Author: Darren Worrow

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 22nd- 28th May 2024

Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, with a bank holiday in the mix!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here.

Ongoing: Bath International Music Festival: 17th – 26th May

Wednesday 22nd

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

The Wizard of Oz at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-onAvon.

Starting a run until the 25th May, I Love You Because at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Barefoot Bandit at the Bell, Bath. And the Mission Theatre begins SparkFest with two shows, The Sofa and Dead End.

Big Jam Sessions at The Vic, Swindon. Irish House Party at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thursday 23rd

Runny Snotts Acoustic Sessions at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Nick Helm’s Super Fun Good Time Show at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Here Come the Crows at The Vic, Swindon. Luke Combs at The Wyvern Theatre. Confessions Of Sweeney Todd at Swindon Arts Centre.

SparkFest’s Independent Digital Screenings at The Mission, Bath.

And the last Shindig Festival opens at Dillington Park, have a great time if you’re going to that.

Friday 24th

Chippenham Folk Festival opens and runs until 27th May.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange at Devizes Street Festival

Nothing Rhymes With Orange are back on their home turf, playing The Three Crowns, Devizes, which we make Ed’s pick of the week. Full on Fridays at the Exchange in with resident DJ Stevie Mc in the mix.

Shilts & Friends at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Jessica Fostekew’s Mettle at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Cap’N Rusty’s Skiffle City Rockers at The New Inn, Amesbury.

Hatepenny at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Call The Shots at The Boathouse.Bach Week: at Wiltshire Music Centre, with Quartetto di Cremona The Art of Fugue.

Biggles Sound System is at St James Wine Vaults, Bath. Fleetwood Mad at Chapel Arts. MacPlebs is the SparkFest show at The Mission.

Tyrants at The Vic, Swindon. Nick Helm’s Super Fun Good Time Show at Swindon Arts Centre. Rock It at The Queen’s Tap. And there’s a Beer and Cider Festival at Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Be Like Will at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.

Carsick are at The Tree House, Frome.

Cursus Festival opens in Dorset.

Saturday 25th

Chris Free at The Southgate, Devizes. Sam Briggs joins Stevie MC in the mix at the Exchange.

Cap’N Rusty’s Skiffle City Rockers at the Crown, Bishops Cannings.

Mick Jogger and The Stones Experience at Edington Charity Ball at the Three Daggers.

Family Fun Day at Spencer’s Club Melksham from 11am-4pm.

80s Disco at the Talbot, Calne.

Lonely Road Band at Gloucester Road Cons Club, Trowbridge.

Molly Chambers at Hawkeridge Village Hall near Westbury.

The Reason at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.

D-State at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.

aKa Dance: A Real Fiction at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Larkhall at Kington Langley Village Hall.

Steve Backshall begins a few dates at Longleat running until 2nd June.

Biaritz at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Chris Moyles 90s Hangover Festival at Swindon Town FC Rockabilly Rumble at the Vic. The BeatRoutes at The Queen’s Tap. Sonic Alert at Woodlands Edge. Daliso Chaponda – Feed This Black Man Again at Swindon Arts Centre. Daniel O’Reilly: Out Of Character at The Wyvern Theatre.

The Ciderhouse Rebellion at Chapel Arts, Bath. SparkFest at The Mission has Stage Fright, CYCLOPS: More Than Meets The Eye, and The Chipping Norton Incident.

Love Saves the Day at Bristol.

Jeremy Healy at The Cheese & Grain, Frome. The Hammervilles at the Tree House.

Sunday 26th

Muddy Manninen & Pasty Gabble at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. People Like Us at The Three Crowns.

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Pete Lane and the Sailing Stones at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Luke Philbrick & the Solid Gone Skiffle Invasion at the Bell, Bath. Bath Fringe Festival shows
The Demeter by Lewis Cook at The Mission.

Could Be Real Tribute Festival at Swindon Town FC. Lonely Road Band at the Richard Jefferies Museum, free entry. Mrs Smith – See Me! at Swindon Arts Centre. Punt and Dennis at The Wyvern Theatre.

Bank Holiday Monday 27th

The Popup Youth Cafe will be on the Green in Devizes from 2-4pm. Funked Up at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Tom Odell “Black Friday” at The Memorial Hall, Marlborough, check ahead I think this may be cancelled.

Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Wonder Gigs: Sky at Pound Arts, Corsham, followed by John Robb’s Do You Believe in the Power of Rock n Roll.

Bruton Packhorse Fair.

Car Show at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.

Big Chimney Barn Dance at the Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 28th

Half Term Reduction Linocut Workshop at Hannah Cantellow Studio, Devizes.

Exhibition on Screen – Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matis at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Pop Princesses at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Fleur Stevenson Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon.

And that’s all we’ve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.

Do check ahead with our ever-changing events diary. Isn’t it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival at the end of the month running into June?

Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week!

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Dirt Roads, A Plastic Army, and a Ruby; Saturday Evenings in Devizes Still Rock!

A joint effort of Darren Worrow and Andy Fawthrop

Buses, huh? Last time I strolled to the dual carriageway to catch one it was four minutes early and didn’t hang around for listless fogies with an appetite for entertainment. I glumly watched it blur past from fifty yards down the lane. This time I hotfooted it, my ageing heart pushed to its limits, and the delayed bus left me standing there for fifteen minutes! Once in Devizes, although far from Broadway, options for quality music and drink still overpowers those of neighbouring market towns; something we should be proud of….  

Post vegan market and a craft fair at the Corn Exchange, as evening sets in The Pelican prepares for its beloved karaoke, a couple of hobos strum a ditty by the fountain, and the amazingly talented Adam Woodhouse arrives at The Three Crowns. Yet I must bypass such significant options, it’s over to Long Street Blues Club, because when Ruby Darbyshire is in town, there’s no compromise from me.

I give a nod to Joe Hicks, likely the best support act I’ve witnessed at Long Street to date, yet at seventeen-years old, Ruby Darbyshire, I believe may’ve topped it. Her first time at the legendary club, she practised two blues songs to play them, one by Beth Orton, another more classic, although by subject her own composition Insomnia could be perceived as blues, and her overwhelming vocals blessed the club with these and a sprinkling of popular covers.

There’s a double-whammy of congratulations to organisers of Long Street, councillor Ian Hopkins who this week became Mayor, and his now wife, Liz, for their marriage in the same week. We wish them many happy years together. But dilemma dawns for me; though keen to hear a group composed of legends Horace Panter, Steve Walwyn and Ted Duggan, by name alone it’s fair to suggest accolades as standard, whereas it’s the first time Swindon’s gypsy-folk Canute’s Plastic Army are in town. They’re down our trusty Southgate, and since hearing a handful of their most impressive singles, and our ethos of supporting local acts, I must depart the club with haste.

Much as I would love to pretend this was all part of careful planning, it wasn’t! Believing our fantastic regular reviewer and part of the furniture at Long Street, Andy Fawthrop was still on his holibobs, I endeavoured to stay as long as possible in order to give fair praise to The Dirt Road Band, when all the time he was hiding behind me! So, it gives us an opportunity to merge our words and be comprehensive about a typically great Saturday night in Devizes.

After Ruby did her thing, which never fails to leave me suspended in awe, I stayed for two songs from The Dirt Road Band. Ruby rinsed beautiful versions of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi, and Prince’s Nothing Compares 2U, as regulars in her set, yet again, it’s in jazz renditions such as Erroll Garner’s Misty and Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, where her sublime vocal range is let loose, is something to behold, and the very reason I’m here at the club. Crowds flock this shy prodigy during the interval with congratulations, clearly it’s not just me who thinks this. 

The Dirt Road Band came on all guns blazing, in an impressive electric blues-rock fashion. I favour my blues rootsy, though tip my hat for their aptness to the Club’s favoured mode. Here below, is Andy’s take on them; I salute plus thank him for his expert thoughts, as ever. 

A recently-formed modern (super-)group, consisting of gig stalwarts Horace Panter (The Specials) on guitar and vocals, Steve Walwyn (DR. Feelgood) on bass, and Ted Duggan (Badfinger) on drums, these guys had all been around the block a few times. They knew how to play, how to drive a set-list and how to work the audience. 

They took a couple of numbers to really get going, but once they hit their groove there was nothing stopping them. Playing a single ninety-minute set they ripped through both original material and a few great covers. It was rock, it was blues, it was boogie-woogie, and they shifted these styles around with seemingly no effort.

Keeping the audience to a chit-chat to a minimum, they frequently segued from one number to another. There were some great riffs on the new songs, and there was a definite Feelgood vibe going on at times. It was no-nonsense, professional stuff, highly enjoyable. A cheering, standing ovation was rewarded with Get Your Kicks on Route 66.  By comparison to Beaux Gris Gris’ near three-hour performance the other week, ninety minutes felt very short, but it was quality not quantity that was on offer here. Good gig, good value. Definitely a band worth checking out.

Eyes back on me, then; thanks Andy! Without cloning technology I missed this, hot footing it again, this time to the Southgate. Dirt Road Band originally asked to play here, landlady Deborah thought they’d be better suited to Long Street, and so we are blessed with the presence of Canute’s Plastic Army, I understand it’s their inaugural visit tour trusty answer to a Devizes’ O2, though the guitarist plays also with welcomed regulars S’GO.

Based upon both the Army part of their name, and the strength of a few singles I’ve heard from them, such as the incredible Wild, I was first surprised to see they were but a duo! Nevertheless, through Anish Harrison’s intense and consuming vocals and the intricate guitarwork of Neil Mercer, they build layers through loop pedals and sheer expertise, to produce the euphoric gothic folk one would expect a full band to have produced.

There were a few technical hiccups with the PA, yet through warts and all, the duo gifted us with an inspiring, beautifully accomplished and unique sound. Whimsically gliding like fairies in mist, ringing out choral from just one voice, or bittersweet, they were reciting influences in subject from folklore and mythical prehistory in breathtaking splendour. I changed my mind, they are indeed an army, armed with allegory and an elated passion to deliver it.   

It’s Anglo-Saxon, or Celtic Pagan, reverberations of times of yore, wrapped punk and pirate-like. At times I likened them to Strange Folk, at others The Horses of the Gods, but mostly it was individual expression, and that’s the icing on their cake worthy of our perusal.

And that’s a wrap with dirty roads, a plastic army, and a gemstone. Through unforgettable acoustic goodness to an exclusive gothic folk duo, via a legendary supergroup of blues, you have to award Devizes, we’re still punching above our weight when it comes to valid options for a great night of live music, and, sadly, I didn’t even get the opportunity to head over to The Three Crowns for Adam; cloning technology, see? Get to it scientists, now!

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All Cat’s Eyes for Nothing Rhymes With Orange’s New Single

Firstly, to clear up any confusion, as I know I was, a little, and I also accept it doesn’t take much these days, Devizes’ finest musical export since The Hoax, Nothing Rhymes With Orange will play a homecoming gig at The Three Crowns on the Friday 24th June, and not as previously advertised on the Saturday….

Reason being is symbolic of the monumental progress this young band is making nationally; on the Saturday they’re at the third heat of this year’s Pilton Stage party in Glastonbury, the winners of which will go on to share the stage with a major headliner in front of 8,000 people on Worthy Farm in September, that’s all!

Here at Devizine Towers we’ve got all fingers and toes crossed for the guys, it’s a tough cookie, but we look forward to catching up with them on Friday. If you need confirmation of my claims of their blossoming progress, check out the latest single, Cats Eyes, which they launched today, and you will realise I’m not making this up; shits got real.

If eyes are a window to the soul, and cats are sly, this bountifully bodacious banger is the wild romantic ride of Born to Run, with an nonchalant and stylised ring of youth. The narrative is elementary though noteworthy, the post-festival blues of confusing mental bedlam over a fleeting romance, and coming to terms with it all when homebound; it’s convincing, I get the inkling they’ve been there.

Yet it’s the professionalism of a lively style defined here which impresses, having watched these Devizes lads progress from the levels of fun yet amateur punky knockouts like Chow For Now. And it’s all contained within a relatively short space of time whereby each single is a moonwalk to initiating a universal style.

If the early singles like Chow and Manipulation fuelled a local fanbase of peers, Cats Eyes will play the same part in enthusing the big kahunas of the music industry, and if not, I want an inquiry as to why not. These songs they’ll undoubtedly look back on as stepping stones, yet while there’s a modification to a growing professional trend which sounds to me retrospective eighties indie-pop, the like I hail bands like Talk in Code for reverbating, their rawer punker influences aren’t completely saturated here. It doesn’t feel like selling out, it feels like a natural progression to a permeating and accomplished sound, which will equally not disappoint fans but amass newer ones too.

If we’ve always been impressed with Nothing Rhymes With Orange’s insatiable ability to energetically harmonise, it’s evident here in abundance too. They’ve mastered the hook, and taking it to a bridge, they detonate the pop formula with indie goodness, something which only gets better each time; Cat’s Eyes makes another positive leap forward.

The band have been consistently gigging across the South West at festivals and niche music venues since they met in a secondary school, and have been championed by many local radio stations including BBC Introducing who have featured two of their tracks. With a summer tour announced they’ll be playing a range of headline and support gigs right across Wiltshire and on to Hampshire, Bristol, Reading and London. 

But while it’s great to see them heading out, you know when they arrive back in Devizes, the party is on, and fans will be chanting their lyrics back to them; the highest accolade aside a blinding review from me, naturally!!

LinkTree HERE

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Devizes International Street Festival is Cancelled

I’ll never forget local photographer Gail Foster some years ago, pulling down her camera from a shot, turning to me with an expression of joy, telling me this was “my favourite day in Devizes.” And last year, I was so overwhelmed as I got on stage to introduce the bands, to see smiling faces crammed the entire Market Place and bottlenecked through the Little Brittox, I understood how much the festival meant to us all and how it brings us all together for one weekend…. 

It rings home for us all, DOCA’s International Street Festival was that one time when the people of this town could gather freely, and it has been loved by us all, and now I’m nearly driven to tears to have to put that in the past tense. Sadly, it looks like that date will pass us by this year, as due to loss of financial support from the Arts Council of England, this year, the festival has been cancelled.

DOCA have said, “it is with sadness that we announce the cancellation of the International Street Festival 2024 due to loss of funding from the Arts Council. For over twenty years the DOCA team have worked hard to secure funding from the Arts Council England in order to run our extensive programme of community events and keep them free for everyone to enjoy. As a result of the change in the funding landscape nationwide, we will be looking for more local support to enable our other events to go ahead.”

“The loss of the International Street Festival as part of Devizes’ free cultural event calendar is very upsetting, but here at DOCA we hope that by removing the largest and most expensive event to deliver, we can concentrate time and resources on making Picnic in the Park, Carnival, Confetti Battle and Colour Rush go ahead, whilst also looking ahead to secure funding for the Winter Festival.”

“Alongside the ACE funding, we have always been very grateful for the community support we receive from our Festival Makers, local businesses, and beyond. We will soon launch new ways for you to support these events – keep an eye on our social media and website over the next few weeks to see how you can help either financially or with your time.”

My personal gut reaction is one of great annoyance and sadness, knowing how hard everyone worked to stage this colossal event for Devizes. The Arts Council has obviously been cut by the government, and I genuinely fear life in general in this country is being ground down to the commercial level of a third world state where nothing is given with heart.

Entertainment is going the same way as sport has for the past decade, only those who can afford to have fun will have fun. Staging free community-driven events like this will be confined to history books; they don’t want you to enjoy life unless you pay, even for a day; work, eat, sleep, repeat.

Yet we seem to have the cash to construct a completely unnecessary and destructive tunnel under Stonehenge, we still find the money for Royal celebrations and a subsidised restaurant in Westminster, to hoist an old oil rig into Weston and put a waterfall on it for a temporary art installation, and we still find the cash to bail out politicians like Michelle Donelan for her slanderous personal Tweets. But we haven’t got the money to feed children during a pandemic, we haven’t got money for state education, healthcare, so we certainly haven’t got the money for a party in a small town; use your head, and show them at the polling booths, it is the only way now, please.

Sigh, I know, I know, I’m tetchy and a huff. At least the rest of DOCA’s Summer Programme will proceed as planned, but for now, this is blow to the town. You could always express your concerns directly to the supposed Arts Council HERE.

Frome Festival Presents a Bumper Programme for All

From the 5th to the 14th July 2024, Frome Festival plans to up the game of this wonderful and lively town with a bumper programme for all….. 

In over sixty-one venues across Frome and surrounding villages, Frome Festival is gearing up for its biggest ever programme, with 250 events taking place over 10 days. This year’s theme celebrates 60 years of Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’, featuring artwork by illustrator Sholto Walker depicting Willy Wonka striding down the streets of Frome. To celebrate this theme, five Golden Tickets will be hidden at various Festival events with winners receiving a scrumdiddlyumptious spending spree at Frome’s local chocolatier and café, Choc et al.

The community arts festival has been a popular fixture in the town since 2001 and aims to offer something for everyone, young and old, including different types of music, theatre, comedy, spoken word, art, dance, film, workshops, children’s events, and food or drink experiences. Expect a dash of Frome’s signature quirkiness!

