Harberton Folk
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Harberton Folk |
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An ever growing email circulation list with over 1400 contacts
(at July 08) provides regular information on folk events across southern Devon roughly within a 30 mile
radius as the crow flies of Totnes. To join the list, email
johnculf@harbertonfolk.co.uk for further information.
Still relevant
parts of the most recent
emailed circulars are reproduced below, along with a developing Draft of the
next, but check out the
Diary page for
full listings.
The e-circulars are sent fortnightly, usually on a
Tuesday.
Circulars dated: 15/7/08 1/7/08 24/6/08
Harberton Folk circular 15/7/08
DRAFT Harberton Folk
Circular - Tuesday 15 July 2008
REMEMBER: These e-circulars are now being sent
fortnightly.
The draft and expected date of the next will always be available
on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk, as will
the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings.
text
8-10 August 2008 - Dartmoor Folk Festival - South Zeal nr Okehampton
The Young Coppers were accidentally omitted from the festival line-up in the
last circular, which also includes Steamchicken, Mawkin:Causley, Keith Donnelly, Mick Ryan
&
Paul Downes, Wistman’s Wood, and the Dartmoor Pixie Band. See
www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk for full details..
Harberton Folk circular 1/7/08
REMEMBER: With effect from today these e-circulars will
be sent fortnightly.
The draft and expected date of the next will always be available
on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk, as will
the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings.
Friday 4 July & Saturday 5 July 2008 - Peter Knight's Gigspanner - Maker
with Rame Community Hall, Kingsand, Cornwall (map)
Fore Street. Doors 8pm. To reserve tickets £10 call Deborah on 07974 842950.
Friday 4 July 2008 7.30pm - Compagnie Giulia - Thorverton, St Thomas's
Church EX5 5NT
Saturday 5 July 2008 7.30pm - Compagnie Giulia - Hartley, Plymouth,
Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane PL3 3NY
"Yet I love whereso I go" Medieval and traditional music and evocative
love songs from Europe and the Near East. Tickets for both concerts £7.50/£6.50
on door or from 01803 864674.
Sunday 6 July 2008 8pm
- Dearman, Gammon & Harrison - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
This great outfit perform traditional songs and tunes in a robust and firmly
rooted English style, accompanied on various squeezeboxes, banjo and mouthorgan.
Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.
Thursday 10 July 2008 8pm - Totnes Folk Song Club, Dartmouth Inn, Totnes
(map)
Singers night. "Really enjoyable with some extremely talented local people
giving great performances". Info from Anne & Steve Gill 01803 290427 or Andy Clarke 01803
732312
Sunday 13 July 2008 8pm - Vin Garbutt - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee
Mill nr Ivybridge (map)
The boldest and bravest of singer/songwriters; a truly lunatic sense of humour;
and enough heart and compassion for a whole legion of performers.
Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.
Tuesday 15 July 2008 9pm - Barron Brady - Dartington Great Hall (map)
"England Needs Her Hedgerows" - part of Ways With Words Literature Festival.
Local duo Barron Brady are on tour throughout the UK this year promoting their
new album which is imbued with a sense of the landscape and wildlife of England
and informed by rural narratives. 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. See
www.wayswithwords.co.uk/festivals/dartington-hall-10/events/folksongs---england-needs-her-hedgerows-72
for details.
Saturday 19 July 2008 8pm - Bram Taylor - Se7en Stars Folk & Acoustic
Club, Seven Stars Inn, Kennford (map)
Club's 1st Guest!! Lancashire singer/guitarist with a fine rich voice and an
entertaining sense of humour. Performs an excellent selection of both
contemporary and traditional material. + local support. Tickets: only £6.
Contact: Peter Cornelius 01392 210983 or e-mail mcspooky7 [at] hotmail.co.uk for more
information and ticket reservations.
Thursday 24 July 2008 8pm - Mick Groves (ex Spinners) & Becki Driscoll - Globe Hotel,
Topsham
(map)
Call Kevin 01598 740281 / 07771 558914 (email
kevin@lodgemusicpro.co.uk) for tickets @ £8
and information.. See www.lodgemusicpro.co.uk.
Saturday 2 August 2008 - 6th Morwellham Quay Folk Festival (map)
nr Tavistock - short version
Headlining: Seth Lakeman & Band. Also Morwellham's own band Madding
Crowd; singer/songwriter troubadour Tom Palmer; Speakeasy; Irish folk icons Mad
Dog McRae; Irish singer/songwriter Dan Donnelly; singer/songwriter Rev Hammer.
Tickets £20. Festival starts at 3pm and concludes at 11pm. Box Office: 01822
832766 (tell them you saw it on Harberton Folk). See also
www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/Events/index.php?pagetitle=Events
1-8 August 2008 - Sidmouth Folk Week - www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk
8-10 August 2008 - Dartmoor Folk Festival - South Zeal nr Okehampton
Line-up includes Steamchicken, Mawkin:Causley, Keith Donnelly, Mick Ryan and
Paul Downes, Wistman’s Wood, Jim Bainbridge, Rob Pudner, Dave Wills, Tony Beard
(The Wag from Widecombe) and the Dartmoor Pixie Band.
