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.
Please note that all the email addresses on this page have been altered to try to limit the effect of spam programs. The @ symbol has been replaced with " AT ". Also note that the web addresses on the page may not act as hyperlinks. You will have to cut and paste them into the address bar of your web browser.
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.
Now in its third year, Halsway Young Folk – Advanced is an opportunity for musicians and singers aged 16-25 to explore and develop their skills in arrangement, composition and ensemble work. We’re delighted to be welcoming Amy Thatcher (The Shee, Kathryn Tickell’s The Side, Monster Ceilidh Sound System) to lead the course alongside regular lead tutor Will Lang.
Much more detail on the website
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-advanced-3/
Now in its third year, our popular Halsway Young Folk – Juniors is a great introduction to folk music and dance for ages 8 – 12. Led by experienced teacher-practitioners Claire Bailey and Ford Collier*, this short residential will be filled with fun and creative folk activities, using local traditions and customs as inspiration. Children will explore music, dance and song, and create and perform a show for family and friends.
Much more detail on the website
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-junior-2/
Milton Hide visit fresh from the Sussex Country side to entertain Sandford Orcas. This husband and wife team sing original songs of beauty and wisdom.
Milton Hide's honesty of songwriting, subtlety of musicianship and natural on-stage chemistry sees them never fail to connect with and impress an audience.
8.30pm
Contact John Bailey: 07505361693
cashbuddy AT rocketmail.com
www.miltonhide.com
This is the seventh year of our folk music, dance and song summer school – for all ages and abilities – led by a crack team of tutors who have detailed knowledge and extensive experience of a wide spectrum of folk music. There will be groups for dance (Kerry), song (Carolyn), fiddle (Sophy), accordion (Paul), guitar (Kevin) and mixed-instrument (Jo), and the programme will be fluid enough for you to move from group to group should you wish. One of the course’s special features is, throughout the week, we will work towards a full-group ensemble piece, with the whole summer school. This is a powerful way of bringing everything we do, and all the participants together, in one shared experience, allowing you to learn about how to structure a performance, work together, use all levels of skills (in small and large groups) – and create something that’s amazing and all inclusive!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-summer-school-3/
We are DELIGHTED to welcome back Stuart, Richard, Chris and Matthew for a third ‘Dances of Poldark’ weekend! This weekend is for dancers of all abilities to learn and enjoy some of the elegant and lively 18th Century dances featured in the BBC’s adaptation of Winston Graham’s ‘Poldark’ novels. Led by dancing-master Stuart Marsden, choreographer of the BBC Poldark series. Previous courses have sold out fast, so book your place asap to avoid disappointment.
We promise not recreate the 18th Century ‘baroque stage & court dances’ but do promise to bring the exquisite 18th century country dance steps, rhythms and sounds into our ballroom for all to enjoy – in the lovely setting of Halsway Manor!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/dances-of-poldark-weekend-2/
Lovers of Poldark may think there is something familiar about these two musicians. Mike O'Connor and Barbara Griggs have regularly featured as playing musicians on the show, and Mike has written some of the music for the series.
Mike is a keen historian and has researched many of the legends of Cornwall, and the folklore of the region. He tells wonderful tales, and includes them in his marvellous songs and folk opera.
Mike is an enthusiastic violinist and great accompanist to the beautiful harp playing of Barbara, or in harmony with her Viol.
This is classic style folk music at its very best.
Who could we have to support them but the cream of traditional singers,
Gill and Bob Berry!
A night for lovers of traditional folk music.
£10 pre-booked, £12 unbooked
8.15 pm (Legion open from 7.00 Concert doors 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Workshop and ceilidh with teacher and caller Val Knight
Workshop 11am - 1pm
Lunch Please Bring Picnic Lunch to Share
Ceili 2pm - 5pm
Refreshments ~ Free
Contact Val Knight
email valcuttywren AT yahoo.co.uk
Claire Hastings is a Scottish folksinger, songwriter and ukulele player based in Glasgow. In 2015 she earned the prestigious title of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and has since delighted audiences at home and abroad with her 'natural, effortless Scots voice.' (FRUK)
£12 / £10 concessions
8.00pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co.uk
A weekend of workshops, ensemble playing, sessions, dancing, a concert and more! An international line-up of tutors – Daniel Pettersson and David Eriksson from Sweden plus Vicki Swan from the UK – will between them offer a whole range of tuition on a variety of subjects. You can expect Swedish music, British music, European music, plus technique and ensemble classes. Jonny Dyer will also be on hand to co-host the weekend with Vicki, and we’ll have a master Nyckelharpa maker on hand to help with repairs and maintenance. Come and explore a range of repertoire, and meet, play and socialise with other players and enthusiasts!
We anticipate that accommodation will be at a premium for this event; please consider sharing a room with friends, booking a bed in a shared dorm, or bringing a campervan/camping if you're an outdoor type! Not only will you save yourself some cash, but it will mean that more people can join the party!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/harpas-at-halsway-nyckelharpa-festival-3/
Charming, disarming and exceptionally talented, multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer is something of a national treasure on the Folk, Roots and Acoustic scene.
One half of award-winning powerhouse, Show of Hands, Phil is equally in demand for his solo shows.
Phil sets out to share some of his most-loved songs at carefully selected venues across the UK. With the odd laugh thrown in for good measure, Beer’s flawless musicianship and rich vocals will leave you wide-eyed and wanting more.
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/phil-beer/
Fun evening of easy dances with a Caller to guide you (dancing to CDs)
7:30 – 9:30pm
Adults £3 Children £1 BYO alcohol/glasses
(soft drinks & nibbles provided)
01305 833660 for more information
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
Sally Barker, Anna Ryder & Marion Fleetwood perform as IOTA. All three write, sing and sway in perfect harmony and each is a seasoned performer of the UK Folk/Rock scene.
