Dart Music 2016 Festival Round-Up

A big welcome back to TANKUS THE HENGE...

Tankus the Henge

Hailing from London, Tankus the Henge band members Jaz Delorean - Keys, Lead Vocals; Tim Fulker - Guitar, Vocals; Dan Mason - Bass, Vocals and  Will Stanley- Drums wowed us with their Bandstand performance in 2015

We are delighted to welcome them back again, when they will once again be entertaining us in their own inimitable fashion... 

With a whole host of different musical styles - influenced by rock, ragtime, reggae, blues, funk, disco, gypsy punk and Django - you'll find it impossible to stand still!

Website: www.tankusthehenge.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tankusthehenge

"The Dave Hankin Big Band - Jaw-droppingly Good..! The Finest Large-scale Jazz Unit The City Has Ever Had" - Plymouth Herald

 

With press accolades such as "without any exaggeration The Dave Hankin Big Band is by far the finest large-scale jazz unit that we have ever had in Plymouth" and "Superb instrumentation and orchestration....the blending of the reeds and brass was exceptional." not to mention "I really felt The Dave Hankin Big Band could not be bettered" - it is not surprising that The Dave Hankin Big Band is regarded as the leading big band in the South-West.

 

Dave Hankin Big Band

Glasgow born Dave Hankin started his musical journey being taught trombone at school by Maynard Ferguson's lead trumpet player John Donnelly and afterwards developing his writing skills with Maynard Ferguson's arranger Adrian Drover. Becoming a professional musician in 1983, Dave worked in Singapore and Malaysia, after which he went on to become a Musical Director working in London when he recalls being given 10 days to write music for a 2 hour show - and making it with literally 30 minutes to spare!

Dave has always been interested in the 'extended' big band ~ writing for and including non-standard instruments to his big bands, with one of his favourite line-ups being the addition of a French Horn and Tuba section to the usual trumpet, trombone, saxophone and rhythm sections. 

On an even larger scale, Dave added a string section to his Jazz Orchestra for a sell out concert in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, raising over £20,000 for Cancer Research. Featured soloists included Carol Kidd, Pat Kane and Martin Taylor.

 

As an accomplished arranger, Dave's orchestrations have been performed by, among others, Urbie Green, Jiggs Whigham, Don Lusher and Roy Williams. His music has been broadcast on radio and television and his arrangements have been performed by the BBC Big Band.. As a trombonist he has played with stars such as Matt Munro, Jack Parnell, Kenny Baker, Peter King, Don Lusher and the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra.

For more details visit www.davehankin.com

 

ANTIMATADOR - an 8-strong synth laden, horn heavy outfit from SW:UK, fusing hiphop, funk, jazz, electronica, soul, rock and DnB. 

They deliver a nuclear explosion of high energy and positive vibes and have crafted a sound all of their own. 

Whether it's the cerebral vocals and tricksy horn licks or huge synths and earthy rhythms, they bring something for everyone to every show.

For 2015, their first official single Find Your Way is out in June followed by a host of live shows around the country and some eye-popping video exclusives.

Catch them if you can - this is a band you won't want to miss.

Website: www.antimatador.co.uk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSH1g_Qw-rCexPm3fq7FTA

Facebook: ttps://www.facebook.com/AntiMataMusic

Dart Music Festival - 13th 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Fun, frolics and foxtrots at Dart Music Festival's 'Strictly' fundraiser

Well, it looks like we did it again!

21st November saw a throng of happy people – Dressed to Impress, of course - queuing outside the now partly-refurbished Guildhall for another evening of fundraising fun, frolics and very fine dancing.

The DMF Team were up early on Saturday morning to fuss and fettle the Old Place, so by the time the partygoers arrived at 6.45pm the Ballroom was looking very fine with a plethora of black and red balloons, streamers and pretty table decorations – not forgetting of course the famous Strictly Glitterball, kindly organised by Louis Sullivan.

I know it’s been said many times before but at the risk of repeating myself the Guildhall really does scrub up well and many people commented on what a great venue it is - just made for events such as this. Dare I mention the proscenium arch and sprung dance floor yet again…? And it’s going to look even more fabulous once all the refurbishments are finished – we can’t wait for next year!

 

Anyway, the evening got off to a rip-roaring start with music from the BRNC Volunteer Band and the Lovely Lucy just to put everyone in the mood. 

