The open-ended Folk Diary below covers known folk events in strict chronological order, within an approx. 30 mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies, i.e. including Exeter and Plymouth, and covering Tavistock, Okehampton and Sidmouth for example. It is the main reference for compilation of the Harberton Folk email circulars. If you don't see an event listed, contact us with details. Submit your venue's postcode if you'd like a map link given. Map links (streetmap.co.uk) yield fully zoomable maps: Zoom In for street names in towns; Zoom Out in rural locations to see an overall context.  All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey.

Harberton Folk heartily recommends the Church House Inn at Harberton (near Totnes) for excellent food and real ales. Owners David and Jenny Wright have always been generous supporters of Harberton Folk's activities. A special  meal discount offer is available to people attending Harberton Folk concerts - you will be offered a discount token in the form of a flyer as you leave the concert.

Anyone viewing this website is dependent to some extent on their computer and we thank Harberton computer specialist Andrew Hockings for supporting our voluntary activities. We recommend him for your computer needs (South Hams, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, South Brent and Ivybridge areas). Click logo for his website or call 01803 862847 or 07973 155913 anytime.

Thursday 2 July 2009 8pm - Derrin Nauendorf - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
The Mill opens its Courtyard season in style with one of the best blues musicians around. Derrin has issued 6 CDs now – each one gaining more and more accolades. Recent live appearances on both Bob Harris and Paul Jones’ radio shows have cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s finest ever musical exports. “Excellent” Bob Harris, BBC2. www.derrinnauendorf.com & www.myspace.com/derrinnauendorf Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

Saturday 4 July 2009 1.30-7.30pm - Garden Concert - Colaton Raleigh nr Sidmouth (map)
(wet weather venue, Colaton Raleigh Village Hall) featuring Ellingtonia; Joyce Gang; Dave Wood; Lounge Lizards; Paul Downes; The Amazing Mr Smith; Shaking Ground; El Cojones; Jeff Lewis and friends from Exmouth Folk Club; Cheshire Ukulele Trio; Chris Holland; Colaton Raleigh Village Band; Otterton School musicians; Annika Skoogh.
Free entry. Fundraising during the day. Raffle. Light refreshments. Bar. BBQ. Kids activities. Bring something to sit on. Phone Dave and Sue for more details 01395 568072. If you can’t make it you can still make a donation at www.justgiving.com/tctconcert
This concert is raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust alongside Dave's 550 mile cycle ride in late July, linking seven Teenage Cancer Trust units in seven cities in seven days, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, and London. The concert features some of the best musicians in the South West, all giving their time and talent for free. This is our second concert...we had a fantastic day two years ago, so please come and join us this time around and help make it bigger and better!

Saturday 4 July 2009 -  Top line up of young artistes - Manor Hotel Exmouth (map)
Jules and Kimwei (wonderful songs and instrumentation) supported by Mr. Paddy and Lara Conley (stunning vocals, performing mostly their own compositions). Enquiries 01395 269232 or email jeff.lewis58 [at] yahoo.co.uk.

Saturday 4 July 2009 10am-midday - Appalachian drop-in workshop - Totnes Civic Hall
For prospective dancers (male and female) interested in performing to an audience. Hard-soled shoes needed, not trainers. See www.shufflethedeck.co.uk for contact details.

Sunday 5 July 2009 8pm - Wizz Jones - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
Widely admired for his guitar viruosity, Wizz brings a wealth of experience to his appearances. A singer songwriter, too, of considerable skill. Come and see a master at work... Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.

Thursday 9 July 2009 8pm -  Huw Chidgey & Catherine Handley - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
A formidable partnership. Catherine is principal flute with the Welsh Sinfonia and this instrument plus her keyboard are the perfect accompaniment to Huw’s stunning voice and witty storytelling. Together they create a warm, passionate atmosphere and at the end of one of their shows no-one ever wants to leave. www.myspace.com/huwchidgeyandcatherinehandley Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

Thursday 9 July 2009 8pm - Ceilidh and circle dances with 3dB Band - Chagford Square
Part of  Chagford Arts Festival. See www.chagfordartsfestival.com for full festival details.