Children can enjoy bouldering workshops, comic art masterclasses, science exploration of pondlife, theatre productions, a Willy Wonka Rave, outdoor shows and so much more.

And Frome Festival is teaming up with the popular Frome Independent Market on Sunday 7th July, taking over their entertainment stages with music, street theatre, and dance.

Sir Willard White

Headliners for 2024 include internationally acclaimed bass-baritone, Sir Willard White, Jenny Eclair, Richard Herring, Paul Mason, Old Time Sailors, Swinging at the Cotton Club, Alberta Cross, Raghu Dixit, Peatbog Faeries. Alongside one of Frome’s favourite free events, the Festival Food Feast, returning for a celebration of amazing international street food, live music and entertainment. Sponsored by local Frome company Lilley’s Cider.

Other highlights include hilarious stand-up comic Jenny Eclair at the Merlin Theatre, the first woman to win the coveted Perrier Award at Edinburgh Festival in 1995 and hasn’t stopped banging on about it since. India’s biggest cultural & musical export, Raghu Dixit is returning to the Cheese & Grain for the Frome Festival after his triumphant debut last year. 

Jenny Eclair

The spectacular Swinging at the Cotton Club is a visual and musical feast paying homage to legends such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie with breathtaking dance routines. In the atmospheric setting of Holy Trinity Church, renowned organ virtuoso David Bednall will provide an improvised soundtrack to the classic 1922 horror movie, Nosferatu.

There’s raucous Old Time Sailors, former economics editor of Newsnight and Channel 4 and a regular Guardian contributor, Paul Mason presenting this year’s Bob Morris Lecture, a keynote speech that is an annual highlight of the Festival programme. Legendary stand-up comic Richard Herring presents his brand-new tour show where he talks bollocks about his recent experience with testicular cancer, at the Cheese & Grain, and Scottish trailblazers Peatbog Faeries also appear at the big Cheese, with a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves creating a hypnotic sound that no-one can resist dancing to.

Tickets go on sale from Sunday 19th May at 10am through www.fromefestival.co.uk 

BROCHURES detailing all events are available to pick up from the Cheese & Grain, local libraries, information points and many other locations across Frome and the surrounding area. An online version of the brochure is available here.

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A View to a Thrill

“The Thrill of Love” at the Wharf Theatre by Ian Diddamsimages by Chris Watkins Media Just over a year ago, the Wharf theatre performed a…

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Tonka Bean, Devizes Only Caribbean Cafe & Bar to Close

 Abrilli, sole Director and owner of Tonka Bean Cafe Bar in Devizes announced today, due to “significant changes in personal and financial circumstances due to unfortunately slow and inconsistent trade over the past few months,” the cafe is to close….

Tonka Bean will cease trading and close its doors on Sunday 26th May 2024. Abrilli thanked her customers and supporters, and said, “I have loved every minute of bringing my Caribbean flavour and vibes to Devizes, our second home, and who knows maybe now was just not the right time.” 

Just a month short of a year ago I dropped in to see Abrilli’s newly opened Tonka Bean, and publishing the news was one of our highest hitting articles of 2023. There was an air of optimism in the meeting, the idea of bringing Devizes something unique, and huge support for the cafe-bar was felt. It is very sad to hear it will go, I guess in this current economic climate this is a gloomy sign of the times.

Abrilli invites all to join them over the next fortnight, for great coffee and drinks, as they clear their stock. Regular opening hours apply. We wish her and the staff at Tonka Bean all the best for the future.

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 15th-21st May 2024

Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week…

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here. 

The Thrill of Love is currently running at the Wharf Theatre until Saturday, here’s a review.

Wednesday 15th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio at St Nicholas Church in Bromham, preview here.

Jonathan Leibovitz at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Mohamed Errebbaa at the Bell, Bath

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre, for those suffering with dementia and their carers, screening The Lavender Hill Mob (U). Latin funk jazz with Starlings at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Thursday 16th

Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival & Fun Fair starts and finishes at the weekend.

Courting Ghosts at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Rusty Goat’s Poetry All-Stars at Twigs Community Gardens. Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Pete Allen’s Jazz Band at Swindon Arts Centre. Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 17th

Full On Fridays at the Exchange, Devizes, with DJ Stevie MC.

Medium Nikki Kitt is at Melksham Assembly Hall .

Mosquito at the Aldbourne Social Club.

Pat Sharp Party Night at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Ion Maiden at The Vic, Swindon. Simplicity at the Queen’s Tap. Ashley Blaker at Swindon Arts Centre. Julian Clary – A Fistful Of Clary at The Wyvern Theatre.

Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Karport Collective at The Boathouse.

Bath International Music Festival begins today, running until 26th May. Bootleg Bee Gees at Chapel Arts. Daliso Chaponda’s Feed this Black Man Again at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.

Dutty Moonshine DJ Set at The Tree House, Frome.

The Chilled Out Motorhome and Camper Weekender in Cirencester opens.

Saturday 18th

Devizes Vegan Market at The Market Place from 10am-3pm. Mynt Image Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange. The Dirt Road Band at Long Street Blues Club. Canute’s Plastic Army at The Southgate, Ed’s pick of the week this one. Adam Woodhouse at The Three Crowns. Caztro is in the mix at the Exchange.

White Horse Soapbox Derby in Westbury.

Mosaic Dogs at The Lamb, Trowbridge.

Talk in Code at The Kings Arms, Amesbury.

Rachel Newton at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Black Wendy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Vocal Works Gospel Choir – live at 21 at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Shelf is at the Rondo Theatre, Bath, with a kids version, then teenage men version. Roxy Magic at Chapel Arts.

The Bowie Experience at The Vic, Swindon. Awakening Savannah at The Queen’s Tap. 

The Soul Strutters at the Woodlands Edge. Drew Bryant at the New Inn. The Blackheart Orchestra at Swindon Arts Centre. eMotion Dance Competition at The Wyvern Theatre.

Frome Memorial Theatre Open Day followed by Jive Talkin’. John Lydon is at the Cheese & Grain. ZZ Toppd at the Tree House.

Sunday 19th

The Hoodoos at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Shot by Both Sides at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Eddie Martin at the Bell, Bath.

Lee Hurst – Sweet Sorted Lovely at Swindon Arts Centre.

The Frome International Climate Film Festival at the Cheese & Grain.

Monday 20th

Tony Remy, James Morton & Anders Olinder at the Bell, Bath.

Steeleye Span at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Tuesday 21st

Let’s Walk – Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood

Crazy Bird Comedy Night at The Piggy Bank Micropub, Calne.

Gareth Williams Trio for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Ash Mandrake & Jenny Bliss at the Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now; fill your boots! Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.

Do check ahead with our every-changing events diary. 

Shindig Festival at Dillington Park begins next week, the last Shindig festival, have a good one from me.Also find upcoming Chippenham Folk Festival 24th-27th May. Love Saves the Day in Bristol. Beer and Cider Festival at Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Cursus Festival 2024 Dorset. Chris Moyles 90s Hangover Festival at Swindon Town FC. 

In Devizes Nothing Rhymes With Orange makes a homecoming at The Three Crowns on Friday 24th. And isn’t it high time you snapped up some tickets for the Devizes Arts Festival at the end of the month running into June? 

Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week!

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Poppy Rose, Ready Now….

Not being able to hold a note myself, I tip my hat to any musician in a band. Yet there’s something so much more valiant, rudimentary, and intrinsically honest about the solo singer-songwriter, the personal touch of an acoustic performer; as the title of her debut album suggests, Poppy Rose has this…..

The key to a good singer-songwriter lies in the proximity of thoughts between the artist and their audience, and how they relate. If done well, the listener feels they know a little something about the singer. I’ve never met Poppy. I came across her music via a Facebook chat. But I’ve come away after one sitting of her new album, I’m Ready Now, thinking that I know her, and that’s the goal rather than the benchmark of an amazing acoustic singer-songwriter….. 

The album opens with No In Between, elucidating Poppy doesn’t do moderation, she is an all-or-nothing girl, and we’re off, getting to know the innermost thoughts of this twenty-five-year-old creative soul from Bath. 

It’s thoughtfully played out prose, with intelligent metaphors which build throughout the ten tracks, but more importantly, it’s dreamily unique and divinely expressed. The metaphors of the intimacy in the second tune are rinsed in personal observations, the third tune, more dejected in romantic theme; Fool is her first single released from the album. If these are characters in her narrative they appear to bear her own crosses and devotions equally, either this or Poppy can write classic fiction akin to Jane Austen!

Similar to what Chippenham’s Meg is putting out in both content and delivery, it’s first-hand folk, idiosyncratic reflection, and we love what Meg is putting out, it’s impossible not too, in my honest opinion. The confusion, trickery and learning of it within the game of love never wanes with age, but there’s something coming of age in Poppy’s subjects, perhaps none more so than The Wrong One, which even states her naivety in the words. If you’re not young (like me!) you still relate, because you lived it, and survived to tell the tale, though, Poppy tells it expressively in haunting songs, and it’s something to behold.

Poppy poses in Resolution Records in Bath, looking deservedly chuffed! You can find limited edition gold glitter cassettes of “I’m Ready Now” in there!

Five tunes in and we’ve swapped guitar for piano, complimenting her heart-clenching and soulful vocals better may be debatable, either instrument works, but piano always rewards it a more europic ambience, as the songs tend to sit in the more dejected moods of Poppy. Seven songs in now, Fragile suggests this honesty, the title track following this lifts the pessimism.…slightly, but whatever the mood, Poppy sets it sublimely and evocatively.

If ‘body shaming’ is a Gen Z construct, it is so only by modern terminology. If you think mocking people for their body shape or size is a new thing you’ll be sadly mistaken. But it is something highlighted as harassment far less abstract and taboo nowadays, and dealing with such bullying inspires Poppy’s penultimate song on I’m Ready Now. I Love my Body is a poignant reflection of wellbeing, a calling to anyone suffering misgivings about themselves physically. Whilst still a solitary deliberation, this track is perhaps the standout as it contains a universal message.

What surprises me most is Spotify has this tune, I Love my Body, listed as a previous single, dated 2019. I know I’m not so good at maths, but if this places Poppy aged twenty when she wrote this, she is truly a prodigy. As I said at the beginning, I don’t know Poppy, but to express such a sentiment and deliver it so profoundly as a message to others at any young age, is nothing short of magical.

So to not leave us downhearted, Poppy’s final tune, Joy, is brimful of romantic optimism, including a geographical reference akin to Springsteen’s The River. This album is homemade lemonade, moreish, yet in recording one’s thoughts so young I believe, and hope we’re only skimming the surface of what is to come from this skilled wordsmith and performer. Have a listen, see what you think, because I’m blown away!

Find Poppy’s Music on Facebook or Instagram

LinkTree HERE

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Help DOCA Win Funding for the Confetti Battle

From carnival to the Winter Festival, DOCA stages so many great events in Devizes, most of them for free, but the most unique is the Confetti Battle. This year it’s coupled again with the Colour Rush, on Saturday 14th September. TicketSource are offering £1,000 to help fund a winning community event, all you have to do is click on this link, and vote for DOCA….

Devizes Confetti Battle has been happening since 1955, it is free to attend but not free to put on. People of all ages come and participate in a mock battle, throwing tons of confetti at each other, leading to a firework finale. It’s a lot of fun!

There are a lot of costs that come with this event. The cost of road closures and the big clean up afterwards. DOCA would use the money to help buy confetti supplies. It’s hard to get the event funded as it isn’t a traditional art or heritage event so this award would be a great help.

So, please click on this LINK to vote for them, it will take you seconds and costs nothing, ta!

Trending…..

Let’s Clean up Devizes!

You’ve got to love our CUDS, the Clean up Devizes Squad, hardworking volunteers who make the town look tidy and presentable. Here’s your chance to…

Keep reading

White Horse Opera Mathieson Trust Fundraiser with Anup Biswas

White Horse Opera members, Soprano Barbara Gompels, Mezzo Soprano Paula Boyagis, Tenor Carlos Alonso together with pianist Tony James join forces with international cellist Anup Biswas for a special musical concert to raise money for the Mathieson Trust in Kolkata India which celebrates its  30th Anniversary…

The evening will take place on 15th June at Market Lavington Community Hall starting at 6pm with a home cooked Indian meal followed by a range of musical delights from opera to songs from the shows.

The Mathieson Music Trust – The Mathieson Mission School was established in 1994, by Maestro Anup Kumar Biswas, it is a registered charity and was set up in memory of his guru, Father Theodore Mathieson, an Anglican priest from England. Father Mathieson of the Oxford Mission dedicated his entire life to the poor children of Bengal. After Mathieson’s death in 1994, Mr Biswas became his torchbearer, aiming to emulate his work and morals by helping children from the poorest families.

Mr Biswas wanted to give the opportunities he received through Father Mathieson’s generosity, to other children coming from impoverished backgrounds like his own. For 30 years, Mr Biswas has singlehandedly fundraised globally for the trust through concerts, classes, workshops, and other such events. Some key performances were in the presence of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England and King Charles III; the venues Mr Biswas has performed in range from the Royal Albert Hall (UK), The Carnegie Hall (USA), Commonwealth Institute (UK) and the Bayreuth Opera House (Germany) to name a few. The funds raised from these events have paid for the construction of the school buildings and their maintenance, resources, and teaching of the children. 

White Horse Opera warmly invite you to join them in celebrating the anniversary of The Mathieson Music Trust and all its accomplishments in the last 30 years .

Donations will be gratefully accepted on the night but tickets are needed for numbers for catering purposes, they are available from  Devizes Books. For more information on White Horse Opera, Here.

Trending……

Peace, Love, Americana and Jol Rose

I trouble procrastinating upon being gifted a previously released CD from an artist for review, unfortunately they land on the backburner, prioritising upcoming news items.…

Date Set for Devizes Pride

Hear ye, oh, hear ye, with much yet to plan for the event, we’re pleased to announce the date of Saturday June 29th has been…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 8th-14th May 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot more like spring now; you are officially cleared to go outside! Here’s what we’ve found to do outside, in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week…

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here. 

Wednesday 8th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes

Trowbridge Job Fair.

Nick Helm’s Super Fun Good Time Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. O. Love & The Affair at the Bell, Bath. Nurse Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0 at Komedia.

Big Jam Session at The Vic, Swindon. And the Swindon Festival Of Literature opens with Anne-Marie O’Dwyer at Swindon Arts Centre,  and Jessica Fostekew: Mettle.

Thursday 9th

Devizes Film Club at the Wharf Theatre, screening The Quiet Girl.

Comedy Loft 9 at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage at Pound Arts, Corsham.

The TigerFace Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Hayseed Dixie and The Zipheads at Komedia.

Butcombe Festival Of Laughs At The White Hart, Wroughton. Coopers Creek at The Beehive, Swindon. Swindon Festival Of Literature: Elizabeth Oldfield and Mark Rutterford at Swindon Arts Centre, followed by The Metamorphosis at Swindon Arts Centre.

Friday 10th

People Like Us at The Condado Lounge, Devizes. Palooza are back at the Exchange nightclub, great night of house music, great vibe, last time. 

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #9 at The Pump, with FLAM and Artoid. TrowFest at Trowbridge RFC. 

Miss Kill at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Counter’s Creek at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Warming up for the Green Man Festival on Saturday, I Smell Burning at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Full Motley at The Boathouse. Lindisfarne at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Benji Kirkpatrick at Chapel Arts, Bath. My Secret Sister at The Rondo Theatre. Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party at Komedia.

Jordan Red, Webb and Boss Cass at The Vic, Swindon. Peloton at the Queen’s Tap.

Swindon Festival Of Literature at Swindon Arts Centre –has Marcus Du Sautoy, Hilary Bradt, and Felice Hardy.

New Purple Celebration – The Music of Prince at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Gary Stringer of Reef at The Tree House.

Saturday 11th

The Stert Country House Collectables and Car Boot Sale in aid of Cancer Research at Stert near Devizes. Kirris Riviere & The Delta Du Bruit at The Southgate. 

Five Lanes Summer Fete in Worton. The Unpredictables at Potterne Social Club.

The Famous Hangover Sessions atThe New Lamb Inn, Marlborough. Open Mic at The Barge on HoneyStreet.

Marty’s Fake Family at Gloucester Road Club, Trowbridge. Rural France, Ravetank, Clock Radio and Fela Dekota all at The Pump.

The Fureys at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival, Preview HERE. Also find Strange Folk at The Three Horseshoes. Be Like Will at The Boathouse.

Westbury Food & Drink Festival

‘The Mystery Guest Tour Featuring Lady Nade, Daisy Chute, and Izzue Yardley at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Talk in Code at The Castle, Swindon with KGB and The Racket. Here Comes the Crows at the Queen’s Tap. Rush Hour at the Woodlands Edge. Faux Fighters at The Vic. Swindon Festival Of Literature at Swindon Arts Centre has Tony Hawks and a Flash Fiction Slam!

A rally for Palestine in Bath. Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure at The Rondo Theatre. Ma Bessie and her Pigfoot Band at Chapel Arts.

Kings of Lyon and The UK-Strokes at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Sunday 12th

Devizes Lions Sponsored Walk. Jack Grace at The Southgate, from 5pm.

