Friday, 6 March 2015

Connie Lush - a treat for Dart Music Festival

Credit: Eye Imagery
Lush by name, lush by nature...

Connie Lush has been recognised as one of the finest Blues singers in the UK, winning five times, “Best Female Vocalist Uk” earning a place in the gallery of greats, alongside Alexis Corner and Eric Clapton to name just two. 







She was twice voted “European Blues Vocalist of the year” by the French Blues Trophies Awards” and nominated again “Best UK Blues Vocalist” 2011-2012.

 

Credit: Eye Imagery
In recent years, Connie has performed in over 30 countries.  She has played at some of Europe’s largest and most prestigious festivals, including Glastonbury Festival 2011 and wowing audiences in Moscow, New York and LA , recording in “The Cotton Row Studios” in Memphis and of course singing at BB Kings, Beale St....

Connie also toured with BB King through the Uk, finishing at  The Royal Albert Hall London.

 


Credit: Eye Imagery


Blues is her first love...

...Connie is also a known songwriter, writing for TV and featuring at Jazz FM and other radio stations as a DJ.  She continues her love affair with audiences everywhere, bringing her enormous “Gusto” for life and music wherever she goes.  As BB King said “That woman makes my heart sing!”


 


Connie and the Band are currently recording songs for  their forthcoming album, which is due for release, early Spring 2015. 

Credit: Eye Imagery


I personally have had the pleasure of enjoying one of Connie's concerts years ago - the music was brilliant and we had such a great evening which has stuck in my mind, so I'm really excited to welcome Connie and the boys to Dartmouth and can't wait to see them again. 

Miss this at your peril..!




Find out more:





What the people say:

"That woman makes my heart sing" BB King

“A voice like a 3am whiskey/enough electricity to power the national grid" - Front Page of The Times

"Unforgettable name unforgettable voice" - Philip Key, Liverpool Daily Post

“The very best" - Liverpool ECHO

"The stand-out artist was Connie Lush" - Justine Mills, Cricket

"A tour de force performance" - The Beatles Story

"Star of the show" - Liverpool ECHO

"A stunning version of The Power Of Love" - Liverpool Daily Post

 "Outstanding collaboration" - Liverpool ECHO



www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015

 



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Glorious Chorus at Dart Music Festival

 
Don't miss the glorious concert from Glorious Chorus....
 
 
Acclaimed Devon choir Glorious Chorus brings it’s unique brand of music and style to the Dartmouth Music Festival. 
 
With it’s award-winning songs by Director/Composer Helen Yeomans, clever choreography and soloist's dazzle, the chorus guarantees leaving you enthralled and uplifted.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shortlisted for BBC's Last Choir Standing and finalists in Charles Hazlewood's Orchestra In A Field choir competition, Glorious Chorus has come a long way in the last ten years. Catch them for this return trip to the festival. A must-see!
 
As if this isn't enough to inspire you, you can also sing with Helen at her Harmony Magic Singing Workshop on the same day, in the beautiful St Saviours Church.
 

Award-winning songwriter Helen Yeomans has been writing for her choir Glorious Chorus for over ten years and now brings her uplifting and moving music to Dartmouth Music Festival. 
 
Helen teaches her work all over the UK and abroad, as well as being commissioned to write for other choirs and projects. 
 
 
 
 
Come and join her as she teaches some of her best-loved songs in beautiful four-part harmony and a few easy pieces from around the world and maybe a bit of gospel too! 
 
For singers of all abilities and experience.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more info please visit:

Glorious Chorus: www.gloriouschorus.co.uk
 
Helen Yeomans:  www.helenyeomans.co.uk
 
www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk
 
15th, 16th & 17th May 2015
 
 

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Beth Porter & The Availables back at Dart Musc Festival


 
Well-loved and ubiquitous session cello player Beth Porter takes centre stage with her debut album release “Open Doors”.


An award winning classical musician in her own right, Beth embraced the folk scene and was taken in by their fraternity, touring and sessioning with the likes of Eliza Carthy, Jim Moray, Jackie Oates and Bellowhead.





As Beth’s reputation as an outstanding session cellist grew, she was much sought after by more main stream acts, appearing on albums by Newton Faulkner, Kula Shaker, Petula Clark, The Proclaimers and The Heavy.

During this time Beth began writing her own songs and was invited to play a number of her own dates in Germany at very short notice. Ringing friends and musicians to see if they might play last
minute as part of her band, Beth Porter & The Availables was born.



Beth sings her endearing songs with a pure yet fragile voice, accompanying herself on either cello or ukulele, and it is this signature sound that forms the core of the album.

The Availables, on strings, piano, drums and bass, expand the arrangements from the ethereal to the cinematic, epic and playful, delivering an album of undeniable richness, and all lovingly captured in glorious vinyl analogue.


Spending so much time on the road as a musician is a clear inspiration for the songs on this album. Beth captures many a landscape within her lyrics, such as on Pylons where she sings of the reflective moments on a journey that absorb us, as well as more darker personal experiences such as the exquisitely morbid Salty Water, reflecting upon a murder that took place behind her house.



 
 
 
 
Beth Porter & The Availables will be touring the UK to support the Open Doors album in the Spring 2015. For an updated tour schedule and more information please visit:


Band: www.bethporterandtheavailables.co.uk

Label: www.kingbillrecords.com

Social: www.facebook.com/bethporterandtheavailables     www.twitter.com/bethanyporter1
  
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/beth-porter

'Open Doors' is available on limited edition vinyl through kingbillrecords.com and all good record shops. Also available on download on all usual sites (plus iTunes pre-order available from Feb 9th)

What the people are saying:

“Utterly charming” - Nick McCabe (The Verve)

“A writer in the vein of Cat Power, Moldy Peaches and R.E.M.’s Automatic For The People” - Songwriting Magazine

“A thing of beauty” - Jim Barr (Portishead)



Personally, we're delighted that Beth and her talented musicians are 'available' to return to Dart Music Festival and can't wait to see them again... 

Full details of Beth's and all other performances in the Official DMF Programme out soon.


www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015


















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Thursday, 5 March 2015

Dart Music Festival - The Annika Skoogh Quartet and Duo

We are delighted that the talented Annika Skoogh is performing at Dart Music Festival again this year - first with her Quartet and then in a Duo with Steve Dow. Sounds like she is going to be a busy lady in May - please read on...

 

The Annika Skoogh Quartet is an exciting band fast gaining a reputation as a force to be reckoned with and led by Swedish singer Annika Skoogh.  
 
Between them, they play many of the jazz circuits and festivals both locally and nationally and we are happy to have them back again at this year’s festival. Their music is an innovative re-working of mainly jazz standards but also pop tunes through alternate time signatures, re-harmonisations and a modern aesthetic and the result is a new fresh sound. 
 
Annika is an adventurous singer who blends an effortless, rhythmical style with a warm soulful tone and daring scatting and she has picked a fine band for this contemporary project, namely Matt Carter (piano), Al Swainger (double & electric bass) and Coach York (drums) and they frame Annika's assured vocals very well indeed. 
 
 
Expect to hear effortless improvisation, technical prowess, tight rhythms delivered with passion and high energy. A must see.


 
The Annika Skoogh and Steve Dow Duo is a vocal and guitar duo brought together by a mutual love of bossa, latin, jazz and blues. 
 
Both well respected musicians in their own right, playing in various bands, this project provides space to explore material in a more intimate and stripped-back setting.
 
Multilinguist Annika also adds another dimension by singing some of the songs in different languages. 
 
Annika's soulful vocals are beautifully complimented by Steve Dow’s wonderful guitar paying, the result is as impressive as it is spellbinding.



 
 
What other people say:

“Seriously good talent….what a voice!” Phonic FM

“What amazing voice and quality jazz” CICCIC Jazz Club

“A singular vocalist capable of both power and sweetness, sympathetically accompanied by a skilful Trio” St Ives Jazz Club
 



 
15th, 16th & 17th May 2015


 
 

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Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Velvet and Stone at Dart Music Festival




Singer-songwriter winners Velvet & Stone are coming...


...this three-girl, alt-folk/ blues trio are playing at Dart Music Festival


The band includes Holly and Lara on guitar and vocals, and Kat on violin.




Soulful, bluesy vocals, combined with guitar, haunting violin, and roots-songwriting. Velvet and Stone provide an original take on a traditional genre, blending personal tales, local stories, and landscapes with their chilled, acoustic vibe.  



Velvet and Stone are Lara, Kat and Holly, all hailing from the small village of Silverton in Devon. 

Holly and Lara both write, sing and play guitar, whilst Kat is a classically trained violinist, who has recently 'converted' to folk!

The band gigged for the first time as a trio in February 2014, and have rapidly made a name for themselves.



 

 Velvet & Stone won 'The Song 2014' in 2014.



In July 2014, they won singer-songwriter competition 'The Song 2014' at Gloucestershire venue The Convent, where two of their original songs - 'Same Old Record' and 'The Storm' won over the judges making them the winners of the 'Judges Choice' category.









The girls recently had their first radio play on BBC Introducing in Devon in January 2015, with very positive reviews of their record 'Forget about the Rain'. They are currently recording their first EP, with Convent Records. This record will include a collection of their original songs, produced by musician/ producer Jack Henderson.


 To find out more about Velvet and Stone please visit:

Website -  http://velvetstonemusic.com/


Instagram - https://instagram.com/velvetandstoneuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/velvetstonemusic

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/velvet-stone-1

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXqewfQDrBZ594d2Wrcsokw 


www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015




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Dart Music Festival - Gimi Hendrix Experience returns

We were blown away by this great band at last year's Festival, so we're delighted to welcome them back again this year!








Gimi Hendrix - AKA Stu - from the band tells us:

"We played the Dart Music Festival for the first time last year and are really looking forward to coming back this year to play another set. We are performing on the bandstand stage and will be again playing lots of well known Hendrix classics and a few songs we didn't get to perform last year..."

The Gimi Hendrix Experience is made up of three professional musicians from the South West of England. Friends and band mates for a number of years, each member has  played in lots of musical projects and toured extensively around the UK and the rest of the world.

With a shared passion for the music of Jimi Hendrix, the band approaches every song with the respect it deserves and this is clear to see when the band performs the music they love.

Joe Murtagh photography


The Gimi Hendrix Experience is about keeping Jimi's music alive with an ethos of recreating the vibe and passion of the original experience.

The exciting live shows always go down well with their audiences, with a set list that includes all of Jimi's hit songs and a few lesser known tracks that stand up to the hits as great songs and should be heard live.


Gimi Hendrix – Lead guitar and vocals

Knowle Redding – Bass guitar

Kitch Mitchell - Drums


You can hear samples of their music on their website music page. For more info please visit links below: 

Website:
http://gimihendrix.co.uk/


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gimi-Hendrix-Experience/122912564434417?ref=ts&v=wall

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GimiHendrix

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU_h-gPA4Pk


www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015




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Dart Music Festival - Classical Round-Up No 3


Once again our Bell Ringers start the day’s musical feast at St Saviour’s Church .

All are more than welcome to go along and watch









Festival Sung Eucharist at St Saviour’s Church

The Festival sung Eucharist with The Reverend Will Hazlewood, Priest-In-Charge of Dartmouth and Dittisham. The Parish Choir is directed by Christopher Helyer. 

All are welcome and there will be coffee in the Gallery afterwards.








 Dart Festival Chorus

Magna Carta 800 – The Dart Music Festival’s very own choir marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta with a concert that celebrates the charter and its legacy in music.

How? Come along to St Saviour's Church and find out!


David Davies, Assistant Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral, makes a welcome return as Guest Conductor, while Ian Curror, former Director of Music at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, is this year’s Guest Accompanist.

www.dartfestivalchorus.co.uk







Dartmouth Town Ringers perform again at St Petrox Church, next to historic Dartmouth Castle.

All are welcome to wander out to the mouth of our beautiful river to watch our very accomplished Bell Ringers at work.

www.dartmouthtownringers.co.uk



Choral Vespers at John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church

Choral Vespers with Father Sunny Paul, Priest of Brixham and Dartmouth will preside at this service. The singing will be led by The Buckfast Abbey Choir.  All are Welcome.








The Dart Music Festival welcomes back the Devon Youth Wind Orchestra (DYWO) -  a symphonic wind orchestra for students aged between twelve and twenty-one years from all areas of Devon.

Conducted by Steve Grant and organised and administered by the friends of DYWO, the Orchestra offers a unique opportunity for members to develop their musical education and experience within a friendly and welcoming environment.  Membership includes up to ten gathering days a year; a residential weekend and the option to take part in biannual national and international tours.

The Devon Youth Wind Orchestra will help round off the Classical Music in style - not to be missed!



15th, 16th & 17th May 2015




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Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Blues/Rock trio at Dart Music Festival


Since the age of nine, Kris Hacker was lucky enough to have a Fender Stratocaster placed in his hands by his grandparents...



Having performed with many different bands over the years he has developed his own sound and style.
  




 
Inspired by greats such as Hendrix, Knopfler, SRV, Joe Bonamassa to name a few his latest band with Mike Isaac on bass and father David on drums have gained a very good local following in Devon and the original material is going down a storm. 









So, if you want to hear a very dynamic, tight but loose blues/rock original trio be sure to catch The Kris Hacker Band here at the Dart Music Festival 2015.

To find out more:

Facebook (change of name pending..!): 



15th, 16th & 17th May 2015





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Dart Music Festival welcomes Reggae Band Mighty Leap

 Mighty Leap are a 6-piece reggae band from Reading. Combining a blend of different genres, the band focus on creating huge energy on stage, leaving the audience no option but to join in. 



 


Within the last eighteen months, Mighty Leap has made some groundbreaking moves, including support slots for Rocksteady/Ska legends Dawn Penn, Susan Cadogan and the biggest band within reggae music, The Wailers.



Last summer saw a great festival run for the band, which included slots at Boomtown Fair, Secret Garden Party and Shambala Festival.

 









Also in this time, Mighty Leap released their debut single, a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s hit ‘Everywhere’ on Skylarkin records, which was pressed to 7” vinyl as well as a digital release.

Recently, Mighty Leap has been working on projects with dub/reggae producer, DJ Wrongtom and legends from the jungle music scene, The Ragga Twins.  



The Band is currently in the process of recording their debut album, which they plan to release later this year.

Find out more:

YouTube:

Facebook:



 

15th, 16th & 17th May 2015



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Totnes Folk Duo Harbottle & Jonas at Dart Music Festival


 Harbottle & Jonas are a stunning young folk duo based in the wilderness of Totnes...







Together Dave Harbottle and Freya Jonas paint pictures with their words and share stories of folk auld and new. 

They are hardworking song-smiths that place an emphasis on musical independence, originality and breathe new life into Traditional English Folk songs. They have already received plaudits from folk royalty including Seth Lakeman, Jon Boden and BBC Introducing. 

David and Freya have recently released their debut album 'Cutthorpe Hill' which is receiving excellent reviews (including having a beer named after it..!). The album can be found on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon.


 Please see below what others have said...

‘Phenomenal. Another talented Totnes band’ – BBC Introducing Devon

 'Great! A really unique sound' - Seth Lakeman

 'I'm really enjoying this' - Jon Boden (Bellowhead)


Find out more about Harbottle & Jonas from their website: http://harbottleandjonas.com/  
and listen to them on youtube:

www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk
15th, 16th & 17th May 2015


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