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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Glastonbury Assembly Rooms’ FFF night hosts one of our favourite singers, plus 35 minutes of short floor spots from local artists.
Martha and band have played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals. She has recorded and released several critically acclaimed albums, gained a nomination for BBC best newcomer, appeared as a guest vocalist for Zero 7, toured internationally and played with the some of the world’s most inspiring musicians.
Advance tickets are available from the Lords Of The Wildwood Community Tea Rooms in the Assembly Rooms, or from Labyrinth Books on Glastonbury High Street, as well as online via www.eventbrite.com
Doors: 8 p.m. for an 8.30 start. Martha & her band: 9.15 p.m.
£15 / £14 in advance
Contact Nathan: 07752 593299
nathanvibration AT gmail.com
www.assemblyrooms.org.uk
Concert with floor spots
Advance tickets for this are selling fast, and it may sell out soon! Don't miss your chance to see Martha and her band play in such a beautiful and intimate setting...
Glastonbury Assembly Rooms’ FFF night hosts one of our favourite singers, Martha Tilston, plus floor spots from local artists.
With a voice like spiderwebbed hollows and lyrics that inspire and captivate, Martha Tilston has developed a successful musical career with a large and loyal following worldwide.
Advance tickets are also available from the Lords Of The Wildwood Community Tea Rooms in the Assembly Rooms, or from Labyrinth Books on Glastonbury High Street.
Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fff-presents-martha-tilston-tickets-55963696924
£15
8 p.m. for 8.30 start, Martha's band at 9.15 p.m.
Contact Nathan: 07752593299
nathanvibration AT gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/311572539373179/
A very popular dance weekend for experienced dancers. Join the A-team of callers Maggie Daniel and Lucy Slemmings, and Irish musicians Rise the Dust Ceili Band for another rip-roaring weekend at Halsway.
Maggie and Lucy will teach daytime workshops helping you to brush up on your skills, and there will be ceilis on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon for you to enjoy dancing to top-notch live accompaniment. Book early!
There’s the option to stay Sunday night for an extra £35 per person, to include light supper, B&B. Bring instruments if you have them, and enjoy a relaxed evening session!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/irish-set-dance-weekend-3/
Kimmeridge Keilidh - Barn Dance
All welcome to our regular dances in Kimmeridge. Interval spot as well to give you a breather! No bar, so bring your own drinks & nibbles.
£5 adults £2.50 children - tickets on the door
7.30 - 10.30 pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breath-taking sound of the ground-breaking band Flook. This group possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. There is no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this Anglo-Irish band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins.
8pm
Tickets: £17 Full. £16 Concessions.
www.flook.co.uk
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=985
with Special Guest - Bonny Sartin
Charity Barn Dance & Live Entertainment
Hot Food included in ticket
Soft Drinks & Bar Available
www.facebook.com/ceilidhscomet
www.ceilidhscomet.co.uk
7pm
please use PayPal form on the BearCat Diary page
or cheques payable to BearCat Collective
at Silverthorne Farm, Milborne Wick DT9 4PW
please include names and dietary requirements
(options - chicken/veggie/vegan)
Profits provide courses run by Simply Training for local family carers,
in Dementia, Autism and Mental Health Awareness.
Adv. Tickets £7.50, U16s £2
Family £15 = 2 adults +up to 3 U16s
Entry on the door £9 / £3. No unaccompanied under 18s
+ support, Stanlaey
Marshes is the new incarnation of Beth Porter and the Availables, previously a Bath/Bristol based band. Beth has moved up to Wigtown in South West Scotland where the inspiration for the name came from. The songs are dark, quirky, charming and ethereal and depict themes such as fear, confusion, money, politics, the weather and the odd cheesy love song, all carried by Beth’s pure and unaffected voice.
Beth is the cellist for Eliza Carthy and the Wayward Band and she is one half of prolific duo The Bookshop Band as well as String Quartet Red Carousel. She has played cello on over 100 records including those of The Proclaimers, Petula Clark, Newton Faulkner, Jackie Oates, Jim Moray, The Heavy. She has played and written for short films including BAFTA winning The Eagleman Stag by Mikey Please.
www.facebook.com/marshesbethporter/
Stanlaey
Stanlaey is currently a quartet led by Bethany Stenning (vocals, electric guitar) with Ben Holyoake (Bass-boffin, soundscapes), Naomi Hill (violin overlord) and Oli Cocup (drum demon) where the band’s soundscape has developed in a diverse genre pool of folk/jazz/pop, being compared to artists such as Kate Bush and Dirty Projectors. The band takes you on a journey through ethereal ambient vocal/violin duets, to progressive rock jams and sometimes the odd waltz (Oli is known for his love for waltzes in his best silk kimonos).
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £12.00
Advance: £10.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/marshes-plus-support-stanlaey/
Hot Food included in ticket
Soft Drinks & Bar Available
www.facebook.com/ceilidhscomet
www.ceilidhscomet.co.uk
7.00 pm
buy online at BearCatCollective.co.uk/tickets
or send a cheque payable to BearCat Collective
at Silverthorne Farm, Milborne Wick DT9 4PW
please include names and dietary requirements
(options - chicken/veggie/vegan)
Adv. Tickets Only £7.50, U16s £2
Family £15 = 2 adults +up to 3 U16s
Entry on the door £9 / £3
(No unaccompanied under 18s)
Profits provide courses run by Simply Training
for local family carers,
in Dementia, Autism and Mental Health Awareness.
+ support Anne-Louise Richards
A concert featuring two of the stalwarts of Little Johnny England and TRADarrr, PJ Wright and Guy Fletcher.
Expect traditional songs, contemporary songs, folk, folk-rock, superb guitar playing, amazing fiddling, great singing and liberal splashes of humour.
Support comes in the form of Anne-Louise Richards, one of the favourites at Wessex Acoustic with her beautiful voice and brilliant, self-penned, traditional style folk songs.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
Start time: 8.15pm - Doors 7.45pm - Legion open from 7pm
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Fundraising event for Wessex Folk Festival
Teams of up to six - £60 prize
Booking essential
Vegetarian food option
£8.50 (including food)
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Eileen Bramley: 07816 832554
osmingtonmusic AT gmail.com
www.wessexfolkfestival.com
Bridport Folk Dance Clubs annual dance, "Miss Mayne's Party", in this its centennial year, with the ever welcome W.C.D.B. plus the versatile Dick Williams as caller.
Bring and Share supper, and raffle
Bring your own ale - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
On street parking or free evening car park up the street.
£8
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Mecki: 01308 423 442
mecki1 AT yahoo.co.uk
The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking band Flook. This group possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.
Flook announced that they were taking a prolonged pause from live performance at the end of 2008, but, due to overwhelming popular demand, they are now back together and playing some carefully selected concerts around Europe and further afield. Catch these rare shows while you can!
£16
8:00pm
Contact Adrian Harman: 07766252844
info AT celticfolk.net
www.celticfolk.net
The award-winning quartet will be performing material from throughout their career, including new tunes from their impending seventh album. Yet-to-be-titled, the release forms part of The UFQ’s 10th anniversary celebrations, which will run throughout 2019 and see the band enjoy further live shows, major festival appearances, and more.
Discussing their year-long birthday celebrations, Tom said simply: “We can’t believe it’s been ten years
and the new material’s sounding really special!”
£12/£16
8pm
Contact Shelley Theatre: 01202 413 600
info AT theufq.com
www.theufq.com
The Stoned Cherries in their current form came together in summer 2014, based around the core members Roger Pugh and Dave Evans. With the addition of Matt and Aly, a band appeared that enjoys playing original and traditional songs and tunes that would make people dance, smile and think. 2018 sees the band playing more festivals and bigger venues.
Roger and Dave write the original songs and tunes, with traditional tunes featuring as well. The occasional cover song may be thrown in for good measure.
£10 /£8 concessions
8.00 pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co.uk
Over Stratton Folk Dance Club SPRING DANCE
Bring and Share supper, sorry no bar.
Early tickets £7.50 / On the door £8.50
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact lynn sparks: 01935479291
sjsparks AT btinternet.com
www.overstrattonfolkdanceclub
Beguiling and enchanting Daria Kulesh’s collaboration with the extraordinary pianist Marina Osman offers a fantastic variety for every listener regardless of their language and cultural background.
Expect plenty of authentic Russian flavour, superb musicianship, multilingual banter and heaps of heartfelt, infectious energy. “The songs aren’t just sung, but lived.” (FATEA Magazine). A refreshing, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining evening awaits all who come along.
Featuring original compositions from Daria’s award-winning albums mixed with breathtaking Russian folk favourites.
Daria Kulesh
With her “extraordinary voice” and strong Russian and Ingush heritage, Daria Kulesh has been making a name for herself as a “bold, exotic, impressive” performer. Mixing her Eastern roots with Western folk influences, she creates an original and exciting sound, full of passion and magic. Her debut release Eternal Child was described as “phenomenal” and her second album Long Lost Home has enjoyed rave reviews, national radio play and multiple awards in the UK and Russia, including LCM Album of the Year.
Marina Osman
Marina Starastsenkava Osman, originally from Belarus, is a graduate of Belarussian State Conservatoire. An accomplished performer as well as teacher, she was awarded a badge “For contribution to the cultural evolution of Belarus” by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus in 2008. In 2007, she was a judging panel member at International Chamber Ensembles Competition ‘Nova music’ in Latvia. She has also performed in Poland, Germany, Lithuania and Russia, having recorded several programs for Russian music Radio ‘Orpheus’ and Russian TV with the classical music expert Mihail Kazinik in 2009. Since 2011, Marina has been based in London, focusing on training young musicians for ABRSM exams.
www.daria-kulesh.co.uk/with-marina-osman/
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £12.00
Advance: £10.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/daria-kulesh-marina-osman/
Roger Evans, author of Somerset Stories of the Supernatural, will be telling “Somerset Ghost Stories” in the Bridgwater Arts Centre bar at 8pm on Saturday April 27th 2019.
Roger is well-known locally as the author of more than twenty books on Bridgwater and Somerset related topics. His ghost stories have proved popular at the many venues where he has performed across the county. So why not join us in the Arts Centre bar. A range of “spirits” will be available!
Bar open from 7pm!
Age: 18+ only! Free Event! (Not the Bar!)
Steve Coram (Marketing & Publicity)
steve AT bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
Tel: (01278) 422700
The annual barn dance to raise money for Maji Safi Projects.
Tickets are £8.50 includes a supper, there will be a bar and African crafts on sale. The charity exists to provide schooling facilities and support for villages in Kenya.
Tickets from Lin Greenland on 01278 052039 or lindagreenland AT hotmail.com
((Sorry, I have no information as to the band or caller -- Steve))
Martyn & Danni Wyndham-Read started the La Jeusseliniere music weeks from their home in France in 2002. These relaxed and friendly courses, featuring well known folk artists and musicians, continued until Martyn & Danni moved back to the UK in 2007. The La Jeuss Reunion began the following year, continuing to flourish as a meeting place where like minded musicians – and their partners and friends – can relax and enjoy each others company whilst exploring and improving their musical talents.
For more information and to book please contact Stan Graham:
Tel: 01904 758228
Email: magpiemusic25 AT gmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/la-jeusseliniere-the-reunion-2017/
+ support Stevie P
Singer songwriter Carrie Tree plays an intimate solo gig at the Bocabar, Glastonbury as part of a tour to launch her sublime new album, 'The Canoe'.
Carrie has been a known name in the UK’s alternative scene for several years, has toured in many places in Europe, and has played regularly at UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Secret Garden and Cambridge Folk Festival. She has collaborated live and in the studio with the likes of Damien Rice, Fink, Albert Mazibuko (Ladysmith Black Mambazo), Carly Simon, Rumer, Martha Tilston and Andy Barlow of Lamb.
Playing support for Carrie will be Glastonbury singer and guitarist / bouzouki player Stevie P (formerly of Heathens All and Green Angels) whose songs, like Carrie's, touch the transcendent and the mystical, with influences from Americana to English eco-folk.
Tickets are available for £8 in advance from the Bocabar's website: http://glastonbury.bocabar.co.uk/whats-on or priced at £10 on the door. The evening starts at 8 p.m., with the support band at 8.30 and Carrie's set at 9.15.
£10 / £8 in advance
Contact Nathan: 07752 593299
nathanvibration AT gmail.com
http://glastonbury.bocabar.co.uk/whats-on
We are really, really proud of this (because Peter rang us personally to play here) Eddie Gaines & Trev Lloyd are hosting Peter Knight's Gigspanner as part of their 10th Anniversary UK tour!
In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, multi-award-winning fiddle player, Peter Knight, has turned his violin and musical attention to his trio, Gigspanner - and in the process, established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British Folk scene.
Tickets £15 or if you are a student £13
You can book your Gigspanner tickets online at
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/466028 - this one will probably sellout so our advice is get there quick!
Peter Knight's Gigspanner playing live in 2017 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEVDIeIDhJ4
A wide selection of International Dances each evening led by a guest caller. You will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful varied area of the Quantocks and Somerset coast and to join organised walks. The period of stay is Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with the choice to stay the Monday night should you wish.
For further details or for a booking form please contact Robin Morris:
Mobile: Phone 07966 785172
Email: Robinnimbo AT aol.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/society-for-international-folk-dance/
In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, multi-award-winning fiddle player, Peter Knight, has turned his full attention to his trio, Gigspanner - and in the process, established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British Folk scene.
8pm
Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=1013
Ceilidh
Fundraising event for Wessex Folk Festival
£9.00 (£8.00 advance bookings)
7.00 - 10.30 pm
www.wessexfolkfestival.com
This will be the last music night of the spring season. We have a fallow period until the end of September (dates tbc) when full services will resume!
Music begins at 7.30 as usual, performers of all sorts and abilities are very welcome. Chiselborough village hall.
Delicious food from Charlie will be available on the night.
Clothes donations are welcome for the free shop.
The music nights are not for profit, and run by volunteers. If you would like to help out, let us know and we would appreciate your contribution.
patchtucker AT gmail.com
NOTE: this is a change from the originally advertised date
After releasing a weekly folk song for a year, BBC Radio 2 spins and glowing press reviews, York based Joshua Burnell & Band take to the stage to launch a brand new album in 2019.
In 2017, Joshua and his band won The Great British Folk Festival audience poll for favourite act by an overwhelming majority and received the ‘Highly Commended Best Performing Artist’ award at the York Culture awards.
Armed with ‘The Road To Horn Fair’, a brand-new album of traditional material which according to Joshua, “juxtaposes the delicacy of the English folk canon with the rawness of the early 70s hard rock movement,” the band are ready to set some feet stomping on their first national tour of England.
Momentum is starting to build fast for the band as they launch the new album and the tour. They will be showcasing material from the newly released ‘The Road To Horn Fair’, along with some favourites from Joshua’s previous albums,’ Into the Green’ and ‘Songs From The Seasons’. Photo Credit Elly Lucas www.joshuaburnell.co.uk
£12.50 adv/£14 door
8pm
Contact box office: 01225 463362
bathboxoffice AT bathtoursm.co.uk
http://www.chapelarts.org
Known for his work with Steeleye Span, Peter Knight and Gigspanner bring new life to older folk tunes, and his own compositions.
Their 2015 album Layers of Ages featured on Album of the Year listings for The Telegraph, R2 magazine and BBC Radio. They have established themselves as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene.
8.00pm
£16 / £14 members and concessions
1 Hour 30 Mins
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/sat-4-may-gigspanner/
Barn Dance
The thrilling band Tatterdemalion will provide the music and the renowned Angela Laycock will call at this popular event. Soft drinks, wine, Cerne Abbas ale, and nibbles will be on sale.
Tickets £7 adults and £3 children
7:00 - 10:00 pm
Contact Jane Still: 07823 778758
still.family AT virgin.net
www.CerneGiantFestival.uk
Modou Ndiaye, aka Mamadou Ndiaye Cissokho, brother of Seckou Keita, is a virtuoso kora player, songwriter, drummer and percussionist, and a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians from the Cassamance region of Southern Senegal. With a superb repertoire of rhythms, Modou fuses together modern and traditional beats, playing a variety of West African instruments ranging from djembe, sabar, calabash and talking drum to his leading instrument, the mesmerizing 22 stringed Kora (West African harp).
Modou’s latest album ‘Londo’, unites world class musicians and blends together an irresistible mix of beautiful harmonies with the gentle yet lively tones of the kora, the vibrant grooves of bass guitar, calabash, djembe and a variety of African percussion instruments. Modou’s music draws on inspiration from his homeland, his life experiences and the worlds current issues. Uniting traditional and modern sounds, this energetic band will leave you invigorated and inspired!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.modoundiaye.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
7:30pm
Phone: 01297 560948
https://artsreach.co.uk
An enjoyable full-on fun-packed workshop weekend with Vicki Swan to introduce players to both the säckpipa (Swedish Bagpipes) and Swedish bagpipe music.
Topics to be covered (more to be added!) will include:
• The Standard Swedish Säckpipa Repertoire
• Tunes from Småland
• Articulation
• General bagpipe technique
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/sackpipa-swedish-bagpipe-tunes/
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.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/3220/
French – Breton – Euro Dances
Workshop at 7pm followed by Bal at 8pm
£6 adults, £4 for 12-18s, under 12s free Dorset
2019 dates for Dorchester Dances
Friday Jan 11th, May 10th, Sept 13th, Nov 8th
See our facebook page - fb: EuroBal Wessex email us to add your name to our
mailing list: eurobalwessex AT gmail.com
This is a concert from the Scottish folkie guitar star of the excellent band Lau
Scottish songwriter Kris Drever celebrated a decade of critical and commercial success by winning both BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of The Year 2017 and Best Original Track 2017 (for his song If Wishes Were Horses) at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
t of’ set featuring all the key songs from his first decade, alongside some new material played live for the first time.
With support
£12 advance / £14.50 on the door. 10% off for Theatre Friends.