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Melksham Record Fair at Melksham Assembly Hall.

The Ultimate Commitments and Blues Brothers Experience at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Mustard Allegro at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Cantamus Chamber Choir Chichester Psalms at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Schtumm presents AQABA at The Queen’s Head in Box. Mambo Jambo at the Bell, Bath.

Legacy at The Kings Arms, Old Town, Swindon. Swindon Festival Of Literature has a Children & Families Day at Swindon Arts Centre, and the Festival Finale.

Tellison at The Tree House, Frome.

Monday 13th

The Thrill of Love opens at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes. Preview HERE. It runs until 18th May.

Rock The Tots: Movies at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Jack Grace at the Bell, Bath.

Teenage Sequence at The Tree House, Frome.

Tuesday 14th

The Black Feathers at The Piggy Bank Micropub, Calne.

Pale Blue Eyes at the Tree House, Frome.

And that’s all we’ve got for now. Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed.

Snap up tickets time: we recommend on Wednesday 15th, the Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio in Bromham, preview HERE. Jonathan Leibovitz at Wiltshire Music Centre.

And the weekend sees Bath International Music Festival begin, The Chilled Out Motorhome and Camper Weekender in Cirencester, Devizes Vegan Market at The Market Place, Dirt Road Band at Long Street Blues Club, with Ruby Darbyshire in support, and Canute’s Plastic Army are at The Southgate. White Horse Soapbox Derby, Westbury and Talk in Code make their debut at The Kings Arms, Amesbury. John Lydon, yes, John Lydon is at the Cheese & Grain, and there’s lots more on our event calendar to boot!

Important note: events which come to our attention from now on, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week, and don’t forget, the Devizes Arts Festival box office is open and waiting for you!

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Ooh La La Ya Beaux Gris Gris in Devizes!

Ben Niamor

A triumphant album release party last night for one of the hottest, rapidly growing talents in the blues/rock scene; Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse…..

Guitarist supreme Robin Davey hails from the shire, and was once in The Hoax, a genre-defining UK blues band with Jon Amor, one of the guests we witnessed absolutely blow the roof of the Corn Exchange last night.. so, no stranger to our town. Louisiana-born powerhouse Greta Valenti, also married to Robin, brings the most incredible energy and voice to this band.

They always handpick the most amazing musicians; with this lineup of Sam on keys, Tom on drums joined by additional keys from the incredible Emma Johnson, a horny brass section (as introduced!) and two more local musicians, Jon Amor and Ruzz Evans, bringing some more incredible sounds of their own to the proceedings.

No surprise there’s an intuitive connection with the band, always playing with the most incredible musicians, these guys are among the most professional outfits you could ever hope to see. Whether raising the roof, running straight out onto stage with What’s my Name? a fan favourite anthem, and getting all singing within the first song, or winding down the tempo to captivate the audience with the soul quenching Bungalow Paradise, whether it’s the Queen herself or the musicians doing the talking, they have new and old fans alike eating out of their hands.

New material like Mama Cray, written from Greta’s childhood family memories including accordion accompaniment from Sam to sound like the true Cajun singalong anthem it is… 

Or from previous records like Thrill Me, a track that has the previously indoctrinated singing at the top of the voice and in silent deference to the whims of Robin’s guitar inside one song!

Don’t take my word for it, friends have taken to social media today having experienced their first full band stage show spreading superlatives stating ‘absolute class’ , ‘ AMAZING!’ These are from seasoned gig-goers having experienced something much more powerful than anyone could generally expect from a town gig.

The Corn Exchange was filled with over three hundred people, from the seasoned music addict (one notable and passionate couple Pat & Maria marking this gig a milestone of 50 Beaux Gris Gris gigs!) to first timers… Many of them have declared an instant connection, this was nearly double the crowd of the previous outing in the Corn Exchange, some two years ago, which shows the growth of the band and the desire of potential fans to connect with such a talented ensemble.

The new album, Hot Nostalgia Radio, has an even wider spectrum of material and influences than ever before, and is very much more radio friendly , and even more accessible without genre pigeonholing.

The incredible thing being this is nothing to do with record labels, etc, as is sadly all too common, it’s a drive from a band who are truly independent, to widen their appeal, to explore more ideas from their own life stories, and above all have a ball!

I confess to being of the opinion this band are truly amongst the best live bands anywhere right now, they have a fanatical following, which can only grow.

No matter what you think your bag is rock and roll, blues, whatever give this band a few minutes, if you like something you hear go seek out their records, or better yet feel the force of a gig… truly the same quality runs through everything they do.

Totally incredible performance, and for me I am proud that our town showed them so much love, we are blessed with incredible venues like the Southgate, Long Street Blues Club, etc, that are so well respected in the wider music community, that Devizes can punch so massively above its weight bringing these opportunities to our door.

I think I can safely speak for the vast majority of that hall last night in thanking the promoters, the band and their incredible team, and of course their guests for one of the very best gigs of my life, right here in my hometown! For many that’s something appreciated as being truly amazing to get involved with. 
Hot Nostalgia Radio by Beaux Gris Gris is out now, search any platform you care to mention  and go hit them up; let’s keep them touring and do this again soon!

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Mantonfest 2024

Images: Gail Foster Whilst festivals around us come and go Mantonfest has been a constant of the Wiltshire music calendar since 2009….. The 29th of…

The Lost Trades to Release Live Album

To international acclaim on the folk circuit, we’ve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically told…

Wormwood; Cracked Machine’s New Album

A third instalment of space rock swirls and cosmic heavy duty guitar riffs was unleashed in January from our homegrown purveyors of psychedelia, Cracked Machine.…

The Worried Men Take the Pump

And Morpheus said unto Neo, “unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.” Funny cos, I…

Illingworth & George Wilding Crowned in Bishops Cannings

Must confess, I’m envious of the good folk of Bishops Cannings, perched here on a bench in an idyllic beer garden with spring sunshine setting, and shadowed by the striking spire church, where tasty, generously portioned yet comparatively priced bar food is served to punters awaiting some live music arranged by Wiltshire Music Events….

Jazzy and Gary, landlords of The Crown at Bishops Cannings give me a warm welcome. Considering the contrast to our now bolted village pub, where staff would barely raise an eyebrow from gazing at Eastenders on the big screen to serve you; to debate whether our pub’s closure is a sad sign of the times, opens a Pandora’s box into what landlords did to prevent it.

Here at the Crown they’re catering for all, with smiles throughout. It’s a wonderful village hub; the kettle is on if you favour a cuppa, young children wander over with their dad from the campers in the adjacent field, the atmosphere is chilled, hospitable, and nothing seems problematic. Regulars join only a sprinkling of gig seekers in a modest heated marquee. I’m here primarily for Avebury phenomenon George Wilding, on shore leave from entertaining cruisers. Illingworth as headline is a bounteous bonus ball.

I’m fully aware, amidst many choicest options being Beltane, back in Devizes tonight is the night electric blues aficionados raise the roof of the Corn Exchange, but our best writers are on the case. Though he messaged me last Sunday, I missed the prodigal son of our live circuit’s unexpected return to the Southgate, so catching up with George was overdue.

A learned, matured version of his former self told me of his travels, the ins, outs, ups and downs of performing on cruise ships; he has flourished in skill without pretension, but with the same heart. In turn I explained my pride in not only featuring upcoming young acts, but youths like our Flo reporting on their own circuit. George smiled his approval, expressing how he was once one. And at the dawn of Devizine, when it would be a regular thing to publish reviews on that generation, musicians like Tamsin Quin, Jordan Whatley, Mike Barham, and many others, all blossomed into amazing acts, and George’s were among the best received.

I first met him at Saddleback’s Battle of the Bands in 2018, which he won, but insisted he’d only accept the prize of playing the festival if the others had a chance to too. It’s this gracious benignancy which he greeted me with, and which, coupled with exceptional talent for singing and guitar, always made George stand out. Unpretentious is his show still, nurtured talent, yet the same simplicity of man and guitar is gold. He needs no setlist, nothing is prearranged. He considers himself no better than his audience, and engages with them as if they are lifelong besties. What songs will he cover? It’s interactive, you decide, but whatever is chosen you know George will pull it off, charm and entertain the audience with equal gusto.

Optimistic of the weather, he kicks off with The Kinks’ in the Summertime, runs it into the Jam’s Town Called Malice, but is already asking for input. I sat closer, to take a snap or two, and he’s tongue-in-cheek pulled Madness’s Baggy Trousers out of nowhere! George will tackle anything, yes, he cooked a fine American Pie, awakened me to the greatness of The Fratellis’ Whistle For The Choir, and we were back onto the Kinks with a backstory of Lola. Yet, I’d not recommend anyone taking on Otis Redding, or Freddie, but he does, spins it with convincing originality, making it his own, and delivers with such proficient expression, its joy to absorb, and memorable of so many great occasions to see him perform again.

The clues were all there, but I’m not Poirot; now that I see them for the first time on the same bill it’s obvious, John, frontman of the Illingworth duo is George’s uncle. Though I cannot recall the first time I saw Illingworth play, through seeing them umpteen times since, it was much later than discovering George, and wasn’t until later on John told me who his nephew was. Family connection clicked into place, seemingly, because equal to George’s talent, I never tire of watching Illingworth perform.

John and the curiously talented Jolyn Dixon’s repertoire is more structured than George’s, all sing-along, taking in country rock classics and floating from prog-rock to new wave covers. Still they raise any roof with Pink Floyd, Beatles, to The Cure adaptations, nestle some fine originals, and come up for air with John Denver’s Country Roads. Their show is one to suddenly arise from your seat and dance, without consideration as to how they obtain such a sound with just the two of them, a few guitars and cajon; they do what would take a full band, and what every pub landlord hosting live music really wants, a highly entertained and satisfied crowd.

The memorable night settles in Bishops Cannings; I’m sorry if I promised to freewheel between gigs, but the rare combination of George and Illingworth, the wonderful pub and great atmosphere had me grounded there. It doesn’t matter if Wiltshire Music Events are presenting  large scale events, such as last month’s Marley Experience tribute in Devizes, or simply a free pub gig, there’s a professionalism, in sound and talent-spotting, which will guarantee a good gig. The fact the big chief Eddie is keen to trek up to stage events here we should consider ourselves very lucky; maybe it’s the spire church of BC which makes this Salisbury bunch feel at home?!

Trending……

Daisy Chapman Took Flight

Okay, so, if I praised the Bradford Roots Festival last weekend and claimed to have had a fantastic time, it’s all as true as Harrison…

New Nothing Rhymes With Orange Single

Friday is over, I’m a day late to the party, but there’s a new single from Devizes-own Nothing Rhymes With Orange, and you’ve not heard…

REVIEW – Peter Knight’s Gigspanner @ Pound Arts Centre, Corsham – Friday 3rd May 2024

A Knight To Remember

Andy Fawthrop

Gigspanner are in the middle of their UK Spring Tour 2024, and the Pound in Corsham has become one of their regular stopping points….

I last saw them here in November 2022, but I also caught them several times over the last twelve months at other venues and festivals around the country.  And  plenty of musical water has flowed under the bridge during that time.  Apart from forays with their GBB (Gigspanner Big Band) format, which includes the Edgelarks duo of Philip Henry and Hannah Martin, and the wonderful Saltlines tour, Peter Knight has been fully occupied with a wide range of solo and duo side projects with other artists.  The man never seems to stop working.

But, last night, we were back in the old familiar and original trio format.  Gigspanner, if you weren’t already aware, is the full-time musical project of ex-Steeleye Span’s violin genius, Peter Knight.  Having gradually become slightly exasperated with the repetitive nature of Steeleye’s musical repertoire, despite the occasional new album, Peter left in order to pursue his own musical interests.  His trio, which includes guitar and technical wizard Roger Flack, and percussionist Sacha Trochet, can now only be described as being at the very top of their game.  The trio format gives the three musicians the time and the space to explore the themes in their music more deeply, to extemporise with flowing solos, and to make even the regular material sound fresh every time they deliver it.

Last night was no exception.  I was perched right at the front, almost on the stage itself, in front of more than a hundred fans, and it was more than obvious that there has developed between these three guys a deep personal harmony, and an almost telepathic musical understanding.  Their two sets were based deep, deep in the heart of the most traditional of folk music standards, and yet developed and explored in a way that took you a very long way indeed from the “originals”.  There’s an almost jazz-like feel to the way the three guys take these songs and tunes, and move them along into an almost completely different genre.

We had the folkie-based classics of their repertoire like “She Moved Through The Fair”, “The Bows of London”, “The Bonnie Birdie” and (as a grand and sweeping finale) “The King Of The Fairies”, but leavened and interleaved with other old favourites such as “Seagull”, “The Butterfly”, the spell-binding “Sharp Goes Walkabout” and the stunning party-piece of “Louisiana Flack”.  

The latter has to be seen to be believed: whilst Peter plays the basic tune on his violin, Roger simultaneously plays a fast staccato rhythm on the frets of the same instrument using drumsticks. The two guys have to absolutely trust each other in terms of timing and movement in order to carry out this difficult trick, and their joint concentration, staring into each other’s eyes as they knock out the rapid tune, is really something to behold.  I’ve seen them do this a dozen times or more over the years, but it never ceases to capture the imagination, and (as always) elicited a huge cheer from the audience as they finished it. It’s a breath-holding moment, and watching them carry it off from just a few metres away was even more amazing.

Peter interspersed the tunes with his usual laconic, comical style, talking to the audience as if they were old friends.  And I guess a lot of them were.  There was a lot of love in the room, and just the same warmth later as the three guys manned the merch table and chatted away to the fans.

They’re a band, and a grouping of superb individual musicians, who are continuing to explore the boundaries of their music, developing even standard numbers in their repertoire with every new performance.  They never seem to stand still, and they never seem to stop working.  They’ve reached a stage now where I’d say that they are very difficult to categorise or to pigeon-hole.  Their musical interpretations continue to evolve, and long may it be so.  If you’ve never seen or heard them, I’d urge you to rectify that omission as soon as possible.

Absolutely top night of entertainment.

Their future gigs are listed on www.gigspanner.com/.  Next chance to catch them locally, in the Saltlines format, would be in Marlborough on 30th May.  Definitely worth the trip up the A4 I’d say.

And, finally, just a word about Corsham’s The Pound Arts Centre.  It’s a small, but beautifully-formed venue with a complete programme of events across drama, film, music, comedy, children’s activities, art exhibitions, workshops, and classes.  It also has an excellent café & bar just off the foyer.  Look on their website for future music artists and online ticket information.

Trending….

Learn the Art of Chocolate with HollyChocs 

Devizes-based chocolate engineer Holly Garner, 2023 Chocolate Champion for the Southwest, has launched her new chocolate classes for the first half of 2024…… From learning…

Richard Wileman on the Forked Road

Fashionably late for the party, apologies, the fellow I’m not sure if he minds me calling “the Mike Oldfield of Swindon,” though it’s meant as…

Lego Club at Devizes Library Announced

Everything is looking awesome at Devizes Library as they announce the Lego Club for six to twelve year olds will begin on Saturday 27th January!…

Labour Party Could Change Star Wars Day to ‘Sci-Fi’ Day so to Not Offend Trekkies

If the Labour Party wins this next general election, they could change the name of Star Wars Day to ‘Sci-Fi’ Day so as not to offend Trekkies. Although they’ve not said they would or made any mention of it at all, it’s just the kind of woke idiocy you’d expect from them...


It’s high time the Jedi and Sith of this country stand united and use the force against Starfleet; coming into OUR Star Wars universe in their D-class escape pods, getting put up in five-star Holodecks, and now demanding we change OUR traditions of May 4th…..

May 4th is, and always has been a sacred day for Star Wars fans worldwide, and thus it should remain so. We will not stand for spotty Star Trek geeks, with their pointy ears and phasers set to spoil OUR fun.

So, remember, when you tuck into your roasted Ewok, and Porgs in blankets this afternoon, how Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, and many others of the rebel alliance perished on Scarif. Spare a prayer for Obi-Wan Kenobi, who sacrificed himself so we can live without fear of the Empire.

The cancel culture of our dark side values and traditions must be stopped too, for the sake of the New Order, and Kylo Ren should see to it himself that Keir Starmer is put before Sheev Palpatine for a ruddy good Force lightning strike, boldly going where no man has gone before; right up his Trekkie-obsessed bottom. Let’s see Diane Abbott, in her sixties knee-high boots, tricorder and miniskirt beam him out of that one!

In a reading from the Jedi scriptures, Yoda told of the moment Obi-Wan was reunited with Anakin as Darth Vader, and I believe there’s an important message here to not allow ourselves to succumb to the Starfleet Federation of woke liberals, and that includes allowing Trekkies to interfere with our faith. Do not forget how Jean-Luc Picard was assimilated by the Borgg. It is highly likely Keir Starmer was too, though as of yet, this has not been proven:

“And, was it so, that the evil Lord Vader unto said to Obi-Wan ‘We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but the learner, but now I am the master.’ And thus it was, Obi-Wan Kenobi replied did, ‘Only a master of evil, Darth.’ Begun which, it was, commenced a mighty lightsaber battle, whence did Vader taunt Obi-Wan, and said unto him, “your powers are weak, old man.’