£14
8.00 pm
Contact Steve Coram: 01278 422700
steve AT bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
http://bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk/
A Saturday evening gig from our International line-up of tutors for our ‘Harpas at Halsway’ Weekend! See and hear the Nyckelharpa – a traditional Swedish ‘keyed fiddle’ – in the hands of three of Europe’s finest exponents of the instrument.
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/nyckelharpa-vicki-swan-daniel-pettersson-david-eriksson/
Phil Beer. plays guitar and fiddle. Sings a bit.
That's one understated description of this charismatic fiddler and multi -instrumentalist (who also has a great singing voice). Best known as one half of Folk Royalty duo Show of Hands, Phil is a wonderful solo performer. Laid back and charming, he's a great raconteur with an engaging stage presence. He carries his audience through reels and jigs and mesmerising, romantic tunes and ballads, with a fair bit of laughter on the way.
He comes to Osmington Village Hall this year for our 'Gig & BBQ' event, having very kindly agreed that we can work with Phoenix Fundraisers on this occasion to donate profits in support of deserving local causes. BBQ prices start from £3.
£15
Doors 6.30 pm onstage 8.00 pm
Contact Eileen Bramley: 07816 832554
osmingtonmusic AT gmail.com
osmingtonvillagehall.co.uk
Duncan Chisholm effortlessly evokes a background steeped in the rich highland music tradition through his rich, varied compositions. Having been described as ‘one of the most authentic interpreters of traditional highland music.’ his fiddle playing takes you on an emotional journey through the beautiful landscape which inspires him.
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £16.50
Advance: £15.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/duncan-chisholm/
The violin making workshops are extremely popular at Halsway Manor; some of the participants have been 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 twenty 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.
Course begins at 2pm on Monday; depart after lunch on Friday.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/violin-making-6/
"The Community Quire with a Difference" will be meeting each Tuesday evening to learn West Country Christmas Carols with the culmination in performing them at concerts around the area. New members are always very welcome and the ability to read music is not essential as we learn everything by ear. Community singing is good for the soul!
£30 per term. New members free for the first two weeks.
7:30 - 9.00 pm
Contact Phil: 01935 477884
philwithsweets AT hotmail.com
stanchesterquire.org
Saul Rose (Melodion &vocals) Maclaine Colston (hammered dulcimers, guitar and vocals) Between them Saul and Maclaine have collaborated with a long line of Britfolk luminaries including Waterson Carthy, Faustus, Whapweasle, Eliza Carthy's Kings of Calicutt and Wayward Band.
£10
7.30 for 8pm
Contact Meg Rose: 07877206124
Meg.rose AT btinternet.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
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
2017 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winners Josie Duncan and Pablo Lafuente are a vocal/guitar duo like no other.
Calling the Isle of Lewis and Spain home respectively, their music traverses nationalities. Vocals in in Gaelic, Scots and English, their music cover centuries old ballads meet Gaelic puirt a beul, songs from the mines and cotton mills, as well as some original writing.
Josie’s voice, crystal clear. With its slight island twang, equally at home in any of these domains. Accompanied by Pablo’s dynamic, sensitive guitar playing, they illuminate the lyrics. The music at times sparse and haunting, at others driving and all consuming, will leave you stunned.
They are both accomplished musicians in their own right. Josie Duncan a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she studied with some of the masters of the Scottish and Gaelic traditions. Pablo Lafuente studied guitar and fiddle at the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music and has put down cultural roots in Scotland, exploring the tradition to its deepest core.
8.00pm
£13 / £11 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/fri-13-september-josie-duncan-and-pablo-lafuente/
£10
7:30 pm
Contact Phil: 01935 477884
philwithsweets AT hotmail.com
Kristina Olsen is an American contemporary folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, from California, known for her sometimes humorous, heartfelt and sometimes adult themed songs. We are proud to bring her to the club for the first time having been fans of her and her music for some years.
Her songs really tell a story and lovely tunes too.
This is a rare chance to see Kristina so don't miss it.
Please check website for support.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15 pm (Legion open from 7.00 Concert doors 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
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.
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.
In September, Topic Records will release Martin’s new album, a mixture of Simpson originals and traditional songs and tunes with guest appearances from friends old and new. As ever, Martin is pushing in new directions; expect exquisite ensemble playing and solo magic.
8:00 pm £19
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/martin-simpson/
Harvest Festival Barn Dance - The Cerne Abbas Giant Ceilidh
www.ceilidhscomet.co.uk
www.facebook.com/ceilidhscomet
Hot Food included in ticket Licensed Bar Available
buy tickets online at
www.bearcatcollective.co.uk
Or email for bank transfer info
Or send a cheque payable to BearCat Collective
at Silverthorne Farm, Milborne Wick DT9 4PW
please include names and food choice (chicken/veggie)
Adv. Tickets Only £8, U16s £3
Family £18 = 2 adults +up to 3 U16s
Entry on the door £10 / £4
(No unaccompanied under 18s)
7.00 pm
Alden Patterson and Dashwood are a Norwich based folk trio comprising of Christina
Alden (vocals/ guitar), Alex Patterson (fiddle/ vocals) and Noel Dashwood (dobro/
vocals). Following the success of their award winning debut album ‘Call Me Home’ the
band release their second album ‘By The Night’ in June 2018.
A homespun approach is at the heart of Alden Patterson and Dashwood’s music. Their
music draws on material from ancient songs re-spun with new melodies, as well as
original material depicting tales of time travel, mountain journeys and their affection for
home.
The band are set for another successful year with a busy summer of high profile festivals
and over seventy dates at folk clubs and theatres across the UK.
£10 / £8 Concessions
8.00pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co.uk
A rare opportunity in this area to learn carols under the leadership of folk music maestro John Kirkpatrick, this event is primarily aimed at choirs but individuals will be very welcome subject to spaces available.
Bring and share lunch.
£10 per person includes tea/coffee
11:00am (Doors open 10:30) - 4:30pm
Contact Phil: 01935 477884
philwithsweets AT hotmail.com
stanchesterquire.org
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)
Phil King has performed all over the UK, at festivals and fayres, in pubs, clubs and bars, on bandstands and boats, and once in a beautiful tree house. He performs regularly in Paris and has also played in Zurich, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, New York and Weston-Super-Mare. Phil has had his music played on many local radio stations and also by Bob Harris, Steve Lamacq and Alex Lester on BBC Radio.