Stewards needed: If you think you may be able to help out as a volunteer
steward over the weekend whilst enjoying the festival, even if you can just do a few hours or just one of the
days, or would like to find out more before committing then please ring Sarah on
01837 840775 or view the website
www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk..
Tuesday 4 November 2008 7.45pm - Show of Hands - Dartington Great Hall
(map)
"Spires & Beams Tour". Tickets available from 30 June from Dartington Box Office
01803 847070 or
www.dartington.org/arts.
More in brief
- Full listings at
South Devon Folk Diary
4-6 July 2008 - Festival in aid of Children's Hospice South West - Pack
Horse, South Brent
Friday 4 July - Barnfield Music Club - Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Friday 4 July - Bex Marshall - Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton
Tuesday 8 July - Wren Music presents From Cape Town to Cape Cod -
Exeter Phoenix
Thursday 10 July - John Etheridge with Kit Holmes - Otterton Mill
Friday 11 July - Chagstock Festival - Chagford
Friday 11 July - Exmouth Folk Concert with Maggie Duffy -
Manor Hotel, Exmouth
Saturday 19 July - Ceilidh with Spinach For Norman - Woods Farm,
nr Bowd Inn, Sidmouth
Tuesday 22 July - Vin Garbutt - Sidmouth Memorial Club
Saturday 26 July - Malc Gibbons (from Strawhead) - Bridge Inn, Topsham
Harberton Folk circular 24/6/08
4-6 July 2008 - Festival in aid of Children's Hospice South West - Pack
Horse, South Brent (map)
Fri 4th: quiz night; Sat 5th: table top sale, art exhibition, folk sessions,
open spots, folk song contest, singaround, concerts from Mick Bramich + Frump;
Sun 6th: broom dancing, children's folk band, children's entertainer, jazz,
bluegrass, rock. Details from the Pack Horse 01364 72283.
Friday 4 July 2008 - Barnfield Music Club - Barnfield Theatre, Exeter (map)
Open mike for all genres, plus guests "Sean and Heard" from Crediton, all
facilities, info. from Jerry 01626772270
Sunday 6 July 2008 8pm
- Dearman, Gammon & Harrison - Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
This great outfit perform traditional songs and tunes in a robust and firmly
rooted English style, accompanied on various squeezeboxes, banjo and mouthorgan.
Book by email through www.moorfolk.co.uk.
Tuesday 8 July 2008 8pm - From Cape Town to Cape Cod -
Exeter Phoenix (map)
Wren Music presents an evening of powerful, uplifting songs from around the
world, from three vocal ensembles: ComArts Choir (for other local performances
see www.wrenmusic.co.uk) from Cape Town, South Africa;
Voices In Common, Exeter's 30-voice adult community choir; and the Exeter-based
young people's Campus Choir led by two of Devon's new generation of folk singers
from Wren Music: Sarah Owen and Jim Causley. Box office 01392 667080
www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Friday 11 July 2008 8.30pm - Exmouth Folk Concert -
Manor Hotel, Exmouth (map)
'Wimmins Night' special, featuring the popular Maggie Duffy, and rising star
Lara Conley. Entry by donation.
Contact Jeff Lewis 01395 269232 or
jeff.lewis@plymouth.ac.uk for details.
Saturday 19 July 2008 7.30pm - Ceilidh with Spinach For Norman - Woods Farm,
nr Bowd Inn, Sidmouth
Caller Pam Haye. Tickets: £6.50 advance; £7 door. Call Kate Bailey on 01395
573003 or from the Visitors' Centre at The Donkey Sanctuary. Bar by The Black
Horse. All funds raised go towards work of The Donkey Sanctuary.
Tuesday 22 July 2008 7.30pm - Vin Garbutt - Sidmouth Memorial Club (map)
In aid of East Devon Grecians (Sidmouth based Exeter City Supporters group).
Tickets £10 from Ian, email ianandcarolyn [at] abbeygarth.com or call 01395
576949
Saturday 26 July 2008 7.30pm - Malc Gibbons - Bridge Inn, Topsham (map)
A solo house concert by 'the middle third' of Strawhead. Strictly limited seats
in advance only at £8 from Martin Street 01404 41182.
Saturday 13 September 2008 - Fishstock: Festival of
Seafood and Music - Brixham Fish Quay
Acoustic tent running during the day to include Margaret Duffy (performer),
Johnny Dean (Dean of Exeter, Cathedral and Flanders & Swann performer), Steve
Davis (guitarist), Paddy's Whiskers (Irish and jigs) and Beats of Polynesia
(Music and Dancers). See
www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk/welcome.html for details. All proceeds to the
Fishermen's Mission. Demonstrations of fishing cookery, local food producers
offering samples of food, sale of local food and drink.
Saturday 20 September 2008 2-10pm - Combefest - Combeinteignhead nr
Newton Abbot (map)
Indie/acoustic/folk rock musical event on Hearn Field. Music includes The
Dambuskers. See
www.myspace.com/combefest for details.
Folk on the BBC
The good news: Entries have just opened for the BBC Young Folk Award
2009. See
www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/youngfolkaward2009/. Any potential local
entrants?