The judges this year were Gina Carter (Darcey), Phil Braakenburg (Craig), Martin Judd (Len) and Stephen Levy (Bruno) and the compere the shy and retiring Nick Crosley…

This year’s competing dancers kicked off with a Pasa Doble from Amanda and Syd, with a startling but impressive quick change into lederhosen for a German thigh-slapping extravaganza. Next came Joanna and Ernie with a very stately and stylish Cha Cha, followed by Marie and Mike with their energetic and lively Jive. Then came Ray and Helen (where DID you get that dress, Darling – it was fabulous…) who beamed throughout their nifty Foxtrot, and last but definitely not least came Ashley and Max with their brilliant Rumba, navy-style.

Winners Ash and Max - credit Rose Williams

 

The standard was as usual very high and with talent like this the audience and judges had a very tough job on their hands – it was a close-run thing but finally after much deliberation the Glitterball Trophy was awarded to the nautical Ashley and Max by Mayor Rob Lyon with congratulations to them and all the other dancers who took part – they were all fantastic.

The evening then carried on with a raffle of a side of smoked salmon and champagne donated by Mark Lobb of Wild Food Devon and Ed Capper of Dartmouth Vintners respectively, and a foot spa – how apt! – donated by Jilly Judd. This was followed by home-made chilli from the DMF Cooking Squad, real ale kindly donated by Bays Brewery and fine wines from Dartmouth Vintners. 

And then the band played on...to the delight of the audience, who enjoyed a free-dance session to fabulous music from the BRNC Volunteer band until - tired but hopefully happy – everyone wended their way home at 10.30pm.






Then it was high heels off, Marigolds and pinnies on as the DMF team cleared up – yes it was as always quite a task but one which we are glad to do – the atmosphere was just amazing and it really is worth all the hard work and planning to see so many happy faces. We’re not yet sure how much the event raised but all the signs are that it was even more successful than last year, so our sincere thanks go to all who supported us – couldn’t do it without you!

See you all again next year..?

The DMF Committee would like to thank: 
BRNC Volunteer Band and Lucy Hingston; Bays Brewery - beer; Mark Lobb – salmon; Dartmouth Vintners – champagne; Jilly Judd – foot spa; Royal Castle Hotel – loan of glasses/bowls; Louis Sullivan – sound/lighting; Gina Carter, Stephen Levy, Phil Braakenburg, Martin Judd – Judges. Brigitte – dance teacher. Thanks also to all committee members and their partners.

Dart Music Festival 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Want a Sneaky Peek..? Dart Music Festival 2016 - acts now booking

We're getting back into the groove now with acts being booked even as I write... 

Here are just a few of the delights on offer at Dart Music Festival 2016:

Louise Parker 

 “There’s no substitute for good time and tone... Tender or wild, her voice never lost its warmth and her phrasing had an in-built propulsion rarely heard from others.” 

Jack Massarik, London Evening Standard
 

 

 

 

Growing up in a house filled with music, from the folk, calypso and opera enjoyed by her Jamaican born mother to the trad, swing and be-bop from her jazz-obsessed father, vocalist Louise Parker, aptly named after Louis Armstrong, was born to create the sort of soulful sound that is earning her a great reputation in the jazz world.

A big hit on the festival circuit and a regular on Radio 2’s Best of Jazz, Louise Parker is a powerful live performer and a skilful interpreter of swing, blues and gospel classics. She commits to each song with warmth, spirit and passion.

Combining a potent mix of funk and gospel, Louise blends an effortless rhythmical style with a sweet warm tone and daring scatting to create a performance which truly stirs the soul.

Whether performing with her own Louise Parker Trio or with other notable jazz musicians such as BBC Jazz Award winner, saxophonist Alan Barnes, Louise Parker is not to be missed.

 Ninebarrow

We are very much looking forward to welcoming Ninebarrow - a multi-award-winning folk duo, who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition. 

Described by Mike Harding as sounding ‘damn fine’ and by Seth Lakeman as ‘a fantastic duo’, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breathtaking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering original songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. 

As well as crafting unique and engaging original material, Ninebarrow also take a wide-range of traditional folk songs and rework them in their own, distinctive way. 

We can't wait to meet them - can you..?

On the classical scene, we are delighted to welcome back  Dart Festival Chorus 

 - the Festival's very own choir.

The Choir is dedicated to supporting the aims of the festival by encouraging people to participate in and enjoy choral music, whether as singers or as members of the audience. 

The DFC members are drawn from choirs across South Devon and we love to hear them perform - just magical.

