th May 2018. RnR Magazine gave the album a solid 5/5 rating and commented, “this isn’t about academic research, it’s about playing the music, which is what Joshua does exceptionally well.”
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0D7517HnJXL2oWR9pRDkza
Website: www.joshuaburnell.co.uk
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:00pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £13.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/joshua-burnell-band-2/
Track Dogs have been barnstorming the UK with some major festival appearances and collaborations. It has been a pivotal year including playing to a heaving, rocking Trafalgar Square and surprise on-stage participation of Show of Hands’ Steve Knightley and Seth Lakeman at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Well-established in Spain where they are based, they are surprising UK music lovers with “Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms.”
The four international “madrileños” (Garrett Wall, Dave Mooney, Howard Brown & Robbie K.Jones) whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system, present Fire On The Rails, a kicking album that grows on the work that has opened so many doors for the band. If they are still new to you, check out previous releases Kansas City Out Groove and Uke Songs By Track Dogs and see why they are so hard to pigeonhole.
www.trackdogsmusic.com
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:00pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £14.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/track-dogs-4/
‘The Sweetest Voice in England’
Edwina’s beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent of gentle Folk-Americana. She has opened numerous shows for Jools Holland and Van Morrison as well as her own gigs playing stages everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to The Royal Albert Hall. Edwina numbers Michael Parkinson and Mike Harding among her fans and the title track of her album Pour Me A Drink was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her ‘the sweetest voice in England’.
Tickets: £15 /£14 concessions
http://www.edwinahayes.com
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/edwina-hayes/
Rachael McShane is a singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player based in the North East of England.
An original member of folk big band Bellowhead, Rachael toured internationally with them as well as making several TV appearances.
Bellowhead recorded five studio albums, and won a total of eight BBC Folk Awards in their 12 years together.
Rachael is now working on a new solo project – a reworking of traditional songs and is playing with a brand-new band, featuring guitarist Matthew Ord (Assembly Lane) and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting).
Rachael McShane & The Cartographers are a brand new signing to Topic Records, the oldest
independent label in the world, on the eve of its 80th anniversary.
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/rachael-mcshane-and-the-cartographers/
Jon Boden has become the ‘stand out performer of his generation’, according to The Guardian. Jon is a traditional folk artist, but one whose repertoire extends far beyond the familiar boundaries of the genre. He visits Lyme with the Remnant Strings for a very special show. The Remnant Strings features Helen Bell (viola), Morven Bryce (violin), and Lucy Revis (cello).
£18.00 advance / £22.00 on the door
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/DoArgQvSaIWN
BBC Folk winners Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, and Bellowhead co-founder John Spiers, join forces with legendary fiddle player Peter Knight’s highly acclaimed trio Gigspanner to form the Gigspanner Big Band.
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 “with notes seemingly plucked from the stars and rhythms from the equator”.
Tickets: £21. No concessions.
www.peterknight.net
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/peter-knights-gigspanner-big-band/
More details later
https://bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
In 1995, Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While – acclaimed and appreciated for their individual talents as Folk, Blues, Rock and Soul singers – found themselves at the Cambridge Festival. They decided to sing some songs together….. Magic happened and Daphne’s Flight took off. A widely-acclaimed eponymous studio album and UK tour followed, with a prestigious date at London’s Union Chapel – all of which marked a turning point in the role of women within the English Folk movement.
Five of the finest singer-songwriters of their generation, Daphne’s Flight is a unique and magical blend of individual styles that captivates audiences with complex harmony arrangements, unbridled energy and the infectious joy of performing together.
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/daphnes-flight/.
Back for 2022!
More details later