Friday 10 July 2009 8.30pm - ZubopGambia - Jubilee Hall, Chagford
ZubopGambia is a collaboration between London-based worldbeat music group Zubop and the West African master musicians Mosi Conde (vocals, kora, balafon, guitar, djembe) and Njega Sohna (djembe, talking drum, vocals). ZubopGambia brings together the musical interests and influences of everyone involved - the performance includes not only traditional West African pieces, but elements of jazz, township music, pop, reggae, blues and many other styles. £10/£9.  See www.chagfordartsfestival.com for full festival details.

Friday 10 July 2009 - Brooks Williams - Hazelwood House, Loddiswell, Kingsbridge (map)
Concert with the finger plucking, toe tapping, blues musician , book fast! Various other musical events too. www.hazelwoodhouse.com

Saturday 11 July 2009 3.30pm-5.30pm - "Haystacks and Halyards" - Concert on the Quay, The Bandstand, Kingsbridge
A celebration of traditional music from the British Isles and beyond, organised and performed principally by those who gather at the Crabshell Inn Kingsbridge each 1st Thursday of the month (with a little help from their friends!). 2 hours of chorusy, toetapping entertainment that we hope will give the audience an opportunity to join in or sit and be transported by tales of country life, love, working strife, various aspects of our relationship with the sea, and more - right up to date with recently written songs and tunes. Seating provided and some shelter available; bar next door at the Creeks End pub. More details from 01548 853351.

tbc Saturday 12 July 2009 8pm - Maltsters Mash - Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay, nr Totnes (map)
All types of performance welcome, as always. Poems, songs, stories and music all bring their own delights. Free entry. Call Simon or Sue Williams for information on 01364 631308 or email susan@farmhouse.ac.

Sunday 12 July 2009 3.30pm - Trade Winds special for Ways With Words - Dartington Hall
in the Outdoor Reading Room in the courtyard. All regulars are very welcome and we hope for a few WWW punters, too. Here’s a chance to perform to a different audience in what will be, a piece of seaweed tells me, a wonderful sunny afternoon (please). There will be a limited number of slots, probably 10, and these will be allocated on the day on a first come, first added basis.

tbc Wednesday 15 July 2009 - Barron Brady - Dartington Great Hall (map)
Part of Ways With Words Literature Festival. Local duo Simon and Rosalind are acclaimed for performing beautifully crafted songs with virtuosity and verve; exemplary guitar work, voices and harmonies combine deliciously with flutes and ambient harmonium.

tbc Wednesday 15 July 2009 - Jurassic Folk & Acoustic, Grove Nite Club, Seaton (map)
Singers, musicians and everybody welcome, admission free, easy parking. More info from 01297 20064 or see www.eastdevonfolk.org.

Thursday 16 July 2009 8pm -  Boo Hewerdine - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
Former leader of great 80’s band The Bible and now one of the country’s top musicians, Boo has had his songs recorded by k d laing, Natalie Imbruglia and even Mel C from the Spice Girls. Big man with a voice as smooth as vintage port! A must see! www.boohewerdine.net  & www.myspace.com/boohewerdine Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

17/18 July 2009 - Broadfest 2009 - Broadhempston
Broadhempston Music Festival - no folk as such, but check out the Events Calendar on www.broadhempston.com to see what's on, including big band jazz with Herbie Flowers .

17-19 July 2009 - Chagstock Festival - Chagford
Various genres. Includes The Bad Shephards, 3 Daft Monkeys and many more. Tickets on sale now. www.chagstock.info

Sunday 19 July 2009 8pm - Bram Taylor - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
The consummate entertainer, Bram is always welcome at FOTM; he's a regular summer fixture, charming one and all with his fine voice and his welcome wit. I love his concertina work too! Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.

Sunday 19 July 2009 8pm - Fiery Clockface - Fountains Head Inn, Branscombe
Providing entertainment for this traditional pub’s Sunday BBQ. Fiery Clockface is Peter Lee (fiddle, whistle, bodhran) and Phil Beamont (melodeons and harmonicas) playing traditional English, Irish and Scottish music.

Monday 20 July 2009 - Swarb's Lazarus - The Watermark, Ivybridge (map)
Legendary former Fairport and Whippersnapper fiddler Dave Swarbrick, ace guitarist Kevin Dempsey (ex Whippersnapper, Uiscedwr..) and multi-instrumentalist Maartin Allcock (ex Fairport, Jethro Tull...). See www.swarbslazarus.com for video music samples on Youtube. Box office 01752 892220. www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk Venue only seats 200. This will be the last ever Swarb's Lazarus gig before they disband!

Thursday 23 July 2009 8pm -  Burden Of Paradise - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
The brilliant Helen Watson had Mill audiences spellbound in January with her incredible voice. By popular demand, she returns with Burden of Paradise featuring legendary sax man Snake Davis (M People, Lisa Stansfield), Dave Bowie on double bass and guitarist Mark Cresswell, all former members of infamous soul band The Alligator Shoes. Their music fuses blues, jazz, soul and folk in a completely unique sound. www.snakedavis.com & www.myspace.com/theburdenofparadise Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp.

Cancelled Friday 24 July 2009 8pm - Etran Finatawa - Calstock Hall (map)
The Desert Blues Band from Niger make a popular return to Calstock before going on to Womad the next day. They are flying in to Newquay from a performance in Paris the night before. £8, £5 U18. See www.calstockhall.org.

Saturday 25 July 2009 - Workshop/recital by Bonnie Shaljean - North Devon
Half-day (afternoon). Evening concert. The music of O'Carolan and other Celtic harpers. Workshop/recital by this virtuoso harper and international expert on the celtic harp and its music. Since she stopped touring the circuit in England, Bonnie has been living and teaching in Cork. A rare opportunity to listen to her in action again. See www.shammickacoustic.org.uk for details and booking.

31 July-7 August 2009 - Sidmouth Folk Week
More a case of who in the folk world is not there. See www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk for full details.

Saturday 1 August 2009 8pm -  Colvin Quarmby - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
The group that rocks the folk world all night long, with amazing musicianship, a myriad of diverse instrumentation and vibrant sounds, razor-sharp lyrics that will send you on an emotional roller coaster-ride, all topped off with stunning 5 part harmonies to die for. They may even kill all known germs, they're that good! A brilliant evening is guaranteed. www.colvinquarmby.com Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

1/2 August 2009 3-11pm- Morwellham Quay 7th Annual Folk Festival
Saturday: Oysterband, Coppin & Silver, Rory Ellis, Mad Dog McRae, Dan Donnelly, Andy Smythe Band
Sunday: Spiers & Boden and Martyn Joseph, 3 Daft Monkeys, Colvin Quarmby, Union Circus, Madding Crowd.
Tickets £25 day one day; £40 for 2 days. See www.morwellham-quay.co.uk for booking details.

Folkworld Course - part of Dartington Summer Youth Programme - 3-7 August 2009
based at King Edward VI Community College Totnes. Cost £220.
Virtuoso fiddle player Joe Broughton (Director of the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble) is leading a team of inspirational tutors from the folk and world music scene in the DSYP FolkWorld week. They guarantee a raucous week of high energy workshops, instrumental tuition, big ensemble projects and much more ... Suitable for any instrument, at any level except for complete beginners. See www.joebroughton.com and www.dysp.org.

