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.
- Stories of First World War Women Through Song
Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, Louise Jordan shares the stories of inspirational women who challenged expectations through original song and storytelling. From the woman who dressed as a soldier on the Western Front to the women football players banned by the FA, the ambulance drivers running the gauntlet of enemy fire in Flanders and the so-called ‘surplus million’ single women.
Members of Stanchester Quire will be performing as part of the show. Stanchester Quire is a community choir, established in 1996, singing unaccompanied carols and Folk songs collected from the South-West of England under the directorship of Eddie Upton. Contact 01935 822287 or stanchesterquire1 AT gmail.com for more information.
Tickets: £14 Full. £13 Concessions.
www.louisejordan.co.uk www.nopetticoatshere.co.uk
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=943
Magellan Circumnavigation Music Concert
A musical story of love divided by the greatest voyage of exploration the world has seen. Performed and sung by Bob Whitley (guitar and mandola) and Lee Cuff (cello).
Bob and Lee perform in 16C sailor's costumes to take the audience back 500 years to Magellan's Circumnavigation.
£8 in advance £10 on the door
7.00 pm
Contact Bob Whitley: 01202 601017
bobwhitleymusic AT googlemail.com
bobwhitleymusic.co.uk
Folk trio from Plymouth
The first of the new series of Fabulous Furry Folk concerts.
For more details Nathan Williams 07752 593299 nathanvibration AT gmail.com or
Dora Darling dorabelldora AT googlemail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/Fabulous-Furry-Folk-193165734044479/
Doors 8.00 pm
Magic Hat Donation
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/
Born out of the Parisian Old-time and Bluegrass music scene, this young trio infuse original compositions in French and English with their individual eclectic influences. Their sublime vocal harmonies combined with violin, banjo, guitar and double bass create a veritable voyage on stage. Extensive tours across France, Germany, the UK and the USA, their compositions are ever-evolving and yet stay firmly connected to roots music. With a common passion for the power of Appalachian ballad singing and traditional American music, expect a passionate performance from this French trio. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.fierceflowers.com
7:30pm.
Tickets: 01300 341332. £9, £6 u18s, £25 fam
Hopefully this will be the first of many such evenings.
All Welcome to take part or just be there to listen.
8pm
metcalf.peter AT yahoo.co.uk
Three golden apples fell from the sky
The first is for me, who told the story
The second is for you who listened
The third I take in my right hand and throw over my left shoulder
For all the people who told the story before me
Join England’s first storyteller laureate Taffy Thomas MBE and guests for a weekend of stories, food, music and merriment to stir the heart and feed the soul.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/three-golden-apples-the-gift-of-story/
Kimmeridge Keilidh - Barn Dance
English Ceilidh/Barn Dance. Tickets on the door. No experience needed! Interval spot from Confluence Folk Duo - Gill Redmond - cello & Alasdair Paton - accordeon
£5 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.30pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Launches in the Barn at Ilchester Arms pub in Symondsbury on Friday 21st September and Friday 19th October and then move to the third Saturday of the month from November at the Galley Cafe, Broad Street, Lyme Regis.
Bring your voices, ears, songs, poems, story and ballads and join in community of the soul to celebrate spoken word (read and performed) and acoustic music ...expect a supportive and friendly ship of surprises and delicious cakes and drinks at the bar.
Come one, come all: be you poet, bard, balladeer, musician, pirate, traveler or folk friend - all welcome to our fairy-lit mic stand. All welcome.
£2 on the door
Sign up for a 5 minute slot from 7pm to start at 7.30pm
email: blackvenpress AT gmail.com
Born out of the Parisian Old-time and Bluegrass music scene, this young trio infuse original compositions in French and English with their individual eclectic influences. Their sublime vocal harmonies combined with violin, banjo, guitar and double bass create a veritable voyage on stage. Extensive tours across France, Germany, the UK and the USA, their compositions are ever-evolving and yet stay firmly connected to roots music. With a common passion for the power of Appalachian ballad singing and traditional American music, expect a passionate performance from this French trio. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.fierceflowers.com
7.30 pm
Tickets: 01929 423834. £9, £6 u18s, £25 fam
!!! C A N C E L L E D !!!
A concert to celebrate the life and work of the poet, Cicely Fox Smith through her writings and poems, and the shanties she collected
£5.00
7.30 pm
Contact Jacquie Hall: 07890139038
wareham.whalers AT gmail.com
www.wareham-whalers.org.uk
Barn Dance
Music from Maiden Oak, with Paul Miles calling.
£5 adults, children free
7:30 - 10:00 pm
Contact Janet Rees: 07880 335012
janetlynrees AT hotmail.co.uk
www.maidenoak.co.uk
Another first for Ilminster Arts Centre –
Six times at Glastonbury
Authentic Indian Bhangra band
Indian Bhangra music is one of the happiest forms of music to be heard anywhere in the World. With driving rhythms, dazzling colour, spectacular dancing and pure unbounded energy and enjoyment, this will be an uplifting musical experience that nobody should miss.
The UK's most popular Bhangra band - it's the vibe, the stage-presence and the obvious audience enjoyment that has enabled RSVP Bhangra during the last decade or so to establish itself among the UK's favourite festival bands, invited back everywhere again and again. Over the past ten years, RSVP Bhangra has performed at Glastonbury Festival no less than six times, at Larmer Tree and Port Eliot Festivals three times and at WOMAD twice, and since 2013 has extended its reach out into Europe, performing in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Italy.
8.00pm
(pre-show supper at 7:00pm)
Tonight's Menu: Chef's Curry served with rice; Dessert; Coffee
Vegetarian option available. Please ring the Arts Centre on 01460 54973 at least 2 days before the concert
Tickets £20 (£35 including pre-show supper) can be booked on 01460 54973
Fresh from touring with Fairport Convention, Winter Wilson (Kip Winter - vocals, accordion, guitar and flute and Dave Wilson - vocals, guitar and banjo) bring a sense of intimacy to the stage, mixing songs with stories of life on the road. Tight harmonies, killer songs and a lot of fun.
£10 advance/£12 on door
Tickets www.wegottickets.com/event/436732
6.45 pm
Contact Helen Leary: 01963 350980
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
http://www.caryfordhall.co.uk
An Evening of Music, Song and lots of Dancing.
Includes Ploughman's Supper and Lucky ticket draw. All profits to Charity! Come and have Fun!
Adults £10, under 16- £5. Tickets are limited so book by contacting Pete on 01300 348572.
Doors open at 7.30pm For start at 8pm
If you enjoy listening to acoustic music in a relaxed atmosphere, come along to the Arts Centre bar and have a listen.
If you enjoy playing acoustic music to like-minded people - come along and join in. It doesnt matter what instrument you play - we have guitarists, violinists, flautists, pianists, accordion players, percussionists... and more besides that!
It doesnt matter how good you are - all abilities are welcomed... we all started somewhere!
Theres no charge, but donations are welcomed.
The bar is open throughout the evening for you to moisten your vocal cords!
7.30 pm
Find our page on this website in the About Us section and feel free to join our Facebook group: http://bit.ly/musicClub
http://www.w-a-a.co.uk/e.php?e=882
8pm–11pm
A popular event as part of our ‘Tales in Trust’ weekend with Taffy Thomas and and friends. Enjoy an informal ceilidh followed by late night tales in the bar. All welcome!
£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/merry-neet-late-night-tales/
Join us for an enjoyable evening of traditional folk, country and gospel with the Farey Family from the Blackdown Hills. Also appearing will be their singer/songwriter daughter Jemima who will perform some of her own captivating compositions.
Supported by The Isle Abotts Choir
£10 -including interval wine/soft drinks & nibbles
7pm
Contact E.GUEST
eguest20 AT hotmail.co.uk
I am delighted that the renowned Si Barron has agreed to come and play for us at Folk in the Crown. Si is one of the very finest singers of traditional English folk songs, with virtuoso guitar accompaniment in DADGAD tuning and is very popular in folk clubs across the South West and beyond.
Supper this month will be Chicken-in-a-Basket for just £6. To pre-order supper contact Jacqui on 01460 281919 or thecrown_inn AT btconnect.com
For more information contact Laurie Burn laurieguitars AT gmail.com 01460 281033
Born out of the Parisian Old-time and Bluegrass music scene, this young trio infuse original compositions in French and English with their individual eclectic influences. Their sublime vocal harmonies combined with violin, banjo, guitar and double bass create a veritable voyage on stage. Extensive tours across France, Germany, the UK and the USA, their compositions are ever-evolving and yet stay firmly connected to roots music. With a common passion for the power of Appalachian ballad singing and traditional American music, expect a passionate performance from this French trio. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.fierceflowers.com
7.30 pm
Tickets: 01308 485474. £9, £6 u18s, £25 fam
Monthly workshop led by Laurel Swift to learn tunes, chords, harmonies and arrangements. Suitable for all levels and all acoustic instruments. Notation and audio supplied.
£12 on the door / £10 when paid in advance via the website
1.30pm - 4.30pm
Contact Julia Catovsky: 01935 817 905
jcatovsky AT gmail.com
www.laurelswift.co.uk
Born out of the Parisian Old-time and Bluegrass music scene, this young trio infuse original compositions in French and English with their individual eclectic influences. Their sublime vocal harmonies combined with violin, banjo, guitar and double bass create a veritable voyage on stage. Extensive tours across France, Germany, the UK and the USA, their compositions are ever-evolving and yet stay firmly connected to roots music. With a common passion for the power of Appalachian ballad singing and traditional American music, expect a passionate performance from this French trio. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.fierceflowers.com
7:30pm.
