Faith, Folk and Anarchy

In 2002 Steve Knightley, Tom Robinson and Martyn Joseph formed a temporary ‘acoustic power’ trio entitled Faith, Folk and Anarchy. A sell out-tour and live album soon followed. Now fifteen years later the guys have decided to get together once again. They have a headline set at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival in late August and their only other reunion gig will be here at Exeter Phoenix. Don’t miss this chance to come along and enjoy three master craftsmen at the height of their performing and songwriting powers.

Bayou Seco (USA) Cajun, Chicken Scratch and Cowboy - The George Hotel, 1 Broad Street, South Molton EX36 3AB - 8.00pm - Full £12.00 - Concession £10.00 - Supporter £8.00  
To reserve tickets telephone the Box Office on 01805 624624. To purchase tickets and more information visit website CANCELLED - due to illness
Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie, aka Bayou Seco, have spent a lifetime soaking up the traditional music of Louisiana, New Mexico and Arizona. Using a simple line up of fiddle, accordion, banjo and guitar they take their audience on a musical odyssey through the American southwest, performing and reinvigorating long forgotten songs and dances with wit, warmth and style.

Daniel Smith Blues Band - Otterton Mill, Otterton, nr Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 7HG - 8.00pm Tickets £15.00 (price covers the music only) Visit website
A long overdue return to the Mill for this 5 piece band and the talented fingers of Daniel Smith.  Featuring boogie-woogie, hard bop, soul-jazz, blues, New Orleans and several other genres besides, Daniel is one of the most exciting talents to emerge onto the British blues scene in recent years.  This is a genuine class act and a gig that is sure to stay long in the memory

To book, telephone 01395 568521 or visit the craft shop in the mill building - website

The concerts take place in the Mill’s intimate restaurant setting, and music-goers can enjoy great menus of seasonal food between 6 to 7.30pm. Music starts at 8pm. (Note: ticket prices shown cover music only).

Laurie Ward - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 9.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website Musician singer/songwriter Laurie is a talented young artist who has been writing and performing music since he was 7 years old. His music has featured on various radio stations,  including Radio 1, but he still returns to his hometown to perform his special mix of music from reggae to folk, raunchy rock to gentle ballads and of course some of his own brilliant songs.

Rakes Adrift - Joiners Arms, 6 Market Place, Bideford EX39 2DR - 9.30 p.m.

Their music has been described as Appalachian honky tonk, and being based out of Asheville, North Carolina, that’s about as close as it can get to presenting them a handy style tag. But, The Honeycutters are more well-rounded with a richer depth of character than that suggests – a factor that has won them a much wider span of appreciation than that description would normally do. Everyone agrees that the band’s most potent force is, of course, singer and song-writer Amanda Anne Platt, who has been rightly compared to some of the great female performers of the post-war years. They have made a huge impact on both sides of the Atlantic and the last two albums won a batch of glowing reviews and the ended 2016 on many “Best-of” end-of-the-year lists.

Tim Royce & Steve Songi - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 5.00pm . Go to Bicton Inn website
Craftsman guitar playing complemented by smoky vocals, Tim and Steve stamp their original sound onto a huge repertoire of music ranging  from 60s & 70s rock and pop, 50’s rock 'n' roll, country, and jukebox favourites through to stompin' 20s & 30s jazz, jive and blues classics.

World Unlimited - Hymn to Her - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD - 7.30pm - Go to website for more information, telephone 01803 875527 or email

This American duo have a strong folk, country and Americana vibe with enchanting harmonies and untempered angst and energy. Lucy’s chanteuse-like vocals are both beautiful and dark, while Waynes’s soulful tenor provides a solid foundation for the duo’s stripped-down yet evocative tunes.

World Unlimited is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation. Telephone 01803 875527 or email
Originally based in Birmingham, WU now regularly promotes concerts in South Devon. Go to website for more information

Old Gaffers Shanty Crew - The Bear & Blacksmith, Chillington, Kingsbridge TQ7 2LD - 7.00pm
The Salcombe Fish Wife & Her Crew are hosting a charity event raising money for the NCI Prawle Point and Fisherman's Mission Brixham. Booking essential, call 01548 581171. £3.00 on the door. Raffle/auction. Entertainment by The Old Gaffers.

Hannah & Gabriel - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 5.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Both singer/guitarists and songwriters this duo will enchant you with their original renditions of indie folk/pop covers in addition to some of their own songs. Hannah’s angelic voice is perfectly complemented by Gabriel’s guitar playing. A band with a very contemporary sound.

Raddon Hill Clog Morris - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 8.30pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Come and enjoy the sheer spectacle of one Devon’s famous Morris groups dancing outside The Bicton. Raddon Hill Clog Morris claim to be Exeter’s jolliest Clog Morris side and ask you to bring along nothing but a good sense of humour. Their members are drawn from right across Devon and enjoy the fun and frolics of a mixed side. This is an event children may also enjoy.

Open Mic Night

Enjoy an evening of music from anyone who would like to come along and perform in this relaxed atmosphere. The monthly event has so far included a wide range of musical genres from classical to pop and performances from solo singers to instrumental ensembles. So if you have a musical talent to share please come along and join in.

Thank Folk It's Friday at Oddfellows - hosted by Dumbo's Feather - The Oddfellows, High Street, EX8 1NP Exmouth - 9.00pm
Thank Folk It's Friday will be something a bit different from your average pub music night of random covers, and will feature as the host band Dumbo's Feather, who have built up a following in the area with a series of very well-received festival performances and St. Patrick's night shows, including a memorable ceilidh at Exmouth's Pavilion Theatre. The Devon-based band features a mix of award-winning and nationally renowned performers within their ranks, with the fiery fiddle playing of Alice McShane the main focus of their repertoire of reels, jigs, polkas and songs, augmented by multi-instrumentalists Mike Cosgrave and Richie Evans. Future nights shall feature guest performers but for the opening night, it's Dumbo's Feather all the way, so come along and support something new and inventive for a Friday night in Exmouth.

Bicton Street Blues - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 9.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Enjoy an evening of stomping rock and blues. Bicton Street Blues is fronted by Exmouth bluesman Dave Gwilliam accompanied by talented multi-instrumentalist Olly Davy. Dave originally fronted Laughing Gravy and the Fourbeats and Olly has played in a variety of folk, and blues bands including the Junkyard Angels.

The Blackheart Orchestra

Award-winning British songwriters, composers and multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington are The Blackheart Orchestra. One of the must-see bands of 2017, the pioneering folktronica duo blend musical styles seamlessly sidestepping boundaries to create music huge enough to fill a cathedral. Always producing something beyond all easily marketed genres, their multi-instrumental sonic landscapes have always been too unpredictable and adventurous for the mainstream.

Fusing acoustic fragility and pulsing electronica, The Blackheart Orchestra bring together stringed instrument dexterity with 80’s synthesisers and clear classical influences. Often mistaken for an 8-piece band on first listen, they are found on stage continuously changing from electric and acoustic guitars, bowed guitar, piano, organ, bass and electronic percussion to vintage synthesisers, omnichord and melodica in a complex choreographed weave of musical moods and textures. One moment their sound is minimal and molecular, the next a mountain-like wall of sound with vast symphonic climaxes. Their four critically acclaimed albums and mesmerising live shows have won them obsessive worldwide fans, plaudits from musical giants and placements on TV commercials and films. Chrissy Mostyn’s haunting vocals, the Mike Oldfield-like multi-instrumental playing of Rick Pilkington plus their fearless combination of conventional and unconventional all reflect their self-created universe where art meets sound and words paint pictures that take you with them on their deep musical journey into the human psyche.

Guy Somerfield - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 5.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website Popular singer/songwriter Guy will again be performing his unique renditions of covers and original songs featuring his charismatic vocal, 12 string guitar and harmonica. Guy will be playing a mixture of folk, rock and pop ballads together with some of his own brilliant songs.

Rakes Adrift in concert - Yarnscombe Church, EX31 3LB - Tickets available in advance £7.00/£5.00 (adult/child) or on the door £8.00/£6.00 (adult/child). Tickets box office email or telephone 07542 813882. Part of the Yarnscombe Village Weekend Celebrations.

Bicton Jam Night - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 9.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in with this new, regular jam session.  You can lead a tune or just play along with everyone else, or read a funny poem. All musical genres welcome. If you don’t play or sing, you are sure to enjoy the sounds created and end up tapping your feet or rattling your teeth!

Open Folk Session with Becky Brooks - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 8.30pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
An open session featuring folk, country and indie acoustic music hosted by Exmouth’s favourite balladeer Becky Brooks. Anyone can come and join in the fun, perform solo or as part of the group.

Ragged Union - Outside Courtyard - Otterton Mill, Otterton, nr Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 7HG - 8.00pm Tickets £15.00 - (price covers the music only) Visit website
Formed in the winter of 2014 and hailing from Colorado, the band became a fixture on the Bluegrass scene earning fans among both young and older audiences.  This all star line up of some of the state’s finest pickers and the dynamic front duo of husband and wife, Geoff and Christina Union captivate from the off.
‘ a scorching live proposition’ R2 magazine.

To book, telephone 01395 568521 or visit the craft shop in the mill building - website

The concerts take place in the Mill’s intimate restaurant setting, and music-goers can enjoy great menus of seasonal food between 6 to 7.30pm. Music starts at 8pm. (Note: ticket prices shown cover music only).

Jacob Hillman - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 9.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website Talented young singer/songwriter and musician Jacob Hillman, brings you his own unique brand of exciting covers and the odd original track to the Bicton. His dynamic piano playing and unerring ear for a melody make for an evening not to be missed. Playing songs from artists as diverse as the Scissor Sisters, System of a Down, Alt-J, and David Bowie, Jacob encompasses most musical genres and will leave you with a smile on your face and your toes tapping.

Folk and Shanty Night - St Mary's Church, Appledore, Bideford - 7.30pm - £5.00 on the door.
Another of our evening of popular folk songs and shanties with The Torridge Shanty Group and guests The Littleham Howlers. An opportunity to join in with most of the words will be displayed on screen. Refreshments during the interval. Proceeds to church funds

The Torridge Shanty Group is part of the Torridge Support Branch of Parkinson’s UK. Singing can be an effective part of the therapy and management of the condition.

Reefs of Moonshine - 5.00pm Enjoy the amazing sound of duo Reefs of Moonshine when Lisa’s angelic voice is complemented by Nick’s professional guitar playing. The duo will perform new arrangements of popular melodic songs....drawn from the worlds of folk, country and soul music.
John Mcloughlin & Friends - 9.00pm Versatile keyboard player John Mcloughlin can turn his hand to almost any style of playing from rock ‘n’ roll to reggae, from rock to jazz and blues. Today he’ll be putting his own special twist on a selection of popular songs from the 60s to the present day.

Nigel Challis - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 5.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website Nigel is a highly popular musician/singer and a master of country/folk finger style guitar. He has performed at numerous festivals and venues throughout the South West to rapturous applause. Today Nigel will be playing some very chilled out country/folk/blues classics.

Bicton Jam Night - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 9.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in with this new, regular jam session.  You can lead a tune or just play along with everyone else, or read a funny poem. All musical genres welcome. If you don’t play or sing, you are sure to enjoy the sounds created and end up tapping your feet or rattling your teeth!

Bicton Folk Night - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 8.30pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Exmouth Shanty Man Derek Brooks invites you to join him and friends for a traditional folk night when a varied selection of singers and musicians perform.  If you sing or play an instrument why not come along and join in the session? Otherwise enjoy listening to a selection of lively acoustic music which usually includes lots of jolly jigs, reels and airs.

Rakes Adrift - Anchors Aweigh - One End Street - Ilfracombe, St Philip and St James Church,  Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival SHOWCASE EVENING - 7.30pm

Dave Ward & Russell Perkins (papaphone) - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 5.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
A fabulous double bill featuring popular singer/guitarist Dave Ward and singer/songwriter Russell Perkins. Both artists are well known on the local music circuit – Dave for his popular anthemic rock, pop and folk covers and Russell his enchanting and thought provoking originals.

Wizz Jones - The George Hotel, 1 Broad Street, South Molton EX36 3AB - 8.00pm - Full £12.00 - Concession £10.00 - Supporter £8.00  
To reserve tickets telephone the Box Office on 01805 624624. To purchase tickets and more information visit website
Originally inspired by seeing Big Bill Broonzy and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Wizz learnt his guitar licks from the likes of Davy Graham and Long John Baldry whilst playing in the coffee bars of London’s Soho in the late 1950’s. He then followed the time-honoured buskers’ trail from the streets of  Paris to the markets of Marrakech during the early 1960’s and returned to Britain with a unique acoustic guitar style, an eclectic repertoire and  'right hand worthy of Broonzy'! Clapton, Keith Richards and the late John Renbourn have all named him as an important early influence and Bruce Springsteen opened his Berlin concert in May 2012 with Wizz’s song 'When I Leave Berlin'.
After more than 50 years on the road and now in his late-seventies  Wizz shows no signs of slowing down and continues to tour on the Acoustic Folk and Blues circuit.

Paddy’s Whiskers - The Boathouse, Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NJ - 2:30pm

Paignton based Irish/Celtic/American band Paddy's Whiskers play a mixture of fiddle led Irish jigs and reels for dancing, banjo driven bluegrass numbers, and Scottish tunes on border bagpipes. The whole band sing and at a Whiskers gig you’ll hear well known favourites from the folk tradition, together with a few original songs and tunes written by the band.

Live music starts at 2:30pm and entrance is free. Tables to eat may be booked on 01803 665066. Gig will be outside on the terrace overlooking the beach of sunny, or inside if not...More information from website or telephone Andrew on 07514064558.

Picnic in the Park Finale – Musical Extravaganza with Malcolm Horton - 1.00pm
What better way to relax on a Sunday afternoon than to chill to some beautiful live music. Malcolm Horton invites you to a musical extravaganza in Manor Gardens, Exmouth for a session featuring some of Exmouth’s top musical talent. Featuring genres from gentle folk to rousing pop, atmospheric jazz to funk and reggae – the line-up of artists is to be announced in due course. Definitely an event not to be missed!
Après - Season of Sunday’s Party - 3.30pm
There will be a gathering at the Bicton Inn to mark the finale of this year’s highly successful Season of Picnics in the Park. The party will no doubt include lots of music from some of the talented artists who have taken part during this year’s concerts.

World Unlimited - Curtis Eller's American Circus support LOSt COYOTES - St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD - doors 7.00pm - Tickets £10.00+ advance from WeGotTickets For more information, telephone 01803 875527 or email
The veteran, banjo player and songwriter famed for his dynamic, often unhinged, performances has assembled a brutish, inelegant rock & roll ensemble consisting of musicians from the US and England to bring his historically evocative compositions to vivid life! Curtis Eller is diligently at work on a new full-length album for 2017! A twenty-year show business veteran, the iconoclastic banjo player and his brutish and inelegant backing band The American Circus have developed a devoted international following, based on dynamic, unhinged live performances and a disquieting back catalog of strange magnetic recordings. The past two years have found them engaged in a relentless string of one-nighters on the rock & roll club and festival stages in nearly a dozen countries on both sides of the Atlantic.
Eller is a gifted and prolific songwriter whose banjo driven songs describe a dreamlike vision of American history where all points in time have collapsed into one. Past recordings have seen a ghastly parade of historical luminaries, from Abraham Lincoln and Buster Keaton to Amelia Earhart and Joe Louis, sharing the spotlight with a host of Civil War generals and corrupt 19th century politicians.
This time The American Circus has augmented their indelicate, rock & roll rhythms with a tempestuous cloud of horns and an graceless choir of backsliders in their quest to bring Eller's historically evocative compositions to vivid, cinematic life. Dust off your phonograph needle and get ready for the new platter!

World Unlimited is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation. Telephone 01803 875527 or email
Originally based in Birmingham, WU now regularly promotes concerts in South Devon. Go to website for more information

FOS Brothers - Kings Arms, Tedburn St Mary, Exeter EX6 6EG - 3.00pm
We have the 5-piece band for this one. Packed out last year so get down early for a seat. Outside gig.

Wizz Jones - Caryford Community Hall, Maggs Lane, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 - 6.45pm - starts 7.30pm - Tickets £12.00+ from WeGotTickets
Wizz is widely regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists Britain has ever produced.  His career spans 60 years.  He may not be a household name but, in the words of Keith Richards, he is "one great guitar picker" and said to be an early influence on performers such as Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Jimmy Page.

Bicton Jam Night - The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU 9.00pm. Go to Bicton Inn website
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in with this new, regular jam session – lead a tune or simply play along with everyone else. All musical genres welcome. If you don’t want to play – you’ll be surprised what you might hear!