At this point twas, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi defences did he lowered, and said unto Vader, ‘you can’t win, Darth. If you strike me down I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.’ And was it so, Obi-Wan right so he was, whence he transformed into that bloke from Trainspotting, and Disney did commission a TV series in his name.” Master Yoda, 4 ABY.

We could argue Obi-Wan Kenobi looked a lot like Jeremy Corbyn, and like him, he openly fibbed about not remembering he owned the two droids R2D2 and C3PO, so he is not to be trusted, but if we let Sci-Fi Day happen things could be far worse. Imagine, if that filthy perv, Will Riker got his hands on OUR Princess Leia in her gold bikini; OUR childhood wet dreams would be forever ruined. Imagine if that wet blanket Wesley Crusher was allowed to roam the Star Wars universe freely. He’d probably reintroduce Jar Jar Binks, then what would happen? We’d never see the fourth season of The Mandalorian without Vulcan logic as what to do with baby Yoda, that’s what! Spock would constantly refer to him as Grogu, and that would just confuse my timeline, simples.

Happy Star Wars day, may the force be with you!

Swindon Families to Unite in Memory of Innocent Children Killed in Conflict

A group of local women and their families are gathering together to lay a huge installation of children’s clothes outside the office of Justin Tomlinson MP this month.…

The peaceful installation, which will be open to the public on Saturday 11th May, aims to visualise the catastrophic extent of the killing in Gaza, with a particular focus on the innocent children who’ve lost their lives. Each item of clothing will represent one of the precious lives of all the children killed since October 7th in the Israel-Gaza conflict – now over 15,500 Palestinian children and 36 Israeli children.

The organisers, made up mostly of women, are from many different races, religions and backgrounds, unified in their heartbreak of the loss of life in the Gaza-Israel conflict. They are calling on other compassionate locals to come and take part in what they hope to be a hugely impactful event.

Theresa, a spokeswoman from the group said, ‘We realise that it is almost impossible to visualise the number of child deaths in this conflict, so this memorial is about helping people get to grips with the scale of what is going on.  We also want to make it clear to Justin Tomlinson – who previously voted against a ceasefire – that just like 76%* of UK residents (*YouGov.co.uk), the vast majority of his constituents are calling for a meaningful ceasefire in Gaza and we need him to represent our voices.’

The installation will be placed outside Tomlinson’s North Swindon office at the Orbital Shopping Centre from 10am-10pm, ending with a candlelit vigil, on Saturday 11th May with full permission from the Orbital Management Team and with all clothes being donated to charity after the event.

Theresa continues, ‘This will be a peaceful, family-friendly memorial and we hope that our community will come and support us. We will need lots of people to achieve this, including the tidy up on Sunday 12th May. Everyone is welcome, so please do come along with any unwanted children’s clothing to add to the installation, or simply stop by and join us in a moment of reflection and solidarity.’

For further information on how to get involved or to volunteer, please check out the Facebook event on Swindon Palestine Solidarity page or email clothesmemorial@icloud.com 

Trending….

Rootless; New Single Ushti Baba

Bristol’s fine purveyors of idiosyncratic folk-raving, Ushti Baba, who if you’re in Devizes you might recall played Street Festival in 2022, have a new single…..…

Timeslips; New Single from Sienna Wileman

With an album review in the pipeline for Dad which includes vocals from Sienna, our Swindon princess of melancholic poignancy has a new single, Timeslips…..…

Gazelles: Follow-up Album from Billy Green 3

Our favourite loud Brit-popping local Geordie and gang are back with a second album. They’re calling it Gazelles, after the previously released single opener Endless…

The Magic Teapot Gathering

Okay, so there must be a truckload of local social and political ranting to cover, but it’s new year’s day, I’m going to waffle about…

Devizine Review of 2023

Here we are again with another year under our belts and me trying to best sum it up without restraint; I reserve my right to…

New Single from Billy in the Lowground

The third single from Billy in the Lowground in as many months was released today, they’ve been ploughing their own furrow since 1991, been meaning…

The Brand New Heavies to Play The Cheese and Grain in November

Debuting in 1990, The Brand New Heavies may not be so new any longer, but they’re still heavy, funky acid jazz pioneers and they’re on tour in November to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their groundbreaking 1994 album Brother Sister, including The Cheese & Grain in Frome on Saturday November 30th….

Propelled by the classic singles “Dream On Dreamer,” Maria Muldaur’s “Midnight At The Oasis” and “Back To Love,” the record achieved huge success (a #4 chart position, over a million sales and a BRIT nomination) as they cemented their position as the pioneers of Acid Jazz.

Still sounding as fresh and timeless as it did back then, The Brand New Heavies celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary with the announcement of the ‘Brother Sister 30’ tour.

Featuring original members Andrew Levy and Simon Bartholomew  with the phenomenal vocalist Angela Ricci, the tour will see The Brand New Heavies perform ‘Brother Sister’ in full alongside other hits and fan favourites from their storied history with a complete live band.

The band said, “We can’t believe that Brother Sister is going to be 30 years young! What better way to celebrate than coming to see us play the album in its entirety as well as all our hits.”

Tickets for the shows go on sale HERE from 10am this Friday, May 3rd. They play the Cheese and Grain in Frome on Saturday, November 30th. This saves me finding another vague local reason to mention it along the lines of Midnight At The Oasis was about a swimming pool in Swindon, which is obviously untrue, the leisure centre was always closed by midnight!

James and the Cold Gun, Lucky Number Seven, Nobody’s Dad, The Real Cheesemakers at The Pump, Trowbridge

Brian Yeates 

Images: Greg Stoner

This was the first time I’d heard about the Pump, and realised it did not refer to the popular local festival. I was familiar with James and the Cold Gun from a support run they did with Therapy a few years back. And I was planning to go and see them at the Fleece a few weeks ago when we had a few days away in Bristol, but the gig was sold out….

The Pump, part of the grounds to The Lamb public house, on outward appearances appears to be not much more than an old stable building next to the pub. Being a former member of Melksham covers band El Niño a number of years back, I could recollect playing at the Greyhound just up the road. However, inside is a different story. Two floors, the upstairs has old cinema seating, capacity is seventy. The venue is fitted out for gigs, with sound and lighting facilities, thanks to lottery funding. A nice intimate, quirky venue with musical instruments and stable paraphernalia adorning the walls, as well as “the pump”. If you’re tall like me there are a few places to exercise caution due to low ceilings! Most of the beams have been painted with blackboard paint so that visiting bands can chalk their name up on there.

I quickly set about trying to engage my friends to join me at this event and I managed to get a group of five of us to make the trip from the Vale of Pewsey over to the big lights of Trowvegas! The fact that for the princely sum of £11 each, we actually got to watch four bands, sealed the deal.

So first of all we headed to the Lamb to get some drinks as there is no room to have a bar in the Pump.

Unfortunately we missed a lot of the set by the Real Cheesemakers because we were outside but could tell from what we could hear that the audience inside were being treated to some top music. When we finally ventured in and got our wristbands we were taken aback by the witty and clever lyrical content of the Real Cheesemakers songs. As the set finished we were disappointed that we hadn’t caught more.

Next up was the young but very talented Nobody’s Dad, playing a lively and grungy Pixie-esque set, not to be missed if you get the chance to watch them live. The two lads and two lasses worked really well together and there were great harmonies from the ladies throughout the set.

The hard hitting post punk duo Lucky Number Seven were up next. Just drums, guitar and a big sound from their backing tracks/samples. We’d seen these before at the Underground in Swindon and they did not disappoint with their charged and effervescent set.

As we hear Kate Bush piped over the PA, my mate looks over and says to me that’s her song, ‘James and the Cold Gun;’ time for the main event. The band walked in exuding rockstar. The experience gained since the last time I saw them drips out of every pore, having extensively toured the U.K., two runs in the US including the SXSW (South by SouthWest) festival as well as a support slot for Guns n Roses at Hyde Park and some interesting studio time in the home of grunge.

A lively set with plenty of audience interaction followed covering all of James and the Cold Guns repertoire. With bangers such as Chewing Glass (a personal favourite,) She Moves, dedicated to bassist Gaby, and the recently released Sting in the Tail as well as a new song. Their hard hitting, pacey alternative heavy rock with hints Queens of the Stone Age amongst many other influences was just what the crowd wanted.

The end of the set saw the front men encourage the crowd to form a mosh pit, which members of the band joined in with as well as hugs and handshakes for the audience members that were wearing their band’s merch, reciting lyrics word for word or actively involved in the mosh pit.

All in all a thoroughly good night and we would love to do it all over again!

Trending…..

The Closing of Cooper Tyres

By T.B.D and D Rose for Devizine.The author can be reached at housetyg@gmail.com This month the historic Cooper Tires factory in Melksham which began the…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 1st-7th May 2024

Beltane, May Day, or just plain bank holiday Monday; whatever you whatchamacallit, it’s the first day of May, and there’s lots to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week. Here’s what we’ve found….

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: A Wiltshire Thatcher: A Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex runs at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, until the end of August; review here. 

White horse Arts Art Exhibition at Pamela House, Devizes, runs until 5th May.

Wednesday 1st May

Don’t forget to check our weekly recurring events page as well as the calendar, where you’ll find the regular Devizes Salsa club at The Old School in Market Lavington every Wednesday.

The regular acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Wiltshire Music Centre has a screening of Carmen by the Royal Opera.

The Incident Room opens at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, runs until 4th May. Beyond Baka at the Bell, Bath. Champion Darts at Komedia.

Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society Presents Ruddigore at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thursday 2nd

Fashion Against Fear: FearFree Fashion Show at the Condado Lounge, Devizes. Preview here. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder.

Annie Dressner at Chapel Arts, Bath. Willie J Healey at Komedia, and Origins 360 Bakey.

The Bug Club at The Tree House, Frome. Jake Bugg at the Cheese & Grain.

Friday 3rd

Midnight Hour at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Mark Colton is at the Pelican.

Josh Kumra at The Barge on Honey Street.

Open Mic at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.

Annie Dressner is at The Pump, Trowbridge, with Thieves and Ed Blunt.

Plan of Action at the Grapes, Melksham.

Gigspanner at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Jon Amor Trio at The Beehive, Swindon. ZZ Toppd at The Vic.

Marvin Muoneké Quartet at Mount Pleasant Social Club, Bradford-on-Avon. Jacqui Dankworth Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre. Cantaloop at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Somewhere Over England at Chapel Arts, Bath, with support from The Mamils. A Fame event at Komedia.

Sir Ian Botham at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

And it’s festival time! The Magic Teapot opens for the weekend. And Teddy Rocks Festival at Blandford Forum.

Saturday May the 4th Be With You!

Urchfont Scarecrow Festival opens and runs until Monday.

Star Wars Day Park Run at Quakers Walk, Devizes. May Day Fun at The Market Place, from 11am-1pm. A Seed Bomb Workshop at Hillworth Park from 11am-1pm. Garden & Plant Swap at Pamela House. Kidical Mass bicycle ride from 11am in the Market Place.

Jamie R Hawkins is at The Southgate, Devizes. Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse with Ruzz Guitar and Jon Amor as guests, at The Corn Exchange.

Illingworth & George Wilding at the Crown, Bishop’s Cannings.

No Alarms & No Devizes at the Barge, Honey Street.

South West Comedy Show at The Civic, Trowbridge.

Shot by Both Sides at Chippenham Consti Club.

Star Wars Day at Melksham Assembly Hall.

On Remand at The Royal Oak, Wootton Rivers.

Frenzy at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at American Dream Comics, Bath. Krater Comedy Club, The Big Disco at Komedia.

Gordon Giltrap John Etheridge at Pound Arts, Corsham.

March For Palestine; 11am start at Regent Circus, Swindon. 12 Bars Later at The Swiss Chalet. Pink Mac at The Vic.

The Cuban Brothers at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, with DJ Yoda. Pet Needs at the Tree House.

Sunday 5th

Sour Apple at The Three Crowns, Devizes from 3pm. Jon Amor Trio with guest Jerry Crozier-Cole at The Southgate, from 5pm.

Southwestern (Adam Woodhouse) at the Lamb, Urchfont.

Open Mic at The Barge on Honey Street.

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Cousin Norm’s 5th Birthday at Cousin Norm’s, Chippenham.

Open Mic at The Lamb, Trowbridge.

Schtumm…. Presents Catfish at The Queens Head, Box.

Super Blue Moon at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Chimpanzees Of Happy Town, a relaxed family concert at Wiltshire Music Centre. Ensemble 360 in the evening at the Centre.

‘Peace, War and 9/11’ followed by Q&A with Matt Campbell and Piers Robinson at Chapel Arts, Bath. Komedia has a free community festival; the groove edition, featuring the Cable Street Collective, Ryan-D-Auria, Badlands Vonj, and Plume.

Shades of Seattle vs Nu-Call at The Vic, Swindon. David Scheel at Swindon Arts Centre.

Clinton Baptiste’s Roller Ghoster at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet at The Tree House.

Monday 6th

The Reason at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Dirt Road Acoustic at The Lamb, Urchfont.

Animals Guyz Presents Amazing Animals at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Tuesday 7th

Thanks for the Memories at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Swindon Festival Of Literature  opens at Swindon Arts Centre, Dr Caroline Campbell and 

Alasdair Beckett-King.

WIG Presents Bath Drag Performer of the year at Komedia.

The Orielles at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

And that’s all we’ve got for now. Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week!

Trending….

Waiting for M3G’s new Single…..

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12 Bars Later Pop into The Badger Set

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Liar, Liar, Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson’s Pants are on Fire!!

In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to smear the campaign of opposition candidate for Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner, independent Mike Rees, it seems existing PCC Philip Wilkinson has outright and unashamedly lied in a Facebook comment….

In the comment, Mr Wilkinson states Mr Rees was “part of the force that went into special measures and I am the PCC getting it out of special measures.” We can confirm from Mr Rees that this is untrue. “I left ten years ago when the force was in good order,” he told Devizine, and said, “he clearly needs to check his facts.”

We have contacted the office of the PCC but as of yet they have not responded.

It seems Mr Wilkinson is clearly concerned about the outcome of the forthcoming Wiltshire PCC election, as Mr Rees’ campaign makes considerable gains, but to make such a misinformed statement at this time is surely detrimental to his own. We find ourselves asking if Mr Wilkinson is prepared to lie through his teeth in order to slander the opposition, what else he prepared to tell porkies about?!

Here at Devizine we remain hopeful for a time of change, a time when the rapport between police and the community is united, and we believe this is best accomplished by a PCC with on-hand experience in the police force. 

Familiarity: Barrelhouse Take The Southgate, Roughcut Rebels in The Three Crowns

Familiarity was key for me last night, if last weekend was new, trekking to Swindon for their soul and jazz festival, watching an amazing Gambian musician play a string instrument made from a cow skin covered pumpkin. Cue the theme to Cheers, sometimes I simply want to get down to my local, see a band I’ve seen umpteen times, and love, make no notes, take a few blurry snaps, and naturally, blow off work-day stress by sinking a few ciders too many, and when I do, The Southgate or Three Crowns in Devizes are my go-tos….

Apologies if we’ve covered this ground before, a number of times, but Devizine is a hobby. Therefore, I reserve my right to enjoy doing it! Not forgoing, I enjoy the adventure of finding acts I’ve not seen before and exploring new venues equally to the comfort of familiarity, so when Barrelhouse are in town the temptation is too much to resist; I’m legging it in the April drizzle to catch the bus!

There were two free live music options in D-town last night, both as valid as each other, as usual for a Saturday. The trusty Three Crowns had a new look Roughcut Rebels, those established mod to Britpop local favourites. I’ve had some reservations about recent lineup changes, but I’m aware there’s a new guy fronting the team. I must poke my nose in to investigate. So, too, did former members Finley and Mark, I jested to them that they were on the bench, but substitutions were unnecessary.

Only original lead guitarist, Weller-mod-cut John Burns remains, yet with proficiency cool as a cucumber, the new frontman, Jake Lockhart is unpretentiously smooth, bassist on cue, and a stickman who clearly knows his way around a drum kit. They roll out Kinks and Stones classics delightfully, I’m guessing this is going to go Britpop before long, and while I’d personally favour the setlist works in reverse, I’m not of the millennial majority in the Crowns the Rebels need to appease. I can ascertain they did, from their opening alone.

It only took a few songs to accept these guys had it in the pocket, and it was impendingly obvious the Three Crowns will explode into party mode post-haste, it always does by providing the best tried and tested cover bands. Like I say, familiarity. Time for me to grab my zimmer frame and join my own age demographic down at the Southgate; those Marlborough purveyors of sublime vintage blues must’ve soundchecked by now…

And so it was, The Southgate, as warm and welcoming as ever; found a place in the blossoming crowd of elder gig bunnies, and let Barrelhouse do their thing. If I do local circuit analysis and Marlborough comes up decidedly post-punk new wave and gothic, Barrelhouse better appeal to Devizes, perhaps; the Mel Bush effected blues aficionados. Although Barrelhouse is best served on hometurf, you should see the crowds turn out at Mantonfest; it’s a Marlborough blues phenomenon.