Bar opens 7 P.M., Starts 8 P.M.
http://www.marinetheatre.com/music-kris-drever-friday-may-10/
An opportunity to see Paul Sartin and Paul Hutchings aka Belshazzar's Feast in Crewkerne.
Tickets limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Please note there is no bar please bring your own bottle etc.
£12
7.00 for 7.30 pm
Contact Meg Rose: 07877 206 124
Meg.rose AT btinternet.com
New to Halsway Manor – a regular monthly class run over six months for anyone interested in learning to play the Melodeon at beginner through to intermediate level. Tutor Mel Biggs will guide you in learning to master the basics and improve your skill and technique. Each class is 1.5 hours duration and will run monthly between January and June.
Class Times
10.00 – 11.30am: Level 2 (Improvers)
11.45 – 1.15pm: Level 1 (Beginners)
2.00 – 3:30pm: Level 3/4 (Intermediates)
Class Dates
11 Jan 2019 | 8 Feb 2019 | 8 March 2019 | 12 April 2019 | 10 May 2019 | 7 June 2019.
Pricing
£35 per session
3 months for £90
6 months for £180
Pay up front for three or six months for a discounted rate.
Booking essential.
Four times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees and double winners of the Spiral Earth Awards make a welcome return to Dorchester Arts following a storming debut show here in January 2017. Comprised of husband and wife Stu and Debbie Hanna, the duo have released four albums and one EP. Their live performances feature Stu playing guitar, mandolin and banjo and Hannah on accordion as backing to their vocal harmonies.
Bringing an infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars, Megson have gained fame on the British folk scene, not only for their songwriting, but also their exquisite musicianship and northern humour.
8.00pm
£15 / £13 members and concessions
1 Hour 30 Mins (approx)
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/fri-10-may-megson-contradicshun/
The first every visit of this great performer with her band plus support from the world music maestro.
£22
8 pm
Contact Rob Dahl
box.office AT cheeseandgrain
www.cheeseandgrain.com
+ support Les Wild
A concert with the fabulous Mike Silver, celebrating 50 years in the business. This is also celebrated with a new Album called 'Alchemy' featuring some of his most popular songs.
Here's a link to pre order the album https://folkstockrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mike-silver-alchemy
Supporting Mike we have the talented local singer Les Wild.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
Start time: 8.15pm - Doors 7.45pm - Legion open from 7pm
Finish time: 11.15pm
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
A range of mainly English folk dances to suit all levels.
Caller Peter Bolton, accompanied by Jeroka, present a jolly evening.
A warm welcome, live music, good dances and cheerful company.
Nothing too serious, but as energetic as anyone might wish !
£4
7.30 - 9.30 pm
Contact Ama Bolton: 01749 672911
amabolton AT hotmail.com
Modou Ndiaye, aka Mamadou Ndiaye Cissokho, brother of Seckou Keita, is a virtuoso kora player, songwriter, drummer and percussionist, and a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians from the Cassamance region of Southern Senegal. With a superb repertoire of rhythms, Modou fuses together modern and traditional beats, playing a variety of West African instruments ranging from djembe, sabar, calabash and talking drum to his leading instrument, the mesmerizing 22 stringed Kora (West African harp).
Modou’s latest album ‘Londo’, unites world class musicians and blends together an irresistible mix of beautiful harmonies with the gentle yet lively tones of the kora, the vibrant grooves of bass guitar, calabash, djembe and a variety of African percussion instruments. Modou’s music draws on inspiration from his homeland, his life experiences and the worlds current issues. Uniting traditional and modern sounds, this energetic band will leave you invigorated and inspired!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.modoundiaye.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
7:30pm
Phone: 01300 345455
https://www.artsreach.co.uk
The Harry Browns of Bristol launch their latest CD “One More Day”
The Harry Browns of Bristol have been singing shanties and songs of the sea for over thirty years at festivals up and down the land and across Europe. Renown for their sense of fun and mischief and their great voices and harmonies they love to bring stories and traditions of the sea to life. Such is their notoriety they recently appeared on BBC’s Flog It where the whole group were sold as antique relics for just 50 pence!
One More Day is their latest CD. It is a collection of mainly traditional shanties sung with gusto and the occasional accompaniment of fiddle and guitar.
The evening is in aid of Nailsea Memory Café, supporting people with dementia and their carers. Like many people, members of the Harry Browns have been affected by close relatives who have had dementia.
A £5 donation can be made on the door but to guarantee admission donations can be made online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-tithe-barn-trust
8.00 pm
A day of singing English folk songs in harmony lead by Issy Emeney.
No need to read music. Come for an inspiring and uplifting day singing together.
Bring a packed lunch.
£25
10.30am - 4.30pm
Contact Tami Boden-Ellis: 01460 234444
peter.ellis333 AT btinternet.com
One Night…Four Musicians: Simon Swarbrick, Robbie McIntosh, Ken Watkins, Lucy Watkins
A very special concert, featuring four Dorset-based musicians, together for a
one-night performance of acoustic music from the genres of folk, country, blues, and jazz.
Simon Swarbrick is an extraordinary fiddle player and multi-instrumentalist as well as a composer and producer. He has just returned from performing in the 2019 Feast of Fiddles tour.
Robbie McIntosh is known as ‘the guitarist’s guitarist’ and has legendary status among his fellow musicians. His career to date has included spells as guitarist for Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones, John Mayer, and Norah Jones.
Well-known in the area for many years, Ken Watkins is a lovely singer who performs songs with sensitivity, passion and warmth. His off-beat humour and ability to connect with an audience is legendary.
Lucy Watkins has sung on albums by Show of Hands and Robbie McIntosh. Her atmospheric bluesy renditions of jazz standards and folk songs, accompanied by some accomplished ukelele playing never fail to captivate the audience.
This concert is a rare chance to see all four of these excellent musicians, performing together on one stage. The evening is guaranteed to be a joyous combination of warmth, humour, friendship and above all, some extremely fine acoustic music.
CDs will be on sale.
8pm (doors from 7.30pm)
Contact Watkins & Swarbrick Box Office: 01305 837299/ songsfromthehalls234 AT gmail.com
Tickets £14 only in advance
Modou Ndiaye, aka Mamadou Ndiaye Cissokho, brother of Seckou Keita, is a virtuoso kora player, songwriter, drummer and percussionist, and a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians from the Cassamance region of Southern Senegal. With a superb repertoire of rhythms, Modou fuses together modern and traditional beats, playing a variety of West African instruments ranging from djembe, sabar, calabash and talking drum to his leading instrument, the mesmerizing 22 stringed Kora (West African harp).
Modou’s latest album ‘Londo’, unites world class musicians and blends together an irresistible mix of beautiful harmonies with the gentle yet lively tones of the kora, the vibrant grooves of bass guitar, calabash, djembe and a variety of African percussion instruments. Modou’s music draws on inspiration from his homeland, his life experiences and the worlds current issues. Uniting traditional and modern sounds, this energetic band will leave you invigorated and inspired!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.modoundiaye.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
7:30pm
Phone: 07870 972089
https://www.artsreach.co.uk
Programme of easy Scottish dances and ceilidh dances and all will be talked / walked through and dancing will be to recorded music. Hot / cold drinks will be supplied foc . Wear something tartan if you wish!
Sunday afternoons from 2.30 to 4.30 pm.
No need to book, just come along and have a great time.
Further enquiries to Anita on anitaandjim22 AT gmail.com or phone 01460 929383
Run by the Somerset Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS)
Our much loved annual American Contra Dance Week is hosted by Meg Winters with guests: caller Cis Hinkle from the USA, and the UK’s top contra band, English Contra Dance Band. There will be dance and music workshops in the mornings, afternoons are free for you to explore this lovely area, and there are dances every evening. Early booking advised.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/american-contra-week-2016/
Chard Folk Dance Club
The members have been dancing for 50 years this year! We meet alternative Thursdays at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall between 7.30 and 9.45. Live music each time and a variety of callers.
£3 members, £4 non members (£6 annual membership)
All welcome, especially those with 2 left feet!
For more information call Elaine 01460 65909 / 07729 103359.
In 2018, Edgelarks retreated to a remote Cumbrian cottage to write. With world rhythms, folk roots, and a very big sound for only two people, the album that emerged is an upbeat celebration, an incitement to hope.
Join them as they celebrate the launch of Feather with a UK tour.
A set of songs that will celebrate joy, push musical boundaries, and call out for hope. www.edgelarks.co.uk
www.wegottickets.com/event/450311
£14 adv/£16 door
8pm
Contact box office: 01225 463362
bathboxoffice AT bathtoursm.co.uk
https://chapelarts.org/events/edgelarks/
The Andy May Trio are three award-winning musicians from Newcastle – Northumbrian piper Andy May (Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, Baltic Crossing), guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing) and fiddler Sophy Ball (422, Bottle Bank Band); they’re known for playing high energy instrumental folk, inspired by the music of their native North East.
Andy (Northumbrian Small Pipes), Ian (guitar) and Sophy (fiddle) are all popular tutors in their specialist instrument here at Halsway (and elsewhere).