There is also always
a huge selection of folk programmes from across the BBC regions available to
replay at
www.bbc.co.uk/radio/?focuswin using BBC iPlayer (see Folk & Country under
'Listen by genre').
The bad news: The BBC has dropped its Artists' Tour Dates page from its
folk website, stating that this information is "available on performers'
websites and elsewhere on the web". Shame, that's where I used to get some of my
information from.
A huge array of national and local talent awaits you at an array of further Devon folk festivals:
Sidmouth Folk Week 1-9 August
www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk
Dartmoor Folk Festival 8-10 August
www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk
Bideford 11-17 August
www.bidefordfolkfestival.co.uk/programmetable.html
North Devon 5-7 September
www.northdevontheatres.org.uk/northdevonfestival/folkfest.asp
22-25 August 2008 - Wadebridge Folk Festival (replacing former
Cornwall Folk Festival)
includes Show of Hands, Swarb's Lazarus, Dalla, 3 Daft Monkeys, Aardvark Ceilidh
Band and much more. See
www.wadebridgefolk.co.uk for full details
Chagford pub would welcome a session
A recent Morris meet between Tarka and Beltane at The Ring O' Bells Chagford
resulted in a customary music and song session. The landlord was so taken by the
evening that he would welcome a regular weeknight session. Anyone interested in
organising same should contact Fran & Colin Davey, Ring O' Bells, 44 The Square,
Chagford TQ13 8AH. Phone 01647 432466. Email ringers.chagford[at]btconnect.com
Music on local radio - 'Roots and Shoots' on Exeter's Phonic FM 106.8 FM
and online at www.phonic.fm
From 5 May, Roots and Shoots featuring local and international folk/roots/world
music including live sets from local artists as well as information on what's on
locally changes to a 6-8pm Monday slot. Roots & Shoots welcomes contributions
from musicians, singers and anyone involved with folk/roots/world music in and
around Exeter.
3-23 August 2008 - Dartington Summer Youth Programme, just launched by
Dartington Plus
Week long courses especially for young people in music, visual arts and
creative technical subjects, led by experienced professional artists alongside
young emerging arts leaders from the South West. Courses are at a range of
levels and offer participants the opportunity to work closely with inspiring
artists, make new friends, create and perform exciting new work and have oodles
of fun! Dartington Plus is a partnership between The Dartington Hall Trust,
Dartington College of Arts and King Edward VI Community College. Funded by Arts
Council England. See www.dsyp.org
for full details. The courses include:
Folkworld - 18–22 August 2008 10am-5pm; ages 9-19; course fees include
include daily lunch, refreshments and transport to performance venue (financial
assistance may be available for low income persons).
This week will be a raucous celebration of world and folk music for musicians on
any instrument. This course is led by Joe Broughton of the Birmingham
Conservatoire Folk Ensemble with his team of inspirational folk musicians
playing an array of instruments. Folkworld will include working in small
bands with musicians at your level, and everyone will join together in a big
band. This course ends with a big band gig at the Ariel Centre and a chance to
perform your work at Dartington Hall as part of the Dartington International
Summer School.
Items from Wren Music
Make music with the Folk Orchestra Of Torbay
What better way of spending a Thursday evening from 7.00 – 9.00pm!
A new term of workshops with the Folk Orchestra Of Torbay starts soon at the
Palace Theatre, Paignton.
Term dates are 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd May, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June, 3rd
and 10th July
Come along and have fun playing traditional tunes, and make new friends.
Come for the whole term, or just when you can, And there will be performances to
look forward to during the summer….
We would love to get more people involved too. Could you help by displaying a
poster or posters in shops and businesses your town or village?
If you can, please let us know how many you would like, and which place you can
do - email info@wrenmusic.co.uk or
call 01837 53754
And how about singing too?
Thanks to support from Torbay Council, Wren Music is launching a series of vocal
workouts at the Palace Theatre. Paignton, on Tuesdays 6th May, and 3rd and 24th
June, from 7.00 – 9.00pm. The sessions will focus on finding one's own voice,
freeing it up, and learning traditional, world and roots songs. All voices and
all abilities are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned singers. There is
no music reading, no auditions, and no prior experience of singing is necessary
- just a desire to have fun singing with other people.
Each vocal workout will be self-contained, and people who are interested are
welcome to come along on any or all of the evenings.
More info from Wren Music – call 01837 53754 or email
info@wrenmusic.co.uk
Other musics
Appel Direct gypsy swing information now on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
and at
www.myspace.com/appeldirectgypsyjazz.
'Crooked Tempo' Samba band recruiting new players. No experience
necessary - just good sense of rhythm. Instruments provided, easy instruction,
friendly atmosphere. Rehearse Thursday nights 7.30pm Ermington Church. Details
from Malcolm Baldwin 01803 865166.
Devon Accordion Project: Workshops in Totnes, Mondays 7.30-9pm four weeks
from 7/4/08
These workshops are for keyboard players who would like to transfer their skills
and use them more fully. Accordion opens many opportunities for playing socially
and professionally; in pub sessions, in schools, in bands, in shows on holiday
and at home. Whatever style of music, you can take it with you wherever you go.