Tickets: 01258 830361. £9, £6 u18s
** This is the session that would normally be at the Chalk and Cheese in Maiden Newton**
For various reasons (available on request) we've decided to try the Fox and Hounds. Landlord, Scott, is very happy for us to go there and the timing will be the same: 5-8:30pm. The skittle alley is longer and thinner but there is still plenty of space for musicians and visiting chatters.
All welcome: mainly English (last week was mainly Cumbrian: thanks, Peter!) Many thanks to all our regulars who travel such long distances. Even Colin and I will have to get in the car now!
5:00 - 8.30 pm
Contact Colin or Ruth Thompson: 01300 321396
fiddler AT casterbridge.net
A Welcome Return of Taffy Thomas.
The Story Teller Laureate, who has been awarded an M.B.E. and the English Folk Dance and Song Society Gold Medal for his services preserving the tradition of Folk-Tale Telling, will be entertaining us with a new selection of tales and stories.
Those who heard him last year, will not want to miss this opportunity enjoying his inimitable style.
The programme commences at 7.30., and there will be refreshments.
Admission is free, but generous donations in aid of Lufton Church are welcomed.
Please come and join us for our Evening Service at 6.00.p.m. on this day, and then enjoy refreshments before the talk.
For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has worked with everyone from Bob Dylan to Paul Simon. The folk musician has just announced a concert this October at the Marine.
Trailblazing musical partnerships with Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick, his wife Norma Waterson and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums.
£14 advance / £16.50 on the door. 10% off for Theatre Friends
Bar opens 6:30 P.M., starts 7:30 P.M.
https://www.seetickets.com/event/martin-carthy/marine-theatre/1254740
Everybody is welcome. No prior experience necessary. No charge.
7.30 – 9.30pm
secretary AT treacleeaterclog.org
www.treacleeaterclog.org
Julia: 01935 817905
Chard Folk Dance Club
We have been dancing for almost 50 years.
We meet on alternate Thursdays.
£2.50 members £3.50 guests. New members and guests always welcome.
For more details contact Elaine 01460 65909
Baskery
The three sisters can’t recall when or why they started playing, the music’s always just been there. In their late teens, the sisters joined forces with their dad, who for decades was a one man band playing old blues and country tunes for a living.
This foundation of classic “roots music and Americana” settled in their hearts, but also awoke the urge of breaking the rules of traditional music. Baskery is a band built on what three people can do together and it’s all about turning the music on its head, blending the straightforwardness of punk with the subtlety of singer/songwriting.
Adam Holmes and The Embers
27-year-old Edinburgh-born singer/songwriter Adam Holmes is one of the brightest rising stars on the UK roots music scene, with influences from either side of the Atlantic mixing traditional and contemporary folk with his own brand of soul and Americana.
Twice nominated for BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, his first two albums were also nominated for Scottish Album of the Year in 2014 and 2017, and there is much anticipation as to whether he can make it three in a row this year with third album Midnight Milk, which was released in September 2017.
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
£15.00
The Cafe is open this evening, last orders at 6.30pm
https://chapelarts.org/events/double-bill-adam-holmes-and-the-embers-and-baskery/
Created to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Great War, acclaimed musicians Chris Green and Sophie Matthews use music and song to tell the story of ‘The War to End All Wars’.
‘The Men Who Marched Away‘ is a scintillating mixture of soldiers’ songs, music hall numbers, war poems set to new music and original compositions. The show does not flinch from conveying the full horror of the first global conflict but also celebrates the courage and humour of the tommies under fire and those they left behind.
Featuring a host of wartime standards such as ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’, ‘Tipperary’ and ‘Goodbye-ee’ as well as brand-new musical settings of poems by lesser-known war poets such as May Wedderburn Cannan and C. Fox-Smith, ‘The Men Who Marched Away‘ is a moving tribute to the fallen and a fitting reminder of their sacrifice.
£12 / £10 concessions
8.00pm
Contact David Bond: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
www.silverstreetsessions.co.uk
During this weekend songwriting retreat in the glorious house and surroundings of Halsway Manor in Somerset, singer-songwriter Reg Meuross and his team – Melissa Holding, Katie Whitehouse, and Jessi Norgard – will guide and support you in the art of expressing yourself through writing songs and music, with a particular focus on opening up your imagination in new ways and combining this with what you know from your memories, with what’s in your heart and with what you experience around you; how a chance meeting, a face in the crowd, a news article or an odd phrase overheard, or just the sheer beauty and power of words can be the impulse for an act of imagination that becomes a song.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/imagine-this/
A chance meeting at their local Black Fen Folk Club in Cambridge uncovered Hannah and Ben’s shared musical passions and sympathies, that over time has developed into a unique and intimate show of American roots and English folk music.
Huddled round a single microphone, singing intimate duets with just mountain dulcimer, dobro and guitar Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage are a folk duo that look and sound classically timeless, yet feel refreshingly unique.
8.00 pm
£13 / £11 / £5
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/fri-26-october-hannah-sanders-ben-savage/
+ Gill & Bob Berry
The latest venture for dancing squeeze box player Simon Care is his ceilidh and concert band, Banter. Bring your dancing shoes! Traditional tunes played with oomph!
Opening support is from Gill and Bob Berry, superb exponents of traditional folk songs of past years
£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
Barn Dance
£10 to include refreshments
Doors open 7 pm for 7.30 pm, finishes 11 pm approx
Contact Diana Wilson: 01305 848510
jd AT jdgwilson.plus.com
Over Stratton Folk Dance Club.
Autumn Ceilidh dance.
Bring and share supper.
Early tickets £7.50 /On the door £8.50
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Steven Sparks: 07788782860
sjsparks AT btinternet.com
+ support
Songs for the Spirt. Folk-pop with a mystical Celtic edge.
Faeland are a contemporary folk band from Bristol, UK. Fusing deep folk tradition and acoustic instrumentation, they bring their innovative and subtly experimental approach to contemporary music.
https://www.electricpalace.org.uk/events/event/faeland/
Bournemouth (Westhill) Folk Dance Club will be holding its Autumn Dance. Ray Goodswen is a well-known caller at all the major folk festivals and Pete & Sue will support him with some excellent music.
£8 in advance or £9 on the door
7.30 - 10.30 p.m.
Contact Di Darch: 01202896711
diane AT rdconsulting.co
www.bournemouthfolkdanceclub.btck.co.uk
Phillip Henry releases milestone solo album this October mapping out a decade of musicianship across the globe ..
Virtuoso is an overused word, glibly littered around as a description of ability. But when attributed to Lancashire-born, Devon-based musician Phillip Henry it’s spot on.
Henry has made his name as a spellbinding exponent of the slide guitar augmented with show-stopping beatbox harmonica.
£12
7.30pm
Contact Chettle Music: 07776 323198
jan.fisher AT chettlemusic.co.uk
http://www.chettlemusic.co.uk
An intimate evening gig from Reg Meuross, rounding-off his songwriting retreat weekend, headlined by Reg and opened by Jessi Norgard and special guest Melissa Holding. All are welcome.
Reg Meuross’ reputation has been well earned. From gigging in village halls and folk clubs to playing the Royal Albert Hall and huge festival stages in the UK and abroad, Reg consistently entrances his audiences with songs of life, love and injustice, soulfully delivered with melodic tenor vocals and exemplary guitar playing.
7pm–9pm
£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/reg-meuross/
Live Music
Hot food, wine, local beer available
£12
7.30 pm
Contact Jan Fisher: 07776 323 198
jan.fisher AT chettlemusic.co.uk
www.chettlemusic.co.uk
Join folk polymath Laurel Swift for a dynamic yet relaxing week to spend quality time with your instrument! With a focus on ensemble playing, you’ll explore music in small and large groups, with exercises and tasks to build confidence, tools and tips to improve your skills, and inspiration to develop your own musicality and style.
This retreat runs alongside our Wellbeing Week; when not playing, you’ll be able to enjoy guided walks on the Quantock Hills and coast, raise your voice with a little communal singing, join evening relaxation sessions, or dedicate some time to private practise – and socialising!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/musicians-retreat/
Ewan McLennan in concert at the Stable Bar, Drax Arms. Free admission.
For those who don't know, Ewan has appeared on Transatlantic sessions and is a frequent guest at Folk Festivals and clubs all over the UK - he's really good !!
See you there
8.00 pm
Contact Richard & Lesley Quayle: 07884 364516
mail AT draxfolk.org.uk
www.draxfolk.org.uk
The Show of Hands line-up of Steve Knightley, Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes looks a little different for their 2018 Joint Venture tour. Miranda and husband Dan are expecting their first baby in November, and so Cormac Byrne (legendary percussionist of Seth Lakeman Band fame) steps into the breach to complete the Show of Hands autumn trio and give it a fresh new sound. Expect the festival favourites along with songs from the bands upcoming album ‘Joint Venture’.