 

We are also looking forward to meeting for the first time the

Bute Clarinet Quartet

Formed in September 2013, the Bute Clarinet Quartet is comprised of current students and graduates from the Royal Welsh College of Music. 

The ensemble has performed recitals across the UK, showcasing a wide variety of clarinet quartet repertoire.

The group has participated in various competitions, with notable achievements including winning first prize in the ensembles category at the National Eisteddfod (2014) and Urdd 16-25 ensemble category (2015).

Music education is an important part of Bute Clarinet Quartet's ethos, both as an ensemble and as individuals. As well as teaching around the Cardiff area, the ensemble regularly performs outreach concerts for school groups in South Wales. They hope to continue developing their educational work, making music more accessible to all.

Enjoy these and many more performers at the next 

Dart Music Festival - 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016 

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

 

Award-winning Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy at Dart Music Festival

Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy

 

 Nominated ‘Best Album’ BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2015

Lifetime Achievement Award – BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014

 

The good Doctor Martin Carthy and his twice Mercury nominated daughter Eliza Carthy join forces to perform songs from their first duo album ever, a new CD of traditional material entitled THE ELEPHANT.

 

 

Martin is a legendary ballad singer and guitarist who has influenced generations of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, while Eliza has been twice-nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and a multiple-award winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk awards.

 

 

For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators.

He is one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.

Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much anticipated Waiting for Angels (Topic TSCD527) was the latest.

Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the acclaimed `Originals' music documentary strand on BBC 2) - there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn't played.

 He's a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. 

 He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position.
 

Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic.

`Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all' 

- Q Magazine

 

  Eliza Carthy is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation.

 

 Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize and winner of innumerable other accolades over a 20 year career, Eliza has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists including, Paul Weller, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Patrick Wolf and Bob Neuwirth. 

More than most, Eliza Carthy has revitalised folk music and captured the most hardened of dissenters with intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performance.

Eliza grew up immersed in the world of traditional music. 

She still divides her time between touring and recording with her legendary parents, Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson as well as engaging in numerous pioneering solo and band projects, including work with Pere Ubu and Melanie Challenger, an artist in residence in Antarctica.




In what has become something of a parallel career, Eliza has co-presented the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards, been a regular guest-presenter on the BBC Radio 2 Mark Radcliffe Show and has made many appearances on BBC TVs 'Later with Jools'.

In her own right, Eliza has been the subject of an hour long ITV documentary ('Heaven & Earth') and 'My Music' on Channel 5. Comedian and writer Stewart Lee describes Eliza as "Not the Messiah, but a very naughty girl".

'Eliza Carthy is one of the figureheads of the English folk revival … compelling'

– Evening Standard

 
‘A gloriously natural singer’ – Q Magazine

Seriously impressive’ – Telegraph

‘Brave and anything but predictable’ **** 4 Stars The Guardian  

Don't miss Martin and Eliza Carthy's performance at Dart Music Festival - 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

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Gearing up for the 2016 Dart Music Festival...

OK I know it's been a while...

...but I'm pleased to report that we are now gearing up for next year's Festival - raising funds, booking performers and generally attending to the million and one things to be done before May 2016 comes around.

We've started booking already and I'll be posting more info and details about the acts here as and when things develope, but if you'd like a sneaky peek please see below what's happening so far...

We are delighted to welcome back:

Tankus the Henge

Dartmouth Rock

The Dave Hankin Big Band

Billy Thompson Gypsy Style

Will McNicol & Luke Selby

 The Martin Dale Quartet

Torbay Ukulele Club

Flash Harry

Flats and Sharps

James Harris

We're also excited to be introducing:

The Strike Nineteens

Gordon Campbell who will be appearing with Martin Dale

Martin & Eliza Carthy

Louise Parker Funk Band

Dart Music Festival

13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk 

Dart Music Festival's Favourite Fundraiser - 'Strictly' tickets now on sale!

 'Strictly Come Dancing' Tickets have just gone on sale!

We are delighted to announce that tickets for this hugely popular event are now on sale for our Fabulous Fundraiser - Strictly Come Dancing.

WHERE? The Guildhall, Victoria Road, Dartmouth

WHEN? Saturday 21st November 2015

WHAT TIME? From 7.00pm - 10.30pm. 

DOORS OPEN?  Not a minute before 6.45pm - so make sure you get your place in the queue...

COMPETITION STARTS WHEN? 7.20pm prompt.

DRESS CODE? Strictly Partygoers are invited to ‘Dress to Impress’..!

  
 

Competing couples will be strutting their stuff to music from 22-piece live band The BRNC Royal Naval Volunteer Band.

Whilst the judges are making their difficult decision, there will be a pause for a delicious hot supper before the results and trophy presentation to the lucky winners, followed by a general dancing session - so don't forget your dancing shoes...

  This event always sells out very quickly so please make sure you don't miss out - tickets on sale now from No. 11 Clothing, Victoria Road, and selling fast.

 Strictly Come Dancing with the BRNC Royal Naval Volunteer Band at The Guildhall, Dartmouth on Saturday 21st November from 7.00 - 10.30pm.

Tickets @ £25.00 pp to include a hot supper now on sale from:

No. 11 Clothing, Victoria Road, Dartmouth

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

A HUGE thank you to all our lovely Dart Music Festival Sponsors

 ‘Business was Booming – thanks to the Music...!'

say DMF Business Sponsors

The Wurzels on the Bandstand - Sunday

A word from Festival Chairman Pam Braakenburg:

"Now that the dust has settled after the Music Festival and we have already started planning for 2016, I want to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors who helped to make our 18th Festival such a big success" 

  

The phrase ‘all donations make a difference’ may sound like a cliché but in this case it is true – we really couldn’t keep funding the Festival year upon year without the generous support of our sponsors.

We are grateful for the support of the local businesses, most of whom are independent traders, who tell us that they like to sponsor us not only because the popularity of the event gives their takings a boost with all the extra people in town, but also because they love the great atmosphere and great music that the weekend brings to Dartmouth.

Now that the Dart Music Festival weekend costs us £60,000+ to put on, we are always seeking new sponsorship....

...so it would be simply marvellous if those businesses who do not already sponsor us could do so - indeed any donation, large or small, really does help. 

Picnickers in the Gardens

  Happy Shiny People Having Fun...

...Apart from the increase in business throughout the town, probably the most rewarding benefit of becoming a sponsor must surely be the knowledge that you are a part of helping to make it all possible.

You only have to look around at all the happy people enjoying the music and all the happy musicians enjoying playing it, for it to give you a little warm glow inside..!

Plans are afoot for the introduction of a new webpage where Sponsors' details will be strongly featured to DMF visitors. 

The many other benefits of becoming a DMF sponsor can be checked out on our website:

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

 

If you are interested in becoming a DMF Sponsor and would like to support the Festival next year please do contact us!

The DMF team will be out and about soon contacting both existing and potential sponsors to help make 2016 the best year yet for both music and business.  

Music lovers in Royal Avenue Gardens

  

For further information please contact our Sponsorship Secretary Jilly Tucker via e mail: 

dmfsponsors@gmail.com

Jilly will be happy to help.

Dates for next year's Dart Music Festival:

13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk 

Who needs Glastonbury..??

And talking of the DMF Programme, here are a few words from Programme Compiler Emilie:

"At the start of Glastonbury weekend we print out the schedule and start planning a marathon music watching weekend. We even go as far as getting colour coded highlighters so we can rank the must-sees! (Ahem). 

But here is something interesting that leapt off the pages at us this year:

Of the acts on the six main stages at Glastonbury there were a surprising number that we had already seen......for FREE.....at the Dart Music Festival!!!

Moulettes

Ben Poole, Moulettes, The Electric Swing Circus, Seth Lakeman and Charles Hazelwood - to name but a few - are the ones that leapt off the page at us. 

Obviously and without doubt, DMF Bookers Supreme - James & Hil - would spot others we have just forgotten we saw! 

And this is just the big six stages - you can bet your bottom dollar other DMF performers will turn up at the hundreds of smaller venues around the site.

 

 

Charles Hazelwood

So there you go...

Save yourself the £200 odd quid and visit the Dart Music Festival next year...

...and if you give them even a quarter of that figure you will get to see top music and keep this incredible - and free - celebration of music going! 

And no mud in sight!!!!"

Thanks Emilie - food for thought..? 

2016 Dart Music Festival dates 13th, 14th & 15th May - see you there!

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Programme Feedback - Dart Music Festival

Our thanks to Mrs C L of Bristol for these very complimentary words on our DMF Programme!

 

"Having formerly been Finance Manager for a major concert hall in Bristol I have had many years' experience in the production of concert publicity and programmes, with particular responsibility for proof reading.