Confluence are an instrumental meeting of cello (Gill Redmond) and accordion (Alasdair Paton) based around the New Forest. They join traditional folk music from the UK with melodies from continental Europe, and self-penned tunes. They take influences from their diverse musical experiences in classical, jazz, baroque as well as folk – providing listeners with a fresh take on familiar material.
Kevin Anderson has recently moved to Bere Regis from Wimborne but he is originally from Manchester as you will discover. He runs and hosts an open mic at The Horns Inn, Colehill. The songs he sings and plays on guitar are often witty and humorous and his repertoire is varied and vast.
8pm
Contact Pip: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
www.draxfolk.org.uk
North Devon duo Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll share a love of traditional English fiddle music and also compose their own tunes. We are delighted to be welcoming Paul Sartin (Belshazzar’s Feast, Faustus, Bellowhead) to join them as our guest tutor for 2019!
Workshops include technique, expression and repertoire (using our extensive folk library) and there will be plenty of time to play together and receive some individual help. This is an intensive weekend of workshops for fiddle players of all ages who can play folk dance tunes up to tempo either from the music provided, or by ear. Some music will be supplied in advance. Other tunes will be chosen at the event in response to participants’ requests – a Saturday afternoon ‘Open Space’ session offers a chance for workshops on areas requested by course participants, and for individual tuition.
On Saturday evening there’s a chance to watch the tutors in action in a public performance at 8pm. Course ends around 5pm Sunday.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/english-fiddle-weekend-2019/
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
Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington, plus their on-stage ‘musical spaceship’ of 13 instruments, are The Blackheart Orchestra.
After four acclaimed albums and awards – including Best British Duo, #4 Best New Band of 2018, #3 Best Unsigned Band of 2019 plus a nomination for the Limelight Award in the 2018 Progressive Music Awards – The Blackheart Orchestra have become one of the must-see bands of 2019.
Their mesmerising multi-instrumental shows, which combine elements of Folk, Progressive and Classical music, have won them obsessive worldwide fans, plaudits from musical giants and placements on TV commercials and films
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-blackheart-orchestra/
North Devon duo Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll share a love of traditional English fiddle music and also compose their own tunes. W Paul Sartin(Belshazzar’s Feast, Faustus, Bellowhead) is joining them as guest tutor for our 2019 Fiddle Weekend. They will be giving an informal concert for participants and members of the public to hear them in action.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/english-fiddle-concert-with-nick-wyke-becki-driscoll/
Judith Inman hosts this partnership dance event, with musicians Liza and Grahame O’Connor, and Ivan Aitken as guest caller. Dances are in the English style, old and new.
Ivan is calling the Friday evening dance and will have us dancing around the UK! His workshop on the Saturday morning introduces some of the latest Gary Roodman dances. Callers Diana Triplow, Val and Ian McFarlane and Clive Harman will all contribute to the weekend, with Peter Moran in charge of Longsword!
There will be free time to enjoy the colours and scents of autumn in the Quantocks, visit Somerset Arts Week studios or look for fossils near Kilve. If wet you can research in the library, or relax in the Manor
For more information and to book please contact Judith Inman:
Tel: 01628 486845
Email: judithinman AT btinternet.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/harvest-dance-weekend-2019/
Jim Moray is amongst England’s finest interpreters of traditional song. His relentlessly innovative recordings can truly be said to have changed the sound of folk music since the early 2000s, and he has won fans and admirers far outside of the folk scene without ever betraying his traditional roots. A five-time BBC Folk Award winner, his songs have been featured in a season finale of Grey’s Anatomy, he has appeared on-screen singing a specially composed song for Dr Who spin-off Class as aliens attack the earth, and he has presented documentaries on traditional music for BBC Radio 3.
Jim's website: www.jimmoray.co.uk
Tickets £15 (students £10) - on sale soon!
(Please note the Belinda O’Hooley concert originally scheduled for this date has been cancelled for very good personal reasons. It will be rescheduled sometime next year)
www.bournemouthfolkclub.com
Originally from the South West "Chris Foster merits legendary status, one of the very best in the second wave if the folk revival, as important as Martin Carthy, Dick Gaughan and Nic Jones in the way he has modernised and invested traditional songs with inventive guitar arrangements and potent vocal delivery" Colin Irwin fROOTS magazine.
£10
8pm
Contact John Waltham or Meg Rose: 01963362890 or 07877206124
jhnwaltham AT yahoo.co.uk meg.rose AT btinternet.com
We are so excited to have this amazing band at our little club.
Merry Hell are six wonderful people in their acoustic format, so it is going to be a squeeze fitting them all in on stage!
Every year there seems to arise a band that captures the imagination and fire the spirit of us folkies. This year it is Merry Hell.
They are selling out wherever they go and have an impressive list of festival appearances all summer.
Tickets are going fast for this event so make sure you book NOW to ensure getting in.
Bravely providing opening support is the experienced and highly entertaining Mel Langton from East Anglia.
£14 pre-booked, £16 unbooked
8.15 pm (Legion open from 7.00 Concert doors 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
The Anglo-Chilean band Quimantu creates a unique cultural blend through their exceptional use of the numerous traditional Folk styles of Latin America, skilfully incorporated with contemporary influences from Western Classical music to Celtic, African and Indian styles, to name just a few. Their concert will include a selection of new songs featuring the rising star Laura Venegas-Rojas, whose warm and velvety vocals are complemented by virtuosic violins, the brilliance of guitars, charango and cuatro and the vibrant rhythms of Latin percussion.
Experience a wonderful concert with this multi-talented group of musicians who have quite deservedly gained a reputation as one of the UK’s best and most creative Latin groups.
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/quimantu/
Overstratton Folk Dance club Autumn Dance
Bring and share supper.Cracking band with a great caller.
