Dart Music Festival - Gaz Brookfield

Meet Gaz Brookfield - a solo acoustic musician based in Bristol.

 

Since winning Acoustic magazine's 2010 Singer Songwriter of the year, he has spent his time on the road, touring the UK and Europe. 

In this time Gaz has shared the stage with the likes of Levellers, Frank Turner, New Model Army, Nick Harper, Newton Faulkner, Miles Hunt, and many more, racking up over 1000 gigs to date.

He remains the only unsigned solo act to sell out The Fleece in Bristol - a feat he has achieved four times, with the last two times selling out 6 months in advance.

Gaz continues to relentlessly tour the UK and beyond, often playing as many as 200 gigs a year - proving that the "journey-man" title is more than just a simple metaphor - and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Festival this year.

Find out more about Gaz from the links below:

http://www.gazbrookfield.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gazbrookfieldmusic

https://twitter.com/GazBrookfield
 

https://soundcloud.com/gaz-brookfield
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz1tdDLpIuE

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Budapest Cafe Orchestra at Dart Music Festival

 The Budapest Cafe Orchestra

Joining the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain stands the Budapest Café Orchestra, hugely entertaining, immense skill and profound musicianship.

 
Led by jazz violin superstar Christian Garrick, The Budapest Café Orchestra play traditional folk and gypsy flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia. Klezmer, Romanian Doinas, Hungarian Czadas and beautiful ballads, such as the theme to Schindler's List and Andy Statman's beautiful Flatbush Waltz, are all encountered.

Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires -  plus a few surprises along the way -  a show by the BCO is good enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube! 

CHRISTIAN GARRICK – violin
 
EDDIE HESSION – accordion

KELLY CANTLON – double bass

ADRIAN ZOLOTUHIN – guitar, saz, balalaika, domra





A small but impeccably formed orchestra of just four players, the BCO combines violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz & balalaika creating an aural alchemy so awesome, normally characteristic of far larger ensembles only.

Two of the country’s most revered international soloists are nestled at the heart of proceedings...

Christian Garrick is one of Europe’s most celebrated jazz violinists and his CV boasts the likes of Dame Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy and Duffy.

Accordionist exemplar Eddie Hession has accompanied Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Chris Rea and is a supreme squeezebox champion of Great Britain.


One of Russia's most valuable musical exports, in the shape of the Sultan Adrian Zolotuhin, masterfully strums the strings of domra, balalaika and guitar and is a buff recording engineer besides.

Veteran bass-man Kelly Cantlon has been in the business of laying down the low notes for many many moons. Kelly is a former Vagabond, of Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, and our chief charity clothing expert.

Find out more from.....


facebook https://www.facebook.com/budapestcafeorchestra
twitter https://twitter.com/bco100
website http://www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS4OoPXq1gg
youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abrm8tpfSZA

...and see below what others had to say...


“Back by popular demand, the fiery vivacity and awe-inspiring musicianship of the finest purveyors of Eastern European gypsy music this side of a Lada scrap heap will leave you with a grin on your face and rhythm in your feet…” 
Times



“Last night we went, with friends, to see The New Budapest Cafe Orchestra. It was the most exciting, inspiring and uplifting evening. The whole event was a delight and everybody in the audience were stamping and shouting for more. Thank you for bringing such class entertainment to our area. More of them please, we would certainly love to see the BCO again.” Anon

"The Budapest Cafe Orchestra play a blistering barrage of Czardas, East European and Russian folk tunes that might have come from the Hot Club of Paris via the Orient Express!"
Brighton Argus

"What a treat we had from the Budapest Café Orchestra More than anything, it felt like a touch of magic had landed in the theatre.  Not only was their musicianship and performance magical, but there was also magic in the sense of trickery, or what illusions they were going to engage us in by the very sounds they produced on their instruments.  Add to this the very real rapport they immediately established with the audience, and you have music and entertainment of absolute quality. Follow all this with a repartee that kept everyone enthralled and amused and you have a good night out; and add to that a magical stage presentation and you have something even more."
Laurence Rugg, Orcadian

"The boys from the BCO eek out an interesting advantage over others in that they are musically connected to the culture rather than culturally connected to the music and this manifests itself in their performances which are among the most fulfilling live entertainment spectacles you are ever likely to find of any genre" BBC Celtic Connections

Full details in the official DMF programme which is just being prepared. Please check our website to find out when it will go on sale - shouldn't be long now so watch this space...!

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

New Project at Dart Music Festival

NEW PROJECT

We are very excited to be welcoming to the Festival New Project - a young and very talented up-and-coming band who are currently causing quite a stir.

Roger Cornish, a spokesman for the band, tells us:

"New Project entered a national competition called Rock The House of Commons. They were through to the finals which were held last week at The Bedford in Belham, London. There were twelve finalists, all being good musicians and singers, so the competition was strong.

The band did us all proud by winning the competition. This means they have won £750 of Yamaha vouchers. Plus, they have been asked to play a set at the Over 19s, being held at the American Ambassadors Residents, Regents Park, London, next month.

The judges were extremely impressed with their talent, especially as they were the youngest finalists - Dan on drums being 11, Ben on guitar/vocals aged 13 and Zach on bass/lead vocals aged 14.

One of the judges has invited them all to the Genesis Studios as guests, when he comes back off tour currently with Mike and The Mechanics in the USA."

Learn more about New Project:  Facebook.com/newprojectdevon. 

Sounds like this band are really going places - don't miss them at this year's Festival so you can say you saw them here first...!

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk 

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Dart Music Festival Programme - coming soon...

 It's on its way...

 

Yes, we are just busy adding the finishing touches to our new programme and it will then be winging its way to the printers, then shortly all done and dusted and on sale very soon. 

It will still have its iconic, Must-Have-One-Of-These-As-A-Souvenir yellow cover but the format is slightly different this year, making it even easier for you to find out exactly who's on where, and when, and plan your weekend to perfection.

If you've been to Dart Music Festival before I'm sure you'll know that we are often asked why we don't put full performance details on the website. 

So just to explain - in case you think we are being mean - the income from programme sales is ABSOLUTELY VITAL to help fund the Festival, as although our ethos is 'Free Music For All', the performers, technicians and everyone else who go towards making the Festival the brilliant event it is still have to be paid.

We hope you understand! I'll let you know when the 2015 programme will go on sale - we're hoping it will be before Easter so watch this space...

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th and 17th May 2015

Dart Music Festival - Classical Round-Up No 2

A Singing Workshop with Glorious Chorus

Come along and start the day with a song and a smile.

Helen Yeomans is the founder and leader of Glorious Chorus.

She writes and/or arranges all the songs that the choir sings and this morning you are welcome to come and join a singing workshop

The Dartmouth Orchestra. 

For the Music Festival this year the Orchestra will enjoy playing a selection of pieces, which are often referred to as light classical.

For most of those who play music it is difficult to say a piece of music is liked only because it is light or heavy classical, music from shows, pop, jazz or whatever. If what you hear gives pleasure, then it has done its job.

Listen with an open heart and you will find wonders to listen to everywhere.... 

dartmouthorchestra.co.uk

Dartmouth Rock

Following last year’s highly successful Festival debut performance in a packed Flavel Church, Dartmouth’s very own a cappella pop/rock choir are delighted to be appearing again this year … and in a much bigger venue! 

Singing hit songs ranging from Abba to Adele and Queen to Pharrell Williams they create a unique and exciting vocal sound and their concerts are always a wonderfully uplifting experience! 

     

A Session with Charles Hazlewood        

Performing at The Flavel with eight Senior String Musicians from The Royal Academy of Music.

British conductor Charles Hazlewood occupies a unique position in musical life. His fresh performances of classical music cross genres, break new ground, excite (and sometimes outrage) the audience, but his goal is always the same: exposing the deep, always-modern joy of orchestral music.