Instruments provided! 4 sessions £20, hire of instrument for 4 weeks from
£10. Call Les Thompson 01803-862393 for venue details and book your place. Or
email les [at] musicbox.eclipse.co.uk.
New regular session
Topsham - Bridge Inn (map)
1st Sunday. Lunchtime session. All styles, Irish, bluegrass, songs and whatever!
A warm welcome to new players regardless of ability (within reason). Contact:
Steve Ewart 01392 875649
Topsham Folk Club's Spring programme - Globe Hotel
(map)
4 May - The Navvy's Wife (folk musical by
Mick Ryan); 11 May - Alison McMorland & Geordie McIntyre (+ Jackie Oates & James
Dumbleton + The Claque); 8 June - Steve Ashley & Dik Cadbury. Full details on www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk.
For tickets and information call John Nettleton 01395. All Sundays not listed
are Singers Nights.
and to show no favouritism, the forthcoming guest dates (also Sundays, other
Sundays Singers Nights) for
Folk on the Moor, Westward Inn, Lee Mill (map)
11 May - Brian Willoughby & Cathryn Craig. Full
details on
www.moorfolk.co.uk Guests to follow: Guests to follow: Harvey Andrews, Bob
Fox, Tom Bliss & Tom Napper, James Keelaghan Trio, Dearman Gammon Harrison, Vin
Garbutt, Bram Taylor, George Papavgeris, Dan McKinnon, Mick Ryan & Pete Harris,
Clive Gregson, Tom Lewis, Belshazzars Feast, Steve Tilston...
Rosemary Tawney is appealing for anyone with any live recordings of Cyril to get in touch with her regarding possible inclusion in Cyril's archive in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library; see http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/cyriltawney/news.htm for more details.
Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map) has just announced its Spring music programme, comprising: Ian Bruce (3/4); Corrine West (10/4); Benny Gallagher (17/4); Steve Ashley (24/4); Dana & Susan Robinson (1/5); Tom McConville & Dave Wood (8/5); Eric Andersen (10/5); Michael Pickett (15/5); Bob Fox (29/5); Atlantic Crossing (5/6); Rachel Harrington (12/6); Stephen Fearing (19/6). See www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp for details. This is a small venue and often sells out quickly. They run a venue email circulation.
Blue Walnut Cafe, Chelston, Torquay (map) - we've just heard of this small intimate venue's forthcoming programme too: Ian Bruce (5/4); Megson (11/4); Kevin Brown (19/4); Clive Gregson (3/5 +workshop on 4/5); Michael Weston King (9/5); Jennifer Crook (17/5); Bob Fox (tbc 31/5); Allan Taylor (7/6). For full details see www.lemonrock.com/bluewalnutcafe.
Another 'interesting' email problem
Those of you who read my recent notes about the various problems I experience
when sending these e-circulars may be interested/amused to see a (new) rejection
message received from a recipient at a local educational establishment. I have
highlighted the offending word in bold/red and added spaces so it's not rejected
again. This word appeared in the item about Hayseed Dixie:
Microsoft Antigen for Exchange found a message matching a filter. The message is
currently Identified.
Message: "hf21_30 080226"
Filter name: "KEYWORD= racial discrimination: h i l l b
i l l y"
Sent from: "John Culf"
As some will have noticed, my attempts to reduce this
circulation to a fortnightly occurrence have not been very successful due a) to
the amount of available information and b) the need to publicise our own
Harberton Folk fundraising events, so I'll revert to a more or less weekly
effort for the time being.
If you feel plagued by a weekly email, the Delete button is never far away, and
I won't take it personally if you ask to be removed from the circulation at any
time, honest I won't.
Click
South Devon Folk Diary for a full open-ended listing of all known
folk events in the area.
Phonic FM 106.8 FM - Exeter area and online
(successor to the temporary annual Vibraphonic FM from previous years)
"We would be most grateful if you could publicise our radio programme ROOTS AND
SHOOTS which begins soon on Exeter's exciting new community radio station Phonic
FM on 106.8 FM and online on
www.phonic.fm.
The first 4 programmes will go out Monday mornings 18th and 25th February, 3rd
and 10th March, 10am to 12 noon, featuring an eclectic mixture of folk/roots music from Devon and the
world. In time we'll be featuring live sets from some of the best folk
entertainers in and around Exeter.
After these first 4 broadcasts we hope to continue with rootsandshoots one
evening a week.
Further details can be found on our online blog:
http://rootsandshootsdevon.blogspot.com.
With regards and thanks, Martin Hodge and Martin Henning"
There are various problems to do with the
maintenance and use of our Harberton Folk email circulation list. Rejection
messages (some temporary, some permanent) are a common occurrence; I delete the
source of the latter after a few repeated rejections. These may be due to people
cancelling email accounts and forgetting to give me a new address, but they may
also be due to new anti-spam procedures introduced by ISPs. Sometimes there are
one-off rejections of whole batches to a particular ISP (this used to happen
regularly with AOL for example), in which case I've tried to re-send. Although
I've deleted quite a few 'problem' addresses from my list over recent months,
these have been balanced by new contacts joining the list so the total remains
at about 1400. No way of telling of course how many of these disappear off into
the void and don't yield rejection messages. I used to try and check on failed
addresses by telephoning, but that is no longer a practical proposition - and if
someone doesn't notice they've stopped receiving the circulars then they're
probably not really very interested anyway.
The bottom line is - the e-circulars will continue to be sent regularly -
fortnightly or weekly - for the foreseeable future. They will continue after
concerts under the 'Harberton Folk' banner cease in July 2008. So if you stop
receiving them at any time, email
johnculf@harbertonfolk.co.uk or call me on 01803 863468 to check why.
Failing all else, the latest circular and the draft of the next, along with the
full open-ended Diary, can always be found on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Stolen instrument
A highly unusual, specially commissioned Viloa Da Gamba was stolen from a
Brixton house last month. A reward is offered for its return. For full details,
pictures etc. see
www.flaxey-green.co.uk (an excellent source of information for and about
local folk musicans, bands, instruments and much more).
Pub session news
Across our area - 30 miles as the crow flies from Totnes - there are nearly
three dozen regular weekly/monthly pub sessions that I'm aware of (and probably
more I'm not aware of). These are listed on the Pub Sessions page on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk. By
request, this page now also includes brief details of further other sessions
further beyond the Tamar, including a new listing of a Lostwithiel session
at the Earl of Chatham, Grenville Road, every Wednesday from about
8.30pm; singers and musicians equally welcome, and performers get a free pint
(usually). Contact is Phil Wisdom 01208 873214.
A Virus Warning
- but please do read this, unlike the usual hoaxes that circulate
which are simply designed to clog up the email airwaves:
"There is a dangerous virus being passed around electronically, orally, and by
hand. This virus is called Weary-Overload-Recreational-Killer (WORK). If you
receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone else via any
means DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely. If
you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take two good
friends to the nearest grocery store. Purchase the antidote known as
Work-Isolating-Neutralizer-Extract (WINE) or Bothersome-Employer-Elimination-Rebooter
(BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated
from your system. You should forward this warning to 5 friends. If you do not
have 5 friends, you have already been infected."
'Virus' warnings - Chain emails (e.g. petrol prices) - Please avoid them
With 1400+ email contacts, if there's junk going around I usually see quite a
few examples of it. If you receive a chain email, such as those that warn of a
terrible virus circulating which will destroy your hard disk, do please take a
moment to check before forwarding it to your entire address book. Pick out a
couple of salient words and put them into Google, e.g. "olympic torch
email", and you'll soon see that they are invariably hoaxes, simply designed to
further clog up email servers across the globe. And whilst possibly originally
well intentioned, the petrol price emails doing the rounds have
essentially been around since 1999 - see
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_gas_boycott_2006.htm and read the
analysis/comments.
Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map) is an intimate venue offering a range of excellent live music. Most concerts sell out and early booking is essential. See www.ottertonmill.com/musiclistings.asp for full details of their Spring programme comprising Steve Knightley & Jenna (17/1, sold out); David Blazye & Leanne Narewski (7/2); Michael Messer & Ed Genis (14/2); Linde Nijland sings Sandy Denny (21/2); Eddie Martin (28/2); Maire ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman (6/3); Simon Swarbrick & Ken Watkins (13/3)
Mondays from 14 January 2008 8.30pm - East European folk
music workshops with Zapaduchi - Ariel Centre, Totnes
Explore the beauty and energy of traditional music from Russia to Romania
through playing with two musicians who have a lifetime of experience. John
Holden is a virtuoso balalaika player who has toured the world with top Cossack
dance groups and Leslie Thompson is an accordionist greatly influenced by his
Ukrainian mother and culture. After a Swiss residency in 1994 the pair formed
Zapaduchi to perform in the UK. The workshops are suitable for instruments that
can play in various minor keys and a range of abilities will be catered for.
Learning will be by ear supported with written music. £5/£2.50 per session.
Further information from Leslie Thompson 01803 862393 or at
http://lesliethompson0.tripod.com/id11.html.
Devon Folk - "What's Afoot"
The latest issue (December-March) of Devon's folk magazine "What's Afoot" is
now available. What's Afoot contains interesting articles, reviews and ads in
addition to comprehensive diary and contact listings for song and dance clubs
(and more) across Devon. The printed magazine also contains extensive
listings of bands and callers. Details of how to obtain individual copies
(50p + postage), annual subscriptions (£3), advertising rates etc can be found
on
www.devonfolk.co.uk
which also includes many of the diary and contacts listings from the magazine.
Footnote - Computer (PC) specialist recommendation
Andy Clarke called specially today to ask for the Totnes Folk Song Club
information to be circulated as his computer had died completely and so he has
no email facility at present.
Quite coincidentally I had planned to finish with an item about computers in my
next e-circular, so here it is: Anyone visiting
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk recently
may have noticed that there is a sort of 'advertising banner' beneath the
Harberton Folk concert summary on the home page. Jan and I would like to thank
Harberton computer specialist Andrew Hockings for his technical support of our
Harberton Folk computerised activities. We have no hesitation in recommending
him for all your computer (PC) needs in the South Hams, Torbay, Newton Abbot,
Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, South Brent and Ivybridge areas. Call Andrew on 01803
862847 or 07973 155913 anytime or visit
www.andrewspcs.com.
2008 Workshop Programme from Shammick Acoustic in North Devon
January 26th ~ Harmony singing with Craig: Morgan: Robson; March 22nd ~
Songwriting workshop with Jez Lowe; June 28th ~ Song accompaniment with John
Kirkpatrick; October 26th ~ Ensemble/group playing with Crucible. More details
on
www.umbermusic.co.uk/workshops.htm, or call Barbara Brown on 01271 882366.
More session news - Torquay
"The 30 year tradition that is Friday night at the Crown and Sceptre in St
Marychurch in Torquay is still alive and kicking but in need of some support
from musicians. This venue will go down in history for its long association with
jam sessions and a venue where anyone is welcome to bring an instrument and join
in. No tutting and point scoring just a really good, old fashioned pub where you
can play music with like minded people. Starts around 9pm. All musicians and
singers welcome. 8 real ales and the usual abuse from the landlord who was
supporting folk music before most of us were born. Richard M."
Thursday 6 December 2007 7pm - Folk Orchestra Of Torbay workshops - Paignton
Wren Music presents the third in a series of monthly folk music workshops at the
Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon TQ3 3HF. The Folk Orchestra Of
Torbay welcomes players of all instruments, whatever their level of ability. The
FOOT workshop will focus on learning and playing traditional tunes from South
West England and beyond, led by award-winning musician David Faulkner. Tunes
will be learnt primarily by ear, although written scores also provided. Session
designed for all ages over 14. No auditions, and no prior experience of playing
folk music necessary - just a desire to have fun playing music with other
people. Fee: £7 full, £5 concs. Because of their popularity, these workshops
will go weekly in the New Year.
Harberton Folk Circular - Special Notice - Tuesday 16 October 2007
We would like to let everyone know that - as announced during Harberton Folk's
Brass Monkey concert last Saturday - for purely personal reasons we will be
'retiring' from organising folk concert events at the end of our current
programme which takes us right through to July 2008. We have had a fantastic 10
years and have been privileged to work with many wonderful people on stage and
backstage, and have been very lucky to enjoy the enthusiastic support of many
large audiences for our events at Harberton Parish Hall and the Ariel Centre
Totnes.
Thank you all - John and Jan Culf
Please note that our email and website based folk information service for Southern Devon which has developed over the years in conjunction with our events, reaching something in the region of 1400 direct email contacts, will continue to operate.
Devon Squeezebox Foundation News
Devon Squeezebox Foundation is changing its email address from dsbf.website@virgin.net
to devonsqueezebox@hotmail.co.uk,
says Ed Rennie, Lead Tutor. PS If any of you have yet to hear about the new
dates and locations for piano accordion or melodeon workshops, let Ed know
instantly, at the new address, and he will furnish you!
And if you've managed to read all the way down to here, for the specialist
audience:
Good quality hazel Morris sticks
available from me, cut to length, stripped or bark on. Call 01803 863468 or
email for more information.
Action Folk/Devon Accordion Project
Thanks to a grant from the Lottery Fund, Action Folk are presenting workshops at
the Exeter Festival on 10 November 2007: Folk music of Devon is for all
instruments and abilities and uses local sources in great arrangements to
improve your skills and knowledge. Folk dance of Devon explores local
sources and gets you up to speed for the evening ceilidh. The Devon Accordion
Project (14/11) gives complete beginners the chance to try piano accordion
using great tunes from around the world. Bring your own instrument or use one
provided by Action Folk. Each workshop costs £5 and lasts about 90mins.
Please call Les Thompson 01803-862393 to book a place and see
http://lesliethompson0.tripod.com/dap.html for further details (although
this link does now incorrectly refer to the date as being 6th Oct, an earlier
date which had to be rearranged). The
workshops will continue in Totnes in November.
Wren Music News
See www.wrenmusic.co.uk
for details of the Devon charity's latest news, including an Okehampton solo
concert by Phil Beer on Sat 6th October, a new series of monthly music workshops
in Paignton (Folk Orchestra of Torbay) starting Thurs 4th October for all levels
of ability, Okehampton Song Tales - a new community musical written by Tim
Laycock, the Baring-Gould Folk Song School 22-26 October, Baring-Gould Folk
Festival 26-28 October.
Fiddle and Bodhran lessons
Adult beginners especially welcome. No need to read music (unless you wish).
Lessons in Totnes. First lesson free. Ring Mahrey B.Ed (Hons) 01803 862282
Any folk in the Liskeard area?
Do you know of any folk (regular sessions or whatever) happening within reach of
Liskeard? Please reply with any details. Thanks.
Devon Squeezebox Foundation
Ed Rennie has been reminding me of what's been happening recently and
what's planned:
The Devon Melodeon Project - The Devon Melodeon Project workshops, which
have been held around the county throughout the winter were completed in June.
We've had in excess of 40 musicians learning the melodeon, fantastic.
Devon Melodeon Hire Scheme - Devon Squeezebox Foundation is still running
it's Devon Melodeon Hire Scheme for those who would like to try before they buy
Squeeze Keys - At last, the long awaited Piano Accordion workshop series
on the lines of The Devon Melodeon Project, with tutors John Golightly, Jason
Rice, Steve Turner and Paul Hutchinson
See
www.devonsqueezeboxfoundation.co.uk for details of all the above.
Harberton Folk and online ticketing
Mainly for the convenience of those people without cheque books, Harberton Folk
has set up an online ticketing arrangement for its events with
www.wegottickets.com
(an Oxford based company). We will continue to encourage cheque+SAE as our
primary payment method (it allows us to maintain all-important personal contact,
it is the cheapest method for the ticket purchaser, and interest received on
advance ticket monies further boosts our fundrasing efforts), but we also
recognise that a few people might sometimes prefer to make an online booking
using a credit card. Harberton Folk will receive the full face value of the
ticket(s); the company receives a 10% booking fee (min. 50p). They do not
provide physical tickets but simply email a reference number which the purchaser
presents at our box office in exchange for the tickets on concert night. No
refunds are possible for tickets purchased in this way. To use the system, you
will need to set up an 'account' with WeGotTickets.com, but don't worry - this
is quick and easy to do. The availability figure beside the ticket price is the
actual number still available online. We will regularly monitor this number and
ensure that it is kept at an appropriate level. More information can be found on
the Order Tickets page on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Admin note: With over 1400 contacts, every week I receive a variable number of rejection messages from various email addresses, some for no obvious reason (AOL addresses, for example, cause problems from time to time). Some also fall foul of various anti-spam systems. An e-circular is sent every week so if you fail to receive one at any time, or you suddenly stop receiving them altogether, you can always find the latest news on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Update on Licensing Act / Live Music Forum's activities
LMF asking for exemptions for small venues and acoustic 'incidental' music. See
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6268406.stm. Well worth a read.
Possible new concert venue?
Holcombe Burnett (or Burnell) Church members hope to organise an ongoing concert series with
many genres including folk/world etc., initially on a strict budget! Could
expand into a known regular venue - the church (map)
is at Longdown, 3 miles SW of Exeter, off B3212. First concert: Sat 7th July
7.30pm - Wychwood School Orchestra (Oxford), playing a selection of modern and
classical music. £5 on door, refreshments available. Information from Jane
Blight 01392 811246. Proceeds to church funds.
Vinyl to CD
Quite some time ago I asked for suggestions and I thank those people who
replied. The topic proved quite complex and I had no time to take things further
- other than to buy LP Recorder and LP Ripper for a very modest sum on one
recommendation. Essentially, LP Recorder allows you to very simply record
anything going through your sound card, such as live and play-again online radio
programmes. LP Ripper allows you divide stuff up into tracks for burning to CD,
i.e. LPs or whatever, but I've never got that far. These programs offer no
clean-up facilities. That takes more time (and money). This month's (i.e. May)
Personal Computer World magazine has an interesting article on digitising vinyl
(and cassette tapes), including a USB turntable (made by Ion) now available to
plug straight into your computer. These few tips are for your research and not
further 'discussion' here.
New features on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
1) There's a new section on the Links page for 'Other South-West Venues' know to
stage major folk events from time to time, not TOO far away from our area for a
special trip. We won't be listing their events here as they're all beyond the
'30 miles as the crow flies'ish Harberton Folk information coverage area, but
their website are well worth a look through from time to time.
2) A new FAQs page which includes how to pay for Harberton Folk tickets and the
answers to various other questions, some more 'interesting' than other, we're
asked from time to time, like "How do we find a piper for Burns Night?" or "Can
you recommend a ceilidh band?" Take a look.
Melodeons in Mid Devon
Ed Rennie writes to tell me the Devon Squeezebox Foundation is to start
Beginners and Improvers workshops in Mid Devon. The venue will be Poughill
Village Hall which can be found atEX17 4DQ (map).
Ed says there are also to be more beginners workshops in South Brent. See the
website for dates etc.
www.devonsqueezeboxfoundation.co.uk.
Folk on the Moor's Brunel project
"Over the past year we have been working towards a club recording of an original
piece created by Graham, our poet. Steadily crafted and rehearsed, it's about
the working life of Brunel and features a delightful sequence about the famous
bridge. The lyrics are all original and the dialogue contains many of the great
man's own thoughts. The tunes have been taken from Hymnals, Folk collections and
even a Music Hall opera. We're hoping this independently created piece will be
available soon as a double CD."
www.moorfolk.co.uk (folk
club at Wotter, nr Plymouth)
National Lottery Grant for Devon Squeezebox Foundation!
Ed Rennie and all the team are hugely pleased to announce that the Devon
Squeezebox Foundation has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery through
Awards For All. This will really help to fund the workshop programme they have
planned and, even better, it means they can now set up the Devon Melodeon Hire
scheme which he wrote about here a while ago. Visit the website to find out
more. All at Devon Squeezebox Foundation would like to thank Awards For All for
this fantastic opportunity. It is going to make a huge difference!
www.devonsqueezeboxfoundation.co.uk
Hoax computer virus warnings
Please beware of hoax computer virus alerts. A recent example refers to the 2006 Winter Olympics
and warns of a virus that 'opens an
Olympic torch which "burns" the hard disc'. If you receive any such
dire warning, even from a friend, take a few moments to check before forwarding
it to your entire address book - as the message usually suggests. Such messages
are almost always hoaxes simply designed to further clog up the email airwaves. Put
something like 'virus hoax olympic torch' into
www.google.com and read more
there. Then delete the message.
Mandolin teachers
sought:
1) Sarah Mitchell - a recent new member of Folk On The Moor at Wotter -
is eager to take up mandolin lessons again. She's also looking for musicians who
might help by informally playing alongside her. Any ideas, please contact the
charming Sarah through Contact Us on this website,
2) Steve on 01548 854312 in Kingsbridge is looking for a bluegrass style
mandolin teacher. Steve also has a couple of instruments for sale - Ivor Pickard
bouzuki, Ozark square neck metal resonator guitar and hollow neck Hawaiian
guitar Weissenborn, details of which can be found on
www.flaxey-green.co.uk/Pages/For%20Sale.html, along with various other
instruments. Flaxey Green offers free listings.
Other interesting local music links
Plymouth Classical Music Concert Diary
www.plyclassical.co.uk
- Comprehensive month-by-month listings of all types of classical music in and
around Plymouth, plus some jazz and folk, including Harberton Folk's events.
Plymouth Music Accord
www.plymouthmusicaccord.co.uk - Registered Charity promoting the
appreciation and performance of music in the Plymouth area. Members include
local orchestras, bands, choirs, opera groups, etc. and many promoters and
venues, and
Plymouth Folk Festival (who have a brand new, smart website).
'Off topic' but we'll mention a
couple of other local live music sources for different genres:
Totnes Early Music Society
www.totnesearlymusic.org.uk - fairly self-explanatory
Pigs Nose Inn at East Prawle
www.pigsnose.co.uk - if
names like Dr Feelgood, Geno Washington, The Animals (and previously Wishbone
Ash, The Yardbirds...) mean something to you, look at the Pig's Nose's Events
page.
Technical stuff update: Mac users / map links / AOL contacts
Apparently, some Mac users can use the map links, some cannot - depends on your
set-up. And for about the fourth time within not many months the last e-circular
failed to reach most AOL contacts at the first (and second) attempt apparently
due to ISP blocking action by AOL. To those AOL contacts who may have received
more than one copy during my attempts to maintain the information flow, my
apologies.
Mac users and the new map links
Thanks to Kevin Buckland from Wren Music for letting me know that the map links sent
with the last circular did not work on his Mac. This problem is apparently due
to technical differences between Macs and PCs. So apologies to Mac users, but
you can find the most recent circularised inforrmation on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk where the
links will work.
Interesting request - Vinyl to CD
One Harberton Folk correspondent has asked if anyone 'knows a man' who can
transfer vinyl LPs (and cassette tapes?) to CD for a reasonable price purely for
personal use. He has had an expensive 'commercial' quote, but are there any keen
amateurs out there? Please reply to this email with any information. [Ed. I
have a cupboard full of LPs too! I imagine this might interest a number of
people. I will treat any information received very carefully.]
Remember last time's "unusual request"?...
re folk music found amongst the contents of a medical history museum near
Bristol. One of the names (Julia Pitchford and Stephen Shears) quoted was recognised by a Harberton Folk list member who
went to school with (and is still in contact with) that person in Somerset who
will be reunited with their long-lost music. Who'd 'Ave Thought It? Now there's
a good name for a pub!
An unusual request received by Harberton Folk:...
"Please can you help me? I am a freelance museum consultant, recently engaged to
dispose of the contents of a medical history museum near Bristol. Bizarrely in
one of the stores we found a battered case of folk music, some published, eg The
Fiddler’s Tune Book, EFDSS Dances Manuals and a binder of photocopied tunes,
Soldier’s Joy, Mason’s Apron, etc. Two names amongst the collection: Julia
Pitchford and Stephen Shears, and an illegible address in Newton
Abbott; perhaps you or some of your contacts know them. We would like to
return the music if we can – though I think it has been there some time.
Kind regards, Steph Gillett, Director, G&T Consulting Ltd, Independent
Consultancy 'Working for Heritage and People'
steph.gillett@btinternet.com,
phone 01793 741271, mobile 07974 673481. The Lodge, Draycott Foliat, Chiseldon,
Wilts. SN4 0HX"
Somerset & Dorset (SADFOLK) folk events
A mention/reminder for a regular and
comprehensive emailed listing available through
www.sadfolk.co.uk
(Somerset and Dorset folk) of folk events in venues large and small in those two
counties, some of which are not too far away from the Harberton Folk area.
DRAFT Harberton Folk Circular -
Tuesday ?? month year
Next scheduled circular: Tues 1 Jan. Only a selection of reminders and new listings appear below
- click
South Devon Folk Diary for a full listing on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Please send in unlisted folk events for inclusion. Full listings at
South Devon Folk Diary.
Slightly out of our area but well worth a mention
Chittlehampton Concerts - Chittlehampton Church, nr South Molton (map)
???Regular first Friday of the month musical evenings, usually in Chittlehampton Church at 7.30pm, with pre-concert supper if booked in advance.
Phone for venue, ticket prices etc: 01769 540581 or 540887, or e-mail
events[at]chumpchurches.org.uk: Fri 7th Mar tba