I’ve been telling Devizes this since they first appeared at our trusty Gate, to play to a slight crowd, an attraction which builds with each visit they make. Tonight was no exception. It was medium busy as they presented their wonderful show, squashed into the famous alcove, but with the passion and gusto they possess and input into every gig.

Turning the Southgate into a juke-joint is an easy feat, punters love their blues above all else. Though the Gate strives to bring a wider range, you only need to be there for the monthly Jon Amor Trio residency to confirm this. Barrelhouse is apt here, then, but it remains to be that some regulars still need to take heed of just how much these guys will rock them. Those present know the score now, Barrelhouse came, saw, petted the pub dogs, hung T-shirts over the toilet sign, and entertained superbly, again!

When they come your way, do check them out, I don’t fib, not about this anyway! The band are tight, the blues is vintage, with a fiery modern rock twist, in their calculated, balanced setlist of Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and other Americana covers, their own compositions which have become as anthemic as the classics to fans, and the brillant rock adaptations such as Motörhead’s Ace of Spades.

Frontman Martin Hands is hands-free, with no instrument other than his confident and convincing gritty delta blues vocals. The band complimented him, Tim is a guitar enthusiast, and his skills shine through. Stuart equally on bass, who acts as compère too. Nick adds to authenticity with harmonica, but it’s no secret he’s an authority both on, backstage, and in music production. 

Even Martin’s fiancé Heidi sporadically guests backing vocals, as do others affectionately dubbed ‘Barrelettes’ when available, giving the band a real family feel.

Encoring Solomon Burke’s Everybody Needs Somebody to Love is standard protocol for Barrelhouse, and they’ve achieved their aim; the pub is pumping, and everybody is dancing. Another memorable evening at the Southgate, you can bet your home most nights are. Check our event calendar for upcoming gigs, but rest assured, thanks to them and the Three Crowns, Devizes remains punching above its weight when it comes to showcasing live local music and while our ticketed events only add to this, there’s gemstones to be found here freely. And we love it!

Led Zep’s Victorian Thatcher Cover Pin-up is Star of His Own Show at Wiltshire Museum!

It’s just as unlikely Jimmy Page, who, it is said, designed the cover of Led Zeppelin 4, could’ve imagined Long Lot, the thatcher in a Victorian postcard discarded in an antique shop near his house in Pangbourne and used in the design, would be the central attraction in an exhibition some fifty-two years after the album was released, as the Thatcher himself would have imagined he would be the subject of a groundbreaking prog-rock album cover! I popped into the official opening of A Wiltshire Thatcher – a Photographic Journey through Victorian Wessex at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, to sepia-tone my nose….

Researcher from the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England, Brian Edwards discovered the photograph in November and became something of an overnight sensation with the national press, and a hero to prog-rock fanatics. Now news has moved on, the fable of the uncovering the image has come home to roost, accompanied once again by the collection of its photographer, Ernest Farmer intended it to.

The photograph came from an album titled ‘Reminiscences of a visit to Shaftesbury. Whitsuntide 1892,’ the remaining Victorian photographs from it are of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset scenes and some interesting portraits of farm workers, the customary Stonehenge images, and most poignant, the aftermath of a thatch fire in Sixpenny Handley.

They are displayed in the exhibit, alongside information boards about what little we know of Farmer, the rural life he depicted in his works, and information on thatching. The latter particulars might seem odd, being few images here depict thatchers, if it wasn’t for the selling point of the show, Long Lot, who is displayed throughout the exhibit, in interesting ways, such as a model of him, a selfie opportunity, and the merch of a rock legend in the museum shop!

Despite being a leading figure in the development of photography as an art form, which clearly shows through this celebration of his works, little is known about Ernest Farmer. 

Ergo, it’s a mixed bag, hinging on Long Lot but far outreaching a monoculture display. One supposes rather than modern day photographers aiming for a particular style, genre or theme, a Victorian photographer was a rarer thing therefore he captured whatever random subjects inspired him. To turn a negative into a positive, it certainly makes the exhibit diverse, and the photographs are fascinating, nonetheless.

It is, then, an exhibit of perchance, or luck, more than anything, and I guess that’s what makes it heterogeneous. Brian told me he’s working two projects down the line from this, in fact, it was never really a project at all, more chance discovery. The exhibition runs until the 1st September, at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes and would delight a number of groups, be they photographers, local historians, farmers or thatchers, anyone interested in West Country history or landscape, and of course, Led Zeppelin fans!

Trending……

Simply The Best; Tina Turner Tribute Coming to Devizes

Ah, the Tina Turner tribute, which turned my criticism of Tina Turner tribute acts on its head, is coming to Devizes in August. In the light of Wiltshire Music Events’ recent successful Corn Exchange takeover with the Marley Experience, it’s set its own pedestal pretty high….

Avid readers of Devizine should know I try, as much as one can in the media, to be honest! They also know and likely produce a deep sigh, I tell a long-winded story! I’m going to manage both today, for your reading pleasure; it’s an age thing, you don’t need to thank me!

Okay, so, once upon a time at the very dawn of Devizine, I was asked to preview another Tina Turner tribute act; it was a lesson learned in the delicate and often problematic balance between honesty for the sake of the readers, and the cajolery towards event promoters. The reason; because, by dammit, there’s no way to butter this up, they were simply the worst!

Accepted, Tina Turner is a popular choice to tribute, likely there’s hundreds out there, but akin to a bomb disposal expert, Tina Turner had such impeccable style, such a unique and powerful voice, it would blow up in their face should they fail.

And, I’m sorry, mentioning no names, but the failure was epic. A second opinion from the better half, I showed her the YouTube clip with a question, “it’s not just me, is it?” The reply confirmed, it was terrible. But then came the dilemma, the dirty bit behind the scenes you don’t get to see; deciding what to do about it. Executive and rightful, I declined, politely. I would not lead readers up a garden path, I couldn’t bring myself to say this particular tribute was anything more than it was.

Backstory complete, I only needed to explain this as it led to my apprehension to the quality of Tina Turner tributes in general; is it even possible to replicate an artist of such calibre with such conviction?

It was also to emphasise my promise not to pull wool over your eyes. You don’t need to be stuck on my heart, baby, but please, hang on every word I say!

I was concerned history would repeat at last summer’s CrownFest when Simply the Best, were due on … how wrong I was. Kinisha Morgan-Williams answered my question through her superb performance; maybe it is possible. She is Tina in this instance; the heels, the strut, the divine attention to detail, and most importantly, the voice of this legend are all defined to perfection with this tribute, and is so astute it’s impossible not to assume you’ve slipped through a time hole to 1984, watching the real thing.

Kinisha, her band, the whole shebang, is a sublime experience for your retrospective entertainment. From Tina’s soulful roots with Ike and the Kings of Rhythm, to her unmatched Queen of Rock n Roll comeback, all the beloved hits are played out, the imitation is impeccable, the show is majestic, and Tina fan or not, you will not leave disappointed. I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t so!

In this point, I believe, lies the secret to a great tribute act, for it’s not the preconceptions you take in with you, rather it’s the joy and entertainment value whilst there, obviously, but equally, what you leave with. This is governed by personal reflection, how much of a fan of the original act you are. With an artist or band you adored, like me with Bob Marley and the Wailers, the groundwork is laid for them, but for the impartial, one with passing interest, to make an impact on them is the true test. I’m indifferent to Tina Turner, I loved her with no more or less affection than a host of eighties pop legends, but after being wowed by Simply the Best, I came away contemplating just how brilliant Tina Turner was. That’s the benchmark, that’s paying a convincing homage, right there, and Kinisha did this wholeheartedly.

Simply The Best comes to Devizes Corn Exchange on Saturday 31st August. Tickets are a purple one, from HERE. Treat yourself, you’ll love it, if that’s anything to do with it; it’s physical, only logical, and you must try to ignore that it means more than that!

Talk in Code

Wha-oh, Wiltshire Music Events is no secondhand emotion! They’re going from strength to strength! The Kings Arms in Amesbury is a fond venue for them, and they’ve our favourite indie pop originals, Talk in Code there on May 18th. But they’re no stranger to Devizes, hosting CrownFest in Bishops Cannings last year, and a plethora of in-house duo, Illingworth gigs in our pubs; in fact, you can catch Illingworth at the Crown in Bishops Cannings on the bank holiday, 4th May, with a rare appearance from the incredible George Wilding, on leave from his cruise ship work and back to entertain us landlubbers! 

Illingworth

And if you need a fascinating fact to finish on, note John Illingworth and George are uncle and nephew, and 4th May at the Crown will be a rare opportunity to see them on the same bill….Thunderdome!!

George Wilding

Adrenaline Stomper or Storm in Teacup? Wiltshire Council Gloat About Prosecuting Fly-Posting Club Night

If we spoke only last month about Wiltshire Council’s threats to prosecute Wiltshire Music Events over posters advertising a Bob Marley tribute event in Devizes, it seems we were only at the tip of a disheartening iceberg for event promoters. Promoter for Adrenaline Stomper rave nights at Venom Nightclub in Westbury, Chris Freeman is the latest victim of their crackdown on fly-posting….

Mr Freeman tasted their venom, and was given a 24-month Conditional Discharge and ordered to pay £1,465 on the 19th April for flyposting, and then Wiltshire Council had the audacity to brag about it online. But, karma is a bitch; in a gloaty moment of stupidity, they displayed a photograph of the offending poster, acting like an advert for the event! We do hope it backlashes upon them, and entices people to attend on the 13th July. You can’t make it up! You’ve got to love our Council. I’m such a conformist I will certainly not give it this massive rave a plug for them….

Tickets HERE…… oops-a-daisy!! 

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Transport and Street Scene, waffled, “we’re committed to reducing fly-posting in Wiltshire, and this prosecution is part of our wider clampdown on this unsightly blight on our communities.” As unsightly as, say, the construction of a £2.4 billion tunnel under Stonehenge that the High Court stated was “unlawful,” perhaps? Or the thousands of miles of unrepaired roads in the county, the plight of vacant high street shops due to hikes in rent, the construction of solar farms on areas of outstanding natural beauty when they could quite easily be put along our motorways, or maybe, just maybe, the human faeces pouring into our rivers the government they back allowed water companies to ignore? That level of unsightliness? A poster, advertising an event? Really?!

“It creates a bad impression of an area,” the councillor who couldn’t bear the thought of people enjoying themselves at a party he obviously wasn’t invited to, continued, “and it costs the council thousands of pounds each year to remove.” As costly as £1.4 million for a PCC re-election in 2021, because the Conservative candidate was a drink-driving wildlife assassin, perhaps? Or the £57,000 taxpayers paid to bail out MP Michelle Donelan for slanderous comments on her personal Twitter page? That kind of costly? To rip a poster off a lamppost, really?!

Chris Freeman personally expressed his “disappointment” to see Wiltshire Council brag about their successful prosecution, telling us, “it’s disappointing what they’ve done, still can’t believe it really.”

“I just want this whole thing done with,” he said. “Being I’m someone in the local community and having lived in Wiltshire all of my life, with no previous convictions of any kind, of course I cannot begin to tell you how very disappointed that this went to court, without even a warning.” Mr Freeman continued to suggest not only had it had a significant impact on him mentally, but also taken a huge toll on his family, even without the financial burden now in place.

Chris, a keen fundraiser for local charities, and a regular Father Christmas for local schools, asked Facebook users if  justice was really served, “especially considering these types of events bring business locally into our local towns, shops and hotels?”

The nature of the events they seem to target could suggest the possibility of cherry picking events they take a personal dislike to, being that other event advertisements appear to be immune to the crackdown. Of course, this is highly debatable speculation, and far be for me to say it’s so. But with the hospitality industry at its knees post lockdown, again, maybe, just maybe, a little compromise is needed here from Wiltshire Council, just, y’know, a level of compassion, a little communication, and understanding, perhaps, maybe, just a smidgen?!

“In times like these,” Chris continued, “events that promote wellbeing, and aim to give people a reason to smile should be pushed forward, not pushed back.” Bingo, sir.

Obviously though, we have to go along with Wiltshire Council on this one, and we cannot tell you that the Adrenaline Stompers Festival 2024 at Venom Nightclub in Westbury, on Saturday 13th July promises to be their biggest single day event to date! We really shouldn’t say, it hosts over forty DJs and thirty MCs, over indoor and outdoor stages, has weekend camping including a shuttle bus to & from the event, and retails for a mere £35 a ticket! Because, you know, your council wants you tucked up in bed by ten pm, after enjoying an entertaining TV show with Ant & Dec in…. so, jump to it. 

Trending…..

Wiltshire Music Centre; Proper Job!

Devizes celebrated rum bar, The Muck & Dundar are hosting a dub reggae night with Omega Nebula on Saturday, and received this week’s prestigious award…

Snakebite Tune From The Dirty Smooth

Snotty nose, change of weather, otherwise I’d have dragged my sorry ass down to Underground, formerly Level III in Swindon for last weekend’s Children in…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 24th-30th April 2024

One weekend away from Beltane, or May Day to Christains, bank holiday Monday to everyone else, still lots to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week besides. Here’s what we’ve found….

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week…..

Wednesday 24th

The regular acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Don’t forget to check our weekly recurring events page as well as the calendar, where you’ll find the regular Devizes Salsa club at The Old School in Market Lavington every Wednesday.

Open Mic at Stallards, Trowbridge.

Joe Martin performs his debut album “Empty Passenger-Seat,” stripped back and acoustic at Chapel Arts, Bath. Skylight opens at the Rondo Theatre, running until Saturday. Manfredi Funk Initiative at the Bell, Bath.

The Big Jam Session at the Vic, Swindon.

Thursday 25th

Valuation & Buying Event at Gerrard’s Auction Room in Devizes Town Hall.

Runny Snotts’ regular acoustic sessions at the Neeld, Chippenham. PSG Choirs’ free taster session at King Alfred’s Hall. The ELO Encounter’s Blue Sky Tour at the Neeld. LGBGT+ drop in session at Chippenham Community Hub.

The Jersey New Boys at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Mellow sax classics with Timeout at the Old Bell, Warminster.

The Blackheart Orchestra at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Sultans of Swingers at The Mallard, Lyneham.

Cooper’s Creek & Atari PIlot (solo) at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Scott Mickelson at the Vic. 

Lucy Beaumont – The Trouble & Strife at The Wyvern Theatre.

The Leisure Society Trio at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Friday 26th

Devizes Pubic Livng Room meet at the Cheese Hall every Friday from 1pm. Indie Disco with DJs Stevie MC & Thorfinn at the Exchange in Devizes.

Adam Woodhouse at the Barge, Seend Cleeve.

Duelling Pianos Night with Will Blake and Dino Baptiste at The King Alfred Hall, Holt.

Scott Mickelson at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

The Often Herd at the Pump in Trowbridge, Masa in support. Park Lane Big Band at The Civic.

Bill Laurance at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Captain Accident & The Disasters at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

The First Raitt Band, a tribute to Bonnie Raitt at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Rachel Parris – Poise at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The Ramonas at the Vic, with Death Pop in support.

Sack Sabbath at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 27th

Family Games every Saturday at Devizes Library from 10am. April Sighthound Stroll, Devizes. Devizes Scooter Club has a 70s-80s disco at Devizes FC. 

The Roughcut Rebels at The Three Crowns. Barrelhouse at The Southgate. Devizes LGBTQ+ Drag Queen Bingo Night at the Wyvern Club.

Rod Stewart Tribute at Erlestoke Golf Club.

The Chaos Brothers at The Lamb, Marlborough. Karaoke at the Bear. Two Complicated at the Crown in Aldbourne. 

12 Bars Later at The Talbot, Calne.

Melksham Makers’ Market at the Market Place. Bob Marley Tribute Night at Spencer’s Club in Melksham. Delray Rockets at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.

There’s a Doorway Sleepout in Chippenham. Kandu Arts New Music Showcase at the Rotary Club on Station Hill. 

James and the Cold Gun at The Pump, Trowbridge.

Joanna MacGregor at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.Joe Hunt at the Castle Inn. SicNote at The Boathouse.

Richard Herring’s Can I Have My Ball Back Tour’s warm-up at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Elevation at Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland.

The Scribes

The Scribes at the Vic, Swindon. One Chord Wonders at Ashford Road Club. SALOS – The Greatest Show Concert at Swindon Arts Centre. Simon Reeve – To The Ends Of The Earth at The Wyvern Theatre.

Mother Vulture at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese & Grain, Frome, followed by Paul Young’s behind the lens. 

Sunday 28th

Sunflower Events’ Artisan Market & Gift Fair at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.  April Sighthound Stroll, Devizes.

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Corsairs at the Bear, Marlborough. 

April Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Blue Bus at Wellington Place, Hullavington.

Jinder & Mark Harrison at The Queen’s Head,Box. The Dirty Weather at the Bell, Bath.

Monday 29th

Praying Mantis & Soulweaver at the Vic, Swindon.