He conducts some of the world’s great orchestras, has had a sell-out show in the West End, won the Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear with his South African opera company, has collaborated with some of the top names in the pop music industry, has authored and presented music on BBC television and radio, established the first orchestral alternative to Glastonbury festival and founded the world’s first paraorchestra.

Charles' primary and tireless mission is to bring orchestral music alive for a new audience.

Book your free ticket from The Flavel 01803 839530.

There will be a retiring collection with a suggested donation of £10.00. All donations make a difference and are gratefully received.

See more at: http://www.charleshazlewood.com/#sthash.TNr3A2Hk.dpuf

The Appassionata Flute & Guitar Duo

Alex Knight and Suki Trussler make up Appassionata.

This Flute and Guitar Duo are based in Devon but their recordings and concerts have been experienced by audiences globally with notable success in Asia.

Some of their recordings have been used for television and film, and their music has been played to Barack Obama and Princess Anne as well as being sold in HMV and Harrods.

Performing at St Saviour’s Church with a refreshment Interval

Click on this link for music samples: http://fluteguitar.weebly.com/music-clips.htm

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk 

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Dart Music Festival - STOP PRESS!

Tickets for our Fantastic Fundraiser on 17th & 18th April at Little Dartmouth have just gone on sale! 

Places are limited and are sure to sell out fast so please make sure you aren't disappointed. 

Tickets: £10 for Friday and £30 for Saturday, or £35 for both nights. On sale NOWfrom No. 11 Clothing, Victoria Road.

In case you missed the earlier post, this prestigious event for Dart Music Festival on 17th/18th April 2015 is a Double Classical Concert Weekend hosted at The Stone Barn, Little Dartmouth.



 

Friday 17th - Part One:

‘A Celebration of Youth Concert’

With young professional musicians from the universities of Cambridge, Bristol and Exeter, Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Welsh College of Music and Guildhall School of Music, London performing from their classical repertoire.





 

Saturday 18th – Part Two:

‘Ji Liu in Concert’.

Piano sensation Ji - UK’s biggest-selling classical breakthrough artist of 2014 and Classic FM no 1 performer for 2014 following last year’s stunning success when his debut album ‘Piano Reflections’ shot straight to No. 1 on the UK Classical Chart – has been awarded Album of the Week in January 2015 by Classic FM’s John Suchet for his second album ‘Piano Encores’.



Ji will be performing a selection of awe-inspiring works by some of the world’s greatest composers, including Beethoven, Chopin and Rachmaninov and is supported by Peter Oakley, Oliver El Hollby, (counter tenors), Zoe Silkston (soprano) and accompanied by Peter Adcock on piano.

For both concerts, the bar opens at 7.00 and concerts are performed from 7.30 – 10.30.

 

 For more info please visit www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk or contact Marilyn Bird on 01803 835849

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Dart Music Festival - Classical Round-Up No 1

 The Roger Kempton Memorial Organ Recital with Organist David Davies

David Davies is the Assistant Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral. Originally a native of Snowdonia in North Wales, David was educated at Eton College, Magdalen College, Oxford (where he was organ scholar), and Yale University. He has worked in church music on both sides of the Atlantic, living in the USA for five years, and as Director of the Girls’ Choir and Sub Organist at Guildford Cathedral for six years.

David studied with John Wellingham, Nicolas Kynaston, Martin Jean and Thomas Murray, and has given recitals in South Africa, Japan, North America and several countries in Europe. In the UK he has performed at Westminster Abbey and the Royal Festival Hall and has appeared on numerous radio and television broadcasts.

So You Can't Sing..? 


Peter Knapp’s inspired singing workshop for all in St Saviour's Church - find that voice you never knew that you had!

Lift your spirits, dust off all woes, and sing...sing...sing

Piano Recital with Peter Adcock

Peter James Adcock won an organ scholarship to read music at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, where he secured a further music scholarship with the highest first in his year.