SUPPORT
Alden Dashwood & Patterson
Norwich based folk trio Alden Patterson and Dashwood weave rich vocal harmonies, fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin around beautifully written original songs and melodies. The independently-released debut album ‘Call Me Home’ was written and produced at home in Norwich and is lovingly presented in attractive handmade covers, designed and hand-printed by the band.
https://www.electricpalace.org.uk/events/event/show-of-hands-with-miranda-sykes/
For Halsway’s second Exploring Folklore weekend, the focus is that extraordinary wealth of folklore that was, and still is, found on Dartmoor. All our guest contributors come from the area and, between them, demonstrate not only how we live within our own folklore, but how closely all the different aspects of folklore combine to define a culture by drawing on the past, living in the here and now, and shaping the future.
The team includes Dartmoor tradition bearer Bill Murray, Dartmoor step dance champion (and singer, musician & composer) Matt Norman, plus Tom Pearce’s Old Grey Mare will be travelling up from Dartymoor!
Doc Rowe returns along with weekend host Tom Brown, for an enjoyable weekend of talks, presentations, practical workshops and performances exploring folklore, folklorismus and fakelore.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/exploring-folklore-dartmoor/
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Club
Now regular 1st Fridays
7.30 for 7.45
£6.00 (first visit free!) accompanied under 16s free, non-dancers £1.00
No bar but BYO if you wish.
Jenny and Ian Edlin - 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Scotland's finest
One of the most celebrated and successful Scottish folk bands of recent times, Breabach command the stage with flare, charisma and a sound that is as expansive as it is distinct. Powered by double bagpipes, flute and fiddle, this uncompromising force is further fueled by the tight groove of double bass, guitar and step-dance. Their enviable musicianship and adaptability is elegantly displayed through the thoughtful arrangement and delivery of songs.
http://breabach.com/
8pm
£16
http://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
+ Support Kadia
A chance to hear the wonderful singer/songwriter/musician that is Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) up close and personal in an intimate setting.
Tonight Chris is supported by an opening set from the fabulous local trio, Kadia, in one of their last appearances in their current line up as a trio.
£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
A concert to celebrate the life and work of the poet, Cicely Fox Smith through her writings and poems, and the shanties she collected.
A ploughmans will be served in the interval
£10.00
7.30 pm
Contact Jacquie Hall: 07890139038
wareham.whalers AT gmail.com
www.wareham-whalers.org.uk
Bonfire weekend, so there may well be more than Pigs that Might Fly! Another bands out of Exeter, with Richard Mason no doubt calling some crackers of dances.
All welcome, dances will be walked and talked through and call throughout.
Bring & Share (finger food) supper, and your own beer (The Woodman Inn is just opposite).
On street parking or use town car parks.
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, under 17's £4. (can be bought on line, see website)
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Monty Crook: 01308 423 442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
!!! CANCELLED !!!
Talk, songs, question and answer
Peggy Seeger - singer, songwriter, feminist, icon, muse - is the undisputed queen of folk and political song. Now in her 80s, her charisma and wit remain undiminished. Come and hear Peggy talking candidly about her remarkable life in a wide-ranging conversation with Andy Childs who has had a 45 year-long career in the music business, first as editor of Zigzag magazine and then in various management roles at United Artists, EMI, Demon Records, Rough Trade Records and Rykodisc.
Peggy is unique artist who has carved a special place in the folk revival of both the UK and the USA. A multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar, 5-string banjo, autoharp, English concertina and Appalachian dulcimer), she has made 23 solo recordings and participated in over a hundred others. As Ewan MacColl’s partner and muse, she was the inspiration for MacColl’s classic ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, yet this is a woman who has consistently followed her own path with passion and vigour.
£10.00
6.30pm
Contact Lionel Ward: 01823 337742
brendonbooks AT gmail.com
www.brendonbooks.co.uk
Collected, arranged and published in 1979 by Sybil Sheppard ‘The Worth Carols’ have recently been reprinted
These West Gallery Carols circa 1740-1860 were sung locally until the early 1900’s.
Purbeck Village Quire’s 2018 Christmas Concert programme will feature these local carols.
There is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the Carols prior to our Concerts by coming along and joining us for a Workshop.
The ability to read music would be an advantage but not essential as we’ll go through all the parts so they can be followed by ear with the scores used only as a guide
Musicians wishing to bring melody or bass instruments along would be welcome to join the Band.
The Cost, which includes a copy of the Worth Carols will be £7.50
Soup and Roll plus Tea and Coffee will be provided.
Places may be limited depending on demand.
12.00 noon to 5.00 pm
To reserve a place or for further details please contact
Robin Plowman :
plowmanswanage AT gmail.com 01929 427037
Playing one Dorset venue as part of his UK & European tour, award winner Stephen Fearing is one of the foremost performing singer-songwriters in Canada. A stunning guitar player with a smooth, intimate and powerful voice, he has penned some of the most literate, stirring and emotionally charged acoustic music on the planet. Local musician, Ken Watkins has been bringing Stephen to Weymouth for over two decades and rates him extremely highly; "I strongly believe that as a singer-songwriter and performer, you won't see anyone better; he's up there with the very best.
This year, Fearing presents fans and audiophiles with a rare musical experience, The Secret of Climbing, exclusively recorded on vinyl in the UK. This limited edition collection captures the subtle emotions of Fearing’s mesmerizing voice and celebrated guitar work in their purest form, recorded live off the floor in glorious analogue and mastered with no added overdubs, processing, or studio gadgetry. This will be a very popular event, so get in early.
8pm (doors & bar from 7.30pm)
Seats £15, ONLY IN ADVANCE from Box Office: 01305 837299 or songsfromthehalls234 AT gmail.com
Scottish duo Mairearad Green and Anna Massie launch album number four ’Farran’ followed by a UK tour.
Given that Mairearad grew up by Achnahaird bay and is now living by the sea in Ullapool and Anna is from the village of Fortrose by the Moray Firth, it is not surprising that there is a marine themed title and cover illustration for this duo’s fourth album. The album is called ‘Farran’ which is the Scots word for the starboard side of a boat.
www.mairearadandanna.com
9.00 pm
Phone: 01929 439229
www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk
Kitty Macfarlane is a Bristol-based songwriter and accomplished guitar player, originally from Somerset and well-known to local audiences. Her popularity and critical acclaim has snowballed since the release of her EP ‘Tide and Tide’ in 2016, with appearances at festivals, folk clubs and venues across the UK.
7:30pm–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/kitty-macfarlane-album-launch-tour/
Social dance week for more experienced dancers who enjoy dancing in a happy, friendly atmosphere that will encourage them to work together as a team to get the greatest possible satisfaction from their dancing.
For more information and to book please contact Rosemary and Steve Hunt:
Tel: 01202 814858
Email: steve.hunt1 AT uwclub.net
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/mostly-english-dance-week/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We have been dancing for almost 50 years.
We meet on alternate Thursdays.
£2.50 members £3.50 guests. New members and guests always welcome.
For more details contact Elaine 01460 65909
A long weekend for dancers & musicians to enjoy together. Dancers will explore how callers, dancers and band interact to produce an enjoyable dance, with opportunities to try calling a dance. Musicians focus on playing as a band, and performing tunes in an interesting and danceable fashion! With a supportive atmosphere and approachable leaders, the groups work together to put on a Playford Ball on Saturday (costume welcome) and a Ceilidh on Sunday. Music, both Playford style and Contra, is available in advance.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-dance-and-music-weekend/
The Violin making workshops are extremely popular at Halsway Manor, with many of the participants coming back year after year. The workshop gives maximum continuous time at the workbench supported by Neville Gardner, who has been teaching violin making for the last sixteen years. He is joined by Corrie Schrijver to ensure that there is a ratio of 1 tutor to no more than 5 participants giving plenty of patient and knowledgeable support.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/violin-making-5/
All welcome!
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 school in the dark it is about 300 yards south of the Piddle Inn with a hump back bridge into the car park.
£6 under 16 free
Start 7.15 for 7.30
Finish 9.30
Contact Sally Condon 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
There will be concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights, workshops, story-telling sessions, morris dancing and singarounds.
To commemorate the armistice ending the Great War, The event will include a show presented by The Hotwells Howlers entitled 'Stony Broke in No Man's Land' This tells the story of how the war affected local communities in songs, words and images.
On Sunday lunchtime there will be a concert by 'Called to be Saints', a West Gallery Group.
The price of £15 is for the whole weekend. Any profits will go to the British Red Cross.
Contact David Byrne: 01761 419224
davidwbyrneuk AT yahoo.com
Immerse yourself in glorious living landscapes and the brilliant night sky to discover a world that’s bristling with life, filled with animals, people and constellations caught between creation and destruction. Gwydion, nephew to the King, a magician and master storyteller, provokes a war between North and South Wales and unleashes a chaos of consequences. Blodeuwedd, an intoxicatingly beautiful woman conjured from flowers, is torn between desire and duty, with fateful results. Honour, justice, magic and transformation collide in a story as relevant today as it ever was, where people seek to spin, manipulate and control, and nature reveals its deep power. By turns, thrilling, funny, powerful and poetic, this spellbinding new performance vividly evokes the ancient Celtic legend of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion. Dreaming the Night Field features one of Wales’ most engaging storytellers alongside exquisitely haunting live music. English and Welsh are artfully woven together to make these ancient voices and living landscapes come alive in an exhilarating performance. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity. Suitable for ages 12+
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.adversecamber.org
7:30pm
Tickets: 01297 560948. £9, £7 u18s, £28 fam
Mitchell and Vincent are a Westcountry folk duo who bring traditional and contemporary styles on fiddle and guitar to folk tunes and songs from around the British Isles, as well as original material drawing on the folk traditions, producing their own varied arrangements and great foot-tapping folk music.
They have performed at various festivals and concerts around the UK (including Glastonbury, Broadstairs, Beverley, Oxford and Lyme Folk Weekend) as well as supporting great musicians such as Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones, Tim Edey Trio, Jackie Oates Duo and Kate Rusby.
https://mitchellandvincent.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mitchellandvincent/
8:30pm
Contact David Mitchell
mitchellandvincent AT gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/699082143817256/
Featuring the extraordinary multi-instrumental skills of Simon Swarbrick, who grew up in the village and who is the nephew of the late folk icon, Dave Swarbrick, this band interprets songs from different genres. With influences from folk, country, jazz and blues, Watkins & Swarbrick play a wide variety of songs and tunes, with mellow vocals and gorgeous 3-part vocal harmonies, that have been described as a 'wonderful blend.'
The band does not charge a set ticket price. Instead, the audience are asked to generously offer payment after the show if they have enjoyed the performance.
It is essential to book seats in advance at the box office on 01305 837299 or songsfromthehalls234 AT gmail.com
Expect a relaxed evening with gentle humour and an atmosphere of cordiality, and above all some exceptional quality live music, right here on your doorstep!
Listen to some of the band's tracks at this link: https://soundcloud.com/watkinswarbrickband
8pm (doors from 7.30pm)
BYO drinks & glasses
Featuring the extraordinary multi-instrumental skills of Simon Swarbrick, who grew up in the village and who is the nephew of the late folk icon, Dave Swarbrick, this band interprets songs from different genres. With influences from folk, country, jazz and blues, Watkins & Swarbrick play a wide variety of songs and tunes, with mellow vocals and gorgeous 3-part vocal harmonies, that have been described as a 'wonderful blend.'
Expect a relaxed evening with gentle humour and an atmosphere of cordiality, and above all some exceptional quality live music, right here on your doorstep!
Listen to some of the band's tracks at this link: https://soundcloud.com/watkinswarbrickband
BYO drinks & glasses
The band does not charge a set ticket price. Instead, the audience are asked to generously offer payment after the show if they have enjoyed the performance.
It is essential to book seats in advance at the box office on 01305 837299 or songsfromthehalls234 AT gmail.com
!!! SOLD OUT !!!
A chance to Dance
Classic songs from every era of a long and mighty career.
Oysterband, the multi-award-winning outfit that brought passion, power and not a little poetry to folk and roots music, enter their 40th year as vital and creative as ever, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out The Lights; When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down); Blood Wedding…these and many will be featured as they undertake a year of touring summer 2017 and 2018 to celebrate four decades of a unique and fiercely independent career.
Oysterband are: John Jones (voice, melodeon); Alan Prosser (guitars, voice); Ian Telfer (violin, voice); Al Scott (bass, mandolin, voice) Adrian Oxaal (cello, voice) and the newest member, formerly of Bellowhead, Pete Flood (drums, voice).
www.oysterband.co.uk
Tickets: £22. No concessions
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=923
Virtuoso is an overused word, glibly littered around as a description of ability. But when attributed to Lancashire-born, Devon-based musician Phillip Henry it’s spot on.
Henry has made his name as a spellbinding exponent of the slide guitar augmented with show-stopping beatbox harmonica.
suggested donation £12 on the night
8pm doors Show 8.30pm
Phone: 07429 005512
www.facebook.com/theoldrefreshmentroom
Immerse yourself in glorious living landscapes and the brilliant night sky to discover a world that’s bristling with life, filled with animals, people and constellations caught between creation and destruction. Gwydion, nephew to the King, a magician and master storyteller, provokes a war between North and South Wales and unleashes a chaos of consequences. Blodeuwedd, an intoxicatingly beautiful woman conjured from flowers, is torn between desire and duty, with fateful results. Honour, justice, magic and transformation collide in a story as relevant today as it ever was, where people seek to spin, manipulate and control, and nature reveals its deep power. By turns, thrilling, funny, powerful and poetic, this spellbinding new performance vividly evokes the ancient Celtic legend of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion. Dreaming the Night Field features one of Wales’ most engaging storytellers alongside exquisitely haunting live music. English and Welsh are artfully woven together to make these ancient voices and living landscapes come alive in an exhilarating performance. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity. Suitable for ages 12+
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.adversecamber.org
7:30pm
Tickets: 01258 880920. £10, £7 u18s, £29 fam
Calan bring together the remarkable talents of 5 young musicians giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music. With a contemporary and lively approach they breathe new life into the old traditions through their sparkling melodies, foot tapping tunes and spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step dancing.
Bethan Rhiannon sings in both English and Welsh and is also winner of the national clog dance competition in Wales
Patrick Rimes plays a multitude of musical instruments including the Welsh fiddle and the Welsh bagpipes
Angharad Jenkins plays fiddle and is the daughter of a famous Welsh poet Nigel Jenkins and whose mother is Delyth Jenkins is a famous harp player.
Sam Humphreys comes from an altogether different background originally playing rock and electronic music in night clubs before discovering a magic mix of folk and modern styles.
Alice French studied harp at the University of Wales before being drawn into the wealth of traditional harp music Wales has to offer.
£14
8:00 pm
Contact Adrian Harman: 07766252844
info AT celticfolk.net
www.celticfolk.net
!!! SOLD OUT !!!
A chance to Dance
Classic songs from every era of a long and mighty career.
Oysterband, the multi-award-winning outfit that brought passion, power and not a little poetry to folk and roots music, enter their 40th year as vital and creative as ever, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out The Lights; When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down); Blood Wedding…these and many will be featured as they undertake a year of touring summer 2017 and 2018 to celebrate four decades of a unique and fiercely independent career.
Oysterband are: John Jones (voice, melodeon); Alan Prosser (guitars, voice); Ian Telfer (violin, voice); Al Scott (bass, mandolin, voice) Adrian Oxaal (cello, voice) and the newest member, formerly of Bellowhead, Pete Flood (drums, voice).
www.oysterband.co.uk
Tickets: £22. No concessions
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=922
Songs, stories and poems to commemorate the centenary of the armistice
£5.00 includes a glass of wine & nibbles
7:30 pm
Contact Fizz or Caroline: 01935 825565 or 01935 824786
With a professional conductor and aimed at a more advanced level of playing, this course will focus on modern music written specifically for recorders, which is often challenging, particularly in terms of rhythm.
Who’s it For?
Because of the challenging nature of the repertoire, all course participants should have a very good sense of rhythm and be experienced ensemble players. Ideally you should also play both F and C instruments, including tenor AND bass.
For more information and to book please contact Jan Epps:
Tel - 01752 481193
Email - jan.epps57 AT gmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/recorders-for-all-2/
Winter Party
£5
7.30 - 10.00 pm
Contact Leslye Stansfield: 01460 75760
Crewkerne Folk Dance Club
Virtuoso is an overused word, glibly littered around as a description of ability. But when attributed to Lancashire-born, Devon-based musician Phillip Henry it’s spot on.
Henry has made his name as a spellbinding exponent of the slide guitar augmented with show-stopping beatbox harmonica.
www.wegottickets.com/event/439300
£12 adv
8pm
Contact box office: 01225 463362
http://www.chapelarts.org
Winter Party
Bring and share supper
£5
7.30 - 10.00 pm
Contact Leslye Stansfield: 01460 75760
leslyestansfield AT tiscali.co.uk
Crewkerne Folk Dance Club
Trio Fremsley! was formed in 2016 by three multi-instrumentalists who got together to explore the rich diversity of traditional music found in continental Europe and beyond.
Each bring their own musical experiences into the mix:
Paul Chousmer (piano accordion, clarinet), is an accomplished jazz pianist and electronics wizard,
Mike Eaton (hurdy-gurdy, bass, octave mandolin) is an established ceilidh musician,
whilst Chris King’s (acoustic guitar, mandolin) influences lean more towards prog rock.
Trio Fremsley’s style is very much rooted in traditional music, but with some of the improvisatory flair of jazz.
Expect to hear polska, zweifacher, bouree and tunes from the Klezmer tradition, amongst others . . .
£5 only
7.00 pm
Contact Samantha Jane Flounders: 07719949003
samantha-jane- AT hotmail.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TrioFremsley/
Enjoy a sensational singing weekend with Narthen – Barry Coope, Lester Simpson, Jo Freya and Fi Fraser.
This weekend will focus on polyphonic unaccompanied singing in four part and three part harmony, for which the quartet are best known. Expect to learn some very unusual versions of carols, some unique to this group. The material will include some pieces scored by hat makers, shoe makers, and blacksmiths of old with their incredible fugueing parts but will also include more traditional folk style songs arranged by the group itself. Whilst this will set you up with some fantastic singing material for the festive season it won’t all be about Christmas. There will be other songs too!
www.haremusic.agency/narthen
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/singing-with-narthen/
Barn Dance
Music in the old village style. Dances for all ages and abilities. Light refreshments and BYO
£5 adults, children free
7:30 - 10:00 pm
Contact Janet Rees: 07880 335012
janetlynrees AT hotmail.co.uk
www.maidenoak.co.uk
Barn Dance with interval entertainment spot. Tickets on the door. No Bar - bring your own drink & nibbles!
£5 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.30pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Support from Andy Stone
Fabulous singer-songwriter Anthony John Clark is brilliant solo, but has more fun and widens his range being accompanied by Dave Pegg (Peggy from Fairport Convention). This will be a night of outstanding musical entertainment and humour.
Providing opening support we have our wonderfully talented sound engineer, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and -arranger Andy Stone.
£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
Alasdair Roberts, Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton are four fine soloists sharing a mutual love of traditional songs, from both sides of the English and Scottish borders, with playful, boundary-defying musicianship.
Since their critically acclaimed debut, At Our Next Meeting, The Furrow Collective has been in demand as a touring band, gigging throughout Europe and performing BBC live sessions. Hot on the heels of two BBC Folk Award nominations, in November 2016 they released their new album, Wild Hog, to huge critical acclaim. Each band member leads a song, moving with ease from jaunty stories of ailing horses to poignant laments and sparsely adorned supernatural ballads.
www.thefurrowcollective.co.uk
Tickets: £17 Full. £16 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=950
If you enjoy listening to acoustic music in a relaxed atmosphere, come along to the Arts Centre bar and have a listen.
If you enjoy playing acoustic music to like-minded people - come along and join in. It doesnt matter what instrument you play - we have guitarists, violinists, flautists, pianists, accordion players, percussionists... and more besides that!
It doesnt matter how good you are - all abilities are welcomed... we all started somewhere!
Theres no charge, but donations are welcomed.
The bar is open throughout the evening for you to moisten your vocal cords!
7.30 pm
Find our page on this website in the About Us section and feel free to join our Facebook group: http://bit.ly/musicClub
http://www.w-a-a.co.uk/e.php?e=883
Laurie Phillips and Laurie Burn will provide an evening of tunes and songs on guitar, bazouki and mandolin, plus some vocals from Karen Burn.
Starting at 7.30pm in the skittle alley, the first part of the evening will be open to “floorsingers”. Sign up in the book on arrival.
At about 8.30pm Jacqui will be providing a bar supper for the interval, only for pre-ordered meals. To pre-order supper contact 01460 281919 or thecrown_inn AT btconnect.com
Laurie Burn laurieguitars AT gmail.com 01460 281033
Launch 'Smallword' Album
Dallahan is one of the most distinct forces in the international folk music scene. Forged in Scotland's traditional music community, but drawing on the traditional music styles of the Balkans and North America, they create an original and seamless musical montage, blending their contemporary influences from jazz, funk, and pop music. Since forming five years ago, they have toured extensively in Europe, North America and represented Britain at the bicentenary British/Nepalese celebrations in Kathmandu, whilst enjoying varied on-stage collaborations with The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Dougie Maclean, and Nepal's traditional music exponents Kutumba.
www.dallahanmusic.com
£10 adv/312 door
8pm
Contact box office: 01225 463362
bathboxoffice AT bathtoursm.co.uk
http://www.chapelarts.org
Acclaimed local folk musicians, Bonny Sartin (The Yetties) and John Bullock (yStrels Band), will be performing a variety of readings and songs in celebration of Dorset and its rich heritage.
£10 to include light supper. BYO drink & glasses
7.30pm doors open 7pm
Contact Mary or Graham: 01935 872742 or 01963 210632
friendsofholnest AT gmail.com
www.friendsofholnestchurch.wordpress.com
London based singer Ranjana Ghatak has worked nationally and internationally as both an artist and composer. Commissioned by the Commonwealth Games to write a piece for the Big Big Sing Project in Glasgow 2014, Ranjana also recorded on Gareth Malone’s Christmas album alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Singing in Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi and English, Ranjana takes inspiration from Indian Classical music, mystic poetry and her own writing, performing new material written by herself and songs composed to mystic poets such as Kabir and Meera Bai. Touring following the release of her debut album, she shares the stage with Mercury nominated bass player Liran Donin and in demand guitarist Jack Ross. This trio have spent the last 2 years exploring and performing in several venues including Kew Gardens, Saffron Walden, Bath International Festival, Barbican foyer and Wigmore Hall. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
Indian Singing Workshop
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.ranjanaghatak.co.uk
7:30pm
Tickets: 01300 345455. £10, £6 u18s, £25 fam
Narthen are Barry Coope and Lester Simpson of Coope Boyes and Simpson, Jo Freya of Blowzabella/Moirai and Fi Fraser of The Old Fashioned/Polka Works.
You can catch the quartet in performances all year-round; however, they are best known for their scintillating Christmas shows, a seasonal mix of songs and tunes that reflect the whole of Christmas and the winter season. Wonderful four part harmony Yorkshire carols are mixed with songs showing the less reverential and more humorous side of Christmas. All delivered in four part harmony – often with instrumental accompaniment – to touch your heart, engage your intellect and wow your ears.
As many people now say: ‘Christmas starts with you’.
8pm–10pm
£12
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/narthen/
Led by Gareth Kiddier and Linda Game (The English Contra Dance Band), you’ll explore all aspects of playing in a dance band: from putting a band together, deciding on a repertoire, creating a set list, working on stage with callers and technology, using light and shade in dances, and – most importantly – having fun.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/playing-music-for-dancing/
Monthly workshop led by Laurel Swift to learn tunes, chords, harmonies and arrangements. Suitable for all levels and all acoustic instruments. Notation and audio supplied.
£12 on the door / £10 when paid in advance via the website
1.30pm - 4.30pm
Contact Julia Catovsky: 01935 817905
jcatovsky AT gmail.com
www.laurelswift.co.uk
London based singer Ranjana Ghatak has worked nationally and internationally as both an artist and composer. Commissioned by the Commonwealth Games to write a piece for the Big Big Sing Project in Glasgow 2014, Ranjana also recorded on Gareth Malone’s Christmas album alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Singing in Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi and English, Ranjana takes inspiration from Indian Classical music, mystic poetry and her own writing, performing new material written by herself and songs composed to mystic poets such as Kabir and Meera Bai. Touring following the release of her debut album, she shares the stage with Mercury nominated bass player Liran Donin and in demand guitarist Jack Ross. This trio have spent the last 2 years exploring and performing in several venues including Kew Gardens, Saffron Walden, Bath International Festival, Barbican foyer and Wigmore Hall. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.ranjanaghatak.co.uk
7:30pm
Tickets: 01305 871035. £10, £6 u18s, £25 fam
Indian Singing Workshop
Join Ranjana for an introduction to Indian Singing at Buckland Newton on Sunday 18 November, 4:30pm-6pm. Learn the names of the notes, and a variety of time cycles, before learning a traditional Indian song. No experience necessary. Places limited; contact 01300 345455 to book.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.ranjanaghatak.co.uk
Following the extraordinary reaction to their haunting cathedral tour Sanctuary, Show of Hands return to the theatre and concert circuit on a quest to reveal a fuller sound for the trio’s bold new studio album.
Joint Venture features intriguing collaborations with the likes of Afro Celt Sound System’s Johnny Kalsi, and folk/reggae band Edward the Second. Steve, Miranda and Phil will each play an opening set of three solo spots before being joined by Cormac Byrne, legendary percussionist of Seth Lakeman Band fame.
Please note due to the nature of this event there may be some occasions during the show when some patrons choose to stand.
Tickets: £26
Concessions: £24.50
Footlights/Groups 10+: Discount Applies
A £1 ticket levy is included in all stated ticket prices.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&cPath=14&products_id=951
Chard Folk Dance Club
We have been dancing for almost 50 years.
We meet on alternate Thursdays.
£2.50 members £3.50 guests. New members and guests always welcome.
For more details contact Elaine 01460 65909
Bound by lifelong friendship and a love of Cornwall’s stirring songs of the sea, this most convivial choral collective will showcase a fresh haul of old favourites as well as new songs from their latest album Sole Mates - their seventh since they were ‘discovered’ singing on the Platt on the harbour at Port Isaac on Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coast.
Tickets: £26
A £1 ticket levy is included in all stated ticket prices.
https://www.octagon-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/music/fishermans-friends-2018/6418
Led by the award-winning jazz violinist and composer Christian Garrick, the Budapest Café Orchestra put their own spin on traditional folk & gypsy flavoured music from across the world. Raucous, toe-tapping Balkan and Russian numbers are combined with jazz and swing inflections whilst Klezmer, Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czardas are awarded fresh treatments before they give way to a disarmingly beautiful arsenal of ballads. Following the release of their 9th album ‘Sultan’s House Party’, BCO are back on the road with another fantastically exciting and musically impressive show - early booking is highly advised! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
7:30pm
Tickets: 01935 83784. £10, £6 u18s, £25 fam
The 16th Annual Zesty Contra House Party is an exhilarating and popular weekend designed to extend your dance horizons! Bring your instruments too if you fancy joining the band for a session or two.
Contra dancing is a development of the English country dances taken up by the French at the end of the 17th Century which were then exported back to England and subsequently travelled with the early settlers to America. The resurgence of interest in recent years has led to a more contemporary “zesty” contra style.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/15th-annual-zesty-contra-weekend/
Led by the award-winning jazz violinist and composer Christian Garrick, the Budapest Café Orchestra put their own spin on traditional folk & gypsy flavoured music from across the world. Raucous, toe-tapping Balkan and Russian numbers are combined with jazz and swing inflections whilst Klezmer, Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czardas are awarded fresh treatments before they give way to a disarmingly beautiful arsenal of ballads. Following the release of their 9th album ‘Sultan’s House Party’, BCO are back on the road with another fantastically exciting and musically impressive show - early booking is highly advised! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
7:30pm
Tickets: 01747 840057. £10, £6 u18s, £25 fam
Powerful Celtic undertones and intoxicating tribal rhythms
After winning International Artist of the Year at the Australian Celtic Music Awards in 2017 the band completed a 3 week tour in Australia this May supported by the UK Arts Council.
Roving Crows push the boundaries of the Celtic Folk genre and play with genuine passion, energy and soul – a must see live act.
www.rovingcrows.com
www.facebook.com/rovingcrows
www.youtube.com/therovingcrows
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £14.00
Advance: £12.00
The Cafe is open this evening, last orders at 6.30pm
https://chapelarts.org/events/roving-crows-3/
Blazin’ Fiddles are one of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups. Celebrating their 20th year in 2018 – and with the release of their ninth album, The Key, in November 2017 – no other band has quite managed to capture the excitement, passion and sensitivity of Scottish music all at once.
With a “Blazers” performance comes the rare opportunity to hear regional expressions, from Scotland’s highlands and islands, and the individual style of each fiddler – Inverness’ Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn’s Rua Macmillan, and Orcadian Kristan Harvey – in a blend of ensemble and solo sets. Fiddles and bows come alight atop guitar and piano from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon, delivering a musically intoxicating evening for all.
www.blazinfiddles.com
Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=953
Winner of BBC Folk Awards for best newcomer and best traditional track, Jackie Oates is a name synonymous with the reinvigoration of English folk music, beguiling audiences with a delicate balance of tradition and reinvention.
Her mellifluous voice and imaginatively plaintive fiddle style has won her several BBC Folk Awards during a 10-year recording career that began as a member of the emerging Unthanks and has continued with five acclaimed solo albums. Collaborations with Alasdair Roberts, Belinda O’Hooley and her brother Jim Moray on material that’s ranged from traditional ballads to eerie lullabies and rich contemporary songs, Jackie has earned fans beyond the folk scene she grew up in.
Tickets £16 (students £12) from Box Office 01202-413600.
8pm (bar 7pm).
www.bournemouthfolkclub.com
Chris Wood is an uncompromising guitarist and singer whose music reveals his love for the unofficial history of the English speaking people.
With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables.
On stage Chris has the air of a craftsman who no longer needs to be precious about his art. Without any apparent effort he reaches deep into an enviable repertoire of songs before revealing another gem.
With support
Bar opens 6:30 P.M., starts 7:30 P.M.
£14 advance / £16.50 on the door. 10% off for Theatre Friends
Online via http://www.marinetheatre.com/music-chris-wood-saturday-24-november/
In person: Lyme Regis and Bridport Tourist Information centres
Over the phone: 01297 442138
Booking Fee may apply
Led by the award-winning jazz violinist and composer Christian Garrick, the Budapest Café Orchestra put their own spin on traditional folk & gypsy flavoured music from across the world. Raucous, toe-tapping Balkan and Russian numbers are combined with jazz and swing inflections whilst Klezmer, Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czardas are awarded fresh treatments before they give way to a disarmingly beautiful arsenal of ballads. Following the release of their 9th album ‘Sultan’s House Party’, BCO are back on the road with another fantastically exciting and musically impressive show - early booking is highly advised! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
7:30pm
Ticket: 07590 352219. £10, £6 u18s, £25 fam
‘Fire in the Telling’, how to put your passion for storytelling into your performance! Sharon Jacksties returns to Halsway Manor to teach a skills-based intermediate storytelling course for those who already have some storytelling experience, and who wish to improve their performance practice.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/fire-in-the-telling/
Since his departure from folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span at the end of 2013, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight has turned his full attention to his trio Gigspanner, and in the process has firmly established their burgeoning reputation as one of the most innovative acts on the folk/roots scene.
A glance at the band's Guestbook page offers an insight into the emotional impact their performances exert..."spellbinding" "sublime" "blown away" "inspired" and "magical" are familiar themes.
7.30
Tickets £15
www.gigspanner.com
http://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/diary
Led by the award-winning jazz violinist and composer Christian Garrick, the Budapest Café Orchestra put their own spin on traditional folk & gypsy flavoured music from across the world. Raucous, toe-tapping Balkan and Russian numbers are combined with jazz and swing inflections whilst Klezmer, Romanian Doinas and Hungarian Czardas are awarded fresh treatments before they give way to a disarmingly beautiful arsenal of ballads. Following the release of their 9th album ‘Sultan’s House Party’, BCO are back on the road with another fantastically exciting and musically impressive show - early booking is highly advised! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
4.00 pm
Tickets: 01725 517500. £12, £6 u18s, £30 fam
Enjoy a home-cooked supper, before cosying round the fire for an evening of tale-spinning led by Sharon Jacksties.
Sharon Jacksties has been telling traditional tales of wonder and delight for over 25 years. Working here and abroad, she has been happy telling stories to all ages in venues that vary from bus shelters to the National Theatre. She shares stories from all over the world, some of which have never been heard on these islands before. Sharon is also the author of ‘Somerset Folk Tales’, Somerset being her adopted county, and is co-director of The Summerlands Storytelling Festival.
Joining Sharon will be students from her ‘Fire in the Telling’ course, so come and listen to a variety of voices telling world wide traditional tales.
6pm–9:30pm
£15 supper and stories
£5 stories only (8pm start approx)
Please note that supper MUST be booked in advance. All diets can be catered for, please notify us when booking.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/a-storytelling-supper-2/
The FB Pocket Orchestra takes its listeners back to the hot jazz,blues, ragtime & popular dances of the 1920/30s & earlier.
The members originally began playing together in various FB Music & Media projects and officially began playing as The FB Pocket Orchestra in 2012.
8.00 pm
Contact Richard & Lesley Quayle: 07884 364516
mail AT draxfolk.org.uk
www.draxfolk.org.uk
Faustus are delighted to announce their UK ’Cotton Lords’ Tour, during which they will be presenting new tracks from the ongoing Cotton Famine Poetry project.
For the last few months Faustus have been sifting through publications and journals of the 19th Century Lancashire Cotton Famine period, as part of a project based at the University of Exeter to archive, preserve, and rehabilitate the poetry of this distressing chapter of working-class history. As featured on BBC Radio 4, they have set some of the texts to new music, soon to be released on CD.
More information and recordings can be found at http://cottonfaminepoetry.exeter.ac.uk/
£14 adv/£15 door
8pm
Contact box office: 01225 463362
bathboxoffice AT bathtourism.co.uk
http://www.chapelarts.org
For 15 years Jim Moray has been at the forefront of a new movement in English traditional music. His debut album Sweet England changed the sound of folk song and won a brace of awards for its innovative melding of orchestration and electronica. Subsequent albums embraced everything from grime to Johnny Marr-esque guitar pop, but at their heart was always Jim’s unmistakeable soulful and yearning voice; singing old songs in a new way.
www.jimmoray.co.uk
www.facebook.com/jimmoray
www.twitter.com/jimmoray
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £16.00
Advance: £14.00
https://chapelarts.org/events/jim-moray-2/
Faustus are delighted to announce their UK ’Cotton Lords’ Tour, during which they will be presenting new tracks from the ongoing Cotton Famine Poetry project.
For the last few months Faustus have been sifting through publications and journals of the 19th Century Lancashire Cotton Famine period, as part of a project based at the University of Exeter to archive, preserve, and rehabilitate the poetry of this distressing chapter of working-class history. As featured on BBC Radio 4, they have set some of the texts to new music, soon to be released on CD.
More information and recordings can be found at http://cottonfaminepoetry.exeter.ac.uk/
£10adv
7.30pm
Phone: 01458 447223
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/442551
Delve into the wonderful world of klezmer with members of the London Klezmer Quartet. Ilana Cravitz (violin), Susi Evans (clarinet and accordion) and Indra Buraczewska (double bass & vocals) will take you deep into freylekhs, bulgars, zhoks, khosidls and terkishers, looking at the modes, ornamentation and rhythms that characterise traditional Eastern European Jewish folk music. Play in a klezmer band, be part of the ever-growing Halsway Klezmer Kapelye (big band), and learn steps for the dances that the music traditionally accompanies. Reading music is not essential as we’ll be working by ear quite a bit, but we will also look at interpreting written music. All instruments are welcome. For players of grade 4 and above or equivalent.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/klezmer-music-weekend/
Your pre-Christmas treat, a return of Derby duo Doug Eunson and Sarah Matthews, teamed with Ray Goodswen's calling. Expect great music played on melodian, hurdy-gurdy, fiddle or viola - not to be missed!
All welcome, dances will be walked and talked through and called throughout.
Bring & Share (finger food) supper, and your own beer (The Woodman Inn is just opposite).
On street parking or use town car parks.
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, under 17's £4. (can be bought on line, see website)
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Monty Crook
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
A ‘Chance to Dance’ Event
With the fiddle leading the charge, Noble Jacks are out to take no prisoners as they come on with their high-energy footstompin’ rhythms which have taken crowds by storm across the UK.
Noble Jacks have been touring relentlessly, stompin’ their way round the British music scene with ‘sold out’ headline events promoting their debut album, 'What the Hammer', as well as shows at major festivals, including Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival and Beautiful Days, to name a few.
www.noblejacks.com
Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=955
Award winning Jazz guitarist Martin Taylor teams up with acoustic and slide guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson. The pair shares the stage throughout the performance – adding to each other’s songs and instrumental pieces, taking them to new areas of creative inspiration.
This is an unmissable evening with two guitar playing legends working in harmony.
£12 advance, £14.50 door. 10% discount for Theatre Friends
Bar opens 6 P.M., starts 7 P.M.
Unreserved seating
Tickets:
Online: via http://www.marinetheatre.com/music-martin-taylor-and-martin-simpson-saturday-1-december/
In person: Lyme Regis and Bridport Tourist Information centres
Over the phone: 01297 442138
Booking Fee may apply
It’s Christmas Day in the Long House!
Join Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, as they shelter from a Viking winter, huddled around the roaring fire beneath the rafters of the Great Hall.
Jez’s annual Christmas tour has become quite a tradition in recent years, striking out from their native North East England to entertain audiences across the whole of the UK.
This year, the band once again invites special guest, Benny Graham, to join them on a journey across the Great North Sea, to share the songs and tales of the Northlands.
Part folk concert, part music-hall revue. Sing along, laugh along, and drive the cold winter away.
Watch out! The long ships are sailing up the Tyne!
This fabulous seasonal show is brought to you by Wessex Acoustic Folk Club, www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
£16 (Concessions available)
7.30pm
Contact Shaftesbury Arts Centre Box Office: 01747 854321
www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk
Packed full of polyphonic a capella carols and other gorgeous seasonal songs and tunes, this show reflects all aspects of the winter season, from the beautiful carols of north Yorkshire, Derbyshire and beyond, to the irreverent nature of certain aspects of Christmas and the winter season.
Featuring Barry Coope and Lester Simpson of Coope Boyes and Simpson, Jo Freya of Blowzabella and Fi Fraser of The Old Fashioned/ Polka Works, the quartet are known for their sumptuous four part harmonies, but include piano, accordion, fiddle, soprano sax, ukulele and whistles in this heartwarming show for Christmas. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.haremusic.agency/narthen
7:30pm
Tickets: 01308 897421. £10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
Christmas Concert.
3pm
The London Klezmer Quartet is a dynamic group of performers whose deep understanding of klezmer, the celebratory and soulful music of Eastern European Jews, is reflected in exuberant, passionate and accomplished performances that captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The group plays old and new traditional material guaranteed to move audiences from toe-tapping to tears and back again in moments.
8pm–10pm
£12
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/london-klezmer-quartet-2/
Packed full of polyphonic a capella carols and other gorgeous seasonal songs and tunes, this show reflects all aspects of the winter season, from the beautiful carols of north Yorkshire, Derbyshire and beyond, to the irreverent nature of certain aspects of Christmas and the winter season.
Featuring Barry Coope and Lester Simpson of Coope Boyes and Simpson, Jo Freya of Blowzabella and Fi Fraser of The Old Fashioned/ Polka Works, the quartet are known for their sumptuous four part harmonies, but include piano, accordion, fiddle, soprano sax, ukulele and whistles in this heartwarming show for Christmas. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.haremusic.agency/narthen
7:45pm
Tickets: 01258 840066. £10, £7 u18s, £28 fam
Award winning Jazz guitarist Martin Taylor teams up with acoustic and slide guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson. The pair shares the stage throughout the performance – adding to each other’s songs and instrumental pieces, and taking them to sublime new heights. This is an unmissable evening with two guitar playing legends working in harmony.
7pm–9pm
£20
B&B available, £35 per person, must be booked in advance. Please contact the office on 01984 618274 ext 1 / office AT halswaymanor.org.uk to make a reservation.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/martin-taylor-martin-simpson/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We have been dancing for almost 50 years.
We meet on alternate Thursdays.
£2.50 members £3.50 guests. New members and guests always welcome.
For more details contact Elaine 01460 65909
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, 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 16 years.
www.stagnesfountain.co.uk
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=957
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Club
Now regular 1st Fridays
7.30 for 7.45
£6.00 (first visit free!) accompanied under 16s free, non-dancers £1.00
No bar but BYO if you wish.
Jenny and Ian Edlin - 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Get your baubles on and let your hair down for a night of seasonal singing and frivolity.
Join Acapella foursome No Direction, Anne-Louise Richards and Sally Ironmonger in an evening of top entertainment.
£5
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 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, 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 16 years.
www.stagnesfountain.co.uk
Tickets: £19 Full. £18 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=956
Roving Crows are an award winning original celtic folk fusion band - innovative, funky and energetic. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com/event/436734. Cash only bar. Free off-road parking.
£12 advance / £15 on door
6.45 pm
Contact Helen Leary: 01963 350 980
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
St Agnes Fountain are about to embark on their 15th consecutive sell-out Christmas tour. Since their first get together, to record the eponymous St Agnes Fountain album in 2001, the quartet of founder, David Hughes; Fairport Convention's Chris Leslie and 2009's BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo, Chris While and Julie Matthews, have brought musical invention and laughter to the star-dust atmosphere of the season.
"The Aggies" recorded have their album again combining new versions of classic Christmas carols, original compositions and one or two fun surprises. Although the albums accompany the putting up of a thousand Christmas trees throughout Britain, it is, without question, their magical live performances that have endeared them to an ever-growing audience.
With their sparkling musicianship, humour and heartful renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes both original and those you know so well (or thought you did). Christmas, as they say, starts with St Agnes Fountain.
Tickets £20 (students £18) from Box Office 01202-413600.
7.15pm (bar 6.15pm).
www.bournemouthfolkclub.com
With their roots in the South Dorset Ridgeway and inspired by the rich sources of locally collected folk songs and West Gallery carols, the Ridgeway Singers and Band led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries have once again tuned their fiddles and voices to present a joyous celebration of Christmas past and present, including works from the Puddletown, Durweston and Hinton St Mary manuscripts together with newly composed carols in the Dorset tradition. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.ridgewaysingersandband.wordpress.com
4:00pm
Tickets 01929 400790. £8, £5 u18s
Carols by Candlelight in aid of Christian Aid
4pm
Led by Matt Norman, enjoy a morning workshop learning old English Carols in traditional harmony – including some which are local to us!
The singing of traditional carols dates back to the seventeenth Century, well before the Victorian Christmas which we know today. These traditional carols are characterised by simple, robust harmonies and catchy tunes. The tradition still survives in the area around Sheffield, and in Cornwall, Exmoor and Somerset.
10.00 am – 12.00 noon
£8 adults
£3 children & students under 18. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-carol-singing-workshop/
A traditional sing-along carol concert – with a folk twist!
Expect a selection of traditional carols and seasonal songs and readings, with guest performers and plenty of chances for you to join the singing.
3pm–4pm
Donations welcome!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-carol-concert/
Performing the very best, and often unfamiliar, sacred, secular and consort music, Cantamus present a programme for the advent season drawn from nearly 500 years of music. From Palestrina’s Matin responsory ‘I look from afar’, two rarely heard pieces in Spanish by Zespedes and Cereols, beautiful arrangements of the Coventry Carol, Cherry Tree Carol and The Seven Joys of Mary, Quem Vidistis Pastores by Dering, and Bach’s majestic Wachet Auf, to later works including carols by Richard Lloyd, John Rutter and John Tavener. There is also a new arrangement of Righteous Joseph by Cantamus musical director Malcolm Knowles. Expect a joyous celebration of the festive season. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.cantamus-dorset.org
7:30pm
Tickets: 01258 881235. £10, £5 u18s
All welcome!
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 school in the dark it is about 300 yards south of the Piddle Inn with a hump back bridge into the car park.
£6 under 16 free
Start 7.15 for 7.30
Finish 9.30
Contact Sally Condon 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
With a double bass made out of scrap metal, heart-wrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw, and foot-stomping fiddle mixed with infectious funk-rock rhythms, The Churchfitters are a folk group like no other! Packed with a mouthwatering selection of favourites from their regular repertoire, interlaced with traditional and original festive songs and Christmas carols, see in Christmas with a bang and a paper hat-full of surprises, novelties and jokes in this festive feast of a Christmas Cracker! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.churchfitters.com
7:30pm
Tickets: 01300 321394. £10, £6 u18s
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.
www.belshazzarsfeast.com
Tickets: £15 Full. £14 Concessions.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=958
Somersets best-loved blue grass band are back at the Arts Centre.
Honest all-acoustic music featuring fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and double bass. Some classics, some covers, and many self-penned, there is something for everyone.
7.30 pm
For ticket info see: http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.uk
Direct Event Link
http://www.w-a-a.co.uk/e.php?e=879
Christmas Special
Fabulous four-part harmonies and multi-instrumental accompaniment
Starting at 7.30pm in the skittle alley, the first part of the evening will be open to “floorsingers”. Sign up in the book on arrival.
At about 8.30pm Jacqui will be providing a bar supper for the interval, only for pre-ordered meals. To pre-order supper contact 01460 281919 or thecrown_inn AT btconnect.com
Laurie Burn laurieguitars AT gmail.com 01460 281033
With a double bass made out of scrap metal, heart-wrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw, and foot-stomping fiddle mixed with infectious funk-rock rhythms, The Churchfitters are a folk group like no other! Packed with a mouthwatering selection of favourites from their regular repertoire, interlaced with traditional and original festive songs and Christmas carols, see in Christmas with a bang and a paper hat-full of surprises, novelties and jokes in this festive feast of a Christmas Cracker! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.churchfitters.com
7:30pm
Tickets: 01258 861621. £10, £6 u18s, £25 fam
Join the Mellstock Band to celebrate a traditional West Country Christmas! We’ve an afternoon workshop for musicians and singers to explore West Gallery Carols, followed by a chance to see the Mellstock Band’s latest Christmas concert ‘Leaves of Life’ at 8pm. You can also book for dinner!
West Gallery Carols Workshop: Sat 15 Dec / 2pm
A workshop for musicians & singers.
In most parts of England, from the mid 1700s onwards, groups of singers and instrumentalists played and sang in the gallery of their village church and went round the parish at Christmas to sing carols. Mixing powerful voices, strings and wind instruments, with vigorous rhythms, soaring counterpoint and strange harmonies, this is the sound of the pre-Victorian rural Christmas!
Musicians & singers are invited to join Dave Townsend & The Mellstock Band in an energetic and fun workshop to explore the carols and songs from the old West Gallery bands. Don’t worry if you can’t read music or have never sung in a choir – we’ll go through all the parts and think about the best style for singing this vibrant tradition. Bring melody and bass instruments as well, so that we can re-create the sound of the church bands.These are songs for everyone, wherever convivial and warm-hearted music is appreciated.
The Mellstock Band: The Leaves of Life: Sat 15 Dec / 8pm
A West Country Christmas Concert
Christmas Music from English Tradition – Carols and Revels from Farmstead, Manor, Alehouse and Street with tales and poems by Thomas Hardy, William Barnes, John Clare, Charles Dickens and others. A costume performance with early & modern instruments.
In The Leaves of Life The Mellstock Band celebrates the customs of Wintertime in rural England, exploring beliefs and superstitions, and drawing on seasonal ballads and folk carols as well as West Gallery carols and village dance music. The symbolism of trees combines with tales of shepherds and their sheep, winter-time feasting and strange visitations, presented with merry and majestic tunes, songs of love and laughter, carols and original harmonies.
2pm–10pm
Workshop, dinner and Concert: £40
Dinner & Concert: £25
Workshop only: £15
Concert only: £12
Advance booking is strongly recommended, and is essential for meals.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/mellstock-band-a-west-country-christmas/
With their roots in the South Dorset Ridgeway and inspired by the rich sources of locally collected folk songs and West Gallery carols, the Ridgeway Singers and Band led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries have once again tuned their fiddles and voices to present a joyous celebration of Christmas past and present, including works from the Puddletown, Durweston and Hinton St Mary manuscripts together with newly composed carols in the Dorset tradition. Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.ridgewaysingersandband.wordpress.com
4:00pm
Tickets: 01305 264060. £8, £5 u18s, £22 fam
With a double bass made out of scrap metal, heart-wrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw, and foot-stomping fiddle mixed with infectious funk-rock rhythms, The Churchfitters are a folk group like no other! Packed with a mouthwatering selection of favourites from their regular repertoire, interlaced with traditional and original festive songs and Christmas carols, see in Christmas with a bang and a paper hat-full of surprises, novelties and jokes in this festive feast of a Christmas Cracker! Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk | www.churchfitters.com
7:30pm
Tickets: 01305 853783. £10, £7.50 u18s, £30 fam
Christmas Concert
1pm
Chard Folk Dance Club
We have been dancing for almost 50 years.
We meet on alternate Thursdays.
£2.50 members £3.50 guests. New members and guests always welcome.
For more details contact Elaine 01460 65909
Barn Dance with interval entertainment. Tickets on the door. No Bar - so bring your own drinks & nibbles!
£5 adults 32.50 children
7.30 - 10.30 pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
If you enjoy listening to acoustic music in a relaxed atmosphere, come along to the Arts Centre bar and have a listen.
If you enjoy playing acoustic music to like-minded people - come along and join in. It doesnt matter what instrument you play - we have guitarists, violinists, flautists, pianists, accordion players, percussionists... and more besides that!
It doesnt matter how good you are - all abilities are welcomed... we all started somewhere!
Theres no charge, but donations are welcomed.
The bar is open throughout the evening for you to moisten your vocal cords!
7.30 pm
Find our page on this website in the About Us section and feel free to join our Facebook group: http://bit.ly/musicClub
http://www.w-a-a.co.uk/e.php?e=884
6pm–11pm
Dinner & dancing: £15
Dancing only (8pm approx): £5
A dinner-dance, folk style! Enjoy a delicious home-cooked supper followed by light-hearted country dancing. All welcome, including those new to country dance. Ivan Aitken (caller) leads the dancing with musicians Gareth Kiddier & Linda Game – better known as The English Contra Dance Band.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/country-christmas-dinner-folk-dance/
Come and enjoy the Christmas celebrations at Halsway Manor in the company of Ivan Aitken, your MC and Caller, supported by Gareth Kiddier (piano) and Linda Game (fiddle), better known as The English Contra Dance Band! Ivan has a very relaxed style of calling all types of dance including contra and squares and the entire period of English dance from then until now. Between the dances there will be opportunities to sing, to enjoy winter walks, to take part in music workshops (all instruments!), and to relax and catch-up with friends old and new. All this, and the wonderful Halsway atmosphere, great food and a roaring log fire.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/christmas-house-party-3/
Join us for an enjoyable folk dancing Hogmanay break with a great team at the helm.
With optional walks and playing sessions; pack your walking boots and instruments along with your dancing shoes.
Enjoy the Manor is its festive finery and dance-in the New Year with great music and good company!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/new-year-house-party-2/
Bring in 2019 in style with music and dance at The David Hall.
Tickets: £17 includes a light supper. No concessions.
Early booking essential by Friday 15 December. No tickets available on the night.
http://www.thedavidhall.org.uk/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=959
The Tithe Barn Trust’s traditional fundraising family barn dance with the flutes and fiddles of Fougere Rouge. Always great fun. Bring and share American supper. Bar.
£12 (£30 family)
8.00 pm
Now regular 1st Fridays
Good band and caller tba - this site will be updated
7.30 for 7.45
£6.00 (first visit free!) accompanied under 16s free, non-dancers £1.00
No bar but BYO if you wish.
Jenny and Ian Edlin - 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
A great start to the year with the ever popular Jigs teamed with festival caller Mike. Shake off the post Christmas/New Year blues and get dancing!
The usual bring and share supper and you own beer (The Woodman Inn is just opposite).
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, under 17's £4. (can be bought on line, see website)
7.30 - 11.00 pm
Contact Monty Crook: 01308 423 442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
A night of Old Time with this young duo on tour from the States
www.thelocalhoneys.com
http://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
Christmas Concert
6pm
Barn Dance
Music in the old village style. Dances for all ages and abilities. Light refreshments and BYO.
£5 adults, children free
7:30 - 10:00 pm
Contact Janet Rees: 07880 335012
janetlynrees AT hotmail.co.uk
www.maidenoak.co.uk
A 2 night residential folk dance workshop with a trip out to Exmoor's hidden Snowdrop Valley. All meals included.
from £270.00 per person
Contact Antony Brunt: 01643821425
hotel AT yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
Now regular 1st Fridays
Good band and caller tba - this site will be updated
7.30 for 7.45
£6.00 (first visit free!) accompanied under 16s free, non-dancers £1.00
No bar but BYO if you wish.
Jenny and Ian Edlin - 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
A new Alistair Gillies duo, Skillicorne, with a welcome return of Nick Walden (at the time of posting this, both recently seen performing at various dances at Sidmouth Folk Festival).
Bring and Share supper and your own beer,
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, under 17's £4. (can be bought on line, see website)
7.30pm - 11.00pm
Contact Monty Crook: 01308 423 442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
This excellent and acclaimed trio are coming to Nailsea as part of a high profile national tour. Expect a treasure trove of gorgeous tunes, razor sharp grooves and sublime playing.
Michael McGoldrick (flute, whistles and uillean pipes) has won countless All Ireland Championships and for many years has played in the legendary Capercaille band. John McCusker (fiddle) is one of Scotland most accomplished and versatile musicians, having played in countless line ups including the Battlefield Band. John Doyle is a powerful and versatile guitarist from Dublin regarded as being in a class of his own, with his use of awesome and inspirational rhythms.
8pm
£14
http://www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk/
Now regular 1st Fridays
Good band and caller tba - this site will be updated
7.30 for 7.45
£6.00 (first visit free!) accompanied under 16s free, non-dancers £1.00
No bar but BYO if you wish.
Jenny and Ian Edlin - 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
We loved having the Oxford Nags in Jan 2018; this line-up, including the popuLar Gareth Kiddier - social dance director at Sidmouth Folk Festival - really got the hall buzzing. Jane is always a pleasure to dance to and called several great dance evenings at Sidmouth's 2018 Folk Festival.
Bring & Share supper and your own beer.
£8 in advance, £9 on the door, under 17's £4. (can be bought on line, see website)
7.30pm - 11.00pm
Contact Monty Crook: 01308 423 442
monty3dayslate AT yahoo.co.uk
www.bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com
Now regular 1st Fridays
Good band and caller tba - this site will be updated
7.30 for 7.45
£6.00 (first visit free!) accompanied under 16s free, non-dancers £1.00
No bar but BYO if you wish.
Jenny and Ian Edlin - 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk