Wimborne Folk Festival.
Wimborne Minster
June 13th - 15th

       ACROSS the border in Dorset the streets of the old town of Wimborne Minster will be ringing to the sound of folk music between June 13-15. The 23rd Wimborne Folk Festival is expected to attract of 30,000 people to enjoy a feast of traditional dance and music based on the town centre streets. Over 40 dance teams including the Boghoppers & Bushbeaters and The Yetminster Irish Dancers will be there. Amongst the folk artists parading their talents are Irish band Danu, rising English singer Emily Slade and Three Sunsets. See www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk for more information.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

Rock Island 2 Music Festival
Isle of Wight
June 14th-15th

       SOME big names have been booked for Rock Island 2, the Isle of Wight Music Festival which takes place over the weekend of June 14-15. Bryan Adams, Iggy Pop, Counting Crows and Starsailor head the line-up, and tickets are already on sale.
Ticket prices are £50 for the weekend and £30 for a single day; a weekend camping pass costs £10.Isle of Wight residents get a discount - it’s £40 for a a weekend ticket (£37.50 concessions) or £24 for a single day (£22 concessions). Tickets are available at Wight Leisure’s Head Office, 17 Quay Street, Newport, at Medina Leisure Centre, Fairlee Road, Newport, at The Heights Leisure Centre, The Broadway, Sandown, or a the Waterside Pool, Ryde Esplanade.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

Bluesathon 2003.
Lymington Yacht Haven
June 21st

       Now in its’ third year, Bluesathon is a non-stop 12-hour live music benefit to raise funds for the Coda Music Trust based at Christchurch. This year’s event is more high profile than ever with acclaimed American bluesman Eric Bibb volunteering his services as star guest, and many local musicians and bands also parading their talents for free. Entry to the event is just £5.
Staged in a marquee right next to Lymington Yacht Haven, Bluesathon 2003 features a line-up which encompasses pop, country, soul and jazz as well as blues. Artists appearing and kick-off times are as follows:
12:00 - The Moochers
12:45 - Skimmer
13:30 - Wend Lewis
14:00 - Karian Foot
15:00 - The Blues Codas
15:45 - Sally Boazman & Matthew Platt
16:45 - Bob Pearce
18:00 - The Dodge Brothers
19:00 - Sonny Black
20:00 - Big Red
21:00 - Eric Bibb
22:00 - Grass Roots
23:00 - The Juice
       Coda is a charity specialising in music tuition and music thereapy which currently caters to around 400 people. It has outgrown its present buildings and a massive redevelopment of the site is planned, hence the desperate need for funds. There is plenty of parking near the Yacht Haven, which is in Kings Saltern Road, Lymington.  For more details about Coda see www.coda.org.uk; Bluesathon 2003 is on www.bluesathon.com or ring 07866 265122. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

PORTSMOUTH FESTIVITIES - JUNE 21- 29
       There is plenty of live music during Portsmouth’s week of festivities at various locations. Free live jazz is on offer at Gunwharf Quays during the afternoon on the opening weekend. There is also a free rock concert at Southsea Bandstand when Reuben and Thirst will be playing. Details of other classical music recitals, jazz sessions and other music events can be found on the website www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk
Tickets for Portsmouth Festivities events are being sold by the Visitor
Information Centres in Portsmouth. One centre is located along Clarence Esplanade and the other at Portsmouth Harbour Station. Alternatively, booking forms are available on the website mentioned earlier. Visitor Information Centres can be contacted directly on 023 9282 6722 or by e-mail on tic@portsmouthcc.gov.uk  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

BISHOPS WALTHAM FESTIVAL - JUNE 22 - 29
       Dance, theatre and music. Musical events include Asian music at Bishops Waltham Tandoori on Monday 23rd plus concerts in Bishops Waltham Palace by Humphrey Lyttelton on Tuesday 24th, the Hatstand Opera Company on Wednesday 25th, Local Band Night on Saturday 28th and Pasadena Roof Orchestra on Sunday 29th.   (©Peter Ashton 2003)

BOURNEMOUTH FESTIVAL - JUNE 22 - 29
       Bournemouth Live! Music Festival is a free summer music event with bands from around the world performing concerts in and around the Dorset resort. The festival features free performances morning, afternoon and evening throughout the week.
On Wednesday 25th June, Bournemouth's Lower Gardens is the romantic setting for 'Music by Candlelight', a free concert featuring internationalbands with the gardens aglow with candles as dusk sets in. Kings Park, just outside Bournemouth, is the setting for Marching Bands Night on Thursday 26th June when more international bands perform. The evening culminates in a spectacular firework display.
The festival also includes performances at bars, restaurants and hotels in the town, with a wide range of music to suit all tastes. More information is available from Natalie Colegate Tel: 01202 451195 or email: natalie.colegate@bournemouth.gov.uk  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CRAWLEY FOLK FESTIVAL - JUNE 26 - 27
       "Over 100 artists on 5 stages in a weekend of the best in folk, roots, blues and country featuring the music of England, Ireland and North America " say the organisers. Artists include Eric Bibb, Cara Dillon, and Billy Bragg.
Postal bookings to The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley RH10 6YZ. Telephone Bookings Mon - Sat 10am - 8.15pm on 01293 553636.   (©Peter Ashton 2003)

 

Blues On The Farm 2003.
Pumpbottom Farm Apuldram, Chichester
June 26th - 29th

        THE big top goes up again at Pumpbottom Farm at Apuldram near Chichester from June 26-29 to accommodate the annual feast of blues from the USA, UK and Europe.
Organiser Julian Moores has booked a cracking line-up for Blues On The
Farm 2003, with the opening Thursday night featuring the mysteriously named American band BR 549 playing some pulsating Western swing, rockabilly and country music. Two more Americans are also on that night’s bill, acoustic blues singer Ben Andrews, and veteran soul singer Charles Walker, who will be backed by UK band Mo Indigo.
Friday night includes sets from rodent-rockers The Hamsters, Norwegian guitarist Vidar Busk and his band, the True Believers, plus California-based slide guitar virtuoso Eric Sardinas. The weekend gigs kick off on Saturday afternoon with sets from New York bluesman Popa Chubby (pictured), Knockout Greg & Blue Weather, The Nimmo Brothers, Rocky Athas & Bluesville and storming Liverpudlian Connie Lush and her band Blueshouter.
The final day brings a feast of blues with Brian Kramer & The Couch Lizards from the USA and UK Mississippi blues specialists Sugarland Slim. The evening showcases the pugnacious R&B style of Nine Below Zero, plus the feminine touch of Ana Popvic, a Yugoslavian-born blues singer who plays sizzling slide guitar. For more details ring 01243 773828 or see the website www.pumpbottomfarm.co.uk  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL - JUNE 27 - 29 - SOLD OUT!

BEAMINSTER FESTIVAL - JUNE 28 - JULY 6
       Music is a key ingredient of the Dorset town’s festival with folk, jazz, classical and world styles on the menu.  The opening weekend features a workshop for fiddlers of all standards with experts Peter Cooper, Nancy Kerr and John Dipper on hand to offer advice and tuition.  There is also Appalachian fiddle music and clog dancing with Dr Stomp, didgeridoo playing from Richard Bridge, folk with String Whistle, jazz with the Gerry Brown Mission Hall Jazz Band and classical concerts parading the talents of a host of soloists and orchestras.   Art exhibitions, lectures, childrens entertainment  and other activities will take place around the town during the week.  Telephone 01308 862299 or have a look at www.beamfest.org.uk for more information.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CHANDLERS FORD & HILTINGBURY FESTIVAL - JUNE 28 - JULY 10
       The new Thornden Hall at Thornden School is the venue for a series of musical events including afternoon workshops by Black Voices and Yvette Staelens, afternoon  music concerts plus a jazz salute to Louis Armstrong with the New Gateway Jazz Band and other jazz bands.  Other events, including a concert by Black Voices, take place at The Point in Eastleigh.   Yet  more events are being staged at Hiltingbury School, Hiltingbury Farmhouse pub and Eastleigh College.  
Full details www.thornden.hants.sch.uk or telephone  023 8026 9722.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

PRIDDY FOLK FAYRE, SOMERSET - JULY 4 - 6
       Deep in West Somerset the quaint village of Priddy stages three days of folk music
with a quality line-up including Waterson:Carthy, Jim Moray, Dr Faustus, Barbara Hunt, Pronghorn, Michael Chapman, Mike Silver, Jeremy Taylor and a host of local acts.
There will also be a Dance Festival in the Dance Marquee with Samba, French and Breton dance and much more. Craft stalls, food and beer and children’s entertainment make it a real family festival with camping on site.
www.members.aol.com/priddyfolkfayre or telephone 01749 675562 for more details.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

WINCHESTER FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 13
       Music, drama and various talks are amongst the attractions of Winchester Festival.  The music is mainly jazz and classical at various venues, with folk and other types of live music represented over the opening weekend’s Winchester Hat Fair.  
See www.winchesterfestival.co.uk for more details  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

LYME REGIS JAZZ FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 6
       Jazz fans who like it hot will be heading for the beautiful coastal resort of Lyme Regis for three days of music from over a dozen traditional jazz bands which kicks off at 3pm on Friday July 4.  Amongst the outfits performing are Gerry Brown’s Mission Hall Jazz Band, The Antique Six, Bob Dwyer’s Hot Seven and John Maddock’s Jazzmen.
  Weekend tickets are ?40 and tickets for single days can be purchased from Let’s Go Travel in Lyme Regis (01297 442491).  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CHRISTCHURCH FESTIVAL - JULY 4-6
       Down by the sea in Dorset, this year’s Christchurch Festival is a feast of music and dance. Music styles including rock, folk and blues will provide something for everyone. Acts range from gentle acoustic sessions to full stage shows on the specially-built covered quay site, where food outlets, a licensed bar,and craft stalls can also be found.
Here are just some of the artists appearing: The Hedgemonkeys, Pandoras Handbag, Crosscut Saw, MaryJane, Lady Winwood's Maggot and State of Undress. Dance groups include Sidmouth Steppers, Kintbury May Maids, Wickham Morris and Plain Capers. For more information see the website on www.christchurchfestival.co.uk.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

FROME FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 13
       The beautiful town of Frome in Somerset is the scene for an arts festival which includes many live music events. Amongst the acts are all-girl band The Blood Sucking Daisies, 70s pop act The Sweet, jazz veteran Acker Bilk, Appalachian country band Buffalo Gals, tribute band The Rollin'  Stoned plus loads of classical, folk and world music concerts.
Box Office: 01373 455420. Website www.fromefestival.org.uk.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

GUILFEST - JULY 4 - 6
       Amongst the artists belting it out on the main stage at Stoke Park,
Guildford, this year are Alice Cooper, Love with Arthur Lee,The Wildhearts, Madness,The Stranglers,The Vessels, Atomic Kitten,The Mavericks,Tom McRae and The Jeevas.
On the Uncut Magazine stage you can see Ozomalti, Cosmic Rough Riders, Carina Round, Richard Thompson, Steve Hackett, Jackie Leven, Peter Case, Marc Carroll, Drunk in Public, Oysterband, Thea Gilmore and Steve Wynn.
Weekend tickets cost £64 and one-day tickets are also available - ring
01483 454159 or see the website www.guilfest.co.uk  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CHICHESTER FESTIVITIES - JULY 4 - 19
       Two weeks of events celebrating the arts take place all around Chichester in West Sussex. Its the 28th year for the summer feast of culture which includes talks, walks, drama, dance, comedy, art exhibitions and film presentations as well as a crowded live music schedule. Amongst dozens of musical treats are Harlem Gospel Choir, Boney M, Rose Royce, Trio Mercurio, Chichester Cathedral Choir, Bact to Basie Orchestra, London Mozart Orchestra, and Bob Geldof and his band who play the final concert in Chichester Cathedral. See www.chifest.org.uk for full details. The Box Office is at 45 East Street in Chichester (01243 780192).  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL - JULY 11-13
       The Dorset festival kicks off on Friday evening with Bob Kerr's Whoopee Band, Denise Lawrence Band, Gwilym Simcock Nonet, Dave Brennen's Jubilee Jazz Band, Martin Dale Quartet with Alan Barnes, Lianne Carroll Trio, Andy Dickens Quintet & the Rob Koral Quartet with Sue Hawker & Alan Barnes.    
  Saturday’s acts are: Dave Brennan, Keith Nichols, Ken Colyer Trust New Orleans Jazz Band, Alan Barnes, Gwilym Simcock, Marie Murphy, Geoff Eales, Claire Hirst, Bob Martin, Lennart Anderssen, Gary Potter  
  Sunday - The festival closes with Hampshire Youth Jazz Orchestra, Blue Note Jazz Band, Bruce Adams, Clark Tracy, Gilad Atzmon, Kirk Lightsey Trio
  Events take place in a variety of venues around the town - see the websitewww.swanagejazz.org.uk for full details.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

ROMSEY BEGGARS FAIR - JULY 11 & 12
       Jazz, folk, bluegrass, pop, blues - it’s all there at the Beggars Fair. Live music takes place at various venues around Romsey including a main stage in The Cornmarket, various pubs and the Abbey Gardens. All the music is free, too, so get ready to listen to some blues with Two Came By, some bluegrass with Contraband and some jazz-funk with Amarillo. Loads more diverse acts like Barrington, Bosuns Call, The Okeh Wranglers and Chien Bizarre should ensure something to everybody’s tastes. Southampton’s Candle Club from the Talking Heads also takes over The Abbey Hotel on the opening night to encourage local singers and musicians to get up and do their thing. There are also displays of folk dancing, art and craft exhibitions etc - for more information on the whole event see www.beggarsfair.com.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

PETWORTH FESTIVAL - JULY 12 - AUGUST 3
       If you’ve never heard of Petworth it’s in West Sussex near Midhurst.
Petworth festival is predominantly a music festival, but there are art, dance and drama presentations as well aimed at the whole family . The music content is mainly jazz, world and classical, including the Medici Quartet, Red Priest, Taiko To Tabla and the Onyx Brass Quintet. For ticket details ring the Box Office on 01798 344068   (©Peter Ashton 2003)

GROOVES ON THE GREEN 3 - JULY 13
       POOLE in Dorset is the scene of Grooves on the Green 3 on Sunday July 13, when half a dozen local bands will entertain opposite Le Bateau in Lower Parkstone. Bands include The Absolute Darlings, Side Sweeper, Blinder, Maslow and Seamonkeys. Supplies of food and drink will be available and there are a number of village fete style attractions. The music begins at 12 noon and continues until 7pm.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)
 

MARYPORT BLUES FESTIVAL, CUMBRIA - JULY 25 -26
       OK, it’s not in the south but a visit to the Lake District to hear some blues sounds like a good idea.  Dionne Warwick is topping the bill, which is interesting to say the least.  A fine singer but does she sing the blues?  Maryport is on the western fringe of the Lake District on Solway Firth, and the main stage is in a marquee by Maryport Marina.  Other gigs take place at local pubs and clubs around the picturesque town which is set on a hill.  Several artists from the south are on the bill, including Pete Leigh & The Union, who will have Zoot Money with them, and young Scott McKeon, the guitar prodigy from Dorset.  Also appearing: Paul Lamb & The Kingsnakes, Marcus Malone, Aynsley Lister, The Groundhogs,  Ben Andrews, Sean Chambers, Sonny Black & The Dukes, Danny Bryant & The Redeye Band, Amor and Band Of Friends.  Details via Ray Martin, BCM Promotions Tel: 0115 932 8615 or e-mail: ray@bcmpromotions.com.  Eleanor Carr, Festival Marketing, Tel: 07710 544 040 or e-mail:  info@maryport-blues.co.uk  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

EALING BLUES ‘N’ ROOTS FESTIVAL - JULY 26
       Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 is the location for a free event which has been going since the late 1980s. The Blues ‘n’ Roots Party is part of Ealing Summer, a dynamic programme of arts and cultural events which will attract over 125,000 people and includes The Ealing Comedy Festival, The Ealing Film Festival, Street arts performances, The Ealing Jazz Festival, children’s shows and much much more.
Amongst the stars at this year’s Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival are the princess
of UK gospel blues, Collette Allen, Richie Milton & The Lowdown, Pete G & The Magnitones, and The Guv’nors. 24hr INFORMATION LINE for all events 020 8825 6640 Full program details available via www.ealing.gov.uk/EalingSummer  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

WOMAD FESTIVAL - JULY 25 - 27
       The annual world music bash at Rivermead, Reading is as eclectic as ever with guest artists including Ali Slimani, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Super Rail Band of Bamako, Pape & Cheikh, and dozens more first class acts.  See www.womad.org/reading (©Peter Ashton 2003)

Sidmouth Festival.
Sidmouth
August 1st - 8th

       Devon’s beautiful seaside town has as usual come up with a terrific bill of folk and roots artists from around the world. The event that labels itself “first among festivals” this year includes Lindisfarne, Eliza Carthy, The Kathryn Tickell Band, Last Night’s Fun, Lunasa and Altan among a host of intriguing acts. Eight days of song, music and dance also include guests from around the world including representatives from France, USA, Korea, Russia, Ghana, Poland, India, Spain and Canada.
A season ticket for the whole eight days costs only ?149, ?20 off if
purchased before August 1. Tickets are also available for individual days - see the website www.sidmouthfestival.com for more information and a complete schedule of performers.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

BOURNEMOUTH MARDI GRAS 2003 - AUGUST 2
       Bournemouth Mardi Gras 2003 is a celebration of diversity reflecting the town’s large gay and lesbian community – the fifth largest in the UK, so they say. Mardi Gras will be one huge summer partyby the seaside on Saturday August 2 with music, cabaret, airground rides, market stalls, food and drink outlets. There will also be a family fun area and sign interpreters.
The venue will be Meyrick Park which is a short walk from Bournemouth town centre (walk up Braidley Road alongside the Town Hall). South West Trains are planning special fare deals for Mardi Gras visitors with transport to the site from Bournemouth Station. Bournemouth’s gay venues are supporting Mardi Gras with special fundraising activities in the run up to August and are all geared up to continue the party when the curtain falls on the main stage. More information is available from Bournemouth Tourist Office.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CROPREDY FESTIVAL - AUGUST 7 - 9
       Fairport Convention’s annual music bonanza takes place in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. This year’s line-up is better than ever:
Thursday 7 August - Colvin Quarmby, Meet On The Ledge, Trevor Burton Band & Lindisfarne
Friday 8 August - Mark Gillespie, Keith Donnelly, Equation, David Hughes, The Bucket Boys, Blue Tapestry & Procol Harum
Saturday 9 August - Richard Digance, Big Al Hodge & The Mechanics, The Hush, Old Blind Dogs, Albert Lee & Hogans Heroes, Dennis Locorriere & Fairport Convention.
For full details see www.fairportconvention.co.uk  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

BROCKSTOCK 2003 - AUGUST 9 & 10
       Subtitled Spirit of the South Music Festival, Brockstock features The Commitments and forty more bands in Canford Park Arena. It’s a charity event to raise money to expand the Coda Music Centre at Christchurch. Watch this space for the full line-up for an event which is being organised with the family in mind - fun fair, food and drink, craft stalls and many more attractions have been arranged. Tickets are available from the BIC box office on 012020 456456 ON 01202 456456 or visit www.bic.co.uk’  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

BEAUTIFUL DAYS-ESCORT PARK, DEVON-AUGUST 16& 17
       Staged in picturesque Escot Park between Exeter and Honiton this weekend festival has a varied bill including Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Oysterband, Groundhogs. Levellers, Senser, Justin Sullivan, Nick Harper, Grand Drive. Plenty more acts, highly attractive surroundings, lots of food and drink, craft stalls, childrens entertainers and other activities should make it live up to its title. See www.beautifuldays.org.uk for full details.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)

SOUTHSEA FOLK & ROOTS FESTIVAL - AUG 24 - 31
       South Parade Pier is the location for eight days of top folk, roots, blues and dance events. Amongst the names entertaining this year are The Strawbs, Oysterband, Phil Beer Band, Julie Felix, Arlen, Mary Jane and The Pete Harris Band. There are free daytime concerts and ticketed evening concerts between £5 and £10.
Tickets are available online or from The Festival Office, Kylebrack House, 41 Festing Grove, Southsea, Hants, PO45 4BS. A season tickets for all concerts are just £50, a final weekend ticket only £25 - check the website for more details: www.barkingspider.abelgratis.com/festival or telephone 02392 436267 or Mobile: 07970 959793.  (©Peter Ashton 2003)