southwestfolk

Hello People,

Welcome to the May edition of the Acoustic Calendar for Wessex (attachments). Check out loads of interesting stuff below:

RIP
Salisbury: The Huntsman, 121-123 Gigant Street SP1 2BQ (01722 329525, Dave Rawlinson: 01722 321745)
1st Sunday of the month, lunchtime. Music Session - Irish & English.
Discontinued.

NEW VENUES
Bristol: Leftbank Centre, 128 Cheltenham Rd, Montpelier BS65RW (0117 944 4433, nick@leftbankcentre.co.uk, www.leftbankcentre.co.uk)
Every Wednesday, 8pm. Open mic, hosted by Oliver.

Bristol: Saturday Night Music Club, Bar 155, 155 St. Michaels Hill BS2 8DB (0117 973 9393)
First Saturday in the month, 7pm. An acoustic showcase of at least two featured artists and open mic session, hosted by Mark Venus.

Sparkford (nr. Yeovil): Sparkford Inn, High St. BA22 7JH (01963 440218)
Monthly open mic.
Not yet established on a regular basis. Watch this space.

WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL: QUARTERDECK MOVED FROM 22ND
Bridport: The Quarterdeck Tavern, West Bay DT6 4EL (07801 166478, Chris: 01308 423307, gemalarms@westbay24.freeserve.co.uk)
4th Wednesday of the month, 8pm. ‘Folk and Kindred Session’. Open to all musicians and singers. No fee, but those who wish to listen are encouraged to pass the hat in aid of the RNLI. Large car park. Warm welcome in this small but extremely friendly bar. Real Ale.
“Hi folks, can you please note that due to an anomaly in the calendar, the new session starting at Chideock on Tuesday 21st April (being the third Tuesday ) is immediately followed by the folk club at the Quarterdeck the following day the 22nd April (being the fourth Wednesday.) Do you still follow? So to put a little space between, we are moving the Quarterdeck session to Wednesday the 29th. Hope that all makes sense. Thank you for your forbearance or whatever... thanks anyway and apologies for those who have already cancelled lucrative engagements or romantic liaisons etc. Chris.”

FRIDAY 1ST MAY: COMMUNITY MAYDAY (BELTANE) CELEBRATIONS
Glastonbury: Assembly Rooms, High Street BA6 9DU (01458 834677, nathanvibration@yahoo.co.uk)
8pm. Performances from various musicians, poets, bards etc including May Carols from Tim Hall (First Bard of Ynys Witrin), Oshia Drury and friends, plus an opportunity for anyone to take to the stage or the floor during the 'open mic' part of the evening. The doors open at 8pm with an opening ceremony led by bard 'Merlin of the Woods' shortly thereafter, with the music and open mic due to start at 8.30 p.m. This event forms part of the annual Glastonbury May Festival organised by Avalon CAN (see www.avaloncan.com). To perform at this event, or to get involved with Avalon CAN as a volunteer for other events (this guarantees free admission to events including the May Ball on May 2nd) please contact Nathan. The Avalon CAN festival includes a Mayday pageant at the Market Cross on Glastonbury High Street at noon on May 1st, and maypole dancing and music at Bushy Coombe from 1 pm onwards - bring a picnic (and some sunshine!)

MONDAY 3RD MAY: WALTON SESSION CANCELLED
Walton (nr. Street): Royal Oak, 27 Main Street BA16 9QG (Jackie or Wendy: 01458 442376)
Every Sunday, 4pm - 6pm. Jam session. Musicians & singers welcome. Large pub car park on the opposite side of the road.
New landlord - pub closed for changeover. Sessions resume on Sunday 10th May.