Thursday 6 August 2009 8pm -  Maurice Dickson & Catherine Ashcroft - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
Maurice is always a great crowd favourite at the Mill. His thoughtful brand of Irish folk and blues, coupled with his superb stagecraft, always add up to a tremendously entertaining evening. Playing tonight with wonderful uilleann pipe player Catherine Ashcroft. www.mauricedickson.co.uk Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

7-9 August 2009 - Dartmoor Folk Festival - South Zeal nr Okehampton
Invited guests: Kerr Fagan Harbron; Housewives Choice; Tom McConville; The Askew Sisters; Cornwall Songwriters Show - Cornish Lads; Nick Wyke & Becky Driscoll; The Mighty Quinns; Speakeasy; Dartmoor Pixie Band; Tony Beard 'The Wag from Widecombe' - See www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk

Thursday 13 August 2009 8pm -  Kit Holmes - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
Kit has played at the Mill a couple of times with John Etheridge but she is far too good to support even someone as experienced as John. With her trademark sultry vocals and virtuoso guitar playing she is currently wowing audiences across the UK. “Full of warmth…an absolute delight” The Observer. www.kitholmes.co.uk  & www.myspace.com/kitholmes Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

Thursday 20 August 2009 8pm -  Michael Weston King - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
Former leader of the Good Sons and now a highly respected solo musician, Michael brings his trademark vocals and melodic songs back to the Mill. Expect great originals plus stunning interpretations of songs by such stars as Neil Young, The Beatles and Bob Dylan. “One of Britain's most eloquent singers - achingly beautiful stuff.” The Daily Express.  www.michaelwestonking.com & www.myspace.com/michaelwestonking Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

21/23 August 2009 - Beautiful Days Festival - Escot Park nr Ottery St Mary
Headliners: Hawkwind (Fri) The Pogues (Sat) & Levellers (Sun). PLUS The Saw Doctors; Gong; Lamb; Dreadzone; The Wonder Stuff; Richard Thompson; The Blockheads; Imagined Village; Dub Pistols; Banco de Gaia; The Broken Family Band; The Peatbog Faeries; Pendulum DJ’s; Kissmet; Cara Dillon; The King Blues; Eliza Carthy; Imelda May; The Subhumans; Babar Luck; Lau; Edward II; Kris Drever, John McCusker & Roddy Woomble Trio| Frank Turner; Jim Moray; Pronghorn; John Smith; Trash City Soundsystem with special guest Don Letts; Sonic Boom Six; Les Truttes; Chris T-T; Jay Jay Pistolet; Chris While & Julie Matthews; Ruarri Joseph; Will and the People. See www.beautifuldays.org. Weekend tickets only, selling fast.

Thursday 27 August 2009 8pm -  Corinne West - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map)
A very welcome return to the Mill from one of the most exciting and soulful country/ folk/ bluegrass musicians to have emerged from the US in recent years. Corinne sings the story of life unfolding, and delivers strong, focused and emotionally powerful songs, rich with stellar musicianship and expressive vocals. Bob Harris is “a massive fan”. Corinne is playing with esteemed Canadian dobro player and multi-instrumentalist Doug Cox. www.corinnewest.com & www.myspace.com/corinnewest Book on 01395 568521. www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp

Saturday 29 August 2009 - Chris Smither - Globe Hotel, Topsham (map)
An intimate evening with one of America's finest singer/songwriters. Limited tickets. £12.50 from 01392 873407

Sunday 6 September 2009 8pm - Claude Bourbon - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
An astonishingly gifted guitarist who whirls up real fiery magic - just wait until you hear him play Ravel's Bolero!! His technique and skills will dazzle you. Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.

Sunday 13 September 2009 8pm - Bob Fox & Billy Mitchell - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
Two wonderful talents from considerably past Exeter! Bob has the loveliest voice around - Billy's a masterly songwriter - two big personalities with charm and wit. Utterly unmissable. Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.