This time though they’re here to lead a weekend for players of all instruments (pipes in G, other keys – please check) of an intermediate level and above, to explore NE repertoire in large and small mixed instrument groups, with some specific guitar / NSP / fiddle technique thrown in. Plus a tutors’ gig on Saturday night and some informal sessions in the bar!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/andy-may-trio-weekend/
+ support Eric Sedge
Richard Digance is a BAFTA-nominated TV Entertainer of The Year and Gold Award recipient from The British Academy of Composers. His 4,200 live shows, 62 British tours, 17 books, 3 stage plays, 32 albums and nearly 4 million YouTube visits say it all. He composed the audio book music for Bill Bryson’s best-seller, The Road To Little Dribbling, and his guitar instrumentals are used on numerous TV productions. He supported Robin Williams at The London Palladium, and also Steve Martin in the USA. He is one of a just a handful of Folk singers listed in The Virgin Anthology of Songwriters.
www.richarddigance.com www.ericsedgemusic.com
8pm
Tickets: £16 Full. £15 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=1015
Graham Moore, James Findlay and company present songs and scenes from the renowned folk musical ‘Tolpuddle Man’ , within the original Old Crown Court, where the six Dorset labourers were tried in 1834.
£12.00 adult/£10.00 child/student
8.00 pm
Contact Harriot Still: 01305 261849
info AT shirehall.dorset.org
shirehalldorset.org
Note it's a NEW Venue
All welcome! You don't have to bring a partner. We have a caller so the inexperienced needn't worry. We are looking forward to a lively evening.
There will be no food but squash will be provided, BYO if you wish.
To help those trying to find the Memorial Hall in the dark it is about 100 yards north of the Piddle Inn. Parking is on the road side.
£6 under 16s free
Start 7.15 for 7.30
Finish 9.30
Contact Sally Condon 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
Three award-winning musicians from Newcastle – Northumbrian piper Andy May (Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, Baltic Crossing), guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing) and fiddler Sophy Ball (422, Bottle Bank Band) – come together as the Andy May Trio to play high energy instrumental folk, inspired by the music of their native North East.
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/andy-may-trio/
Kitty Macfarlane is a Bristol-based songwriter and accomplished guitar player. Her sharply observed narrative songs are pure poetry, rich with visual imagery and writ-ten with an eco-eye – bound loosely by the theme of mankind’s relationship with the wild. Last autumn saw the release of Kitty Macfarlane's highly anticipated debut album Namer of Clouds, produced by Sam Kelly and Jacob J Stoney and featuring a recognisable cast of musicians. Gathering inspiration from the sky to the seabed, Kitty’s lyrics touch on intervention and rewilding, climate change and migration and one singular song which is a magical aural tapestry of woman’s historical relationship with textiles and the land. From the starling murmurations on the Somerset Levels to the lowly eel's epic transatlantic migration, and the small part we ourselves play in a much bigger picture. The album is augmented by all kinds of ‘found sound’ recorded in locations from Somerset to Sardinia – birdsong, waterfalls, the click of knitting needles- and is bookended by sounds of the wild.
£12 / £10
8.00 pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co.uk
A folk/americana trio weaving rich vocal harmonies, fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin around beautifully written songs and melodies. Cash only bar. Free off-road parking.
Tickets www.wegottickets.com/event/454553
£10 advance/£12 on door
6.45 pm
Contact Helen Leary
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
Workshops will be led by Hannah Cummings, who is an inspiring and
experienced workshop leader, who will help you build confidence to learn and
play new tunes by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and all
acoustic instruments. Notation and audio supplied. Everyone is welcome!
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £10 in advance / £12 on the door/
£25 for 3 workshops when paid in advance via the website.
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
www.sherbornefolkband.org
Tim Edey was voted BBC Radio Two’s Musician of the year 2012 (BBC R2 FOLK AWARDS) and “Best duo” with Brendan Power. Tim is a multi-instrumentalist and singer and has toured the world and recorded with most of the major names in Celtic/Contemporary roots music including; The Chieftains, Dougie MacLean, Christy Moore, JP Cormier, Frankie Gavin, Sharon Shannon, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Steve Cooney, Dermot Byrne, Altan, Stockton’s Wing, Capercaillie, Brendan Power, Kevin Burke, Michael McGoldrick, Seamus Begley, The Barra MacNeills, Shaun Davey, Session A9, Wolfstone, Lunasa, Vinnie Kilduff, Tony McManus, Mary Black, Session A9, Julie Fowlis, to name but a few…
7.30 pm
Tickets £12
www.ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club,
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
N.B. There will be NO session in May due to Colin and Ruth being away. So sorry. Do come to the next one on 16th June
Contact Colin and Ruth Thompson: 01300 321396
fiddler AT casterbridge.net
A concert in aid of refugee charities with acclaimed Sitar player Ricky Romain followed by Folk Band 'Teasing The Cat' playing British and European music on many many instruments. An excellent combination!
Once in the village follow signs for 'Art in the Secret Garden' The concert is in a (biggish!)tent - please bring chairs if possible.
£8
2.00 - 4.00 pm
Contact Amanda Khan-Davis: 01460 72553
atkhandavis AT gmail.com
https://teasingthecat.wixsite.com/teasingthecat
We’re delighted to welcome back Nonsuch Dulcimer Club to host another ‘Dulcimers at Halsway’!
A practical workshop week combining 4 strands: mountain dulcimer with both an Introductory Course for beginners/improvers with loan instruments available, and a more in-depth Exploring Course course suitable for intermediate and/or advanced level players and advanced players of other fretted instruments.
Introductory (beginners/improvers) and Exploring (intermediate/advanced) hammered dulcimer courses will run alongside this. Featuring superb tutors from the USA and UK, there will also be times to socialise and play informally, plus informal evening concerts from the tutors – and from participants!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/dulcimers-at-halsway-2/
Enjoy an evening of dulcimer music from the tutors on the 2019 Dulcimers workshop. A real treat from experts in the instrument from the US.
Butch Ross, from Chatanooga, Tennessee, is a mountain dulcimer maestro who has played everything from Back to Radiohead, breaking through the supposed limitations of this humble Appalachian instrument. A patient, inspiring teacher, he’s also an in-demand performer, taking the dulcimer to new places. he needs no introduction to Nonsuch members.
Rick Thum, from Missouri, is widely influential in the hammered dulcimer world, as teacher, performer and now maker. He brings a combination of passion and accessibility to his workshops and is equally happy at a late night jam. He is a favourite on the US festival scene.
Thomasina Levy, from Connecticut is an award winning, internationally recognised mountain dulcimer player, singer, poet and song writer whose performances weave together the best of traditional and contemporary folk music. A former State Troubadour and now music educator she is well placed to discover the music that is in all of us.
Matthew Dickerson, from South Carolina, was the 2012 national Hammered Dulcimer Champion and is now a successful and popular full-time musician, playing in a variety of styles and genres. he performs and teaches across the US and is now making his first visit to the UK.
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/dulcimers-at-halsway-2019-gig/
The Skeeters are a 5 piece band playing hard driving Bluegrass and American Old-Time music with an emphasis on strong vocal harmonies. A number of original self penned songs also feature in the repertoire
Tin Angel specialize in Americana: blues, old-time, swing, ragtime, who-knows-what at other times. The songs are traditional (mostly) while the twin-fiddle-fueled music rocks.
A double bill not to be missed and all for free. That is correct no entrance fee. First there gets a seat.
8pm
Contact Pip: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
www.draxfolk.org.uk
Five piece acoustic band playing a mix of
Bluegrass, American Old Time and Self Penned Originals featuring Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Bass, and with strong Harmony Vocals. Based across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire and known to their fans as 'The Skeeters'. Plus Support
8.00 pm
Contact Pete Minkey: 01425 489376
peter.minkey AT yahoo.co.uk
www.thebowleggedskeeter.co.uk/index.html
A brand new course for more advanced fiddle players who wish to expand on their skills and deepen their personal style. While we will learn some new repertoire together and do some ensemble work, much of the focus of this weekend will be on supporting individual players to further develop tone, technique, musicality and style. There will be opportunities for performing, and Rowan looks forward to working with each player one-to-one at some point over the weekend.
This course – for a maximum of 10 musicians – runs alongside courses run by Emmanuel Pariselle & Richard Burgess. All three tutors will perform an informal concert on Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/rowan-rheingans-advanced-fiddle-workshop/
Emmanuel Pariselle is well known as one of Europe’s finest makers of diatonic button accordions; he is also one of France’s finest players (and a sublime singer to boot) and is offering this course to explore song and tune accompaniment on the melodeon.
You won’t be learning new tunes, but will focus on:
Right hand chords, how to learn and use them
How to find and write chords for a tune
Rhythm to support a melody
You’ll leave with a nice method to take away, develop and apply to your playing.