Early tickets £7.50 /On the door £8.50
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact lynn sparks: 01935479291
sjsparks AT btinternet.com
Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’ returns in 2019 with a new album and UK tour. After a career spanning over 20 years, during which time she has played with many of the top musicians and singers within the folk world, she will be touring solo as she started out: One woman, one bass, and one guitar.
Building on the success of her Borrowed Places tour, Miranda Sykes is back with a completely new project: Her new album ‘Behind The Wall’
Where Borrowed Places opened a window into the past, explaining where she had been, physically and spiritually, Behind The Wall is a Roller Coaster Ride exploring where we are going; Miranda, you, me, all of us. What does it mean to be human today, living in our communities and societies and where will our actions lead us?
Powerful and hard-hitting but also poignant and beautiful, this show is not to be missed.
www.wegottickets.com/event/461796
£12 adv
7.30pm
Phone: 07817 379006
www.mirandasykes.com
Singing History workshop lead by Vivien Ellis grammy nominated singer specialising in early music, natural voice singing and with a particular interest in singing to aid mindfulness and mental health. The morning will be spent looking at music from the 1400's to the Baroque period and the afternoon will be given over to a singing history walk around Bridport co-led by Bruce Upton the town's guide and using vocal music pertinent to the history and incl folk music. The group will also have a chance to sing in the Town Hall as part of Bridport's medieval Charter Fair. The day ends with an informal concert in the beautiful Chapel in the Garden. The workshop is part of the South West Early Music Forum (SWEMF).
£20.00 for SWEMF members, £22.00 for others
10.00am (finishes approx 5.30pm)
Contact Maya Pieris: 07787 566 676
swemfbridport AT btinternet.com
www.swemf.org.uk
Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’ returns in 2019 with a new album and UK tour. After a career spanning over 20 years, during which time she has played with many of the top musicians and singers within the folk world, she will be touring solo as she started out: One woman, one bass, and one guitar.
Building on the success of her Borrowed Places tour, Miranda Sykes is back with a completely new project: Her new album ‘Behind The Wall’
Where Borrowed Places opened a window into the past, explaining where she had been, physically and spiritually, Behind The Wall is a Roller Coaster Ride exploring where we are going; Miranda, you, me, all of us. What does it mean to be human today, living in our communities and societies and where will our actions lead us?
Powerful and hard-hitting but also poignant and beautiful, this show is not to be missed.
www.chettlemusic.co.uk
£12
7.30pm
Contact Jan Fisher: 07776 323198
jan.fisher AT chettlemusic.co.uk
www.chettlemusic.co.uk
Following an extremely well-received inaugural course last year, we’re delighted to welcome back Kevin Dempsey, Tristan Seume, and Charlotte Carrivick for our second Guitar Workshop Week. The week is an intensive but enjoyable guitar-school week for steel-string acoustic guitarists, led by three fantastic tutors!
The week will help you to develop your skills and confidence, with options to explore finger style, flat-picking, alternative and open tunings, arranging tunes and song accompaniment, chord vocabulary, and useful theory too. Whole group, smaller group and one-to-one teaching, to leave you enthused and inspired! There will be down-time too, for you to practise, jam, socialise and spend quality time with your instrument. For those who want to, there’s also the opportunity to join the tutors in concert on the Thursday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/guitar-workshop-week/
A folk musical telling the story of love divided by the greatest voyage of exploration the world has seen. Bob Whitley (guitar and mandola) and Lee Cuff (cello) perform in 16th century costumes which will take you back 500 years to a time when at a time when the sailors’ greatest fear was falling over the edge of the earth.
Magellan’s Circumnavigation was the greatest voyage of human exploration, at a time when sailors believed in gigantic sea monsters, demons, boiling seas at the Equator and magnetic rocks that drew the nails out of the timbers. The sailors also believed that the world was flat and feared they would disappear over the edge.
This musical story is set against the background of the voyage and follows an ordinary sailor and his wife mirroring the parallel story of Ferdinand and Beatriz Magellan.
8.00pm
£12 / £10 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/thurs-3-october-magellan-circumnavigation-we-sail-to-prove-the-earth-is-round-2/
Informal concert by our guitar workshop week tutors, Kevin Dempsey, Tristan Seume and Charlotte Carrivick. Course participants are also invited to perform.
Kevin Dempsey is an unassuming sort of bloke, whose quiet manner and laid back attitude hide a multitude of extraordinary talents as guitarist, singer songwriter, composer, arranger and producer. His wide experience shows in his versatility and ability to turn his hand, and guitar, to many different styles and genres and, for a long time, he has been sought out by other musicians. www.kevindempsey.eu
Tristan Seume is acclaimed as one of the UK’s leading acoustic guitarists, and has toured all over Europe both as a soloist and a sought-after accompanist. His two solo albums, You Just Know and Middle Child mix handcrafted originals with beautiful interpretations of traditional and contemporary tunes. He performs regularly with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist Jackie Oates, and has recorded and played with many other artists on the UK folk scene. www.tristanseume.co.uk
Charlotte Carrivick is one of the top female flatpicking guitarists in the world with an inventive lead style and solid rhythm playing. As one of the UK’s most sought after bluegrass and old time musicians, Charlotte is an experienced and award winning musician and teacher. As a multi instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and composer she regularly performs internationally with The Carrivick Sisters, Midnight Skyracer, Cardboard Fox and in a duo with fiddler, Kieran Towers. Charlotte has performed on BBC Radio 4‘s Woman’s Hour, BBC One‘s The One Show playing banjo with Tom Jones as well has having airplay on BBC Radio 2 on several occasions. www.guitarmandolinbanjo.co.uk
8pm–9:30pm
£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/guitar-kevin-dempsey-tristan-seume-charlotte-carrivick-2/
The course is for musicians interested in playing for Scottish Country Dancing within the concept of the dance band, and is principally aimed at melodic instruments, piano and double bass. No experience of band playing is required. The course also aims to develop further those participants who are already playing for dancing. A practical grounding in all aspects of band musicianship and playing for dancing, drawn from Ian’s considerable experience of over 40 years. Learn the stylistic requirements of the Reel, Jig and Strathspey that make them uniquely Scottish, phrasing, sequencing of tunes and repertoire and explore the drive and lift which inspires dancers to dance well. There will also be an opportunity to explore tempos and genres that are not usually encountered on the Scottish country dance floor, the art of simplifying tunes to make them accessible, and composing in the Scottish idiom.
Contact:- DillingtonBookings AT somerset.gov.uk 01460 258613
Dinner Friday 4th – Lunch Sunday 6th October
Fees: from £373 Resident. £251 Non Resident
New for 2019, this ‘taster’ weekend offers the opportunity for complete beginners to discover one of the following: folk dance with Jenny Read, folk fiddle with Matt Norman, melodeon with Ed Rennie, or folk harp with Steph West!
Spaces on each course are limited, and it’s essential you tell us which course you’re planning to follow when you book.
There will also be a ceilidh on the Saturday night led by the tutors, for everyone to enjoy!
Who’s it For?
Absolute beginners! You might be a dancer who wants to learn an instrument, or a classical musician who wants the challenge of learning a new folk instrument. Perhaps you’re a musician who wants to try dancing, or an experienced dancer who has never tried folk styles. Or maybe you’ve never danced a step, or played a note, but are dying to give it a go… All are welcome, and you’re never too old to try something new!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-taster-weekend/
She draws her inspiration from the Celtic mysteries of the Isle of Man, in the middle of the Irish Sea. He has both the dry deserts of Australia and a German heritage in his blood. Between them, Christine Collister and Michael Fix create a rare musical synergy that transcends cultures and musical traditions and enraptures audiences wherever they perform.
With Christine’s sultry, sensuous voice and unsurpassed brilliance in range, combined with Michael’s exquisite guitar playing, the listener is transported to places in the soul where only music can take you.
www.christinecollister.com www.michaelfix.com
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/christine-collister-and-michael-fix/
The history of Yankee Jack, John Short of Watchet and the sea Captains of Minehead, material collected in the early 1900s by Cecil Sharp. Lots of Sea Shanties, joining in choruses,
Light refreshments, bring own alcohol if desired.
7.00 for 7.30 pm
Entry £6.00 plus raffle,
Email to reserve tickets eileenann.moore AT gmail.com or phone or text 07811 744158.
In aid of Townsend House
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
Bridport Folk Dance Club's Centenary Dance, with multi-talented musician Chris Jewell and Ted Farmer calling. Bring & Share supper and your own alcohol. Floor spot, raffle and cake!
All welcome, friends new and old, no partner needed.
£8 in advance or on door. Booking preferred
7.30 0 11.00 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
A fun and informal ceilidh – all members of the public, whether experience folk dancers or not, are welcome to join participants in the Halsway Folk Taster Weekend for this informal dance event.
8pm–10pm
£5
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ceilidh-folk-taster/
Our much loved Autumn American Contra Dance Week is hosted by Meg Winters with a great team from the USA: caller Brooke Friendly with music from Audacious (Larry Unger and Audrey Knuth). There will be dance workshops in the mornings, afternoons are free for you to explore this lovely area, and there are dances every evening. There will also be a musician’s workshop, so bring instruments if you play! Early booking advised.
Who’s it For?
Dancers of all levels of experience.
The Team
Brooke Friendly (Ashland, Oregon) is known for her warm yet commanding personality, her clear and concise teaching, her creativity, and her sense of humor and whimsy. She has a strong sense of what makes for a good community and she makes the learning experience fun and relaxing. A dancer for more than 35 years, Brooke co-leads a weekly English and Scottish dance, calls Contra and family dances, and has been on staff at camps, weekends, festivals, and workshops throughout North America and England. Brooke has been the programmer for the Bay Area Country Dance English week and is currently Secretary of the Country Dance and Song Society. Also a dance choreographer, she, with her husband Chris Sackett, has published five dance books (Impropriety Vols. 1-5) and produced six CDs with the band Roguery. She loves to sing, especially rounds.
Audacious are Larry Unger and Audrey Knuth, a Boston based traditional duo playing for contra dances and concerts. Guitar and banjo player Larry and fiddler Audrey play exhilarating tunes with driving rhythms. Their concerts feature American and Celtic tunes with elements of other traditions including swing and blues. They also draw from Larry’s catalog of original fiddle tunes, which have been featured in several of Ken Burns’ documentaries.
Meg Winters is a familiar face at Halsway Manor, and the perfect, friendly and knowledgeable host to make sure you get the best from your break at Halsway!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/american-contra-dance-week-3/
Bridgwater Arts Centre welcomes, the mighty Fairport Convention!
Fairport Convention are often credited with being the first English electric folk band.
They hold a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and their groundbreaking album 'Liege & Lief' was voted 'Most Influential Folk Album Of All Time' by Radio 2 listeners. So, don't miss out
£25
8.00 pm
Contact Steve Coram: 01278 422700
steve AT bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
http://bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk/
Fun weekend of Scottish dancing, including both workshops and social dancing.
Who’s it For?
The weekend is open to anyone who wishes to enjoy and improve their Scottish Country Dancing.
The Team
This partnership event is organised by Weymouth Scottish Country Dancers. Duncan Brown will be leading the instruction for this event with musicians Skara Brae.
For more information and to book please contact Valerie Scriven:
Tel: 01305 265177
Email: valtom123 AT btinternet.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/weymouth-scottish-country-dancers/
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
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
Jaw dropping bluegrass picking from the UK's finest exponents. An evening in the company of Leon (banjo, gourd banjo) and Jason (guitar, percussion, vocals) is a rare treat, more a musical conversation than a rigid performance. Leaning heavily on traditional music from the US and the British Isles, their own compositions take on musical references from just about everywhere.
Please note there is no bar so please BYO. Thank you.
£10
Doors 7pm for 7.30 pm start.
Contact Meg Rose: 07877206124
Meg.rose AT btinternet.com
Winners of the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Original Track, The Rheingans Sisters make playful, powerful and richly connecting music that is wholly con-temporary while deeply anchored in folk traditions. Drawing on their pan-European musical scholarship (having studied extensively in France, Sweden and Norway) and their spirited mission to make connections between the music of different geo-graphical roots, they have developed a rich artistic approach to the deconstruction and reimagining of traditional music alongside their own beguiling compositions. Since the release of their award-winning album Already Home (2015) audiences across the UK, Europe and Australia have been captivated by their live perform-ances; as full-hearted performers and on-stage improvisors - via the adventurous use of fiddles, voices, banjo, bansitar, tambourin à cordes, poetry and percussion - The Rheingans Sisters are a unique and unmissable act on the folk and world mu-sic stage today.
Ł14 / Ł12 Concessions
8pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co.uk
On tour in the UK, major Australian songwriter Bruce is an hilarious humorist with the power to move the audience to tears!
doors open 7.00 for 7.30 pm start. Entry £7.50 and raffle:
Tickets on door, or email eileenann.moore AT gmail.com to reserve. Floor spots, listeners, everyone is given a warm welcome. Bring own refreshments. (Phone 07811 744158).
Please read the course information on the Halsway website carefully before making a booking.
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 players. Anne Niepold is a familiar name to many at Halsway, having been a regular tutor on our DG Melodeon Weekend and European Music Weekend. This will be Riccardo Tesi‘s first visit to Halsway, and a rare chance to study with him in the UK.
It will be an intensive week of skills-based learning focussing on your development as a musician, discovering new ways to interpret and play, and to make the music your own. There will also be an opportunity to see these two great musicians perform in an informal evening concert.
This course is for advanced and advanced-intermediate level players of the DG melodeon (If you also have a box in GC, bring it as well).
Please read the Halsway Melodeon Levels description carefully before you make a booking, this course is for levels 3.5, 4 and 5.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/melodeon-workshop-anne-niepold-riccardo-tesi/
We are delighted to to share an evening with two of Europe’s greatest exponents of the diatonic button accordion.
Anne Niepold is a familiar name to many at Halsway, having been a regular tutor on our DG Melodeon Weekend and European Music Weekend. This will be Riccardo Tesi‘s first visit to Halsway, and a rare chance to see him play in the UK. Both Anne and Ricardo are tutoring on a week long Melodeon Workshop for advanced/intermediate players.
Riccardo Tesi (Italy) internationally acclaimed accordion player and composer, is rated as one of the most daring and authoritative musicians in the European world music scene.
His style is easily recognizable, allowing his diatonic accordeon to speak both an archaic and modern language, widening the vocabulary and the technique of an instrument for a long time preserved as part of a traditional heritage. A brilliantly outdated choice that places Tesi, thanks to his lyrical and virtuoso skills, among those who have brought the accordeon and all the instruments alike back to their dignity all over the world.
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/anne-niepold-riccardo-tesi-melodeon-concert/
Join your host, the first storyteller laureate Taffy Thomas MBE, and a hand-picked group of the finest UK storytellers for a weekend packed with stories, music and merriment, to stir the heart and feed the soul.
The Nature of Stories is our theme for 2019, for a weekend celebrating the place of story in the natural world. Performances, practical workshops and discussions will explore the way flora and fauna fulfil an important function in our folk tales.
Taffy will host the weekend with master storyteller Daniel Morden, storyteller and visual artist Paul Jackson (Chair of Society For Storytelling), storyteller (and our musical director) Richard York with Elizabeth York (song & harp), and musician Paul Knox (fiddle and northumbrian pipes).
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/tales-in-trust/
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
Album Launch from Hampshire-based Threepenny Bit!! 8pm.
This band is an example of how traditional dance tunes and contemporary sounds can be blended into a fresh interpretation of folk music. This dynamic eight-piece band combines a group of diehard folkies with some of the finest young jazz and classical musicians of the south. They play bold arrangements of traditional and original tunes with infectious stage energy for concerts and ceilidh dancing.
Tickets £12 (students £8)
01202-413600
or choose your own seat on line: www.shelleytheatre.co.uk
With 25 years of unrivalled musical partnership and gathering nominations, awards and critical acclaim along the way, British artists and singer-songwriters Chris While and Julie Matthews are celebrating this year with a brand new album ‘Revolution Calls’ and an extensive Autumn tour of the UK as well as numerous summer festivals. Chris and Julie will be curating the Pengwern stage at Shrewsbury Festival this year and will be performing with their band.
This duo have been nominated ten times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in the ‘Best Song, Best Duo and Best Live Act’ categories, winning Best Duo in 2009.
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/chris-while-and-julie-matthews/
Songs of Rural Life in South West England
An evening of songs depicting hardship, hope and humour throughout the years.
£10 to include 1st interval drink.
7.30 pm
Contact Mrs Jan Turner: 01458 270096
A new French Dance starting in October in Dorset near Bridport with the excellent trio, Meridian.
Tuition to dances will be available at the start of the evening.
The hall and band are booked, details will be finalised shortly.
Contact Rab or Mary : 01308 420764
squilla AT gmail.com
Barn Dance
BYO Drinks
£8
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Mike Bunce: 02380738960 / 07742957858
mike AT woodsiders.co.uk
www.woodsiders.co.uk
Join us for our annual Merry Neet ceilidh and story rounds. This is part of our Tales in Trust Weekend the theme for which is ‘The Nature of Stories’ celebrating the place of story in the natural world. Performances that explore the way flora and fauna fulfil an important function in our folk tales.
Taffy Thomas MBE, England’s first storyteller laureate Taffy is the patron of The Society for Storytelling. Taffy received The English Folk Dance and Song Society Gold Badge award in December 2010. With Taffy’s head bursting with stories, riddles and folklore, professional storyteller Giles Abbot once commented, “when Taffy goes it will be like a library burning down.”
Paul Jackson is passionate about re-introducing storytelling to mainstream education with presentations at over 2000 schools, a recent tour through China and Paul has presented at festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude.
Daniel Morden has delighted audiences worldwide including storytelling festivals in Vancouver, Oslo and Yukon as well as closer to home at The Hay, Bath and Cheltenham festivals , the Baribican, National Theatre and British Museum. With six childrens books and TV and Radio appearances he was recently awarded the Hay Festival Medal for his contribution to storytelling.
Elizabeth and Richard York regularly play together specialising in historical music and interpretation with performances at events for National Trust, English Heritage and V&A Museum. Elizabeth is a music therapist as well as a harpist.
Paul Knox is a leading exponent of the Northumbrian pipes rooted in the traditions and music of Northumberland.
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/nature-in-stories/
American musician Willy Porter has been turning first time listeners into die-hard fans for more than two decades. Willy blurs the line between indie-folk and rock with his searing signature finger-picking guitar sound, absorbing lyrics, and playful, high-energy live performance style. He has shared world stages with music icons Jeff Beck, Tori Amos, and Paul Simon, carving out a successful solo career as an artist who makes music that resonates long after the last guitar chord fades. Equally accomplished as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, his songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence.
www.willyporter.com
www.wegottickets.com/event/470589
£12 adv/£14 door
8pm
Contact box office: 01225 463362
bathboxoffice AT bathtoursm.co.uk
http://www.chapelarts.org
Callum Armstrong and Matthias Branschke are two of Europe’s most innovative and accomplished bagpipers. We are delighted to invite them to Halsway to lead this intensive weekend focused on playing bagpipes in an ensemble setting. The course will cover writing counter melodies and harmonies, groove, and tips on how to play in a group.
Suitable for Intermediate and Advanced players of pipes in G and D.
Featuring a solo-duo concert from the tutors on the Saturday evening, there will also be time to relax, play informally, and socialise.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bagpipe-ensemble-weekend/
The Tweed Project is a collaboration between some of Scotland and England’s most in-demand explorers of their respective country’s Folk traditions. The project has been reborn with a new line-up for 2019 with the aim of finding common ground between the Scottish and English Folk traditions – two cultures which live extremely separate lives, despite sharing so many similarities. The band will be interpreting songs from each country’s traditional collections, as well as some contemporary compositions
The Tweed Project are Greg Russell (vocals/guitar/bouzouki), Josie Duncan (vocals), Ciaran Algar (fiddle), Pablo Lafuente (guitar), Evan Carson (percussion) and Ali Levack (whistles/pipes).
8:00 pm £18
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-tweed-project/
American musician Willy Porter has been turning first time listeners into die-hard fans for more than two decades. Willy blurs the line between indie-folk and rock with his searing signature finger-picking guitar sound, absorbing lyrics, and playful, high-energy live performance style. He has shared world stages with music icons Jeff Beck, Tori Amos, and Paul Simon, carving out a successful solo career as an artist who makes music that resonates long after the last guitar chord fades. Equally accomplished as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, his songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence.
£14 advance
7.30pm
Contact box office: 07719 946023
www.wegottickets.com/event/471274
Since 2015, the Georgia Lewis Trio has performed at festivals and folk clubs in the south of England and received air-play on national and internet radio stations including 'The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe' on BBC Radio 2 and ‘Mike Harding’s Folk Show’. In 2015 Georgia won ‘The Future of Young Folk Award’ at Bromyard Folk Festival and later won 'Ely Band Competition' at Ely Folk Festival. In 2017 Georgia released her debut album 'The Bird Who Sings Freedom'. She was nominated for BBC Radio 2's Horizon Award in 2018.
She plays whistles, accordion, piano, guitar, sings and has been seen tapping out various traditional dancing styles.
Felix Miller studied music at Stratford College. While he focuses on supporting Georgia in her burgeoning folk career, he also plays for the Causeway Céilí Band as well as writing/arranging his own music.
Rowan Piggott learned fiddle growing up in Ireland, then trained as a chorister before undertaking a diploma in Jazz at Trinity College of Music. Author of two tunebooks, he’s a familiar face in ceilidh bands across the UK; a constant of the Irish session scene. www.rowanpiggott.com
Georgia is supported by the smooth voiced Rod Jenkins with a selection of Americana.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15 (Legion open from 7.00 Concert doors 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Callum Armstrong and Matthias Branschke are two of Europe’s most innovative and accomplished bagpipers. We are delighted to have them at to Halsway to lead an intensive bagpipe ensemble course – but they are also squeezing in this duo gig!
Callum Armstrong is an innovative piper whose questing approach to the hitherto unexplored acoustic possibilities of the smallpipe is taking the instrument into new musical areas.
Matthias Branschke plays bagpipes with half closed fingering for 20 years. His groovy play is delicate and full of expression.
8pm–9:30pm
£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/duo-branschke-armstrong/
Ringers from all over the South West come together to show what handbell music is all about
The Sou’westers present music from the shows, Gilbert and Sullivan and the classics – as well as music written specially for handbells.
If you’ve never heard music played on handbells – now is your chance. It’s a surprisingly mellow and pure sound and whatever your taste in music, lively or easy listening, there will be something for you.
The beginnings of handbell ringing can be traced to the 16th century in England. Tower bell ringers could practise in the comfort of village inns, away from the drafty belfry, and it was not long before they realised that the bells could be used to play simple tunes. The tuned musical handbell was introduced during the 17th century and ringing skills developed as competitions were held between rival bands playing complicated scores and using large numbers of bells.
Sad to say, following the First World War, handbell ringing virtually ceased until interest was rekindled in 1967 with formation of Handbell Ringers of Great Britain. Some of these dedicated handbell musicians, who think it is worthwhile keeping the tradition alive, come together on a regular basis in Taunton to enjoy playing a wide variety of music on three sets of bells, augmented by bass chimes.
During the interval they’ll be glad to talk to anyone interested about the bells and the techniques used.
A feast for the eye and the ear, you’ll be surprised by the mellow tones of 200 plus handbells rung in harmony.
Tickets: £9, £6 Conc.
7pm
Contact Amanda Jones - but booking through the theatre: 01278 556677
info AT mcmillantheatre.com
https://mcmillantheatre.com/event/souwesters-ring-out/
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
Mark Radcliffe describes Somerset singer/songwriter Reg Meuross as a “brilliant singer/songwriter and true troubadour with a social conscience.”
This is true, but it’s not all protest. As well as story songs which bring characters from history to life, and comment on life around him, Reg also writes and sings some of the most heart-aching love songs ever written, performed with depth and spellbinding delivery.
Reg has that rare gift of being able to touch people through his songs and performance, his words and music painting pictures that remain with the listener long after, accompanying himself masterfully on guitar and captivating audiences with his beautiful tenor voice.
8:00 pm £15
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/reg-meuross/
Another great combination at Bridport Ceilidhs, expect a fun evening of dancing amongst friendly welcoming folk. No partner or experience required, all dances will be talked and walked through and called until you are all experts! Bring & Share supper and you own alcohol - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
£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
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/
A Chance to Dance Event Sat 9th November AT 8pm
Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music, with a growing fan base worldwide and with the promise of much more to come.
8.00 pm
Tickets £20 Full. £19 Concessions
http://skerryvore.com/
https://www.facebook.com/skerryvore/?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/SKERRYVORE
info AT skerryvore.com
https://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=1062&zenid=7k3ufkuvu2n8qrppps7ea2bn57
Folk Concert American Roots
Scintillating traditional music with a twist. Drawing on the roots of old time and bluegrass, this exceptional duo features two gifted young musicians who are already leading lights in the new generation of American roots music.
Details on how to get tickets will be announced nearer the time.
8pm
Contact Pip: 07598 328 479
info AT draxfolk.org.uk
www.draxfolk.org.uk
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
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 200 people or 20,000, he blows the crowd away night after night.
2018 saw him honoured with a Spirit of Folk Award by Folk Alliance International in Kansas USA and he also received Fatea magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award here in the UK; and in January 2019, he released his critically-acclaimed album, Here Come The Young, of which Uncut magazine said: ‘He’s never sounded more potent than he does here’.
8:00 pm £18
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/martyn-joseph/
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/
In a world of soundbites and distractions Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life. Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he's played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village along with Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliche free zone.
Tickets £16 (students £12), 8pm
01202-413600
or choose your own seat on line: www.shelleytheatre.co.uk
+ support from Mitchell and Vincent
Fronted by songwriter John Elliott, The Little Unsaid are a band with an original sound and international outlook. The Little Unsaid have spent the last year touring Europe, leaving audiences emotionally rapt with a live show that’s been described as “a thumping depth of passion”. Their sound is all their own but echoes the intensity and melancholic overtones of greats such as Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen.
The Little Unsaid embrace elements of Rock, Folk, Electronica, Jazz and Alt-Pop. One of the UK’s “must see” rising live acts and recent winners of the Steve Reid award for Innovation.
Mitchell and Vincent’s fiddle and guitar playing has been described by Acoustic magazine as “Stunning”, while Bright Young Folk praised their music for “Providing skilled arrangements and expert delivery of tunes and songs which showcase the vibrancy, and variety, of Folk music across Britain.”
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-little-unsaid-support-from-mitchell-and-vincent/
Multi-award-winning Merry Hell offer joyful, uplifting Folk-Rock, with a message for troubled times. Native to the North West of England, the eight-piece musical charabanc was built from the embers of the much-loved Folk-Punk band The Tansads, developing a life and feel all of its own.
Their passion is complemented by their love of what they do and desire to share hope and togetherness with as many people as are willing to listen. Through five well-received albums and hundreds of gigs, they’ve offered voices of hope and beacons of light to anyone valuing both melody and positive humanity.
8:00 pm £18
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/merry-hell-a-chance-to-dance-event/
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/
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 David Hughes with 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 17 years.
8:00 pm £19
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/st-agnes-fountain/
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
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 David Hughes with 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 17 years.
8:00 pm £19
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/st-agnes-fountain-2/
Delighted to welcome back Doug and Sarah, who produce such great music for dancing, teamed again with the effervescent Jeremy.
All welcome for our final dance of the year, no partner or experience needed - all dances will be talked and walked through and called for as long as you need. Bring & Share supper and you own alcohol - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, £4 for 6-16 yrs. Regretably, prices go up next year...
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show, which has been touring for nearly 20 years, and attracts sell-out audiences across the UK. Indeed many people say that their Christmas doesn’t start until they have seen The Albion Christmas Show. Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings, this show is a wonderful celebration of Christmas both traditional and contemporary.
All Tickets £22, 7.30pm
01202-413600
or choose your own seat on line: www.shelleytheatre.co.uk
On tour with a Christmas-themed show that mixes traditional Folk music, seasonal material, their usual touch of Classical and Jazz with a bit of Pop and Music Hall, all topped off with lashings of wry humour. Together, Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Hoover The Dog) wow audiences across the UK with their eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes and ‘between songs chat’ that always sends audiences home with smiles on their faces.
8:00 pm £16
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/belshazzars-feast/
Bring in 2020 in style with music and dance at The David Hall.
Tickets: £17 includes a light supper. No concessions.
Early booking essential by Friday 20 December.
No tickets available on the night.
8:15 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/new-years-eve-celebration-ceilidh-with-jigs-for-gigs/
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
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
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
We meet on First Fridays through the Autumn and winter for light hearted dancing to different good bands and callers. Squash provided. Bring drinks and snacks if you wish.
£6
7.30 for 7.45 - 9.45
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
Over Stratton Folk Dance Club SPRING DANCE.
Bring and share supper.
Only the Best band in the area Ian Bridens Jigs for Gigs with a welcome return from our last Autumn sell dance the inimitable Simon Maplesden.
Early tickets £7.50 /On the door £8.50
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact lynn: 01935479291
sjsparks AT btinternet.com