MONDAY 4TH MAY: BARDIC CIRCLE
Glastonbury: The King Arthur, 31-33 Benedict Street BA6 9NB (Nathan: 01458 834677, nathanvibration@yahoo.co.uk.)
8pm. The "Second Bard of Ynys Witrin" (that's Glastonbury!) Dearbhaile Bradley will host a Bardic Circle for all in the beautiful stone room at the back of the King Arthur. Participants are invited to bring poems, stories or any bardic performance, with or without music, to share informally with the group. The emphasis is to be on fun and participation, with those who infrequently perform as well as more seasoned performers invited and encouraged to come and have a go! Entry will be by Magic hat (donations). This event forms part of the annual Avalon CAN May Festival, and is intended to herald the beginning of the hunt for the new Bard of Glastonbury - The Fourth Bard of Ynys Witrin, to be chaired on St Dunstan's Day, Tuesday 19th May, at the finals of the annual Gorsedd (Bardic Trials) at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms. Contenders for the Chair of Ynys Witrin are invited to perform poetry, music or stories for up to fifteen minutes on this year's theme: "All that Glisters is Not Gold", which was chosen by the previous Chaired Bards. The competition will be judged by previous Bards or judges chosen by them. Entry forms and further details of the annual Gorsedd can be found at the Assembly Rooms on the High Street, or at the Library of Avalon in the Glastonbury Experience courtyard. As well as holding the Chair and ceremonial robes of the office of Bard for a year and a day, the winner will also be invited to perform for 15 minutes at a special concert given by master Bard and storyteller Robin Williamson (founder member of the Incredible String Band) at the Megalithomania Conference in the Assembly Rooms on the evening of Saturday 23rd May. For further information on any of these events, contact Nathan.

MONDAY 4TH MAY: KINGSBURY MAY FESTIVAL
Kingsbury Episcopi (nr. Martock): Kingsbury May Festival (Richard Lean: 01935 822346, sadfolk@richlean.com, http://kingsburymayfestival.co.uk/)
Open mic session at the David Hall music tent, 11am - 5pm. Turn up and play! Admission free. Car parking £2.

FINGERS CROSSED: ELI’S NOW DUE TO REOPEN ON FRIDAY 8TH MAY
Huish Episcopi (near Langport): Eli’s (The Rose & Crown) TA10 9QT (01458 250494)
Music Night with Diaspora (John: 01458 250005): Last Thursday of the month, 8.30-ish. Friendly band Diaspora host an acoustic evening. Jam with the band or do your own thing. Relaxed hospitable session in an old-style pub.

Traditional singaround (Rod: 01823 481253): Third Saturday of the month (September to May, inclusive), 8.30pm.

SATURDAY 9TH MAY: 'SONGS OF THE MAY AND THE SUMMERLANDS'
Glastonbury: The King Arthur, 31-33 Benedict Street BA6 9NB (01458 834677, nathanvibration@yahoo.co.uk.)
8.30pm in the main bar. Admission FREE. Folk singer Nathan Lewis Williams and Band will perform a set of 'Songs of the May and the Summerlands'. Local folk musicians will also be invited to sing a few songs on a May theme. Phone to book a spot. Examples of Nathan's traditional and original music are now available for download at www.nathanlewiswilliams.co.uk.

SATURDAY 16TH MAY: DIFFERENT VENUE
Brendon (near Lynton): The Staghunters EX35 6PS (01598 741222)
Third Saturday of the month, 8.30pm. Singaround.
This month only it will be at the Blue Ball Inn, Countisbury (near Lynton) EX35 6NE (top of Countisbury Hill on the A39).

SUNDAY 17TH MAY: LUNCHTIME IRISH SESSION
Nailsea: Ring Of Bells, 4 St. Mary’s Grove BS48 4NQ (01275 790009)
Sunday Lunchtime (12 noon - 2pm in the garden. Free Irish session. “Following a very successful outdoor session last year we look forward to doing it all again in 2009. Please ‘pop’ along to the ‘Ringers’, join in and enjoy.”

SATURDAY 23RD MAY: WELLINGTON ACOUSTIC MUSIC CLUB
Wellington : Wellington Acoustic Music Club, Wellington Arts Centre, Eight Acre Lane TA21 8PS (Tony Woollard: 01823 660969, tony.woollard@talktalk.net)
Normally third Saturday of the month, 8.30pm. “Players of all ages, genres and abilities are welcome. Play on a first come first served basis. Its FREE but we do pass the 'pot' round during the evening to help fund special events (workshops, guest stars). The beer is very reasonable in price.”
Fourth Saturday instead of third this month.

SATURDAY 30TH MAY: MUSIC & SONG AT THE LETHBRIDGE
Bishops Lydeard (nr. Taunton): Lethbridge Arms Hotel, Gore Square TA4 3BW (01823 432234, Gerry: 01823 432 827)
Music and song session hosted by Gerry Mogg. Folk singers, musicians, and storytellers in all genres welcome.
This is a one-off at the moment but it might become a more regular event – watch this space.

SINGERS/MUSICIANS WANTED: VENUE IN SEARCH OF A SESSION
Sherborne: The Mermaid, Bristol Rd. DT9 4JD (01935 817065, thenewmermaid@rocketmail.co)
The Mermaid is trying to put on lots of music and would like some folk. If anyone can help, either with a session or something a bit more formal, why not contact Ellie and Danny.

SINGING WORKSHOPS
Want a singing workshop at your festival? Gabrielle Newman Turner, experienced festival singing workshop leader. Folk/African/Taize/Gospel etc. Bookings now being taken for 2010 fests. (Sorry, July fully booked.) 01823 680690 or Email gilesnt@talktalk.net.

MAY FESTIVALS 2009
Friday 1st to Monday 4th:
Brixham: Pirate & Shanty Festival (http://www.brixhambuccaneers.co.uk/BB%2 ... 02009.html)

Friday 1st to Monday 4th:
Upton: Upton Folk Festival (http://www.uptonfolk.org/)

Monday 4th May: Kingsbury Episcopi (nr. Martock): Kingsbury May Festival (Richard Lean: 01935 822346, sadfolk@richlean.com, http://kingsburymayfestival.co.uk/)

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th:
Bridestowe (near Okehampton): Fox & Hounds Weekend of Song (http://www.redherring.unisonplus.net/fah.htm, http://www.broadsideman.co.uk/)
Informal sing.

Friday 22nd to Monday 25th :
Chippenham: Chippenham Folk Festival (www.chippfolk.co.uk)

Friday 22nd to Monday 25th:
Dulverton: Dulverton Folk Festival (John Lowday: 01398 323776, www.dulvertonfolkfestival.net/)
Free entry to all events.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MAY
Tiverton: Tivvy Fest (www.tivvyfest.co.uk)
Monday 4th (Bank holiday): lunchtime music session at The Prince Blucher, Westexe South, Tiverton from 12.30pm (Free)
Tuesday 5th: the regular Folk Club night at The Racehorse, Wellbrook St., Tiverton from 8.00pm (Free)
Monday 11th: Tom & Barbara Brown "This Farming Life" (Time, venue & ticket price - tbc)
Thursday 14th: Folk night at The Racehorse, Wellbrook St., Tiverton from 8.00pm (Free)
Saturday 16th - Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll music workshop & concert (there may also be a singing workshop - awaiting confirmation on that) Times etc to be confirmed Workshop free to those in full-time education, otherwise £6.00 covers both workshop & concert or Concert only. At the United Reformed Church, St Peter Street, Tiverton.
Sunday 24th: lunch-time music & song session - Prince Blucher - from 12.30pm (Free)
Sunday 24th: Cornwall Songwriters "Cornish Lads" (tbc)
Monday 25th (Bank Holiday): lunchtime music session Prince Blucher from 12.30pm (Free)
Monday 25th (Bank Holiday): American Music Night (Bluegrass etc.) (details tbc)
Thursday 28th: Open Invitation Acoustic Music Night, The Racehorse from 8.00pm (Free)
Sunday 31s: lunchtime music session Prince Blucher from 12.30pm (Free)

JUNE FESTIVALS 2009
Friday 5th June to Sunday 7th June:
Black Dog (nr. Crediton): Pennymoor Song & Ale, The Black Dog Inn EX17 4QS (Clare Penney: 01884 860023, west.land@lineone.net)
PLEASE BOOK. “You have to have booked this in advance so no good anyone just turning up! The reason is that the venue is just one pub and is too small to accommodate more than have booked - we feel rotten turning people away but there is no choice so please don't come if you haven't booked. We have a strictly first come first served policy.”

Friday 5th June to Sunday 7th June:
Weymouth: Wessex Folk Festival: (www.wessexfolkfestival.co.uk)
Takes place around the Old Harbour.

Friday 12th June to Sunday 14th June:
Bradninch: Bradninch Music & Arts Festival (www.information-britain.co.uk/eventframe.php?id=5449)

Friday 12th June to Sunday 14th June:
Wimborne: Wimborne Folk Festival (www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk)

Friday 19th June to Sunday 21st June:
Teignmouth: Teignmouth Folk Festival (www.teignmouthfolk.co.uk)

If you would like the Acoustic Calendar for Wessex sent to your inbox each month please let me know by emailing me at sanchobramble@hotmail.com. You will also receive frequent updates and it costs nothing.