Friday 18 September 2009 - John Richards Band - Seven Stars Inn, Kennford nr Exeter (map)
Seven Stars Folk Club. Fine contemporary acoustic music with added bite from one of the scene's best songwriters. The Band plays trademark tight arrangements of John's original songs, songs that refuse to be ignored. Fine songs, fine singing, umbilical harmonies, and outstanding musical interplay add up to one of the most exciting new bands around. Honour & Praise, The Deserter, Did you like the Battle Sir? Shine On, The Moth and Roaring Water Bay are all in the set together with a collection of new songs that will seep into your soul. You may well have known some of his songs for years but now you can see this great new line up playing the writer's own songs the way he wants them to be heard. Extensive samples at www.thejrbs.co.uk
Also Saturday 19 September - Royal Oak, Malborough, Kingsbridge (map)
Sunday 20 September Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill, near Ivybridge (map)

Saturday 26 September 2009 8pm - Phil Beer in concert - Fairplace Church, Okehampton
Support from harmony duo Marilyn Tucker & Paul Wilson, and award-winning border pipe ace David Faulkner. Tickets on sale now - £8, with a concessionary rate of £5 for full-time students and people in receipt of income-related benefit. can be ordered from Wren Music, 1 St James Street, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1DW.

Saturday 26 September 2009 - Day of Folk Activities - Newton Abbot
organised by Devon Folk. The National Youth Folklore Troupe of England is taking some workshops, and  giving a performance during the early evening, followed by a family social dance. Also an opportunity for youngsters aged 10-16 to audition to become members of NYFTE. Afternoon showcase when Devon Youth Teams perform. Devon Folk is looking for young people to take part in the workshops and for supportive families to attend the Showcase and NYFTE performance and evening dance. See www.devonfolk.co.uk and look under "Activities" for details, programme, application forms.

Saturday 3 October 2009 - Kevin Brown - Blue Walnut Cafe, Chelston, Torquay (map)
Highly respected professional recording artist, writer and performer of over 30 years standing, inspired from an early age by the blues and its related genres, heralded by both the public and other artists as a leading light in the world of slide guitar and roots music. See www.lemonrock.com/bluewalnutcafe.

Saturday 3 October 2009 7.30pm - Oysterband - Ariel Centre, Totnes (map)
Back by popular demand, with a part acoustic part electric all-seated concert. Detailed arrangements are being finalised now.  Presented by Harberton Folk. Tickets £15, U18/student £10 available now. Click here for details.

23-25 October 2009 - Baring-Gould Folk Festival - Okehampton
Artists include: Brian Peters, Jackie Oates, Moulton Morris, Sam Lee, Chris Coe, Spinach For Norman, John Kirkpatrick, Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll, David Faulkner, and many more … www.baring-gould.co.uk 01837 53754

26-30 October 2009 - Baring-Gould Folk Song School - nr Okehampton
Week-long opportunity for singers of all abilities to work on voice and song development and research the Baring-Gould folk song archive, with UK's leading professional specialists in traditional song and music. Leaders: Paul Wilson, John Kirkpatrick, Martin Graebe, Shan Graebe. www.baring-gould.co.uk 01837 53754

Sunday 8 November 2009 - Spiers & Boden - Exeter Phoenix
tbc

'Out of range' but a rare visit
Friday 4 December 2009 - Les Barker - Milverton Music Club, nr Taunton
Tickets £5 01823 400416 www.milvertonmusic.co.uk

Sunday 6 December 2009 7pm - St Agnes Fountain - Ariel Centre, Totnes (map)
Chris While, Julie Matthews, Chris Leslie and David Hughes in seasonal mode once again, back by enormous popular demand. See www.myspace.com/stagnesfountain www.whileandmatthews.co.uk. Local support: the very excellent Carrivick Sisters, young twins from South Devon (see www.thecarrivicksisters.com). "I am very impressed by The Carrivick Sisters, one of the best young duos I've heard. The girls sing and play as one and their work is characterised by great musicality. They are not only very talented instrumentalists and singers but they write really good songs as well." - Ralph McTell! Presented by Harberton Folk. Tickets £15, U18/student £10 available now. Click here for details.

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