A pianist, organist and flautist, he reached the regional piano finals of the B.B.C. Young Musician of the Year at the age of 14; gained his organ diploma before going up to Oxford in 1988; and received a gold award for his flute playing from the Royal Schools of Music.

Peter studied the piano with the eminent Bach specialist and performer, Maurice Cole; the distinguished teacher, Danielle Salomon; and his mentor, the world-renowned Professor Alexander Kelly, late of the Royal Academy of Music, London. He also took organ lessons at Exeter Cathedral, and flute at Dartington College.

Peter Adcock will be performing in St  Saviour’s Church, with a refreshment interval.

Peter Knapp’s 'All You Ever Wanted to Know About Opera!'

“An evening of sheer delight!” The Observer

“An expert communicator of enthusiasm” The Scotsman

Join us for an evening of sophisticated stand-up comedy, a sumptuous selection of  music for singers and orchestra/audience operatic sing-along. This unique show celebrates opera in a hugely entertaining way.

Based on Peter Knapp’s experience of 40 years in the opera business, which has seen him sing, direct, conduct, translate and train performers, the show offers an opportunity to delve deeper into that wonderful world of divas, drama and unforeseen disasters.

Dazzling performers deliver opera favourites from Verdi, Rossini, Bizet and Puccini and others and the audience is expertly trained by the maestro sing a popular selection of opera choruses.

Discover and enjoy Peter on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J977l0v5TTE

For full details of all performances please check the official DMF programme - out soon.

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

Dart Music Festival - Live Music with MONKEY!...

 PuppetCraft Presents Monkey! - a puppet show with live music for children inspired by the Chinese classic story 'Journey to the West'

 Brilliant poet Michael Rosen (Children’s Laureate 2007–2009) has written a wonderful script specially forPuppetCraft

John Roberts, director of PuppetCraft, explains:

"Monkey is the main comic character in China’s great classic story Journey to the West, and is still one of the world’s most popular folk heroes, even after hundreds of years.  Hatched from a stone egg the mischievous Monkey can fly on a cloud, turn invisible and transform into anything…!

We have created our own telling of the story of the much loved trickster and super-hero  Monkey. We hope the whole family will enjoy our performance at Dart Music Festival".

26 years ago PuppetCraft’s director, John Roberts, trained in China for 6 months learning about a puppet tradition that goes back 3000 years. He has spent the last two decades perfecting his own puppet making and performing methods based on this ancient form.

The Monkey show has:

* Carved wooden string puppets designed and made by John.

* Beautiful, delicate coloured, 200 year old Chinese shadow puppets, which have recently been rediscovered in a dusty box in Devon, after many years in storage as part of the Dartington Hall Trust Collection

* Live music using traditional Chinese instruments, blended with modern techniques to give a vibrant sound world to accompany Monkey’s somersaulting adventures

* Fantastic movement that only puppets can do… inspired by Chinese dance and martial arts.

Plus Michael Rosen’s wonderfully funny and original writing.

  

There will be live music played in front of the puppet stage, on beautiful authentic Chinese instruments: zither, gongs, bells and woodblocks.

There is also a recorded sound-scape to bring the epic nature of the story alive.

The Team

Writer Michael Rosen
Designer/Director John Roberts
Composer/Musical director Rachel Miller
Fabric/Costumes Sue Field
Movement director Belinda Chapman
Chinese brush painting/calligraphy  Li Xiao Bai

Two puppeteers and a musician perform the show.

Performers: Mandi Allin, Libby Quick, Marisa Latimer, Joanna Hruby, Rachel Miller, John Roberts.

Monkey!

Inspired by the Chinese classic story Journey to the West.

A new version by Michael Rosen.

A full theatrical 60-minute puppet show from PUPPETCRAFT for the whole family - perfect for adults and children over four years old...

The birth and comic adventures of a fantastical superhero.
Stunning string puppets, antique shadow puppets and live music.

See Monkey! at Dart Music Festival - 15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk  

Dart Music Festival Foundation - Taiko Drums presentation

DMF FOUNDATION PRESENTS TAIKO DRUMS TO BLACKAWTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Photo credit Phil Braakenburg

 Dart Music Festival Foundation has recently had the great pleasure of donating a set of Taiko Drums to Blackawton Primary School.

For those who haven’t yet heard of the DMF Foundation, its inception was in 2009 when Dart Music Festival reported its first surplus.

This led to the birth of an idea that, in addition to three days of fantastic music, the festival could extend its activities to provide support to those with musical interests and ambitions living in and around Dartmouth.

   

The presentation of the Taiko Drums, left to right:

Tom Pether, Head Teacher Blackawton Primary School,
Jonathan Hawkins, County Councillor

Jess Heywood, Music Teacher and member of DMF committee
Pam Braakenburg, Trustee of DMFF and Chairman DMF

The Foundation was set up in 2010 and has been registered as a charity, and since then has helped a number of young people with various projects ranging from funding music lessons, purchase of musical instruments, funding of studio time and help with travel to take lessons. We have also funded equipment for a new Drumline workshop at Dartmouth Academy and have this year decided to fund instruments for local primary schools.

Our first project for 2015 was to supply Blackawton Primary with a set of Taiko drums, which was jointly funded by the DMF Foundation and the Devon County Council locality fund, and it is proposed that the DMFF helps our other local Primary Schools in the same way.
We were delighted to present the set of drums to the school last week where it was very well received by pupils and teachers alike

Head Teacher Tom Pether commented:

“Blackawton Primary School is very grateful to the DMF Foundation for the set of brilliant Taiko drums. 

The set comes with the promise of a training session for teachers which means we can ensure all children benefit. Drumming is a great team building, stress relieving, looking, listening, coordinating and exciting experience! Taiko also includes the discipline of a martial art - we are looking forward to developing this exciting new addition to our curriculum! - hopefully our neighbours are too!”

We are actively seeking financial support from benefactors and patrons so that we may build a solid endowment for future years.

 To find out more about the Dart Music Festival Foundation or to apply for support contact the Dart Music Festival at diane.lyon@outlook.com

 www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

 

 

Fantastic Double Classical Concert Weekend - Dart Music Festival Fundraiser

 A fabulous fundraising event for Dart Music Festival: 17th/18th April 2015

 

Double Classical Concert Weekend hosted at The Stone Barn, Little Dartmouth

Friday 17th - Part One:

‘A Celebration of Youth' Concert 

With young professional musicians from the universities of Cambridge, Bristol and Exeter, The Conservatoire of Scotland, The Royal Welsh College of Music and The Guildhall School of Music, London

 These talented young musicians will be performing from their classical repertoire.

Saturday 18th – Part Two: ‘Ji Liu in Concert’. 

Piano sensation Ji Liu was the UK’s biggest-selling classical breakthrough artist of 2014, following last year’s stunning success when his debut album ‘Piano Reflections’ shot straight to No. 1 in the UK Classical Chart.

He has now been awarded 'Album of the Week' in January 2015 by Classic FM’s John Suchet for his newly-released second album ‘Piano Encores’.

We are very excited to welcome Ji back to Dartmouth this year to delight and entertain us at this very special fundraising event - he wowed us with his performances last year and looks set to do it again..!

Ji will be performing a selection of awe-inspiring works by some of the world’s greatest composers, including Beethoven, Chopin and Rachmaninov and is supported by Peter Oakley, Oliver El Hollby, (counter tenors), Zoe Silkston (soprano) and accompanied by Peter Adcock on piano.

Visit Ji's website for a small sample of his amazing talent:  

http://www.jipiani/st.com/video

For both concerts, the bar opens at 7.00pm and concerts performed from 7.30pm – 10.30pm. 

Tickets: £10 for Friday and £30 for Saturday, or £35 for both nights.

On sale from 22nd February 2015 from No. 11 Clothing, Victoria Road.

For more info on this prestigious event please contact Marilyn Bird on 01803 835849

 

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015