This course runs alongside workshops run by Rowan Rheingans & Richard Burgess. All three tutors will perform an informal concert on Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/emmanuel-pariselle-melodeon-accompaniment-workshop/
Raise your voice in a weekend of maritime song! The onus will be on rhythm, simple vocal arrangements and putting the songs in a social context with a repertoire consisting of both shanties (i.e. work songs) and more general maritime songs.
Shanties and sea songs are by their very nature international and the course will take this into account by including songs from outside the usual Anglo-American tradition to include songs drawn from European and Scandinavian tradition.
This course runs alongside workshops run by Emmanuel Pariselle & Rowan Rheingans. All three tutors will perform an informal concert on Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/richard-burgess-international-shanty-sea-song-workshop/
Expect an enthralling evening of music first created for plays toured nationally by Kneehigh Theatre in the 1990s, including Ting Tang Mine, The Bogus, The King of Prussia, and The Riot. All the music has been re-imagined and arranged by the original composer Jim Carey, and is played live by his 8-piece multi-instrumentalist band, The Saboteurs.
Travel on a musically diverse, story-rich journey from America to Cornwall, telling tales of riots and lobsters, fishermen and miners, corrupt officials and power-driven politicians, pioneers, saboteurs - tales of love and redemption. Sometimes through folk song, sometimes ska or swing, lyrical laments and brass arrangements will tell the stories and bring to life the worlds created by Nick Darke and Jim Carey.
The Saboteurs features Jim Carey, Seamus Carey, Nathan Fitgerald, Jen Dyer, Louis Gulliver King, Kathryn Williams, Marc Hadley and Roger Luxton.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.jimcareyandthesaboteurs.wordpress.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
7:30pm
Phone: 07590 352219
https://www.artsreach.co.uk
(5 piece band)
Modou Ndiaye aka Mamadou Ndiaye Cissokho is a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians and oral historians from the Cassamance region of Southern Senegal.
Modou is a virtuoso kora player, singer songwriter, drummer and percussionist, with a superb repertoire of rhythms, fusing together modern and traditional beats. He plays a variety of West African instruments, ranging from djembe, sabar, calabash and talking drum to his leading instrument – the mesmerizing 22 stringed Kora (West African harp).
Web Site – www.modoundiaye.com/
YouTube – www.youtube.com/channel/UC1KGvR12hDWjCHPzYWJzQBw
SoundCloud – soundcloud.com/user-313590571/tounga
Facebook – www.facebook.com/modoundiayemusic
Instagram – instagram.com/modou_ndiaye_music
Twitter – twitter.com/modoumusic
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £12.50
https://chapelarts.org/events/modou-ndiaye-5-piece-band/
An ensemble course for experienced singers and players of early instruments with Michael Sharman. Recorders, viols, baroque oboe, flute, violin, viola, ‘cello, and also cornett, cornamuse, sackbut and curtal all welcome.
For more information and to book please contact Michael Sharman:
Tel: 01353 778939
Email: QuadQuotes AT waitrose.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/voices-viols-and-recorders/
A ‘Chance to Dance’ Event
The past few years have seen Blackbeard’s Tea Party play at festivals as diverse as Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Fairport’s Cropredy Convention and many more. 2018 saw them release their new EP, Leviathan!, bringing with it a bigger, bolder sound and a revamped live show.
Now Blackbeard’s Tea Party return to The David Hall with their brand of gutsy Folk-Rock. A mix of Traditional and self-penned songs and tunes are given a heavy Rock edge with playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms. This is all mixed up in an engaging, high-octane stage show that leaves audiences cheering for more.
7:30pm
Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=1016
Chard Folk Dance Club
The members have been dancing for 50 years this year! We meet alternative Thursdays at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall between 7.30 and 9.45. Live music each time and a variety of callers.
£3 members, £4 non members (£6 annual membership)
All welcome, especially those with 2 left feet!
For more information call Elaine 01460 65909 / 07729 103359.
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Following the success of last year’s event, we’re delighted to welcome back workshop co-ordinator, singer and multi-instrumentalist Brian Peters and friends to host a second weekend packed with workshops on the theme of American traditional music and its links with the old country.
We’ve assembled a great team of tutors including Sara Grey and Kieron Means, a mother & son duo who play real-deal American traditional music. Sara is an unparalleled ballad singer and banjo player as well as an authority on song migration from the UK to the US. Kieron, an excellent guitarist and singer is continuing in the family trade. They are joined by regular co-musician Ben Paley, one of the finest Old Time fiddle players on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition, Kerry Fletcher will be dropping by to teach some Appalachian percussive dance.
The tutors will offer a wide range of participatory workshops. We’ll explore the American ballad tradition, old-time and blues songs, we’ll offer classes in frailing banjo, fiddle and guitar – plus song accompaniment on all three – and you’ll have the chance to learn new material as well as improve your singing technique. We’re bringing back our presentation of classic archive recordings, and once again rounding off the weekend with our popular gospel sing. There will also be a Saturday night concert, and plenty of opportunities to sing and jam with our tutors.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/albion-to-appalachia/
The 2019 Wessex Folk Festival takes place from Friday May 31st to Sunday June 2nd on the Quayside at Weymouth Harbour in Dorset.
There are pub sessions during the afternoon and evening of May 31st and free music on two main outdoor stages from 11 am to 6 pm on June 1st and 2nd.
Confirmed acts so far include Kathryn Roberts and Seth Lakeman, Harbottle & Jonas, and Gadarene.
At least 30 morris dance sides will be performing on three stages across the festival site. There is also a free ceilidh on the evening of June 1st.
Admission: Free
Steve Turner is a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments - he is a multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin and banjo and also accompanying himself on the cittern.
After 13 years away from the Folk scene, Steve made a welcome return in 2004, producing his fifth album, the highly acclaimed Whirligig of Time, featuring UK luminaries Martin Carthy, Nancy Kerr and Miranda Sykes.
Since then, he has released two further albums, Rim of the Wheel and Spirit of the Game, and his latest, much-anticipated eighth album, Late Cut, featuring Eliza Carthy, Martin Simpson and Sam Carter, is due out early December 2018
8pm
Tickets: £14 Full. £13 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=1017
+ support Brigands Brew
A concert featuring the enthusiastic and tuneful husband and wife team of Winter Wilson. Singing mostly their own songs, many of which have been covered by major artists, these two lovely people bring energy and bounce to the stage, well sprinkled with humour. They are brilliant in a club setting with great crowd rapport.
Supporting Kip and Dave we welcome back Brigands Brew. Nick and Johnny bring their kind of music, a bit of blues, skiffle, foot tapping swing.
£10 pre-booked, £12 unbooked
8.15pm - Doors 7.45pm - Legion open from 7pm
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Bridport ceilidhs welcome back "Fresh Aire" with the inimitable Aileen Wills calling.
Bring and Share supper and your own ale (The Woodman Inn is just opposite).
On street parking or free evening car park further up the street.
Tickets may be bought in advance via the website and from The Music Shop, South Street, or booked by phone or email.
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, £4 for 6-16 yrs
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423 442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
Join Brian Peters and friends for an evening of American traditional music exploring its links with the British folk tradition. Tutors on the Albion to Appalachia workshop will present music from the American ballad tradition, old-time and blues. Appalachia, the cultural region in the Eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York to northern Alabama and Georgia, has a lively tradition of folk music. The music derives from various cultural sources including the English folk tradition.
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/albion-to-appalachia-gig/
Flossie Malavialle returns to Somerset to entertain us with her wonderful mixture of English and French songs and anecdotes about her experiences as a French singer living in North East England.
This will be a French-themed evening with a meal included in the price and a cash bar.
Doors open at 7pm.
Please order tickets in advance.
£16
7.30 pm
Contact Sally Simpson: 01984 656266
sally AT simbright.co.uk
www.flossiemalavialle.co.uk
An enjoyable, full-on, fun packed workshop week for the more confident nyckelharpa player. This mid-week course is designed as the next progression for learners that have worked their way through beginners, intermediate and are looking for something more advanced to get their teeth into. There will be a big emphasis on technique, exercises, studies and less on straight tune learning. For more information contact Vicki Swan 07721 519719.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/advanced-nyckelharpa-2/
(and other 18th century tunes)
Do you ever buy a tune book hoping to add your repertoire with some lesser known but excellent tunes only to experience disappointment? This was certainly Paul Hutchinson’s experience until three very rare books came into his possession, packed with musical gems… Paul will come to Halsway in June to delve into the 60 tunes contained in these books: ‘12 Fashionable Country Dances for the Year 1800’, ‘24 Country Dances for the Year 1796’ and ‘Cahusac’s Annual Collection of 24 Favourite Country Dances for the Year 1800’. Paul will share a variety of great tunes – of which ‘The Maniac’ is one of his current favourites.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/the-maniac/
Harry will also bring along various musical instruments, including mandolin, banjo, cittern, and will end with a sing a long.
This is a fundraiser for Bridport Millennium Green.
£5 (£4.50 members) to include tea/biscuits
7.30pm
Contact Sue Wilkinson: 01308 425037
sue.traidcraft AT btinternet.com
http://bridportmillenniumgreen.co.uk
Our Ukulele and Singing Weekend tutors welcome all-comers to a lighthearted evening of ukulele and song!
Jon Bennett and Liz Van Santen are both members of four-piece band Moonrakers, which combines musicians from both the classical and the folk tradition.
Samantha Muir is one of the UK’s leading classical and campanela style ukulele players. Her arrangements range from Bach, Sor and Tarrega to traditional songs, sea shanties, and Scottish tunes. Samantha is much in demand as a performer and teacher of ukulele and has appeared at festivals including The Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, UKE East, the Perthshire Ukulele Gathering and BUG Festival.
8pm–10
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ukulele-gig-jon-bennett-liz-van-santen-samantha-muir-2019/
https://wimbornefolk.co.uk
An intensive weekend for piano accordion players of intermediate level and above. You’ll work with a crack team of tutors Paul Hutchinson , Murray Grainger and Rachel Bell.
You will spend time, in small groups, honing technique, repertoire and interpretation of folk tunes and accompaniment. Advanced players will also work on improvisation. There will be time for informal evening sessions and a Saturday night tutors’ concert.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/piano-accordion-weekend-2/
Join Jane Ward for a fun weekend introducing the piano accordion. Bring your own instrument of borrow one from us courtesy of the The Reed Lounge. The course will cover simple technique to ensure the best start to playing the accordion. The weekend will be taught by ear and with music. By the end of the weekend you should be able to play some simple tunes with both hands together, and have an idea of where to progress next.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/piano-accordion-for-absolute-beginners/
Original, observant, quirky tales of Dorset folk featured in prosaic newspaper prose that has been transformed by writer Thomas Hardy into part of his literary canon. Join Wyvern to hear nostalgic, funny, uplifting stories - wife-selling, smugglers and rustic eccentrics - with evocative images of Hardy's Wessex and live music led by fiddler Steve Potter and harpist Sarah Deere-Jones.
£10/ £8 concessions
8.00 pm
Contact Quarterjack Folk: 01202 887247
info AT the allendale.org
www.the allendale.org
Les Barker writes strange poems and comes from Manchester, but he's now Welsh. He was an accountant before he became a professional idiot. He's written more than 85 books, which sell in large numbers at his gigs because people don't quite believe what they've just heard. His poems have spawned a number of Folk heroes: Jason and the Arguments, Cosmo the Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower, Captain Indecisive and Spot of the Antarctic, to name but two!
Once seen, never forgotten! Don’t miss this.
8pm
Tickets: £14 Full. £13 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=1021
You are welcome to join us and share an evening of music from the piano accordion. Informal concert by our piano accordion workshop tutors, Paul Hutchinson, Murray Grainger, Rachel Bell and Jane Ward.
8pm–10pm
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/accordion-paul-hutchinson-murray-grainger-rachel-bell-usa-jane-ward/
Building on the success of their annual Give Voice Weekends, we’re delighted that Tom and Barbara Brown have agreed to host a relaxed Summer week of folk song and singing with workshops, talks, film, discussions and sharing songs. With a fabulous all-singing team that includes Bonny Sartin, Janet Russell and Jeff Wesley, Jim Mageean and Marianne McAleer.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/give-voice-song-retreat/
Programme of easy Scottish dances and ceilidh dances and all will be talked / walked through and dancing will be to recorded music. Hot / cold drinks will be supplied foc . Wear something tartan if you wish!
Sunday afternoons from 2.30 to 4.30 pm.
No need to book, just come along and have a great time.
Further enquiries to Anita on anitaandjim22 AT gmail.com or phone 01460 929383
Run by the Somerset Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS)
See the powerful tale of women facing prejudice against their class, religion and gender told through historical record and folk songs. Follow in the footsteps of these Tolpuddle families whose lives were changed when their menfolk were labelled convicted and transported in 1834. Featuring Kitty Vernon, Derek Burgess, Rod and Mary Harrington, Sophie Wright, Lucy Findlay, Martin Stephen and Bob Axford.
'At last these remarkable women have come into the light'
£10/ £8 concessions
3.00 pm
Contact Quarterjack Folk: 01202 887247
info AT the allendale.org
www.the allendale.org
As part of the Give Voice Retreat week, we’re delighted that Tom and Barbara Brown will be giving a leaders concert alongside and their fabulous all-singing team that includes Bonny Sartin, Janet Russell and Jeff Wesley, Jim Mageean and Marianne McAleer.
7:30pm
£5
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/give-voice-leaders-concert/
+ Support Rod Jenkins
The lovely Linda Watkins is back with her Noah's Cape trio, joined by Marian Wedley and Mark Neil. This will be their third visit to Wessex Acoustic, the second with this line up. Performing mostly their own songs, they bring a refreshing mix of styles. Mark is also a great poet and a little bit of a comedian. So expect almost anything from this multi-talented trio.
Supporting them is our own master crooner and smooth singer of Americana, Rod Jenkins.
£10 pre-booked, £12 unbooked
8.15pm - Doors 7.45pm - Legion open from 7pm
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
A range of mainly English folk dances to suit all levels.
Caller Peter Bolton, accompanied by Jeroka, present a jolly evening.
A warm welcome, live music, good dances and cheerful company.
Nothing too serious, but as energetic as anyone might wish !
£4
7.30 - 9.30 pm
Contact Ama Bolton: 01749 672911
amabolton AT hotmail.com
http://www.pethertonfolkfest.org.uk
India Electric Co., Kirtsty Merryn, Vervain, Moonlit Poachers, Pettitt Anonnces, the Savannahs
Campfire sessions, open stage spots, folk choir workshop, flamenco sessions and (dance) workshops, Camping available for whole weekend. U16's free entry.
From £25 - KU16 Free
10:00 am - 11.55 pm
Contact Jack Bird: 07975 575194
info AT tangledrootsfestival.com
https://tangledrootsfestival.com
All welcome to this mostly-English session. All accoustic instruments welcome as well as fiddles.
6:00 - 9:30 pm
Contact Colin and Ruth Thompson: 01300 321396
fiddler AT casterbridge.net
Discover and nurture the songwriter within you. A three full day step-by-step guide to thinking, living and breathing like a songwriter.
You don’t have to be a professional Builder to build shelves nor do you have to be a professional Songwriter to write some great songs.
On this workshop you’ll take time to really explore and develop your songwriting with a master of the art, Reg Meuross. There will be plenty of space and time to walk, think and write within a programme that delves into every aspect of songwriting. We’ll look at what it means to be a songwriter, how to live and breathe ‘like a songwriter’, with tips and ideas that could become part of the regular practice of honing your craft.
Partnership Event Book through www.regmeuross.com/DIYsongwriting
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/diy-songwriting-with-reg-meuross/
With a relaxed and confident manner, vocal style and mastery of his instrument he walks onto a stage and addresses the audiences though he is sitting down to play music with a group of close friends;
Sunjay’'s style has that natural drift between folk and blues and both
camps have recognised his obvious flair.
£5 in advance £7 on the door
8pm
Contact Pip: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
www.draxfolk.org.uk
Reg Meuross’ reputation as a Master Storyteller has been well earned. From gigging in village halls and folk clubs to playing the Royal Albert Hall and huge festival stages in the UK and abroad, Reg consistently entrances his audiences with songs of life, love and injustice, soulfully delivered with melodic tenor vocals and exemplary guitar playing.
8pm
Booking through www.regmeuross.com
This gig is part of the DIY Songwriting with Reg Meuross workshop.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/reg-meuross-2/
Come and learn how to make a bow for your violin. A five-day practical course that enables you to make a bow of the violin family (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). The course is led by renowned tutor, bow maker and musician Andrew Bellis. You’ll be in the workshop by day, working on your personalised bow, and there will be time in the evenings to relax and enjoy informal playing sessions in the bar, so bring your instruments and try your new bows!
Materials will need to be ordered in advance from Andrew at bows AT andrewbellis.plus.com
See the link for full details
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/violin-bow-making/
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. Christine Planel will join the week to add a singing-for-dancing session or two, with music throughout from Paul Hutchinson and Richard Heacock.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-breton-dance-week-3/
Influenced by an eclectic range of music, this ever-evolving, nationally acclaimed gypsy folk-rock band play an exciting and visceral blend of styles. In the perfect collision of rowdy tunes, pumping danceability and compelling storytelling, expect a medley of original songs and old time drinking tunes, both hilarious and thrilling, and sure to entertain!
Last summer the band enjoyed accoladed appearances at festivals including Glastonbury, Boomtown Fair, Bestival, Camp Bestival and Beautiful Days. Released in April 2019, their third album ‘Take A Bite’ is a concise, passionate take on folk, blues and indie rock. Fresh from a European tour with Skinny Lister, HMATC are back on the road- come along for the ride and join the craziest party in town!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
* Rescheduled tour. HMATC plus support from Chris Roberts
“The musicians are stylistically dazzling” Bright Young Folk
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.holymolyandthecrackers.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28
7:30pm
Phone: 01258 475137
https://stur-exchange.co.uk
Discover French dance and develop your dance horizons for an evening of French and Breton Bal, an easy style of dance popular across Europe. Think – European Ceilidh. You’ll be joining participants on our French and Breton Dance week.
8pm–10pm
Pricing by donation
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-and-breton-bal/
Influenced by an eclectic range of music, this ever-evolving, nationally acclaimed gypsy folk-rock band play an exciting and visceral blend of styles. In the perfect collision of rowdy tunes, pumping danceability and compelling storytelling, expect a medley of original songs and old time drinking tunes, both hilarious and thrilling, and sure to entertain!
Last summer the band enjoyed accoladed appearances at festivals including Glastonbury, Boomtown Fair, Bestival, Camp Bestival and Beautiful Days. Released in April 2019, their third album ‘Take A Bite’ is a concise, passionate take on folk, blues and indie rock. Fresh from a European tour with Skinny Lister, HMATC are back on the road- come along for the ride and join the craziest party in town!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
* Rescheduled tour. HMATC plus support from Chris Roberts
“The musicians are stylistically dazzling” Bright Young Folk
www.holymolyandthecrackers.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
7:30pm
Phone: 01935 891744
https://artsreach.co.uk
Weekend Folk Festival with Saturday Evening Concert, Singarounds, Folk Club, Morris.
Charity festyival Raising money for the Soutyh West Childrens Hospice.
See www,westsomersetfolkfestival.co.uk
Contact - Mike Dibble 01643 841597.
Leveret features three of England’s finest folk musicians – Andy Cutting, Rob Harbron, Sam Sweeney – in an acclaimed collaboration, and we’re delighted to welcome them back to Halsway to lead this musicians’ workshop weekend.
Leveret’s music involves playing together spontaneously without using arrangements. This weekend of workshops for instrumentalists will explore ways of playing together intuitively in ensembles of varying size, as well as discussing repertoire development and composition.
There will also be a chance to see Leveret perform on the Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/leveret-workshop-weekend-2/
+ Support Marion Fleetwood
Wow what a night we have to end our season. The top notch JEZ LOWE with the talented KATE BRAMLEY with a selection of Jez favourites, along with Kate's own offerings.
Supporting this dynamic duo, we are thrilled to have one of our favourite musicians, Marion Fleetwood, currently performing with TRADarrr and IOTA. It is a rare treat to get Marion on her own, so you can appreciate her delicious voice and fabulous guitar and fiddle playing.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
Start time: 8.15pm - Doors 7.45pm - Legion open from 7pm
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Leveret features three of England’s finest folk musicians – Andy Cutting, Rob Harbron, Sam Sweeney – in an acclaimed collaboration, and we’re delighted to welcome them back to Halsway.
Leveret’s music is firmly rooted in the English tradition but sounds fresh and new. With their albums New Anything and In The Round and over a long string of sell-out gigs, the trio have built a strong reputation as consummate musicians and captivating performers. Now they return with Inventions, a new album of original material that brings Leveret’s trademark groove, energy and intuitive playing to bear on a set of new tunes composed by the trio, three of today’s finest tunesmiths in the folk field.
8pm
£15
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/leveret-gig/
An enjoyable summer weekend of music and song for players and singers of all levels of experience. Jon & Sam will lead the ukes to kick-start and improve your skills. Meanwhile Liz will focus on singing for those wanting to develop their confidence. This year we’ll run an additional session on songwriting. We’ll have three groups according to your playing skills, but you’re free to move between the groups, and there’s plenty of time to relax and socialize too. The evenings will include opportunities to perform your own material, plus an informal concert on the Saturday by the tutors. To get you started, there are some video tutorials and other materials at www.ukuleleoxford.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ukulele-song-weekend-2019/
The Salts are a co-operative of seasoned musicians, creating what is fast becoming one of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times. Individually The Salts, fronted by twice BBC Young Folk Finalist Lee Collinson, have circumnavigated the Commonwealth with tours of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Singapore and Hong Kong. Their latest album ‘Brave’ on Braccan Records has received rave reviews far and wide.
£15
7:30 pm
Contact Chapel Arts: 01225 463362
bathboxoffice AT bathtourism.co.uk
bathboxoffice.org.uk
After many years of working with people and their voices at their own teaching centre, Stones Barn in Cumbria, Maddy Prior MBE and her daughter Rose-Ellen Kemp are delighted to offer their second course together at Halsway Manor in collaboration with the fantastic Christina Shewell. This course will be for singers of all levels who want to work to improve their voice and learn about the voice.
Working both altogether and in smaller groups you’ll have fun learning practical techniques to improve and maintain the voice, gain knowledge of vocal anatomy and physiology and hear some interesting insights into the current voice research as well as enjoying some group singing for the sheer love of it as well as for health and wellbeing. It will be an absorbing, social and fulfilling singing experience for those who want to work on their voice.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/vocal-workshop-week/
Maddy, Christina and Rose-Ellen will be leading their second vocal development course together at Halsway Manor and this performance is part of this celebration of voice.
The evening will include content from the course participants, spoken word from Christina Shewell, and song performances from Maddy Prior MBE and her daughter Rose-Ellen, also a professional singer. It is not a fully ‘Maddy Prior and Friends’ show, but rather an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, informal and varied evening of song and spoken word.
8pm
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/rose-ellen-kemp-christina-shewell-maddy-prior/
http://www.priddyfolk.org
We’re delighted to announce Halsway’s first ballad weekend, in which a team led by Pete Coe will explore the performance, sourcing and history of storytelling songs from the last four centuries. Pete, whose pedigree as a performer in the folk scene has few equals, will be joined by leading performer of traditional ballads Brian Peters, and BBC Folk Singer of the Year nominee Emily Portman.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ballads-broadsides-bawling-hawkers/
A night of storytelling through songs from the tutors of Halsway’s Ballads, Broadsides and Bawling Hawkers weekend workshop.
Pete Coe is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and song collector, and has been a professional touring and recording folk musician since 1971. He’s played in iconic bands including The New Victory Band and Bandoggs, but he’s best known for the variety of his solo performances. Pete has also researched and given illustrated presentations on broadside ballads. Robin Denselow, writing in The Guardian, described him as “an impressive singer, songwriter and instrumentalist who switches from bouzouki to melodeon, banjo or dulcimer, and can handle anything from traditional ballads to comic material.”
Brian Peters is an experienced singer of traditional songs with a wide repertoire but a particularly strong reputation as an interpreter of the ‘Child Ballads’. He’s a multi-instrumental accompanist proficient on guitar, anglo-concertina and melodeon, has given classes on ballad repertoire and interpretation in the UK, USA and Canada, and devised the ‘Songs of Trial and Triumph’ presentation and CD, devoted to the Child Ballads. Steven Winick of the Library of Congress, Washington DC, wrote: “He sings and plays with consummate skill, breathing life into unusual ballads which shimmer with magic and murder, tragedy, action, excitement, and humour.”
Emily Portman (Furrow Collective, and Emily Portman Trio) is folk singer, writer and concertina player with nominations for folk singer of the year and holder of the 2013 BBC Radio 2 folk album of the year. As well as being a performer, Emily has presented BBC Radio Merseyside’s folk show ‘Folkscene’, written articles for the acclaimed roots and world music magazine fROOTS and has given talks on Ballad Studies at Cecil Sharp House, London and The International Ballad Conference.
8pm
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/pete-coe-brian-peters-emily-portman/
Programme of easy Scottish dances and ceilidh dances and all will be talked / walked through and dancing will be to recorded music. Hot / cold drinks will be supplied foc . Wear something tartan if you wish!
Sunday afternoons from 2.30 to 4.30 pm.
No need to book, just come along and have a great time.
Further enquiries to Anita on anitaandjim22 AT gmail.com or phone 01460 929383
Run by the Somerset Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS)
World Circle Dancers return to Halsway for this weekend in July 2019! Come to enjoy newly created circle dances to wonderful new world music. We’ll also explore traditional folk dances from around the world, with an emphasis on Greece and the Balkans.
Who’s it For?
This weekend is for those dancers who have some previous experience of circle dance or international folk dance. It is not suitable for complete beginners.
Partnership Event
For more information, contact Hazel 01453 834 125
email hazel AT hazelyoung.co.uk.
See also www.hazelyoung.co.uk
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/world-circle-dance-2019/
An enjoyable weekend for singers and musicians to join sisters Emily and Hazel Askew for a creative exploration of English music and song.
The weekend will focus on bringing music to life using traditional techniques and styles as well as tools to inspire your own creativity. We will look at ways of playing, singing and researching traditional English songs and tunes, as well as artistic ways to interpret, edit and arrange this material. Over the weekend we will work as a whole group, we’ll split into two groups of singers and instrumentalists, and we’ll also work in smaller mixed groups of semi-self-directed singers and instrumentalists, to have fun putting what we’ve learnt into action!
The Askew Sisters will perform an informal concert in the Saturday evening, and participants are invited to contribute spots should they wish!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/the-askew-sisters-creative-english-music-and-song-weekend/
Join sisters Emily and Hazel Askew for an informal concert exploring English music and song.
The Askew Sisters, Emily (Alma, Emily Askew Band) and Hazel (Lady Maisery, Coven, Songs of Separation), are two of the foremost performers and interpreters of English folk music. As an acclaimed duo, their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives.
Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breath-taking arrangements, which allow words that are hundreds of years old resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences. Both are also skilled multi-instrumentalists and expert players of dance music, using fiddles, melodeons, concertina and cello in their innate drive to bring old dance music to life. Their long awaited fourth studio album will be released in early 2019.
8pm
£10 - Adults
£4 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/askew-sisters-gig-2019/
A weekend to explore the wonderful choreography of Gary Roodman, a retired American college professor, whose dance compositions have captivated English Country Dancers on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years.
This will be our 8th ‘Roodman Celebration’ weekend, and will focus solely on Gary’s dances.
Gary Roodman, a dancer of ‘International’ dances for many years, discovered English & American dance when he attended Pinewoods Camp in Massachusetts with his family for the first time in 1976. ‘That experience changed my life forever’ he states on his website. Since his first publication ‘Calculated Figures’ in 1987 Gary has produced a further 10 collections of ‘Calculated Figures’ plus other books and accompanying CDs, creating a total of almost 160 dances. The music used is frequently by famous classical composers, but also modern composers and in particular collaborations with Jonathan Jensen, & Dave Wiesler.
This is a challenging weekend of dance aimed at experienced English Country Dancers.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/roodman-dance-celebration-weekend/
The Spooky Men wooed us with an outstanding concert at the end of summer 2018 and now they’re back!
They are the gift that keeps on giving... as thunderous as a herd of wildebeest, as sly as a wagonload of Spike Milligans and as sonorous as a cloister of monks. They emerged blinking-eyed from the Blue Mountains of NSW fifteen years ago and armed with no more than their impressively cavernous vocal chords, a nice line in deadpan, improbable facial hair and an ill-matched set of hats, have been gleefully impressing audiences throughout Australia, NZ and the UK ever since.
Their 2019 tour includes material from a brand new album, and a winning spectrum of Georgian songs, pindrop-beautiful ballads, highly inappropriate covers, and immaculate man anthems.
You must see them. Really, you must.
8pm
£22 / £20
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/fri-26-july-spooky-mens-chorale/
Full board (accommodation and all meals), tuition and all activities:
£225
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first-served basis.
Contact us for an application form. Please return your completed application form with a deposit of £60 to secure your place; the balance is due 6 weeks before the course begins.
An opportunity for young musicians from the South West and beyond to work with leading folk artists, to create a new performance piece – and to perform it live at Sidmouth Folk Week!
The young performers will operate as a company: taking warm ups together, technique classes in their disciplines, learning repertoire and creating contemporary reinterpretations of traditional material. The group will live, work and play together, with opportunities for informal rehearsals and social gatherings to enrich their experience and understanding of the folk arts.
This is a fun but intensive course for young people aged 12-18, leading to a day of performances at Sidmouth Folk Week. It’s designed as a progression from our Spring Halsway Young Folk Intro Week, but if you’re new to Halsway, that’s ok; you’ll need prior experience as a musician or singer, and to have some folk experience, eg from taking part in workshops at Festivals, from going to courses at other venues, from playing in a school (or your own!) folk band. If you’re not sure, then get in touch.
((There is lots more information on the Halway website - see the link below))
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-intermediate-2/
Kabantu, meaning ‘of the people’, is an eclectic five-piece hailing from Manchester, who unravel new marriages of music from around the globe. Vocal harmonies from South Africa blend with everything from Celtic reels and Balkan folk music to Brazilian samba and beyond. Kabantu have performed all over the UK including at the Royal Albert Hall, Sage Gateshead and Cadogan Hall, and have appeared at the BBC Proms, Celtic Connections and the Cambridge Folk Festival. In 2018 Kabantu release their debut album ‘Of the People’ to critical acclaim, recorded by the Mercury-nominated producer Gerry Diver. Using music to bridge countries and cultures, Kabantu create upliftingly exuberant and joyful performances.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.kabantu.com
£10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
7:30pm
Phone: 01929 450204
https://artsreach.co.uk
Kabantu, meaning ‘of the people’, is an eclectic five-piece hailing from Manchester, who unravel new marriages of music from around the globe. Vocal harmonies from South Africa blend with everything from Celtic reels and Balkan folk music to Brazilian samba and beyond. Kabantu have performed all over the UK including at the Royal Albert Hall, Sage Gateshead and Cadogan Hall, and have appeared at the BBC Proms, Celtic Connections and the Cambridge Folk Festival. In 2018 Kabantu release their debut album ‘Of the People’ to critical acclaim, recorded by the Mercury-nominated producer Gerry Diver. Using music to bridge countries and cultures, Kabantu create upliftingly exuberant and joyful performances.
Tickets include a World Food BBQ
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.kabantu.com
£16, £8 u18s *Price includes a World Food BBQ
7:30pm
Phone: 01725 517607
https://artsreach.co.uk
Bridport ceilidhs welcomes a new band for us, "A Pair of Shears", with the ebullient Simon Maplesden calling.
Bring and Share supper and your own ale (The Woodman Inn is just opposite).
On street parking or free evening car park further up the street.
Tickets may be bought in advance via the website and from The Music Shop, South Street, or booked by phone or email.
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, £4 for 6-16 yrs
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423 442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
French – Breton – Euro Dances
Workshop at 7pm followed by Bal at 8pm
£6 adults, £4 for 12-18s, under 12s free Dorset
2019 dates for Dorchester Dances
Friday Jan 11th, May 10th, Sept 13th, Nov 8th
See our facebook page - fb: EuroBal Wessex email us to add your name to our
mailing list: eurobalwessex AT gmail.com
Programme of easy Scottish dances and ceilidh dances and all will be talked / walked through and dancing will be to recorded music. Hot / cold drinks will be supplied foc . Wear something tartan if you wish!
Sunday afternoons from 2.30 to 4.30 pm.
No need to book, just come along and have a great time.
Further enquiries to Anita on anitaandjim22 AT gmail.com or phone 01460 929383
Run by the Somerset Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS)
Special Acorn Acoustic Music Club
Bruce is a major Australian songwriter and performer in the folk tradition. Based in Melbourne, he performs around Australia and New Zealand at festivals, clubs and other venues.
Bruce is a hilarious humorist and a writer and performer with the power to move audiences to tears. His performances are joyful and thoroughly engaging, with witty lyrics and energetic presentation. He is a masterful craftsman of songs, be they evocative and heart wrenching, or side-splittingly funny.
supported by our own floor spots and The Acorn Shanty Crew.
www.brucewatsonmusic.com
www.acornshantycrew.co.uk
French – Breton – Euro Dances
Workshop at 7pm followed by Bal at 8pm
£6 adults, £4 for 12-18s, under 12s free Dorset
2019 dates for Dorchester Dances
Friday Jan 11th, May 10th, Sept 13th, Nov 8th
See our facebook page - fb: EuroBal Wessex email us to add your name to our
mailing list: eurobalwessex AT gmail.com
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (Melodeon, Concertina, Vocals), George Sansome (Guitar, Vocals) and Lewis Wood (Fiddle, Mandolin, Vocals) – are a folk trio who play the tradition with verve, energy and their own inimitable style. These three young men are all exceptional musicians and fine singers and play English traditional and original music. Formed in 2009, they have since played at clubs and festivals up and down the country, and have been heralded for their lively performances and maturity beyond their years in their delivery and selection of traditional songs.
8pm
Tickets £12
www.grannysattic.org.uk/
www.ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club,
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
The Tannahill Weavers are a band which performs traditional Scottish music. Releasing their first album in 1976, they became notable for being one of the first popular bands to incorporate the sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe in an ensemble setting, and in doing so helped to change the sound of Scottish traditional music. In 2011 the band were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.
The band was formed in 1968 and practiced in a back room of the McKay family's rented council house at 41 St. Ninian's Road, Hunterhill, Paisley. The band first performed at St. Peter's Folk Club, Glenburn, Paisley which was run by Pat Doherty, father of Weavers' founding member Neil Doherty.
They are named after Scottish poet Robert Tannahill, known as the 'Weaver Poet,' and have recorded several of his songs.
8pm
Tickets £14
www.tannahillweavers.com/
www.ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club,
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
Join Jim in celebrating the Christmas season as he entertains you with lesser known West Country carols, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, his own settings of moving Christmas poems by his relative, the late Cornish poet Charles Causley as well a gurt dollop of festive fun with songs of over-indulgence and even a spot of panto too! If you are feeling a little dismayed with the over-commercialisation of “Christmas present” then join Jim for a journey through Christmas past that will be guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!
7.30pm
www.jimcausley.co.uk/
Tickets £10
www.ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club,
https://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
wit Dampiers Round, Ray Goodswen
A residential folk dance weekend in the medieval village of Dunster, with a visit to Exmoor's hidden Snowdrop Valley. Includes 2 nights Full Board accommodation and Sunday lunch, all dances and transport to Snowdrop Valley.
from £270.00 per person
Contact Yarn Market Hotel: 01643 821425
hotel AT yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk