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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As previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, there’s no denying The Demon Barbers’ ability to put on a first-class performance.
Over the years they’ve thrilled countless audiences with their live music and dance shows, be it stirring up a frenzy at Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Fringe or selling out theatres around the UK!
8:00 pm
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-demon-barbers-xl/
Dancing 7.30-9.30 p.m. to mix of live and recorded music.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th to early 19th centuries. No partner needed nor previous experience. Loose comfortable clothes and light flexible shoes recommended.
£6 on the door including cuppa.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
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.
Fiddler Sam Sweeney was voted ‘Musician of the Year’ at the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards thanks to his work in Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy’s Wayward Band, The Full English and his own Made In The Great War project. He is the inaugural Artistic Director of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
Melodeon genius Andy Cutting is a three-time winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Musician of the Year’ award, and as well as his new trio with Martin Simpson and Nancy Kerr currently performs with Blowzabella, Topette, June Tabor, and Roger Daltry.
Concertina wizard Rob Harbron is known for his work with The Full English (Best Group and Best Album BBC Folk Awards 2014), Emma Reid, Fay Hield, Jon Boden and others.
8pm–9:30pm
£15
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/leveret-2/
Paul Sartin (Faustus, Belshazzar’s Feast) joins forces with Istanbul-born singer Çiğdem Aslan to lead a choral song workshop weekend exploring traditional song from different cultures.
Paul is well known in the UK as a singer, musician, composer and arranger; he will focus on songs of the British Isles, arranged for mixed voices. These will be taught by ear, so musical literacy is not a requirement. Listening skills, ensemble work, and performance matters will be addressed in Paul’s inimitable manner.
Drawing on her Middle-eastern background, Çiğdem will introduce songs with unfamiliar styles and rhythms (7/8, 9/8 or 10/8). She’ll teach lyrics in Turkish, Kurdish maybe even Greek, and talk about basic scales / maqam and maybe work on vocal improvisation and ornamentation.
Hosted by Meg Rose, expect a fascinating and enjoyable choral journey, with an informal sharing from tutors and participants on the Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/choral-song-weekend/
Seckou Keita has arguably become the most influential and inspiring kora player of his generation, an exceptional and charismatic musician and a modern global citizen, living with seven centuries of tradition and heritage expressed through his music.
In his solo album, 22 Strings (released May 2015), Seckou gives us the kora in its purest guise, a wondrous instrument that can soothe the bloodlust of warriors and take the human spirit to a place of deep meditation, stillness and beauty.
8:00 pm
£17.00 – £18.00
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/seckou-keita/
Ceilidh
The excellent young band Abacus from Exeter with Gill calling. No partner needed, all welcome whatever your level of dancing experienced. All dances will be walked and called for as long as needed. Bring & Share supper and your own alcohol - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
£9 in advance, £10 on the door.
7.30 - 11 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
As part of their Choral Song Weekend, Paul Sartin and Çiğdem Aslan invite you to join them for an informal sharing evening of song. Alongside performances by Paul & Çiğdem, the course participants will perform ensemble pieces they’ve worked on over the weekend, with spots also available for solo / duo singers from the group who want to share something. Expect a relaxed and enjoyable evening of song – then join us in the bar for a drink and a song or two!
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/paul-sartin-cidgem-cigdem-aslan-friends/
For more information contact Roger Phipps 01278 671685
A monthly meeting of folk musicians and singers. Come and join in or just have a drink and listen. Join host Roger Phipps and friends for an informal ‘Sunday Club’ open to all musicians and singers. We encourage beginners and those curious about folk music to come along.
We have a folk theme, but really all types of acoustic music, song and poetry are welcome. The evening generally combines some playing together with individual spots. We don’t frown on you having your own words or music in front of you and encourage beginners.
Just come along or give Roger a call if you would like to find out more.
8pm til late
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-music-and-song-club-monthly-sunday-club-jun/
… and other tunes from Hamilton’s Tune Book 1844
A course for musicians with Paul Hutchinson.
As a result of exhausting and at times harrowing work, Paul has ploughed through his rare copy of Hamilton’s Tune Book (1844) and unearthed more melodic gems. He is still harvesting tunes from his recently published book Sixty Country Dance Tunes 1786 – 1800 so a crop of those will appear.
Building on the success of the Maniac course in 2019 Paul will focus on arrangements in various ensembles.
Who’s it For?
This course is for players of all instruments and will be aimed at intermediate level and above. You will need to be able to read music.
The Tutor
Paul Hutchinson studied piano and church organ before being persuaded at the age of 17 to take up the accordion and form a ceilidh band. Since then he’s become one of the best-known and in demand players on the folk scene – in the UK and beyond – as one half of duo Belshazzar’s Feast, with trio Hoover the Dog, Pagoda Project (with Karen Wimhurst), and PLF. Paul is a regular tutor and musician at Halsway Manor, and the accordion tutor for EFDSS at Cecil Sharp House.
Paul has recently been intrinsic in the publishing by Faber & Faber of a volume of rare, re-discovered early dance tunes. Check back for more details and ‘how to buy’.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/talk-not-of-your-dirty-acres/
A musicians’ week with Emmanuel Pariselle & Didier Oliver.
Enjoy an intensive week exploring French traditional music with tunes from south west (rondeaux, congos, bransles etc.), central massif (bourrées, mazurkas, scottishs) and bretagne (gavottes, plinn, andros). Emmanuel will concentrate on working with melodeon players, Didier with players of mandolin and fiddle, with time spent on instrument-specific technique in addition to exploring repertoire.
Plenty of time in the evenings to relax, enjoy informal sessions (together with participants from Paul Hutchinson’s ‘Talk Not of your Dirty Acres’ week), plus an exceptional tutors’ gig from Emmanuel and Didier on the Thursday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-music-week/
Multi award winning singer songwriter, musician and proud Devonian, Jim Causley is an all round great entertainer.
£10
Doors 7.30pm for 8pm Start
Contact Meg Rose: 07877206124
Meg.rose AT btinternet.com
Jimcausley.co.uk
A relaxed evening of music and song from two of France’s finest musicians.
Emmanuel and Didier have played and sung together since 1975, and are both outstanding and entertaining performers. Emmanuel is one of France’s finest players of both the melodeon and concertina, while Didier is also a superb fiddler and also plays equally well mandolin, boha (Gascon) pipes and guitar. Both are wonderful singers.
The evening will include French traditional music with tunes from the south west, central massif and bretagne, together with original songs and compositions.
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/didier-oliver-emmanuel-pariselle/
We are delighted to be hosting the prestigious 2020 British Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Federation Summer School. Choose from 3 courses – Classic Finger-style 5-string Banjo with Aaron Jonah Lewis; Mandolin & Guitar with Matt Norman; Mixed Instruments with Nigel Gatherer – and let us know your choice when booking.
Who’s it For?
Three courses are on offer; please let us know when booking which course you would like to enroll on.
Aaron Jonah Lewis – Classic 5-String Banjo: This class will focus on the improvement of technique and musicianship in classic banjo playing through the study of various pieces and exercises. We will concentrate on tone and clarity, rhythm and timing, phrasing and dynamics, and we will discuss various practice methods. We will explore both solo and ensemble playing and look into how to create your own arrangements for the banjo. Standard music notation will be used, and music will be available beforehand. This course is suitable for both the beginner (with a sound basic knowledge of the instrument) as well as the more advanced student.
Matt Norman – Mandolin Through the Ages: From the elegant simplicity of the Renaissance to the rich harmonies of the Romantic era, from the complexity of the Baroque to the jaunty swagger of the early twentieth century, this weekend will explore five centuries of music arranged for plucked string instruments. Emphasis will be on understanding the context and characteristics of the period, exploring good performance practice, and appropriate techniques. The course will combine the fun of playing in an ensemble with the focus of improving as a musician and instrumentalist. Appropriate for all mandolin family instruments, classical guitar and bass string instruments. Music will be provided in conventional notation and the course will be suitable for intermediate and advanced players.
Nigel Gatherer – Traditional European Music & Song: Every country has rich seams of traditional dance music, songs and airs. Nigel Gatherer has listened to music from the four corners of Europe and has chosen the best for this workshop. We’ll play Austrian waltzes, Finnish Hambos, Romanian Gypsy music, French bourees, Maltese drinking songs and Italian tarantellas. In his inimitable way, Nigel Gatherer will make the music accessible, achievable and fun, and introduce you to cultures and traditions which are new, fascinating and illuminating. The workshop is for any instrument and will suit you if you’ve been playing a couple of years or longer.
If you have further queries about course content and the ability level required for each group, please contact:
BMG Federation course co-ordinator Sandra Woodruff, email sandra.woodruff AT virgin.net
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/british-bmg-federation-summer-school/
A range of mainly English folk dances to suit all levels.
Another jolly evening at Ditcheat, with caller Peter Bolton.
Always 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
The 9th Petherton Folk Fest since the revival in 2012.
We are continuing to plan a day which celebrates music and dance from the Folk tradition. We will also build on the success of last year by improving the stalls area in the churchyard and creating a day of free entertainment.
There will be a full programme of music in Market Square and The David Hall as well as sessions in the Brewer’s Arms and singing in the church.
Children’s activities and workshops are being organised.
Put the date on your calendar and bring your friends and families!
Free
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th-early 19th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
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. Yannick Minvielle-Debat will join the week to add a singing-for-dancing session or two, with music throughout from Paul Hutchinson and Richard Heacock.
Dancers will be introduced to French couple dances: Scottish, Bourrée, Waltz and Mazurka, and to Breton circle and chain dances. (You don’t need to bring a partner for the couple dances). Lesser-known dances will also be taught, including some from the Vendée and Poitou regions. The focus will be on dance variation and developing communication and dynamics through both couple and circle dances.
Yannick will add some easy-to-learn French songs to the mix, which can be applied to well-known dances, and practised within the week at workshops and evening bals.
Dancers who also play are encouraged bring to bring instruments if they wish; there will be opportunities to play for some of the dances in the bal each evening. the week will end with a public Bal on Thursday night.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-and-breton-dance-week/
Develop your dance horizons, and enjoy an informal evening of traditional French & Breton dance, guided by Peter Clifton and with top-notch music from Richard Heacock (AnDro Sisters) and Paul Hutchinson (Belshazzar’s Feast). No experience necessary, all are welcome.
Peter Clifton is an expert tutor of French and Breton Dance, and teaches regularly at the French Dance Stroud monthly events. He has also run workshops at Pentreffest, European music and dance festival (Kinnersley), Shrewsbury folk festival and the Festival des Panards.
Richard Heacock (violin) began playing for folk dance with The Vale Islanders Playford group and Icknield Way Morris. He later joined English traditional group Boldwood, and produced their first CD “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now.” He discovered French and Breton dance music in 2004 and played in a duo with accordionist Becky Price at Kinnersley, Horsley and Ide. He currently plays in Breton trio The Andro Sisters, and with Paul Hutchinson. Richard is a frequent visitor to Halsway, and has taught and played on the Playing Playford, French Dance and Poldark Dance courses.
Paul Hutchinson is a member of the much-loved duo Belshazzar’s Feast (nominated for Best Duo at the BBC Folk Awards in 2010) and fusion duo Pagoda Project. Regarded as one of the top accordionists in the UK, Paul is the resident accordion tutor at Cecil Sharp House, and a regular tutor and musician at Halsway Manor. Paul is much in demand as a player for dancing which has resulted in appearances at festivals in the UK, Europe and the USA.
8pm–10pm
£5
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-and-breton-bal-2/
Join Sarah Matthews, Jo May and Tracey Roberts for a Midsummer’s weekend combining voices, rhythms and wellbeing! With enjoyable whole group activities and breakout sessions focusing on voice, percussion or wellbeing, so that you can tailor the weekend to fit your personal aims.
We’ll be looking at the importance of singing and rhythm to our health and wellbeing, particularly in group music making. We’ll include some dedicated meditation, relaxation and yoga practices, and connect with the beautiful countryside around Halsway Manor with (weather permitting!) some outdoor sessions and walks.
There will be an Intarsia performance on the Saturday night, with the opportunity for workshop participants to get involved too. There will be a Solstice celebration of songs and salutations and an optional early morning welcoming of the new moon for any early risers.
Most of all this weekend break is an opportunity to enjoy a creative and fun weekend in good company. You are also welcome to bring instruments if you’d like to for evening sessions in the bar.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/solstice-song-and-rhythm-with-intarsia/
Nick Cope is a professional singer and songwriter and has over 20 years of experience in music, including international success as lead singer and songwriter with The Candyskins in the 1990s.
For close to 10 years Nick has been writing, recording and performing music for families and has established a fanatical army of ‘little people’ and their parents from all over the world. His six albums of original songs have become a ‘must have’ for thousands and thousands of young families. His latest album – Have you heard about Hugh? – features the incredible Folk musician, Jackie Oates.
2:00 pm
Tickets: £8 Full, £7 Under 12s
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/nick-cope-a-family-afternoon-gig/
From diverse backgrounds, Jo May and Sarah Matthews bring voice, violin and viola, tenor guitar, balafon and a whole range of other percussion instruments. The beauty of these wooden instruments blend to create intricate delivery of original and traditional material inspired by English songs, European dance tunes, West African rhythms and more. Jo (Against the Grain, Stepling, Token Women) and Sarah (Cupola, Moirai, Cross o’th Hands) will draw you in with lilting, hypnotic, and entrancing music. You can sway, sing or just soak in the sounds.
Participants from the ‘Intarsia: Rhythm & Song Weekend’ may also give a short showcase of the things they’ve been working on.
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/intarsia/
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 15th-17th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Maddy, Christina and Rose-Ellen will be leading their third vocal development course together at Halsway Manor this week, and this performance is part of this celebration of voice.
You are invited to join Maddy, Christina, Rose-Ellen and course participants for this informal final-evening concert, a celebration of the week that’s gone before. With their piano accompanist, Maddy and Rose-Ellen will be mainly performing songs as a duo. The course participants will have learnt pieces to sing together, conducted by Maddy or Rose-Ellen, while Christina always has some great poems and readings about voice to add to the mix too.
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/rose-ellen-kemp-christina-shewell-maddy-prior-2/
Kimmeridge Keilidh - All Welcome! No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles. Tickets on the door
£5 adults, £2.50 under 16
7.30 - 10.30 pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Dancing 7.30-9.30 p.m. to mix of live and recorded music.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th to early 19th centuries. No partner needed nor previous experience. Loose comfortable clothes and light flexible shoes recommended.
£6 on the door including cuppa.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Music, Dance, Children’s Festival, free Fringe Festival, food, drink and weekend camping in Priddy village in the Mendips. The friendliest festival in the South West!
Tickets and line-up at www.priddyfolk.org
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th-early 19th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Music for a Summer Eveningj
Folk songs, gallery carols, dance tunes
All proceeds to church facilities fund to provide servery .and lavatory
£10 to include wine and small eats
7.00 for 7.30 pm
Contact Evelyn Price: 01305 812282
eveprice.upwey AT outlook.com.
www.timlaycock.co.uk
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 15th-17th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
There will obviously be alterations to the line-up but under the circumstances we wanted to try and offer something for people to enjoy. We appreciate that these dates are going to be tight given the Coronavirus pandemic, the end of which no-one can predict. However, this is the only summer weekend available to us and we will continue to monitor the situation as the coming months unfold. Please keep an eye on the website and Facebook for any updates.
https://wimbornefolk.co.uk
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 15th-17th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Artists include: Gigspanner Big Band, Fay Hield Band, Ninebarrow and friends, Merry Hell
https://www.lymefolk.com
Dancing 7.30-9.30 p.m. to mix of live and recorded music.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th to early 19th centuries. No partner needed nor previous experience. Loose comfortable clothes and light flexible shoes recommended.
£6 on the door including cuppa.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
+ Antoine & Owena
Concert
Assuming the Legion is open for business, and the government is allowing concerts to happen again, we will be starting the Wessex Acoustic Autumn programme on 4th September with wonderful singer and guitarist Paul Downes, supported by Salisbury's Antoine and Owena, who are fast making a name for themselves.
£10 pre-booked, £12 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Ceilidh / folk dance
A fun dance on Bridport's Hat Festival day! Prizes for the best/silliest/most creative hat. No partner needed, all welcome whatever experience level. All dances will be talked and walked through and called for as long as needed. Bring & Share supper and your own alcohol - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
£9 in advance, £10 on the door.
7.30 - 11 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th-early 19th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
In September 2020 we are hoping to return the Folk Harvest to Wareham after an absence of thirty years, embracing many new and exciting ideas. Bearing in mind the current situation with Covid-19 the festival may not go ahead and we have consequently down-scaled our plans for this year. However we are keeping our fingers crossed that all will be well and we can come together to celebrate in the beautiful Saxon town of Wareham in Dorset.
There will be both ticketed & free events, workshops, sessions & much more.
www.warehamfolkharvest.co.uk
+ Andy Stone
Coronavirus permitting, the delightful trio of Chris Sherburn, Denny Bartley, and Emily Sanders will be entertaining us with their own mix of Celtic based music. Chris and Denny are 2/3 of Last Night's Fun who will be familiar to many.
Opening support is from local singer-songwriter Andy Stone.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Oboist, singer musical director and choir leader, Paul is a founding member of Belshazzar's Feast, Faustus, Bellowhead and Director of the Andover Museum Loft Singers.
£12 Booking essential.
10am - 4pm
Contact Meg Rose : 07877 206124
meg.rose AT btinternet.com
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 15th-17th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Last at the Corn Exchange in 2017 with Daniel Kimbro, Martin Harley makes a welcome return with an intimate solo acoustic show. Through his road worn song writing style he explores hopes and fears for fast changing times. Slide guitar, as always is at the root of Martins sound, mirroring his whisky soaked northern breeze vocals.
8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm)
£15 / £13 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2019/11/05/fri-20-mar-martin-harley/
Dancing 7.30-9.30 p.m. to mix of live and recorded music.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th to early 19th centuries. No partner needed nor previous experience. Loose comfortable clothes and light flexible shoes recommended.
£6 on the door including cuppa.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Great to welcome a great combination of festival band and caller, English Contra Dance Band with ChipFolkFest's Mike Courthold, for our one dance each year dedicated to (mainly) American styles. Don't be put off by that, all are welcome whatever the level of experience and no partner is needed - you will be guaranteed plenty of dancing! Bring & Share supper and your own alcohol - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
£9 in advance, £10 on the door. 16s and under £4
7.30 - 11 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
Coronavirus permitting, we are delighted to welcome back the amazing Gerry Colvin and his band. Gerry was the opening act for our very first club night back in October 2002 as Colvin Quarmby.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th-early 19th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 15th-17th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Coronavirus permitting, we are delighted to welcome back an old friend of the club, Jez Lowe. One of the finest songwriters to emerge from the shattered industry of the North East, with all the history of the coal mining industry and factory life featuring largely in his songs.
Opening support is by upbeat duo Brigands' Brew
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Folk legend Martin Carthy and his daughter Eliza Carthy, join forces to perform songs old and new. Martin is a legendary ballad singer and guitarist who influenced a generations of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, while Eliza has been twice-nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and a multiple-award winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk awards.
£20.00 advance / £23.00 on the door | Starts at 8:00 P.M.
https://www.marinetheatre.com
This pioneering Scottish folk trio has always experimented with sound and form; the results have always been complex and thrilling.
Already acknowledged as phenomenal live performers (‘the UK’s best live band’ – the Guardian), Lau arrived at a new creative peak with 2019’s Midnight and Closedown (Reveal Records). That album was produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, This Is The Kit), who said: ‘Lau are in touch with their roots but not bound by them’.
£18.50 advance
https://www.marinetheatre.com
Dancing 7.30-9.30 p.m. to mix of live and recorded music.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th to early 19th centuries. No partner needed nor previous experience. Loose comfortable clothes and light flexible shoes recommended.
£6 on the door including cuppa.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
Coronavirus permitting, we are delighted to welcome back the highly entertaining pair of singer-songwriter Anthony John Clarke, along with his pal Peggy (Dave Pegg), multi-instrumentalist and singer.
Expect brilliant songs expertly performed, plus a lot of stories and humour sprinkled along the way.
Support is from the versatile Welsh singer-songwriter Linda Watkins
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Ceilidh / folk dance
Always good to have the characterful O.P.P. back, with Helen doing the honours. No armaments will be in evidence! Expect a fun evening, all are welcome regardless of experience, no partner needed. All dances will be walked and talked through and called for as long as needed. Bring & Share supper and your own alcohol - the Woodman in is just opposite.
£9 in advance, £10 on the door. 16s and under £4
7.30 - 11 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th-early 19th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
A return to the club of one of our patrons, Chris Leslie, with a selection of his own songs and tunes, featuring a range of instruments.
Chris is supported by Simon Loake, with his upbeat folk-rock and more. Simon has been a session musician with many big names over the years and is a widely admired guitarist.
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Music practice 2-3 pm; any portable acoustic instrument & all levels welcome. Music can be sent in advance.
Dancing 3-5 pm, with tea break.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 15th-17th centuries; both live and recorded music.
No partner needed, nor previous experience. Comfortable clothes and light flexible footwear recommended.
£6 per session; no need to book but do contact us before your first time in case of changes.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
+ Anne-Louise Richards
This concert has been rearranged after being cancelled earlier in the year.
We welcome Richard Digance to the club as a wonderful entertainer, singing many of his own songs and making us roar with laughter.
Supporting Richard is our own favourite local songstress, Anne-Louise Richards
£12 pre-booked, £14 unbooked
8.15pm (Legion open from 19.00 Concert doors 7.45pm)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 01202 732239
kathy.dunn AT btopenworld.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Following a storming gig in summer 2018, we’re delighted to welcome back Welsh folk supergroup Calan with their trademark brand of high-energy routines, verve and raw excitement. Expect stunning playing, beautiful songs and soaring harmonies…with added virtuoso step dancing! A special evening for firm fans and those new to the magic alike: come along and help us raise the roof.
8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm)
£16 / £14 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2019/11/05/thur-9-apr-calan/
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.
www.jimmoray.co.uk
www.facebook.com/jimmoray/
twitter.com/jimmoray
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £14.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/jim-moray-with-tom-moore/
Ceilidh
Another combination of favourites, Doug & Sarah with Jane - our pre-Christmas treat!
All are welcome regardless of experience and no partner is needed - you will be up and dancing! Bring & Share supper and your own alcohol - the Woodman Inn is just opposite.
£9 in advance, £10 on the door. 16s and under £4
7.30 - 11 pm
Contact Monty: 01308 423442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
Dancing 7.30-9.30 p.m. to mix of live and recorded music.
Dances to learn for fun, mainly from 17th to early 19th centuries. No partner needed nor previous experience. Loose comfortable clothes and light flexible shoes recommended.
£6 on the door including cuppa.
Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771
thedancingmaster AT outlook.com
A 2 night (3 days) folk dance workshop break on a full board basis,including Sunday lunch, with a programme of activities including a trip out to Exmoor’s secret Snowdrop Valley.
Peter and Moira Gutteridge hail from Worcestershire and have been regular resident musicians at our Folk Dance weekends for many years, bringing a variety of instruments, mainly fiddle, guitar and bass, but also flute, keyboard and harp.
Ray Goodswen is from Somerset and is also our regular caller and has a love of and is a teacher of traditional dance.
from £280.00 per person
Contact Antony Brunt: 01643 821425
hotel AT yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
For the first, time Ireland’s Heidi Talbot and Scotland’s Adam Holmes are joining forces to tour, write and record an album of original material, together.
Between them they have been nominated for multiple BBC Folk Awards, SAY awards, Irish music awards and played for First Ministers and US Presidents.
This new collaboration will see the pair work under the name “Arcade”, with plans to record and release a new album of songs in 2019, produced by Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow).
8.00 pm
£22
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/arcade-feat-heidi-talbot-adam-holmes/?mc_cid=2200ec15b4&mc_eid=7f19f38593
Postponed from March 2020 due to the corona virus.
More details later, but put the date in your diary.
Saturday 8th May 2021 AT 8:00 pm £19
In 1995, Christine Collister, Melanie Harrold, Julie Matthews, Helen Watson and Chris While – acclaimed and appreciated for their individual talents as Folk, Blues, Rock and Soul singers – found themselves at the Cambridge Festival. They decided to sing some songs together….. Magic happened and Daphne’s Flight took off. A widely-acclaimed eponymous studio album and UK tour followed, with a prestigious date at London’s Union Chapel – all of which marked a turning point in the role of women within the English Folk movement.
Five of the finest singer-songwriters of their generation, Daphne’s Flight is a unique and magical blend of individual styles that captivates audiences with complex harmony arrangements, unbridled energy and the infectious joy of performing together.
8.00 pm
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/daphnes-flight/?mc_cid=2200ec15b4&mc_eid=7f19f38593
The 2020 Folk Fest was cancelled, but we'll be back next year.
Put the date in your diaries.
As previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, there’s no denying The Demon Barbers’ ability to put on a first-class performance.
Over the years they’ve thrilled countless audiences with their live music and dance shows, be it stirring up a frenzy at Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Fringe or selling out theatres around the UK!
8.00 pm
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-demon-barbers-xl/?mc_cid=2200ec15b4&mc_eid=7f19f38593