I am most impressed by the Dart Music Festival Programme both in its layout and style (both friendly and informed) and ease of finding out what was on where and when.

Well done! A most professional job."

C.A.E.L.

Our thanks to Committee Members Mike Goodearl, Emilie Heard and Simon Geen for compiling the programme, and of course the trusty band of proof-readers.

 

13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Tim Watson Workshop - great DMF Feedback!

Tim Watson's Saxophone Workshop

"I just wanted to send you a few lines to thank you for a thoroughly superb music festival this year.  

My family and I were lucky enough to enjoy watching some great acts and to also to see our eldest son take part alongside the Devon Youth Wind Orchestra.  

However, the highlight of  the festival for us was Tim Watson's saxophone workshop.  What a fantastic performer and teacher he is, my son spent an intense hour with him and came out totally inspired!  We just wished it had been a longer workshop. 

Thank you once again - we are looking forward to next year's festival. 

Kind regards - Allison Waldron.

Thank you for your kind words Allison and we are so glad you enjoyed the Festival - see you next year!

 

13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Country Music Feedback - Dart Music Festival

Sasha McVeigh

Well, the brilliant feedback from our recent Music Festival just keeps on coming..! Please see below a great review from Country Music fan Jordan Mitchell:

http://thinkcountry.co.uk/reviews/dart-music-festival/

Gary Quinn

Many thanks Jordan for sending this to us - we are so glad you enjoyed the Festival!

13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

More Festival Feedback...

The Porter Family at the Guildhall

Thanks to Tim Porter - of The Porter Family - for these pics from the weekend.

Apologies for the delay Tim but we've been recovering (!) and then have been away.

Jo Harman

Dartmouth Academy Drummers

Moulettes

Girl Drummer

 

Also some lovely feedback from more happy Festival-Goers...

"Hi, what a fantastic Festival!  

The fifth one for us & they just keep getting better! Congratulations to all the committee & thanks for all your hard work - These things don't JUST HAPPEN! Dartmouth has a special atmosphere, but at Festival time it really buzzes! Loved it all,especially Flash Harry and, as always,Sax Appeal - already looking forward to next year! Stayed at The Royal Castle again - fab as usual!"  

Janet H

 

"Dear DMF committee members - first of all I apologise for the delay in writing this but
we are only just returned from our stay in Dartmouth so haven't had access to a computer.
We just wanted to say "WOW" - what a fabulous weekend...!

...We thought it was the best ever and we have been coming for a good few years.  We started off on Thursday with the Film Society showing of Jersey Boys.  They are such a lively crowd and always make us so welcome. A great start to the weekend...

 

Some highlights for us:

Peter Knapp's ''All you ever wanted to know about opera' - plus we attended his workshop - what an interesting man and I have lots of tips to take back to my own choir master !

David Davies's organ recital
Helen Yeoman's workshop was great fun - she is so enthusiastic about her music.
Torbay Ukulele Club - brilliant

Glorious Chorus - inspirational 

Unfortunately we missed Connie Lush as we wanted to get good seats for Dartmouth Rock. Really enjoyable - much improved from last year.

From there time for a quick coffee before dashing off to the Flavel for  'A Session with Charles Hazlewood'.  Most interesting and a lovely touch to include his daughter at the end.

New Budapest Cafe Orchestra - Wow!  What more can I say !
The Sung Eucharist on Sunday morning was uplifting. Beautiful singing and Jazz Mass was different
not heard the Sanctus etc done like that before but really enjoyed it.
Dart Festival Chorus were excellent as usual. Loved their Magna Carta theme.
Then the Wurzels - brilliant  - what an example to us "oldies".  They had the crowd in the palm of their hand !

Congratulations to you all for a fantastic festival.  Can't wait for next year.  

Accommodation already booked !  

Many Many Thanks.

June and Adrian L, Cheltenham

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Feedback - Budapest Cafe Orchestra

Our thanks to Chris Garrick for these kind words:

"What an unforgettable event in an unforgettable place the Dart Festival is!

My colleagues of the Budapest Cafe Orchestra and I think the DMF team are wonderful and organise the whole thing with so much energy and joy. 

The crowd are no less joyful and energetic and our audience at St Saviour’s on Saturday night did more than a little to help us lift the roof off the beautiful venerable venue and send excitement to stratospheric heights! 

Thanks to all involved at the Dart Festival and we sincerely look forward to returning one day soon."

Thank you - we are so glad you enjoyed performing at the Festival and hope to see you here again.

Next year's Festival dates: 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

Festival Feed back - again... DMF

More feedback from esteemed Committee members Pam Braakenburg (Chair), Marilyn Bird (Classical Music Director and Hilary Day (Musical Director)

Amy and Adrian

Chairman Pam Braakenburg comments:

 

"What a weekend! The weather was kind and the music was fabulous, from opera in the church to The Wurzels in the gardens, it could only happen at the Dart Music Festival.

I want to thank all the people who made it possible for us to stage our 18th festival - our sponsors, all those who donated and my marvellous committee who work all year to make sure each festival is better than the last. 



In addition many thanks to our volunteers who helped with such things as collecting, sound management, sales of merchandise, not forgetting the BRNC cadets who acted as car park attendants, it really was a community event.

I stand to be corrected but I am very proud to say the Dart Music Festival is unique in that we do not charge for any of our music and judging from all the positive feedback we have had this is much appreciated by both local people and visitors to our beautiful town!" 

 

Charles Hazlewood

"WE HAVE A PROBLEM! All the festival performers think our festival is the best... They love the town, the atmosphere, and the wonderful audiences we get - so they all want to return next year! They are amazed at our ethos of "Music for All" and that we do not charge at our concerts and stunned that we are able to raise the £55,000 to put it together each year...

For me I cannot pick a highlight as each concert had its own special moments... 

The wonderful organ and piano recitals and joyous choirs to the foot stomping rendition of the Budapest cafe Orchestra's Grieg's piano concerto and Nesum Dorma raising the roof in St Saviour's Church with Peter Knapp's Opera company - all magical. However, a thirteen year old little girl playing a giant marimba solo with the Devon Youth Orchestra and that Charles Hazlewood asked his young daughter to sing for us during his very powerful presentation - well, it just blew me away...

What would life be without music...?" Thoughts from Marilyn Bird, Classical Music Director

And last but not least, a few words from Hilary Day, our Musical Director. 

Here are some of Hilary's Highlights...

'The View from the Bandstand...'

The schoolchildren performing on Friday in the sun and great performances by students from the Academy, followed by a stirring performance by our own BRNC Volunteer Band. What a brilliant start! Mighty Leap ended the evening with their great Reggae set getting everyone dancing.

Gimi Hendrix

Saturday saw the Bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens full to the brim with music ranging from children’s sing along with Poco Drom doing the worm wiggle to the wonderful Connie Lush singing her powerful blues. Moulettes had the audience entranced with their complex and beautiful folk. 


Jo Harman performed for the second year running and again the crowd loved her.  And nothing like a touch of Jimi Hendrix, courtesy of the Gimi Hendrix Experience to finish a great day off!

Sunday was another day of blue skies and the build up towards the headline act continued.  Pirates on stage with Tom Mason from USA, followed by Urban Folk Quartet who literally had the crowd jumping out of their seats!  Gary Quinn gave us a wonderful Country set with his band.  And then of course the Wurzels who filled the whole bandstand area with crowds of fans, all singing along to their well know songs.  Then party time with The Normals playing a mix of ska/folk/pop/rock with their pumping brass duo and tight rhythm section.  Tankus the Henge closed this year’s Dart Music Festival getting the crowd dancing with their energetic set leaving everyone wanting more.

Velvet and Stone

News highlights from other venues:

* Will McNicol and Luke Selby earning a standing ovation in The Masonic Hall.   

* Velvet and Stone filling Bayards Cove Fort to capacity with approx. 250 people watching their set.

* The Market Square run by Committee member Ben Malley - it was buzzing all weekend with great music and great food being served by the cafes including Mark Lobb.  An amazing atmosphere in there!

* Mama Tokus doing impromptu set in Foss Street, Poco Drom entertaining children in the library and Market Square. 

And finally from Hilary, some quotes from performers and visitors:

"Thanks for a involving us in such a brilliant festival. A real pleasure to meet and work with you all! We had a blast"- Gary Quinn

 "Thank you for a great gig at The Guildhall with To The Sun, I danced all night!"

 "Just wanted to say a big thank you for a brilliant weekend. Some of the acts that you booked were truly inspiring."

"Once again, we loved the Windjammer, and the Market Square gig was something special. Thanks again" Roger and gang x

"I don't know if you got any feedback from our gig yesterday but we had a real blast . Thank you very much from all of us, we'd love to come back anytime"  Regards, Mike (Bailjumpers )

We think this rather kind of sums it all up...!

See you next year: 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk