Thursday 28 February 2013

Oscar-Winner Stephen Warbeck comes to Dart Music Festival

An Audience With Stephen Warbeck and Friends...

Academy Award winning composer for the film 'Shakespeare In Love'.

The Dart Music Festival is excited to welcome this talented and inspirational musician, who will be performing at The Flavel during the Festival.


His resume of film scores also includes 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', 'Charlotte Gray', and 'Billy Elliott', to name only three, together with numerous television plays and all of Lynda La Plante's 'Prime Suspect' dramas, as well as dozens of stage and radio productions for companies including the RSC, National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and many more.
Stephen learned to play the piano at the age of four, and started the violin at six - forming a rock band as a teenager and later moving on to composition and writing scores for stage productions. He will be explaining the process of composition, speaking about his work and playing pieces from his film scores, and has invited along some very special musicians to join him for what promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening.

SARAH HOMER - studied clarinet and bass clarinet at the Royal College of Music from 1980 to 1984. She was principal clarinet at the Bilbao Symphony orchestra and has worked and recorded with many different artists and ensembles. She was recently commissioned to write a piece, The Oddstock Curse for eight musicians and a dancer, the first performance of which took place at Salisbury Art Centre.

JOHN PARRICELLI - Jazz guitarist who in addition to leading his own groups, has played in a variety of bands and has worked with contemporary composers Mark-Anthony Turnage and John Adams. He is also active as a studio player, contributing to over 200 movie soundtracks, and numerous pop albums by artists including K T Tunstall, Jamie Cullum and Katie Meluha.

ROB MILLETT - Trained at the Royal College of Music, Rob has been principal percussionist for 18 years with Rambert Dance Company and has worked with the English Touring Opera, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, to name but a few. He has played with saxophonist Tony Woods, recording and co-producing his third album ‘Wind Shadows’, been involved with other recent jazz projects, has composed for many choreographers, and completed seasons at Shakespeare’s Globe as Musical Director for ‘As You Like It’ and 'The Tempest', all with music by Stephen Warbeck. 

PAUL CLARVIS - This much-requested session musician brings his unique style of music to many genres. He has worked with such legends as John Williams, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Sting and many more, as well as in his own band Orquestra Mahatma. He has also played on numerous films including Star Wars, Thunderbirds, The Constant Gardner, and Harry Potter and many others. He was Leonard Bernsteins favourite percussionist when in London and has judged the BBC Young Musician of the Year several times.

NICK COOPER - 'Cellist of the Gavin Bryars Ensemble, John Surman's Trans4mation Quartet recording for E.C.M and Sonia Slany's Solid Strings Quartet, and formerly the 'cellist with the Balanescu Quartet, Nick has also toured for the Contemporary Music Network with New York jazz trio 'Equal Interest', Michael Brecker and Michael Reissler.He has several solo cello credits on Stephen Warbeck film scores, also on albums with artists such as Alison Goldfrap and Will Gregory. He was also a member of the London Symphony Orchestra, hand now guest principals for the Symphony Orchestra of India.

STEVE WATTS - Classical double bass (the Guiildhall School of music). He has worked extensively on the European Jazz scene playing with a host of musicians of international stature, including Jaqui Dankworth, John Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Django Bates, Julian Siegel and many many others. A member of the influential big band Loose Tubes, he has remained closely associated with several of its leading figures and has played on a large number of recordings, including several critically acclaimed, award winning albums. He has appeared live at many of the world’s leading venues and jazz festivals, played on numerous radio and TV broadcasts, and his playing can be heard on the soundtracks of many films.


Please note - the talk and concert is FREE but seats are limited so you will need to book your seat beforehand to avoid disappointment. There will be a retiring collection with a suggested donation of £8 - all donations gratefully received! Thank you.

Dart Music Festival 10th/11th/12th May 2013



Sheelanagig

Sheelanagig deliver intricate, rhythmically complex arrangements of original and traditional works in a Balkan style.



Sheelanagig
Formed in early 2005, the band had an instant chemistry, gained a considerable following, and quickly earned a reputation for their exhilarating and intense live performances. This group of incredible young players force you to dance your socks off and have a great time.



Sheelanagig have played just about every imaginable venue on their hectic touring schedule; clubs, pubs, art centres, small theatres, European street festivals as well as tearing up the UK festival scene with profile slots at Glastonbury, Green Man and Beautiful Days (to name but a few).




Sheelanagig’s live shows have grown to incorporate aspects of street theatre, elements of storytelling and even acrobatics, which can provoke a frenzied reaction – flying drinks, mosh pits and stage invasions are hazards on a really good night. In short, expect mayhem, a lot of laughs and some great music.




A completely top night out.’ Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2



‘The musicianship is tight and intense’ Songlines



‘High octane stuff...Would liven any party and keep the floor full’ fRoots



‘An unmissable live act.... Vitally energetic’ The Living Tradition



‘Innovative and energetic... Quality musicianship, vibrancy and sheer 


On tour from 30th May 2012 - check out UK wide dates here:

For more info on the band please visit:   http://www.sheelanagig.co.uk/



Dart Music Festival 10th/11th/12th May 2013

DEVON YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA

D Y J O


Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra is the place to learn jazz in Devon!











DYJO teaches young people from across the whole of Devon including Exeter, North Devon, South Devon, Torbay and Dartmoor to play and perform a wide variety of Jazz.






DYJO has won many national awards over its history for its performances and educational programme, and continues to play to enthusiastic audiences in Devon and beyond. Our main educational programme includes intensive monthly rehearsals from September to March, as well as a three-day residential in October half-term.


Recent performance highlights have included:

* Music festivals throughout Devon, including Teignmouth Jazz Festival, Dart Music Festival, Budleigh Jazz Festival, Salcombe Festival.


* Concerts with jazz stars including Dave O'Higgins, Gordon Campbell, Bruce Adams, John Etheridge, and many more.


* A performance at the Music for Youth Primary Prom at Exeter University.


* Tours to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2010 and 2012.

* A performance for MPs at the House of Commons with local musician Mike Westbrook




 
The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra comprises the best of Devon's young jazz musicians and is split into two separate bands. DYJO2, under the direction of Brian Moore, is the younger of the two bands, and is focused on the essentials of big band playing: ensemble skills in swing and many other grooves, and the fundamentals of jazz soloing. 





DYJO1, with Graham Hutton, is the senior band, and aims to stretch the players' skills in all directions in a wide range of repertoire, and to raise them to a standard of playing comparable with the best youth big bands in the country. In addition, DYJO has a specialist sax coach, Roz Harding, one of the region's top jazz musicians, who also leads rehearsals for the Devon Jazz Ambassadors, the small band drawn from DYJO



We are always looking for new players, aged 11-18. If you are keen to find out more about us, please check our website: www.dyjo.org  or  email: mail@dyjo.org for more details.



Dart Music Festival 10th/11th/12th 2013


Tuesday 26 February 2013

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS BOOKED FOR THE DART MUSIC FESTIVAL

Calling all musicians - if you have been booked to perform at this year's Music Festival and would like to appear on our blog, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help. Just send an e mail marked 'DMF Blog' to:

valdepledge@hotmail.com

If you've already been contacted via e mail by me recently, please ignore this post!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Dart Music Festival 10th/11th/12th 2013

Nicky Swann

Nicky Swann
NICKY SWANN

 “Nicky was a complete knock-out” - Kontra Roots Club.

Best Original Song nominee at Spiral Earth 2013 Awards, winner of Best Acoustic Act at 2011 South West Music Awards and now an archived artist by the British Sound Library, Nicky Swann is making her mark with her own sound of acoustic roots music.


Her live shows captivate audiences everywhere combining powerful and versatile vocals with sublime original songs and a sensitive back-line cast.

She has performed at many festivals throughout the UK, including Dartington HOME Festival, Bristol, Cheltenham and Frome Folk Festivals, and has headlined the acoustic stage at Transition Festival, as well as performing in Europe. She has performed live for BBC Radio.

Her second album ‘How Does your Land Lie?’ released in 2012, is a collection of thoughtful, intelligent and well crafted songs inspired by the history of Nicky's hometown, Newton Abbot in South Devon. Far from being parochial, these songs carry emotional resonances way beyond the town's boundaries focusing on universal issues.

The on stage trio are - Nicky on guitar and vocals accompanied by percussion, bass, and keys.

www.nickyswann.com

Dart Music Festival May 10th/11th/12th 2013

http://www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

STOP PRESS! ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS & MUCH MORE AT DART MUSIC FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER

There are still a limited number of tickets left for our very special fundraiser on April 6th.

Come along and enjoy the fun at what promises to be a memorable evening with imaginative food and exceptional musical entertainment from Electric Swing Circus, Medicine Creek's  Nuala Honan, and Michael Bryan-Harris.

Enjoy a glass of Kir Royale upon arrival and an array of delicious inventive canapes created by local chef Serin Aubrey, aided by our festival team (famed for their culinary expertise…). 




There will also be a bar and an auction with some fantastic lots - details of which will be emailed to ticket holders.

We’re sure that a good time will be had by all – not only enjoying this very special event in the wonderful setting of Little Dartmouth, but also knowing that the proceeds will be going to help finance the Festival for another year. 

Make sure you don’t miss out! Tickets on sale from the No. 11 shop in Victoria Road.

The members of the Dart Music Festival Committee are very grateful to Edward and Sally Benthall who have very kindly offered the use of this stunning location at their beautiful home in Little Dartmouth.

The Dart Music Festival Musical Gala evening - Saturday 6th April 2013
At Little Dartmouth – for more info contact 01803 834859

Dart Music Festival 10th/11th/12th May 2013

http://www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk/

Tuesday 19 February 2013

This year there's FREE 'Music For All' at Dart Music Festival...

Yes, that's right - there really will be a 'Free For All' at this year's Festival! Please read on...

ALL PERFORMANCES THIS YEAR ARE FREE WITH RETIRING COLLECTIONS.

HOWEVER, some of the events held at The Flavel will be ticketed even though they are free and St. Saviour’s Church will be on a ‘first come, first seated’ basis.   

Please check your programme or telephone the Flavel on 01803 839530 or visit www.theflavel.org.uk
and contact 01803 835849 for St. Saviour’s Church.



BE WARNED

Some events may be booked out prior to the event.



DON'T FORGET - ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE PROGRAMME SALES WILL GO TOWARDS THE FUNDING OF THE FESTIVAL

Thank you for your support in keeping the Festival going.



The programme is being prepared right now and will be available soon to download from the website, on sale at selected outlets in town, or by ordering a postal copy from the website.


May 10th, 11th & 12th 2013

 

Friday 15 February 2013

DART MUSIC FESTIVAL IS NOW FULL TO BURSTING...

We just want to say a very big thank you to all the bands and artistes who have applied to perform at the Music Festival this year.

Please accept our apologies if you have not received a reply to your application but we can assure you that every e mail has been read and listened to, however much as we hate to disappoint  anyone, this year's application is now closed as all the performance slots have been filled and regretfully we cannot squeeze anyone else in.

Thank you.







Thursday 7 February 2013

RSVP BHANGRA GO BACK TO SCHOOL AT THE DART MUSIC FESTIVAL...

RSVP Bhangra
RSVP BHANGRA GOES BACK TO SCHOOL...

They're back - and we are thrilled to have them! 

Having delighted Dart Music Festival goers last year, RSVP are back again and this time they will spend Friday with students at the Dartmouth Academy.

The students will have the opportunity to work with the professional musicians to learn about Indian rhythms, Bhangra dance and song. Originating in the cultural traditions of the Punjab in India the music is celebratory, joyful and fun - and the students will have hands-on experience of Indian percussion instruments, learn some call and return vocals and Bhangra dance moves.

A great time being had by all - 2012

Later in the day the students will perform on the Bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens with the RSVP musicians to put on a show and entertain us with what they have learned.

Here is what other people have to say about RSVP:

South Brent Primary School: "What a well-organised, fun and educational day the children had. The best visit we have ever had from anyone!" 

Gathering Voices: "Our young people said they found the workshops very exciting and they had clearly learned a great deal about the culture and music from another country by working with RSVP".



What a great start to the Festival -  make sure you come along and have some fun...!

DART MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 1OTH, 11TH & 12TH 2013




Tuesday 5 February 2013

Zum headline at the Dart Music Festival

A Headline Act performing at St Saviour's Church on Saturday
Zum - the Band



“Fiery passionate and intriguingly beautiful. A delight to hear and a treat to watch” BBC



“Intoxicating virtuoso fiddle playing” The Times





“Triumphant … tremendous FUN” The Financial Times


It seems as if everyone has heard of Gypsy Tango these days, so it is easy to forget that this extremely popular genre did not exist until ZUM created it in the early years of this millennium.


ZUM is the first - and best - Gypsy Tango band.


Why is it so good? The incredible virtuosity and improvisation skills of Adam Summerhayes and David Gordon, combined with their remarkable writing talents are a good start. Link that to the imaginative powerhouse provided by Chris Grist and the impeccable sense of style from Eddie Hession and Richard Pryce and something really special emerges- an alchemy that creates much more than the sum of its parts ...


ZUM first stormed the UK in 2001 with full houses throughout the country in a tour that culminated with two sell-outs in one day at the South Bank Centre. Since then, they have given another eight SBC sell-outs, travelled many thousands of miles in the USA (from Alaska to Arizona, Washington to Rouseau) and toured in Finland, France, Croatia and Saudi Arabia.


Popular wherever they go, and with performances in Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London, beside midnight Finnish lakes, and with airplay on BBC R3, Jazz FM and worldwide, this unique band has fans in many unexpected corners of the world.  Singer Jacqui Dankworth, Finnish drummer Rami Eskeliinen and Uruguayan tango dance champions, Martin y Regina, have all guested with the band.


ZUM is a festival headline act that appeals to audiences of all sorts. Cathedrals, jazz clubs, universities, shabby rock joints, tango halls and beaten-up Alaskan shacks have all vibrated to their huge sound.

May 10th, 11th & 12th 2013

For more info and breaking news please visit www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk