Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has succesfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre. Celebrated for entwining traditional and contemporary elements she has earned both commercial success and astonishing critical acclaim. Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara Dillon is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll remain there for a very long time.

After a highly successful solo concert in January 2024, Calstock Arts is delighted to welcome back the virtuosa violinist, Philippa Mo. Between January and November 2025, Philippa will be playing a series of concerts SUITE FANTASIA CAPRICE in which the music of Johann Sebastian Bach will be highlighted, tracing his progression as a composer from his earliest compositions written for solo violin to his later works. We are very fortunate that Philippa will be playing the first and final concerts of the series at Calstock Arts. Further information about the other concerts, all of which will be performed at other venues in the south-west, will be publicised at a later date. Tickets can be purchased for either CA concert individually or for both concerts at a reduced price (see below https:/ ). Philippa studied at the royal Academy of Music, London and at the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing. She performs extensively as a chamber musician and has given performances and live broadcasts worldwide, including her acclaimed debut at the Wigmore Hall, recitals at the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, the Centre for Contemporary Art, Glasgow, the Deutsches Museum, Munich, and further afield at the Ankara International Music Festival, the Lincoln Center, New York and Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia. As a champion of contemporary music, Philippa has worked closely with many leading British composers including Gabriel Prokoviev, David Matthews, John McCabe, Cecilia McDowell and Jim Aitchison and has given premieres of their solo and violin duo works. Philippa was appointed Senior Lecture in Violin at Leeds Conservatoire and was awarded Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) in 2015. In 2020, she won the Future Classic Women Awards held by the Women's Radio Station. In the November concert, Philippa delivers the Partita in D minor by Bach, one of the most deeply contemplative of pieces with the astonishingly complex final movement the Chaconne, a dance over a ground bass with 64 variations. Missy Mazzoli is a groundbreaking composer from New York who responds to the opening of the Chaconne in her mesmerising piece Dissolve, O my Heart. Telemann casts an elegant Baroque path through his solo fantasias and is answered by the exciting young British composer Leo Geyer, who wrote Guarea for Philippa to perform at the Barbara Hepworth Garden in St Ives. The music comments on the exotic wood and shapes of Hepworth's most famous sculptures. To continue with an upward trajectory and idea of flight (of fancy, of fantasy), we close with a tiny gem, Bumblebees by Cyril Scott.

Mississippi MacDonald is an English Soul-Blues singer/songwriter/guitarist, fronting a four piece band. He is a 6 times British / UK Blues Awards and three times US Independent Blues Awards nominee. He has appeared on BBC Radio 2's Blues Show with Cerys Matthews, has played extensively in the UK and the US, and has recorded recently in the US with Vaneese Thomas (Rufus Thomas) and Benny Turner (Freddie King, Mighty Joe Young). His previous album, Do Right, Say Right was named in the top 10 Blues Albums of 2022 by Mojo Magazine. Touring his second album for APM Records, Heavy State Loving Blues, he was appraised by Blues In Britain Magazine as one of finest modern bluesmen in the U.K. and on this release he's excelled in all areas. The Heavy State Loving Blues album has charted for multiple weeks at the top of the RMR Global Blues Report, second only to Buddy Guy. Contemporary British bluesman Mississippi MacDonald proves he's as legit as they come on his hard-charging new record HSLBa compelling, engaging artist who is going to make a lot of new friends with this record. Make sure youre one of them Rock and Blues Muse Mississippi MacDonald represents the next generation of great guitarists who hail from the UKwholly authentic, he's earned the right to claim the name Living Blues, USA Hell Yeah!.fabulous, very Albert King circa his Stax days and in my world, it doesnt get much better than that, Blues Matters! Superior soul-blues singing and songwriting Mojo, Issue 345 www.mississippimacdonald.com Instagram @mississippimacdonald

Recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ards International Guitar Festival in Northern Ireland, Sarah’s also drawn critical praise for her voice (which has been variously likened to malt whiskey and melted chocolate) and her engaging rapport with audiences: “I’ve attended hundreds of concerts of all kinds, and her subtle mastery onstage launches her straight into my fave shows ever,” wrote The Huffington Post. With the release of her new album, the Madrid-born, Chicago-raised, Cornwall-based singer/songwriter has expanded her battery of instruments to include piano, electric guitar and drum, and it’s drawn critical raves internationally. Dutch music magazine Heaven hailed it as “an early contender for folk album of 2018,” the UK’s fRoots said it was “a collection to savour” and the USA’s PopMatters called it “a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.”

The Storyville Jassband, founded in 1959, is one of the oldest Trad. Jazzbands from The Netherlands still playing all over the world. The band focuses on the new music, called Jazz that became popular during The Roaring Twenties in the US. When New Orleans Jazz came over to Europe, the European jazzbands of the fifties added their special flavor to the music. The Storyville Jassband has a distinct affiliation with this sound and will continue playing this style of music with great enthusiasm and a touch of humor.

Previous performance highlights include a sold-out show at the 2022 EFG London Jazz Festival as well as an 8-date UK tour in 2023, with shows at Pizza Express Live and The Jazz Centre UK. Aspyrian's debut album release to explore (vol. 1) demonstrates the trio creating a distinctive and expressive sound and [evokes] the freedom of spirit through their combined writing and performing. (Mike Gates, UK Vibe).

This popular, multi award-winning husband and wife duo exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary music. Duos come and duos go… and some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original and captivating. For over a quarter of a century Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal. From early days in folk supergroup ' Equation ' through to their most recent work, acclaimed as ‘Their best yet’, with a nod or two along the way to their extra-curricular musical adventures, the evening promises a whistle-stop tour through their artistic journey to date.

Annika leads several ensembles with many sold out performances under her belt and has put together a fine stellar band with some of the very best musicians here in the South West and will be joined by Tom Ball pianist, John Donnelly double bass and Gary Evans drums. Join Annika and her band in celebration of some of her absolute favourite songs, an eclectic mix of jazz standards, Latin, Nordic jazz, contemporary tunes and some original compositions. This promises to be a great evening, dont miss it!

Led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner, multi award-winning quintet ARQ are widely celebrated from several years of extensive UK and European touring and critically acclaimed for three album releases August (2014) , A Magic Life (2016) and Short Stories (2019). Their music combines richly nuanced compositions, rhythmic interplay and folk-infused melodies; this, along with their love of improvisation, creates a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality. ARQ play 'songs without words and are lauded for their vibrant, communicative performances.

"It's a bish-bosh, wish-wash, car crash mishmash!" Ever wondered where the word hoo-ha comes from Why there ain't no party like a double negative party And why bead doesn't rhyme with bread, machine doesn't rhyme with nine, and don't get me started on yearly and early From gangs of gung-ho Anglo-Saxons and smelly Vikings to Covidiots and Instagram influencers, from enormous vowel movements to katsu curries self-isolating in the Twitterverse, this one-woman show by poet, spoken word artist, former 'A' level English lecturer and all-round linguistics nerd, Melanie Branton, explores the fascinating history of the English language through the media of performance poetry, silly hats and dad jokes. Melanie Branton has performed at festivals including Womad, Shindig and Valleyfest, as well as at spoken word nights the length and breadth of the country. She has also represented Bristol at three national slam finals. Her published collections are The Full English (2023), Can You See Where I'm Coming From (Burning Eye, 2018) and My Cloth-Eared Heart (Oversteps, 2017).

A Magical Journey Welcome to the Wonderland Hat Shop! Listen and watch the Hatter as he tells the story of Alice's journey in Wonderland through puppets, beautiful painted scenery, music , song and of course hats! Along the way meet some strange and magical creatures, get to wear one of the Hatter's special hats, join in the songs and the lobster dance. At the end of the journey meet the puppets and make one of your own at the puppet making workshop.

Like the expressionistic brushstrokes of a landscape painter, Katie Spencer conjures vivid landscapes through the medium of song. Curating intimate studies using her unique finger picked acoustic guitar style and an assured warm voice, Spencer underlines the sense of space that surrounds her home by the sea in Hornsea, East Yorkshire. The striking imagery that rings through her ethereal songs creates a universe of sound and storytelling. Her mesmerising live performances have seen her play world-renowned stages, at the likes of Cambridge Folk Festival and Celtic Connections as she assembles a dedicated fanbase from all corners of the country. At just 22 years old Spencer has built up an extremely respected profile within the national acoustic music scene, sharing the stage with musicians of outstanding calibre such as Danny Thompson and Ted McKenna, and continuing to receive glowing reviews of both her live performances and recorded works.

The Jake Leg Jug Band brings you the authentic sounds of 1920's and 30's America - jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel. Songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption. After self-releasing their debut album Cotton Mouth, the band signed to one of the UK's most prestigious Jazz labels, recording three albums as part of the 'Vintage Recording Project', recording live around ribbon microphones, as it would have been back in the 1930's. 'Next Stop!' 'Everythin's Jake' and 'Break a Leg' all met with rave reviews;

The Meridianum Ensemble is a unique musical collaboration, bringing together top players from Portugal, Morocco and the UK. The six musicians bring their individual styles and influences to the mix, inspired by traditions from Iran and the Eastern Mediterranean to Portugal, Scandinavia and beyond. Modal music, improvisation and virtuosity are features of their gloriously entrancing infusion. Featuring traditional and original repertoire for Arabic oud, Middle Eastern percussion, cittern, Persian Santur, Swedish nyckelharpa and the mediaeval sounds of the hurdy-gurdy, this blend is a sonic and visual treat.

Leveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina) are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret's music is not arranged in the conventional sense and the trio rely on mutual trust and musical interaction to create new settings of their repertoire in the moment, with no two performances alike. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply timeless.

Sometimes folk, sometimes not. India Electric Company use traditional instruments in contemporary styles to explore diverse themes from Eastern Europe, Irish traditions and urban alienation to end up with something “quirky and glittery - a veritable musical magpie’s nest.” - Mary Ann Kennedy, BBC Radio 3. After releasing their debut debut album The Girl I Left Behind Me in 2015 they began extensively supporting and accompanying Midge Ure throughout Europe. They performed live sessions on BBC Radio 2, 6 Music, as well as playing the likes of Glastonbury Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival. Currently they are embarking on their first tours of Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and Ireland to coincide with the release of their latest recordings.

Legendary in the world of Gypsy Jazz, Robin Nolan is known as one of the most respected guitarists since Django Reinhardt. He's headlined every major Django Fest across the globe taking in multiple awards and a loyal following of guitar lovers. He's graced the stages of Montreux, North Sea Jazz, the Royal Albert Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. George Harrison called him a favourite, Bill Wyman had him in his band, and Hank Marvin has frequently joined him live on stage.

Tobias ben Jacob continues his Icons & Influences series, celebrating 50 years of Bob Dylan's best selling album, Blood on the Tracks, released on 20th January 1975. This acoustic performance from Tobias Ben Jacob will be enhanced by a string section, featuring Cori Smith on Viola and Seth Bye (Filkin's Drift) on violin, bass and accordion.Together, theyll play a selection of songs from Blood on The Tracks, along with other favourites from throughout Bob Dylan's career.

A return visit from K'antu Ensemble is always a much-anticipated highlight at Calstock Arts. Step into a vibrant tapestry of sound with this acclaimed early music collective who are renowned for their exhilarating fusion of classical, folk, and world traditions. They breathe new life into early repertoire, reimagined through a global lens that is as scholarly as it is spirited. Expect an immersive afternoon of rediscovered melodies, reimagined traditions, and spirited musical storytelling from one of the UK's most adventurous early music ensembles.

On a summer’s day in 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival masterminded one of the most intriguing and exciting collaborations on today’s folk scene. Peter Knight, legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span was paired with leading melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead member, John Spiers, for a special one-off performance which left audiences in awe. With no space to be found in the marquee, people stood five deep in the pouring rain in order to witness the bringing together of two of the most genuinely gifted musicians in their respective fields. With a standing ovation and roars for more, and much to the delight of folk fans everywhere, Knight and Spiers decided not to leave things there. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage. These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time. “Knight’s playing is a revelation. A world away from folky fiddling, it’s fully informed by the classical style, all long sweeping bow strokes and eloquent legato. Yet he never loses the essential folk heart of the music, tracing a graceful line of his own making” – Review of Cambridge Folk Festival’s ‘City Roots’ “John’s elegant, rhythmic and virtuoso playing and easy-going folk club banter is a quiet triumph!” – Robin Denselow, The Guardian