ViperTime at the Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 30th

Let’s Walk – Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood, Devizes. Open Mic at the Tap at the Peppermill, Devizes.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week!

Trending…..

Shox & Steatopygous; Devizes Bands Support Menthol Lungs at The Pump’s Future Sound of Trowbridge

By Florence Lee

Images by Kiesha Films

‘They promised hardcore shenanigans which never fall below 180 bpm’

SHOX:

After seeing Shox in February I was expecting to have a great time, and for them to expand on their ideas which they showcased at the Devizes youth night; however, they managed to smash my expectations once again….

Their set list included ‘Back To School’ by the Deftones, ‘Florescent Adolescent’ by the Arctic Monkeys and ‘Drown’ by Bring Me The Horizon and included some insanely smooth add-in’s using the DJ set. The transition between playing ‘Happy Song’ by Bring Me The Horizon and ‘Killing in The Name’ by Rage Against the Machine had a syren playing and what I can only describe as ‘The music and voice that speaks to you before you go onto a terrifying roller coaster.’ I am not quite sure how to describe it, but I have never heard anything like it before. It was pretty incredible – it drew the audience in and it was a really interesting experience. Their set was very much a journey rather than just some music. SHOX have come on leaps and bounds since the youth night and with some more gigs under their belt, I can only imagine their sound will continue to develop.

Image: Kiesha Films

I wanted to know some more about them, so after getting in contact, I asked them a few questions. Jamie (drummer) and Ed (singer/rhythm guitarist) played together in primary school and wanted to get into a band in secondary school. So, when they joined they went out and looked for a band. Zac (guitarist) and Dylan (bassist) came along around two years later when they got paired to do an academic music project together. Once they had played a few times, they realised they had ‘great chemistry’ and formed SHOX. They are looking to start the rollout of their debut album called ‘To Be Honest, I Couldn’t Be Bothered’ and are hoping for a release in November. They also have a ‘Big announcement in the middle of June,’ which I am sure many are looking forward to. If you haven’t seen them live, I would really take the next opportunity!

Image: Kiesha Films

Steatopygous:

If you haven’t read my interview with Steatopygous, I would recommend reading it as you get the ‘inside scoop’ on what Steatopygous really means.

Image: Kiesha Films

In a nutshell, Steatopygous is a riot girl (and boy) band, which truly could not get any better. With front girl Poppy Hillier, playing guitar and singing, the memorising Eliza on bass and drummer Ewan. They played three originals: ‘Marie’s Wedding Song’, ‘Female CD’ and the new ‘Little Boy’. It is safe to say that since hearing Little Boy, it has not left my mind since. You can tell the song came from somewhere close to their hearts, and is now embedded within the audience’s. Both Female CD and Maire’s Wedding Song are also well written songs, that I cannot wait to be able to listen to online.

Image: Kiesha Films

With three admirably well executed Bikini Kill songs – Carnival, Feels Blind and Star Bellied Boy, they enticed the audience so much, we were demanding “one more song”. And wow, they performed Deception by le Tigre, which truly exploded the mosh pit, not that we had stopped dancing since Steatopygous had entered the stage. I just want to say an incredibly well done to Eliza, Poppy and Ewan, as during their set, they had to stop for a tech issue, but carried on, dare I say, better than before. As a performer myself, I can understand how gut wrenchingly scary it can be to play on stage, let alone have to stop and start again, and they dealt with it like the pros they are becoming. I have been told they are working towards an EP and I, like many others, am beyond excited to hear how it comes out. So, like SHOX, if your ears haven’t been blessed by the music of these beautiful people, then I would really take your opportunity.

Image: Kiesha Films

Menthol Lungs:

While I heard both Steatopygous and Shox before, I was pumped to be able to listen to Menthol Lungs as I hadn’t heard of them and all I can say now is that I was missing out. As soon as they started to play, I was transported into the world of Subhumans and Minor Threat and felt the immediate need to find my skateboard and go stagedive off a speaker stack! Their heavy punk rock music was awesome, and I was even more blown away when I realised that eight of their ten songs were originals!

Image: Kiesha Films

Menthol Lungs are anarchistic hardcore, which was appreciated by me and the crowd. The deeper meanings to what could have been simple lyrics, elevated their performance as they spoke for what they truly believe in. If I thought their performance couldn’t get any better, they then performed ‘The Combine Harvester’ by The Wurzels, which had the audience in stitches and singing along in true Devizes harvest-core fashion :-). I was lucky enough to be able to speak to the amazing Ava, who sings and ask a few questions about their band:

Image: Kiesha Films

Can you introduce your band?

‘We have Corey, who is on rhythm guitar. Sam, who couldn’t make it today, is on lead guitar – he is great.  Zeth right here is on drums, Fergus on bass and I am Ava. I do vocals.’

How did the band form?

‘So, about two years ago, I got kicked out of a sh**** pop, punk band, called Corner Shop Liquor. I then turned around to my mate James, an artist as well, and said “I want to start a new band, can you help me out?” and he introduced me to Corey who could play guitar. Then my fiancé Ash joined us as bassist, but then replacing Ash was Fergus; Fergus and Zeph kind of came as a package deal.’

‘We met Corey at a gig about a year and a half ago and so he vaguely knew us.’

‘Yeah, so about a year and a half ago, we got Zeph and Fergus in a band and we record some stuff and start rehearsing on Zeph’s farm, in some stables. We got our first gig last December.’

Special mention to their six-string bass, which I had to ask questions about:

‘May I just say your six string bass is insane. Looks sick’ – me!

‘There is actually a funny story about that. Fergus left one band rehearsal with a five string bass and he left it at the rehearsal space. When he came back, he had a six string bass with him. It’s brilliant.’

How do you write your songs?

‘So, usually Cory will sit down and write some riffs and upload them onto Songster. He will add some drums and lead guitar and a bit of bass. Then, I usually have some lyrics lying around in my notes app and write them up into a full song, or Corey will write lyrics as well. Then at rehearsals we see what works and it usually ends up in a song.’

How do you think tonight went?

‘Do you know what, it was killer. Best vocals I think I have ever managed, to be honest.’

 What’s your next step?

‘Next step … We have an album coming out hopefully later this year. We are hoping for August, but aiming for the end of the year. We have a gig coming up with Disorder in July. We love Disorder. July 25th – go buy your tickets!’

Thank you Ava for spending some time speaking to me; you and your band are great and I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing how you guys progress in the future!

Image: Kiesha Films

So, in conclusion, the audience and I had a brilliant time, dancing, sweating, slamming, singing and getting to know these sick bands. If these bands are not on your radar, please go give them a follow and see how they progress as the gifts they have for your ears are extensive and they have years beyond them of only getting better.

Finally, I just want to say a massive thank you to Kieran and everyone at the Pump. It is an incredibly special, intimate place, which holds thousands of memories for us kids. I wouldn’t be able to recommend going more. If you haven’t been, you are not just missing out on amazing music, but also an experience that you won’t be able to forget for years. Thank you for letting bands be able to share their music with everyone. What you are doing with ‘The Future Sound of Trowbridge’ is unbelievably special and loved by so many people.

P.S. the drummer from SHOX, Jamie, has a DJ set at the Pump on Trowbridge on the 10th of May. Go get your tickets!

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #9

Trending……

Devizes Library Hopes To Start Lego Club

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Shakespeare Live – Autumn Tour

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With a wide selection of family-friendly and retro board games, RPGs such as Magic the Gathering, Warhammer and Pokémon, and serving tea, coffee, cakes and, oh,…

Pig Hill No More! Swindon’s Fantastic Jazz & Soul Festival

If a rare journey to Swindon usually lands me in the Vic or Beehive, today things were going to be different. A lack of beer tap options was made up, tenfold, by outstanding acoustics of a nineteenth century church, a second stage in the accompanying community centre, an impressive all-day selection of jazz and African music, a delicious Jamaican food stall, and a unique and upfront experience locally with happy hospitality; welcome to the second day of Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival….I took my favourite jazzy hat, but left it the car!

Having been listing the regular club events of Jazz Knights at Swindon’s Royal Oak, generally on Tuesday evenings, for a while on our event calendar, it was high time I poked my nose in, and their annual jazz and soul festival at Old Town’s Christ Church was the ideal opportunity. It’s in its fourth year, folk there told me it’s become an unmissable annual attraction.

Arriving a day late, Friday concentrated on the soul element, climaxing with a Stevie Wonder tribute; would’ve enjoyed this but duty called. Saturday, I’m informed, is all about jazz; I’m somewhat in the dark with jazz hands and technicalities, but more than okay with that. Also, though, the community centre adjacent offers various styles and interpretations of African music; double-whammy.

The initial impressive element hits you before entry, the place is amazeballs. And once in, the acoustics in this colossal spire church are stupendous. This was supplied, at the time, by Cheltenham’s leading saxophonist and composer Kim Cypher, with the archetypal red beret and overwhelming quartet; nice hat, see?!

If jazz in its heyday was considered outrageous and one wouldn’t find it in a church, times change, clearly; all the pews accounted for by large age and ethnic demographics, all taking in the beautiful sounds of traditional jazz, in harmony, with a hint of red wine, said equally as much as the once popular Marlborough Jazz Festival. But I must check the community centre too, as Two-Man-Ting are already playing, and I know and love these guys, from them having played the trusty Southgate back in Devizes.

This Bristol-based duo consisting of English guitarist Jon Lewis, who has a clear penchant for Two-Tone and punk inclinations of yore, and Jah-man Aggrey, a Sierra Leonean percussionist, make for an amazingly unique sound with wonderful audience participation. They made it obvious, as a world music lover, this mini-Womad is going to be my preferred base for the day; found myself a comfy chair.

With an African fusion dance workshop with Morilie Taiwo of Dance Roots Africa in the centre, my two left feet sought the Jamaica Me Crazy stall to fill my soul food appreciation, which they did, mouth-wateringly. And between acts I sauntered from there to the main stage. Though my knowledge of jazz can be written on a matchbox, I know what I like. Bristol’s The Ibou Tall Jazzmates are causing an incredible sound, contemporary yet bebop, like Charlie Parker… to my untrained ear!

When I did drop back to the centre, a crazy-haired saxophonist was wandering through dancing crowds, and I guessed this must be Rhythm Of Africa, an experimentally yet entertaining, and often comical trio, exceptionally skilled in creating a beguiling sound through just djembe drum, guitar and balafon, the latter taken up by said saxophonist.

Things were more traditional jazz in the church, with the aptly named It’s Trad Dad, a passionate orchestra of accomplished musicians. All very conventional, tad swing, and delivered with an astute passion you couldn’t ignore. Here is what I was expecting to see, I got it with bells on, anything else was a bonus ball.

The crème de la crème of The African music showcase, Suntou Susso made my night, though; a bonus ball indeed. Half Gambian half Senegalese, Suntou Susso introduced the audience to his instrument of choice, the Kora. It’s a lute-harp multi-string instrument made from cow skin covered pumpkin, with a mahogany bridge, and he truly is a virtuoso of it. I’ve heard this instrument before, through an old cassette of Dembo Konte and Kausu Kuyateh, but I’ve never seen it played. To add to the already sublime ambience, Suntou completes this enchanting effect with a full funky backing band, proficiently tight and uniformed. It was, in short, a jaw-dropping awe moment.

I arrived at Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival concerned it might all be rather insular, born from a regular jazz club in a town erroneously preconceived to be cultureless, hence leaving my jazzy hat in the car! Figuring it’s akin to Mickey Mouse ears at Disneyland, or an I ‘heart’ NY in New York, isn’t it? Jazzy hat might suggest I’m desperately trying to conform, when really, I look like a twat in it; it can stay on the backseat, I didn’t need a cliché to fit in!

To consider if Oxford has its university and Bath has its Roman Baths, Swindon has its Magic Roundabout, is picky, you know this, and think of Spitfires, Doris Day, Edith New and the GWR; I believe anyone in a nearby town critical of Swindon has infrastructure jealousy issues! Still, I pondered that I shouldn’t expect miracles. I left feeling precisely the opposite. This comfy, quirky and buoyant mini-festival was certainly communal, but friendly and welcoming, and what’s more, the musical professionalism was of top quality. The hat wouldn’t have ruined the effect after all; it was as unpretentious as you’d want a jazz festival to be; bloomin’ marvellous!

Let me be the Melinda Messenger in your Billie Pipeline, local jazz aficionados take note, Jazz Knights is well worth trekking to Swindon for, and any and everyone looking for a unique and sincere music appreciation festival should bookmark next year’s Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival; I had fun there, my hat didn’t!

Trending…..

The Female of the Species to Fundraise for Rainbow Early Years in Trowbridge

Girls, girls, girls, we love them here at Devizine, especially our esteemed all-female local supergroup The Female of the Species. 2024 will be their ninth annual fundraiser, they announced details of it this week; yay! The grand total raised over the years must be incalculable, has won them Civic Awards and thanks from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. But what is more, every event is a classic rock n pop n reggae n soul cover showstopper of such breathtaking proportions, I call it unmissable!

The Female of the Species are local girl power on fire; five ravishing frontwomen of five local bands, all of whom I fail every year to get any of their phone numbers! All working together in perfect union, with hints of naughty bantering and quality support acts. Jules Moreton of Trowbridge’s Train to Skaville, Nicky Davis from People Like Us and The Reason, Julia Greenland from Soulville Express, Claire Perry from Big Mamma’s Banned, Charmaigne Andrews from Siren, and the unforgettable Train to Skaville saxophonist, Karen Porter. All being amazing performers in their own right, together they’re an unsurpassable force which appears more harmonic with each year that passes.

Despite having obligations to their individual bands, they put their all into this trailblazing fundraiser, and they come together bang in the middle of Trowbridge, Melksham and Devizes, at Seend Community Hall, on the Saturday 21st September. Tickets are on sale, HERE, for a snip at £15.

This year we gather to raise funds for Trowbridge preschool Rainbow Early Years. They have only months to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds or face potential closure. Wiltshire Council have said the building it leases is “beyond economical repair.”

Rainbow Early Years has been a registered charity since 1993 and currently has 41 children enrolled, aged between two and four years old. Wiltshire Council are offering 25% of the cost of the building, the remaining needs to be found in order to keep the preschool open.

Parent and school volunteer, Cayla Harle told the BBC, “I came here as a child. My twins came here last year, and my little boy Arthur, now comes here too. (I feel) absolutely heartbroken. This place means so much, the staff here are incredible, they don’t deserve it.”

Manager Hayley Galliers told BBC Radio Wiltshire that she is unsure what exactly the problem with the building is. “Wiltshire Council said to us there’s an issue with the roofing, the electrics and the flooring. We’ve recently passed our health and safety inspection, the guy who did it said the flooring is absolutely fine. We’ve recently had our electrics done and also had our roofing repaired, so I just don’t see what the problem is.” Despite several requests Miss Galliers said the council has been unwilling or unable to provide her with the latest survey report, which was completed in 2022.

Councillor Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said “We have shared the contents of the survey with Rainbow Early Years but not the actual survey. There is a great amount of detail in the condition survey which would need to be explained, but we are happy to share this and talk through the details with Rainbows.”

Jules Moreton of Female of the Species told us, “when Julia and I met up with the charity, the staff were all really concerned about their jobs.” 

We wish Rainbow Early Years all the very best with their fundraising efforts, but one thing is for sure, The Female of the Species will give it a great boost, and have a whole lot of fun doing it! So be there, get your tickets HERE.

Trending……

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REVIEW – The Lost Trades @ The Piggy Bank, Calne – Tuesday 16th April 2024

by Andy Fawthrop

The Start of Something Big?

Off and on we’ve been writing about The Lost Trades for a couple of years now.  Combining the individual musical talents of locally-based Phil Cooper, Tamsin Quin and Jamie R Hawkins, we’ve always been impressed with both their digital recordings and with their live performances.  Last night, as part of their current UK tour, they came to perform what was basically the first live music gig at Calne’s premier craft beer bar The Piggy Bank.

Although the Piggy is fast approaching its third birthday, this was the first ever dedicated live music night.  Previously there had been pop-up food nights, quiz nights and comedy nights, but finally it was time to combine the two finest complementary ingredients – fabulous acoustic music and great quality craft beer.  And what a success it was.  The local Calne crowd, who had always supported these events from the start, turned out in droves on a chilly Tuesday night.  Sold out some weeks ago, the room was packed.  This is after all a micropub, and not a concert hall, so space for both performers and audience was at a premium.  But was that a problem? – not a bit of it.  It was, let’s say “cosy”, and all the better for that.

Describing themselves as a “vocal harmony and multi-instrument trio with a cool Laurel Canyon vibe”, with a sound that is reminiscent of the California folk scene of the late 60s/early 70s, The Lost Trades’ three-part harmonies have been described as “flawless”, “spine tingling” and “magical”.  And with very good reason.

Playing tracks from studio albums 2021’s “The Bird, The Book and The Barrel”, and 2022’s “Petrichor” and their very recent live album, the Trades delivered a sparkling night of musical entertainment.  Their performance included the now-expected frequent swapping around of instruments, with each of them playing bass, guitar and percussion at different points in the show, and the usual relaxed, easy rapport both amongst themselves, and with a very willing audience.  They’re clearly comfortable now with their material, and obviously relaxed in each other’s company.  This closeness pays dividends.  As ever, their harmonies were spot on, with lovely acapella sections suddenly emerging in the middle of many songs.

Taking it in turns to introduce and explain the songs, and the meaning behind the lyrics, the three friends took the audience with them.  There was a wonderful intimacy established in the room as their three sets progressed, and the audience (usually quietly spell-bound during the songs) responded with loud and warm enthusiasm.  I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure they made a lot of new friends last night!

An encore was an absolute formality.  A nice feature of such a packed room was that there wasn’t really the space for the band to do that formalised “let’s walk off the stage and then come back on again” routine.  There could be no pretence in such an environment.  The three of them were pinned to the stage, duly delivered their lost song, then took a well-deserved bow before a cheering crowd.

Difficult to top that – a simple ten out of ten from me for a great night’s entertainment.

So – is this the start of something big for both The Lost Trades, and for The Piggy Bank as a new Tuesday night music venue?  Time will tell, but both have now got the wind in their sails, so watch this space!

For more info you can always head over to thelosttrades.com and piggybankpub.co.uk  

Future gigs at The Piggy Bank are listed below. Most are already filling up, with only a few tickets left, so if you want to grab some top-class keenly-priced entertainment in Calne on a Tuesday night,  you know what you need to do!

Future music (and other) events at The Piggy Bank:

Tuesday 14th May  The Black Feathers

Tuesday 21st May  Crazy Bird Comedy Night

Tuesday 18th June  Jon Pearson “What Have You Been Up To?” (Comedy)

Tuesday 25th June  Jess Vincent & Katie Whitehouse

Tuesday 16th July  Crazy Bird Comedy Night

Tuesday 23rd July   Rob Lear Band

More information on these gigs (and tickets) are available via the pub’s Facebook page or on https://www.piggybankpub.co.uk/music

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Song of the Week: Canute’s Plastic Army

Swindon Celtic folk at it’s finest, Anish Harrison and Neil Mercer smash it again, this one is sublime, it’s called Wild, no spoilers, just listen,…

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 17th-23rd April 2024

Here we go with what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week, exciting stuff, I know!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.….

Wednesday 17th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Emmanuel Coppey and Antoine Préat at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Two times BBC Folk Award winner Daoirí Farrell is at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Memory Cinema, for those with dementia, at Swindon Arts Centre are showing A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Tom Houghton’s It’s Not Ideal at Swindon Arts Centre. Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at The Wyvern Theatre.

Show Of Hands – Full Circle Farewell Tour at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Thursday 18th

Quiz Night at the Peppermill, Devizes in aid of The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home.

PSG Choir taster session at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Thieves & Skiddy at The Tuppenny, Swindon. The Big Fat Monthly Quiz at the Vic. 

Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre. Primary School Assembly Bangers Live! at Swindon Arts Centre. Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at The Wyvern Theatre.

Fretn Keyz with Dave Howell at Rude Giant Beerhouse, Salisbury.

Friday 19th

Youth Work Auction Fundraiser at John O’Gaunt School, Trowbridge.

Take the Stage at the Neeld, in Chippenham. Chippenham Beer Festival too.

Bradford Roots Special at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon with Billy in the Lowground, Daisy Chapman and Thieves; Ed’s pick of the week, that one is! Preview here.

The Droogs & John E Viztic at The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon.

People Like Us at Prestbury Sports Bar, Westbury.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival, preview here. Draining The Swamp at Swindon Arts Centre. Barrelhouse & The Leon Daye Band at the Vic.

Wingin’ It at The George & Dragon, Salisbury. A Murder Mystery at Salisbury Cathedral.

Johnny Cash Revisited at Chapel Arts, Bath.

ex Wishbone Ash, Martin Turner  is at The Tree House, Frome.

Saturday 20th

Roma Antoine Exhibit and Art Sale at Tonka Bean, Devizes. Devizes Swap Shop at St James Church. The Bren Jones Big Band at the Wharf Theatre. Strange Folk at The Southgate. Down the Hatch at The Three Crowns. DJ Tappa Tappa at the Exchange.

Oriental Antiques Indigo Antiques Open Day at Manningford Bruce, Pewsey. Dutty Moonshine at the Barge on HoneyStreet. @59 at The Woodborough Social Club.

Marty’s Fake Family at The Pilot, Melksham.

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #8 at the Pump in Trowbridge; preview Here.

Mighty Magic Animal at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Pop-Up Bowie at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Driftwood at Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland.

Junkyard Dogs at The King’s Arms, Amesbury. Are You Worthy & Grant Sharkey at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury. Salisbury Pride Fundraiser at The Hope & Anchor, Salisbury.

Rosie Holt – That’s Politainment! at Swindon Arts Centre. Wrong Jovi at the Vic. The Worried Men at The Queen’s Tap. The Tin Shack Band at The Woodlands Edge.

The Shires at the Cheese & Grain, Frome is sold out, so too is Bare Jams at the Tree House. Try the 41 Fords at The Sun; we love the 41 Fords!

Sunday 21st

Mr Griff at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm. Devizes Town Band Showtime Sensations at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Jazz on Sunday Afternoon at Little Cheverall Village Hall.

The Dirty Weather Blues Revue at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

VW Campfest begins at Stonehenge.

Mini Ravers – Spring Tour at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd

I got nothing, yet; keep a keen eye on our updating event calendar, as I’m way behind updating it, and still got the front garden to sort out! Weeds, huh? I used go out to the garden to smoke de grass, nowadays I just go out to the garden to cut de grass!!

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week!

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Atari Pilot are Waiting for the Summer

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As Sweet as HoneyFest!

Imagine, it’s only just eight pm on the opening day of Honey-Fest at the legendary Barge on HoneyStreet, and the haystack-filled marquee is already positively…

Steatopygous & SHOX: Two Teen Devizes Punk Bands Appear on Trowbridge’s Pump Triple-bill this Saturday

Two teen Devizes punker bands appear on Trowbridge’s Pump triple-bill this Saturday, as the search for the Future of Trowbridge reaches its eighth instalment; unsure if Flo, our youngest reporter (by a country mile!) will be on the scene, so I’m tempted to leave my embarrassing grandad cap in the drawer and have a nose myself….

A new one on me, Menthol Lungs headline the show, with an ambiguous base I’m taking a wild stab in the dark to be Trowvegas. They promise hardcore shenanigans which never fall below 180 bpm. I might try to attempt to keep up with that, but kids, please stop me if you see me turn purple!

Now, our town’s newcomers, riot front-grrrl Poppy Hillier, bassist Eliza Brindle and drummer boy Ewan Middleton, aka Steatopygous, take the middle slot. In accordance to Flo’s recent interview with them, in true punk DIY fashion this band formed at Devizes school, and was the one she was most excited to see at the youth gig set up by Devizes Youth Action Group at the Corn Exchange in Feb.

Progressive indie fusion with a drum n bass DJ, apparently, SHOX also played the gig, and Flo had only good words to say about them too, concluding thus, “these guys have some awesome ideas, which makes them stand out and make a unique sound that I would love to hear some original songs with.” A concept that leaves me intrigued, I must say.

There’s one damn decent way to further these band’s progression locally, and that’s to feature at the one true venue dedicated to being their, and so many other upcoming talents’ launchpads, The Pump. Whereas most venues want to bring in a big name, The Pump strives to introduce you to the next big names…. Bloomin’ lovely place too.

Bucking the trend of depleting support, this Trowbridge golden nugget goes above and beyond grassroots schematics to host what will surely be, The Future Sound of Trowbridge. Hats off to all who sail in her, and I’m over the moon if it is to be suggested Flo’s excellent coverage of the Devizes Youth Action Group gig on Devizine encouraged Mr Moore, our favourite-most promoter, to book these two. But, hey, if we’re talking hats, there’s bound to be some other codger to share gardening tips there, surely? What the hell, if I do attend this gen z hoedown I might take my grandad cap after all! Best of luck to Menthol Lungs, Steatopygous, and SHOX. 

Tickets are only a fiver, go, invite your grandad along too! HERE.

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #8

Bradford Roots Session Special With Bill in the Lowground, Daisy Chapman & Thieves This Friday…..

There will be some foot-tapping folky goodness at the wonderful Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon on Friday. This year’s Bradford Roots Festival may be a fleeting memory, but it seems they can’t wait for another January, so 19th April sees a session highlighting some fond favourites; if you’re looking for something to entertain you, I thoroughly recommend it….

Two bands on a triple bill, both which achieve a perfect balance; barefoot fiddler and banjo bashing Broughton Gifford-based headliner Billy in the Lowground, a well-established west-country come Americana favourite who have that rare knack of stabilising an up-tempo pitch with concentrated narrative. And the new ensemble of Adam Woodhouse called Thieves, who mightily impressed me at this year’s festival with that perfect balance of vocal harmony bluegrass and darker country blues.

Nestled between these two fine bands you need not accept a substitute. Trowbridge living legend Daisy Chapman is also on the bill. An early time slot at this year’s festival meant I still haven’t managed to scrub her name off my must-see list, despite briefly touching base with her and, naturally, fondly reviewing two of her albums over the years. Unique is an understatement with Daisy, and if we’re talking about perfect balance, I couldn’t say if it’s the euphoric and epic musical style of her folk, or her astounding writing ability which sets her above your average local singer-songwriter, so I wager it’s both!

Wiltshire Music Centre’s dedication to, and not to mention development of local music is second to none, as well as hosting a wide variety of international musicians. This one is going to leave you contemplating it was twelve pounds well spent, with certainty.

Tickets HERE

Bradford Roots Sessions

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Meg at The Neeld in Chippenham 

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Jammin’ till the Jam is Through: The Marley Experience Came to Devizes 

I woke up yesterday morning long before the rising sun, but I did have a smile, because I witnessed the sheer magic of The Marley Experience at CrownFest last summer, and knew Devizes would be beautifully showered in one love; it didn’t disappoint….

They came to our Corn Exchange, rarely blessed with reggae, to pay a respectful and sublimely entertaining homage to the undisputed king of it, and raised the roof considerably higher. With professionalism, astute attention to detail and a prodigious heap of gusto,The Marley Experience is a live phenomenon must-see for anyone with so little as just a passing interest in reggae; and who hasn’t?! It’s the offbeat, isn’t it? That little jump which makes it so appealing, that, and its marriage between narrative in songwriting and danceable beats we rarely see in other pop genres; well, it is for me! 

I’d only seen a few tribute acts prior to starting Devizine, thus was critical of their worth to begin with. Then my investigations led to an invitation to see a different Bob Marley and the Wailers tribute in the Sham. I thought of this as a true test, to impress me by tributing an artist I idolised rather than one I could take or leave. But they delivered, and this reinforced my devotion and commitment to tributes in general; at the time I never imagined a Bob Marley tribute could’ve topped it.

Amazing as this other Wailers tribute was, particularly visually, I felt the show was, at times, rather unmalleable, or structured, by comparison to the loose and causal vibrations of the real McCoy. To have been lucky enough to have seen Bob Marley and the Wailers perform during their peak would, I’d imagine, have been an experience less lucid, more spontaneous and extempore. While arguably not quite as meticulous visually, The Marley Experience seem to have a better handle on this looseness priority, projecting a far more relaxed and comfy attitude, and resulting in something less ostentatious, joyful in ambience; precisely how I’d imagined a real Bob Marley concert to have played out.

Amusing story from a documentary, when the original Bob Marley and the Wailers lineup with Peter and Bunny attended an Old Grey Whistle Test for the BBC in 1973. A BBC engineer had a wonky preconception of the mechanics of the reggae style and tried to intervene, claiming what the band were playing wasn’t reggae! Whatever his presumption was didn’t matter because reggae, from ska to dancehall, is progressive, never stagnant; these were raggle-taggle Trenchtown rudeboys doing what they do, I think they knew full well what reggae was, and that you’d have been extremely foolish to question them about it! 

Reggae branches on equally as many tangents as rock or soul, perhaps more. It’s this pliability which rewards it with its charm and magic. No tribute act is supposed to be Madame Tussauds, particularly a reggae one! It’s surely a musical commendation and adulation, something The Marley Experience clearly acquired, proudly and ingeniously; musically precise, and that is, after all, what we surely want from a tribute act, not a duplicate, but an interpretation of, a homage.

There’s a plentiful beloved back catalogue of Bob Marley and the Wailers not to have to delve deeply into rarities, rather provide the audience with a setlist of the songs they know and love, and they did this. From One Love and Three Little Birds, they sure moved the crowd. Ballads like Stir it Up and Waiting in Vain were irresistibly causing partners to embrace, and his militant songs of unity, Buffalo Soldier or Get Up Stand Up were performed with such superlative passion, well, it might as well have been the real thing. And as Bob Marley & The Wailers fanboy number one, that’s definitely the highest accolade I could reward. 

They held Exodus off until the encore, leaving the crowds screaming for more. Perhaps the most obscure song choice being Soul Rebel, they marched on through the known classics with certain professional ease, and appeared to have a lot of fun doing it. The joy of performing reflects on the audience, and I didn’t notice one face in the crowd not in awe of what they were witnessing, much less attempt to stand still!

The atmosphere was enhanced by the quality of sound and lights, and the perfect engineering we’ve come to expect from Wiltshire Music Events; they promise to return to Devizes in style; watch this space.

The brilliance of The Marley Experience took flight only after a wonderful set from John and Joylen, aka Illingworth, an acoustic duo with said worth, active on the local pub circuits and a cut above the rest. Favourites of Wiltshire Music Events and session musicians for their Tunnel Rat Studio in Salisbury, the pair did themselves proud, I’d have expected no less from them. With some wonderfully executed covers of rock classics, it made for an alternative to the more common option of a reggae DJ to support, and Illingworth saw it as a convenient opportunity to add a higher number of their own compositions as they might usually perform in a pub scenario; something you’ll never see me grumble about.

But, if there was a natural mystic blowin’ through the air last night in Devizes, if you listened carefully you’d have heard; watching the news and international tensions unfold, there’s timeless words in Bob Marely’s writing equally as poignant and relative today as they were when he wrote them. Yeah, we have this film, yeah we have Marley grandchildren sampling his works, but more grounded and achievable to go see, the strength of a good tribute act to him will do more than entertain, one hopes, it will serve to continue and resound the plain and simple message he profoundly wailed, and The Marley Experience have that commitment, passion and skill to do exactly that, plus get us easy skanking, naturally!

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Wharf Writers’ Group Release First Podcast

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 16th – 22nd August 2023

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Michelle Donelan Out of the Chicken Run for New Devizes-Melksham Constituency, But What Difference Will These Changes Mean?

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Sax in the Country; Patsy Gamble Jazz Trio Comes to Bromham

After an inaugural midweek gig with local legend Andrew Hurst this month, it seems Bromham’s St Nicholas Church could be the unexpected new rural music venue worth talking about, as jazz saxophonist Patsy Gamble arrives on Wednesday May 15th…..

If brass is class, Stroud’s Patsy Gamble comes with an impressive résumé. A British Blues Award finalist in 2011 and 2012, Patsy plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones and has performed across Europe and the Middle East. As a session saxophonist with one of the UK’s top horn sections, The Little Big Horns, there’s a hall of fame of names she’s worked with, from Steve Winwood, Mick Jagger, Paul Weller and Suggs, to Jasper Carrott.

Patsy performs freelance and with her own bands, The Patsy Gamble Blues Collective, and both as a jazz trio and quartet, is a vocalist, composer, and somehow even finds time for some art on the side!  You may have seen her working with the incredibly cool Eddie Martin, a regular axeman on our circuit, and a particular favourite at our trusty Southgate in Devizes. You can also catch Patsy with her Blues Collective on Sunday, 26th May, at The Southgate.

But it’s the jazz trio appearing in Bromham, with Tristan Watson on guitar and bassist Duncan Kingston, and there’s nothing better to cure those midweek blues than a touch of jazz, but you knew tgat already….

Tickets are £15 from HERE

Michelle Donelan’s Fake Magazine Promoted By Drink Driving Fox Hunter

And so it begins. Expect an influx of Tory propaganda and lies rammed through your letterbox over the coming weeks; you’d be better taking your chances clicking on a link from an Indonesian newsite claiming Simon Cowell is in hospital than believe any of the crap spewing from their mouths…..

Who’s had this one recently dropped like a bombshell onto their doormat, You & Your Family?! It’s NOT a delightful blithe local Hello magazine some nice neighbour thought you’d like to browse, it’s a propaganda leaflet of lies and deceit from a desperate ruling political party, only playfully disguised as a delightful blithe local Hello magazine, and you would be a fool to believe any of it. I hope they don’t mind that we remixed it, added a few truths.

From our own Conservative MP, Michelle Donelan, You & Your Family avoids the blue colour of the usual Conservative corporate identity, and goes for the neutral, coffee table magazine look in an attempt to disguise its true nature. It doesn’t even mention the political party she’s affiliated with, rather shamelessly masquerades as something it’s not; they’re that proud of their party they have to hide it!

Now, if the fact that both Michelle’s partner, and his father both set up companies to supply bogus PPE to the NHS during the pandemic, and recently this Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology faced court action for falsely alleging on X scientist Professor Kate Sang of Heriot-Watt University had expressed sympathy for Hamas, which she used £15,000 of taxpayer’s money to bail herself out of, isn’t enough tory scandal to put you off ever voting for them again, note this fluff pamphlet of deceit has been promoted by none other than our old pal, Jonathan Seed.

Yep, in the tiniest writing on the back it names Jonathan Seed as the promoter. Once huntsmaster of the Avon Vale Hunt, who busted a few heads in Lacock one Boxing Day while a police officer hunter herself turned a blind eye, and were so sure of themselves they convicted themselves, filming themselves killing a fox and posting it online!    

Dammit, I thought we’d heard the last of this seedy by name seedy by nature character, who I warned you all about when he told me anyone campaigning against the needless and brutal slaughter of our wildlife is an online troll. He was going for the Police Crime Commissioner role at the time, a keen Countryside Alliance chappie, hoping to persuade the rural crime team to turn a blind eye to hunting. And despite me telling you he was a wrong-un, the majority voted for him, because he had his picture taken with Boris Johnson, a very trustworthy prime minister after all.

He won, if you recall. But he didn’t seem to care; he had previous convictions for drunk driving and many other offences, which he failed to disclose to the electorate, and pulled out after the election, costing the local taxpayer millions for a re-election. The result of which changed nothing as he was swiftly replaced in the PCC role by Tory crony Phillip Wilkinson who is equally critical of anti-hunt supporters and admitted attending hunt balls himself.

So when you read your magazine, You & Your Family, spare a thought for You & Your Family, for the ones promoting it, the ones lying in it, couldn’t give a finger of fudge about  You & Your Family, for if they did, they wouldn’t be fleecing the NHS, the taxpayers to fund their own mistakes, they wouldn’t be drunk driving, or posing a danger to the public pursuing a fox to slay for pompous drunk kicks, now, would they?! There’s a lot of people out there trying to scam you, clearly, the Conservative Party is the worst offender yet. 

PREVIEW – White Horse Opera’s Puccini’s “La Boheme”@ Lavington School, Devizes – Wednesday 10th, Friday 12th, and Saturday 13th April 2024

by Andy Fawthrop

A Sparkling Production

Last night I was privileged to sit in on the Dress Rehearsal for this wonderful production.  It was like having a private viewing of a great work of art, with a chance to see how it all came together, and to figure out what made the whole thing tick.  It was also a chance for cast and crew, together with Musical Director Roland Melia, and Stage Director Matt Dauncey to iron out any last-minute wrinkles.  There were a few but, as the song goes, too few to mention.  This show is absolutely ready to go live for the rest of the week!

Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème is one of the most famous operas ever written, following the unforgettable story of two young bohemian lovers in Paris at the end of the 19th century. When young poet Rodolfo meets seamstress Mimì, it’s love at first sight. But, faced by the cruel realities of poverty and ill health, will the flame that burns between them flicker and die? Or will the timeless strength of their youthful passion withstand every trial and tribulation that life can throw at them? With a great love story comes a beautiful score, including arias like Musetta’s Waltz and ‘Yes, they call me Mimì’ (Si, mi chiamano Mimì).

A classic tale of tragic romance, La Bohème is a great opera for beginners and regulars alike. Director Matt had updated the setting to the 1960s, with fashion to match but, to me at least, it made little real difference to the superb quality of musical operatic delivery.  Using WHO’s trade-mark stripped back lines in terms of scenery backdrops, props, costumes and musical accompaniment, this was nevertheless a production that felt rich and full.

The four principals absolutely shone.  Guest tenor Robert Felstead (Rodolfo), and WHO stalwarts soprano Lisa House (Mimi), baritone Jon Paget (Marcello) and soprano Jess Phillips (Musetta) all put in superb performances.  And that’s not to diminish the quality of the rest of the cast in any way.  Contributions all round were spot on, and the staging was confident and upbeat.  The rapid interplay of dialogue singing during certain scenes meant that everyone had to be completely on their game and if there were any slip-ups I certainly didn’t spot them.

The whole production is sung in English in four acts, with a half-time interval. The programme provides excellent notes and a synopsis of the plot for each act, and the whole thing wraps up in about two hours.  These factors make the production accessible to all and easy to digest.  If you’ve not tried opera before, this is the sort of production that should change your mind, and I’d encourage anyone to give it a shot.  Equally those who are perhaps more familiar with the opera will not be disappointed, as what’s on offer here is a truly sparkling version of a classic.

Tickets are still available (both online and at Devizes Books) for performances tonight (Wednesday), and for Friday and Saturday.

Future WHO events:

Sat 18th May                       Top Of The Ops                                Seagrey, nr Chippenham

Fri 6th December              Christmas Concert                           St. Andrew’s Church, Devizes

2025 – La Belle Helene

More information on WHO is available HERE

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 10th-16th April 2024

Spring has sprung! There were two snails on my milk-float this morning, opening “doing it,” without shame; absolute filth! …. I should have filmed it (in a jealous rage!) there might be a gap in the market for mollusc porn! Birds, bees, now snails, they’re all getting some!

Okay, let’s get you out and about, and you never know your luck, you too can be like those snails! Here’s what we’ve found to do in the wilds of Wiltshire this coming week…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing: Devizes RAF Squadron still have their Easter Egg Hunt running across Devizes, until 14th April; I’d have eaten the lot by now!

And then There Were None runs at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes until Saturday; review HERE.

Wednesday 10th

Crafty Kids at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at The Southgate. White Horse Opera’s La Boheme at Lavington School opens and runs up to Saturday.

Runny Snotts Open Mic at the Three Crowns, Chippenham.

Dom Martin Solo Tour with special guest: Demi Marriner, at Chapel Arts, Bath.

 Easter Panto, Beauty And The Beast at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Pop Kids Mini Rave at the Vic, with a Big Jam Session in the evening.

Thursday 11th

PSG Choir taster session at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Boo Hewerdine plus support: Vlado Nosal at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Tommy Hale & the Magnificent Bastards at the Beehive, Swindon. Lost Revellers at The Tuppenny. Tanwood Youth Theatre’s Frozen Jr. opens at Swindon Arts Centre, runs until Sunday. An Evening Of Burlesque at The Wyvern Theatre.

Friday 12th

Karaoke Night with Karl Maggs at the Exchange, Devizes. 

Open Mics at The Barge on HoneyStreet, and The Parade Cinema, Marlborough.

Americana Beer Festival at The Bell, Bowden Hill, Lacock.

Sound of the Sirens at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Bluebeard in support.

This Carpenters Masquerade at Melksham Assembly Hall.

West of England Youth Orchestra Relaxed Family Concert at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Heavy For the Tropics at The Three Horseshoes.

Jon Amor Trio at The Ram, Bath. Emma Stevens Band’s “Bloom” Tour plus support from BLÁNID at Chapel Arts.

Barrelhouse at The New Inn, Swindon. Motorheadache at the Vic. Plucking Different at the Beehive. 12 Bars Later at The Village Inn, Shaw. Sir Bradley Wiggins at The Wyvern Theatre.

The Scribes’ Boombox at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Saturday 13th

Museum Explorers Club – Animals in the Museum at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Museum Explorers club is for 5-7 year olds and is an introduction to popular topics such as the Romans and Ancient Egyptians. The Great British Yarn Crawl at Pins & Needles on Snuff Street, Devizes.

Humdinger at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Cooper’s Creek at The Southgate. Dreamettes at Devizes Conservative Club. And Stevie MC is in the mix at the Exchange.

But, Editor’s Pick of the Week is The Marley Experience at the Corn Exchange, Devizes. I’ve been looking forward to this since CrownFest last summer; hope to see you there…jammin’ ‘til the jam is done!

Meatloud at Melksham Assembly Hall. The Corsairs at The Grapes. The Singing Herdsman at The Pilot.

The Chaos Brothers at The Talbot, Calne.

The Monkey Dolls at the Lamb, Marlborough.

The Exact Opposite at the Pump, Trowbridge. 

The Idle Silence, Cult Python, & Otterman at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Fire & Rain & American Pie at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Stockers Street Food Festival at The Hop, Swindon. The Daybreakers at the Vic.

The Good Old Fashioned Lover Boys at Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland.

The JB Conspiracy at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury. 

Top Secret – The Magic of Science at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Mother Vulture at The Tree House.

Sunday 14th

CSF Wrestling at the Corn Exchange, Devizes.  Jon Amor Trio Special with guest Stevie Watts at The Southgate.

Open Mic at Red Lion, Lacock.

Deadlight Dance’s The Wiltshire Gothic Album Launch at The Blue Boar, Aldbourne. Album reviewed HERE.

Murder Trial Tonight at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Barney & Kelly at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Monday 15th

Macbeth at Swindon Arts Centre, also runs on Tuesday.

Tuesday 16th

The Lost Trades at The Piggybank, Calne.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe event for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon, A celebration of Herbie Hancock, with Tom Berge.

Poetika at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And, while we’re planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a look at the coming month HERE.  

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week, One Love.

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The Clones at the Three Crowns, Devizes

Forget your pedal board setup for a moment, it was as if The Clones knew precisely what buttons to press to rouse the party crowd at The Three Crowns in Devizes last night, and whilst I’d admit it doesn’t take a lot to get them going, this four-piece certainly put an earnest shift in…

It seems irrefutable, the Three Crowns is the go-to pub to party and let your hair down in Devizes right now, particularly for Millennials and those tipsy enough to think they’re also twentysomething, like, I dunno, me?!! These wheels have been in motion for a few years and show no sign of slowing yet. It’s busy but hospitable, uses card-only payments to speed up service, inside it serves a respectable plate, and if previous generations favoured DJs in club format, the modern method of live cover bands is the epoch The Three Crowns abides by, and delivers in a spacious heated and covered beer garden, with zest ….but you knew this already, right?!

Whilst there’s the obvious popularity of regularly returning local bands such as People Like Us, The Roughcut Rebels and Illingworth, it’s a blessing to see a new band to the pub attract the same colossal positive response. The Clones hail from Corsham, I was unaware of them and my curiosity paid off. As we witnessed in Devizes last night, they sure put the cor in Corsham. Akin to when Pewsey’s Humdinger arrived in a blaze of glory, the punters showed them the Devizes appreciation and the atmosphere was electric.

Through a motley genre-mapped setlist they delivered a range of covers all with gusto, sharp class and attention to detail. Two lead singers generally adopted different stances, one taking the funky, soul numbers, with a sublime medley of Superstition and equally funky classics, the other with a penchant for eighties new wave, mod to Britpop; the Jam’s A Town Called Malice being my fav of the set, if I was forced at gunpoint to provide one.

Yet both duetted on a number of miscellaneous pop and rock classics. There were few tunes you might consider cliché, but they handled this well because often the crowd wants this, and mostly though sing-a-longs, they weren’t the archetypal songs to falter a cover band setlist. Daring attempts too, from Bowie to Jacko’s Billie Jean, there were some your average cover band should only try at home! It was nonstop fun, never attempting to sooth with a love ballad, or experiment with a synth, just the rock n roll four-piece format of drums, bass and lead, brought up-to-date with an exemplary setlist to rouse any diverse demographic audience.

It was loud, proud, and teetering with polished enthusiasm and professionalism. Landlords, if you want a band to make your punters thirsty by jumping for joy, this might be the cover band for you.

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Devizes Scooter Rally 2023

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Six:Teen Edition; Devizes Music Academy’s Historic Pop Blast Showcase!  

Images Used With Permission of Gail Foster

Last night at Devizes Corn Exchange I, and a packed house, witnessed the retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII, in an unique, contemporary and dazzling way. It was as if Andrew Lloyd Webber was directing Little Mix in a musical of Horrible Histories….

Without hindsight I admit, I was apprehensive it would be my cuppa. It was mostly the fact young Jess Self starred in it which drew me to it. Truly a natural born star, I’ve witnessed firsthand the range of dramatics she handles with sublime ease, yet I was concerned her talent may upstage the other students appearing in Devizes Music Academy’s inaugural showcase.

I wasn’t wrong about Jess’s talent, playing the part of Jane Seymour, her solo ballad much in the musical style she’s accustomed brought the house down, but I hadn’t predicted how exceptionally close to that pedestal the other cast members would attain. It was a bonded girl band, to all intents and purposes, akin to the non-uniformed Spice Girls, where each girl’s contrasting characteristics and personalities have the freedom to be played out, but the ingenious part was that both the individuality of each performer, and the characters of the wives of Henry VIII intertwined so wonderfully if the concept is difficult to imagine, it simply worked wonders through their dedication.

Image: Gail Foster

I mean, yeah, Devizes most prestigious stage, the quality of light and sound engineering, and the clever design of the dresses to mesh Tudor styles with contemporary fashion, all benefitted, but the magic truly was in the performance, as they boomed onto the stage brewing with both with the joy of performing and confidence of an established pop band on tour. Backed by the precise choreography of the remaining students, the six wives came out in a force of unison, as did they finalise the show with two additional numbers.

With just enough narrative to inform and not prevent it turning into a full blown play, rather a pastiche of a pop party, they jostled each other for the spotlight with amusing Gen Z banter and staged a song-off battle brimming with historic facts. It was uniquely brilliant.

Image: Gail Foster

Each took a solo pitch in the chronological order of the King’s wives. I tried to keep track of this despite mostly staring out of the classroom window during history lessons! Katherine of Aragon first, played enthusiastically and skilfully with the egotistical diva of Miley Cyrus, by Ruby Phipps, and you’d be forgiven to assume her astute and amusing quips and side-eye glances at the others would be a comical showstopper, much too was the confidence in her vocals.

Amelie Smith as Anne Boleyn followed. A contrasting but equally engaging performance, with the Cockney-pseudo-rap-singing fashion of Kate Nash. It was clear each modern pop sub-genre would be inclusive with each solo, and each performer’s personal attributes would be encased within their characters; the casting was defined with excellence.

Image: Gail Foster

Jane Seymour next, her family-orientated persona perfect for Jess Self to light up the stage with the aforementioned breathtaking musical ballad. Truly a star, but the others, I now know, are too.

It then all went all Europop for Anne of Cleves, adapting her Germanic roots in the House of La Marck as a tekno club intro was a stroke of humorous genius. Played with gusto and inimitable panache, the exceptionally talented Kelsey Husband took no prisoners in a neo-soul blast akin to Missy Elliot come attitude of P!nk in a period drama; wowzers, it was as cool as a cucumber!

Image: Gail Foster

Mia Jepson as Catherine Howard implemented a more punky, indie fusion, as if lead in a Republica style band. The result was spellbinding and contrasting, and performed with confidence, as if singing like a rock legend was child’s play to Mia!

Image: Gail Foster

The final wife Kateryn Parr, played with a certain brilliance by Lisa Grime returned the vibe superbly back to a soulful ballad, and through beautiful vocals the harsh realities of their fates begun to reside over the folly and excitement of fame, exactly the downside of Henry VIII’s wives and contemporary pop stars might equally face. And that was where the unique spin resided. I said from concept to production the idea was a stroke of genius, didn’t I?!

Sure, we’ve seen modern makeovers of biblical or historical stories in musicals, from the Romeo and Juliet adaptation West Side Story to Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar, but nothing I know of which reflects a Gen Z pop concert to the letter, in so much as it was more a pop concert than play, and this conveyed the preference of the generation, and breathed zest and joy into a head-chopping historic referenced narrative.

Image: Gail Foster

A mahoosive congratulations to director and mentor Jemma Brown, and all the awesome students of Devizes Music Academy. It was absolutely fantastic, enough to take on tour, or perhaps, if you all became presenters of the History Channel, they’d move it to MTV and actually get viewers!!

While there’s many great local options for schools of performing arts, judged from the quality of this show alone, Devizes Music Academy shows real potential in creating current programs which would really engage the youth of today. 

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Seven Year Old Chloe Raised £600 for Devizes Opendoors

Brave young fundraiser, Chloe Boyle did it! Just as she promised, Chloe slept outside in her garden Friday night, and raised an amazing £600 for homeless charity Devizes Opendoors; fantastic Chloe, congratulations! You are a trooper!

£57 of it Chloe raised herself, running a cuddly toy stall at school. But this amazing effort is only part of the continued fundraising Chloe has done for Opendoors and other charities.

If cities host Big Sleepouts, this was surely Devizes’ Little Sleepout, and brave Chloe managed the whole night outside. Mum, Julie said, “I have to say I wasn’t as prepared as I thought, for the amount of noise that happens all through the night.”

“I am so incredibly proud of Chloe for sticking out what was a really tough night in the end. It is not like being at a campsite where everyone around you is there for a holiday too, and the noise is a minimum. She has definitely taught me something through this fundraiser too. She really is a beautiful soul.”

We agree, well done, Chloe, and keep up the awesome fundraising. You are an inspiration to us all. Seems the Mayor thinks so too, and this week, Chloe received a young person’s civic award from the Mayor. A very busy Easter holiday!

Julie said, “all of her efforts are only possible because of the amazing people in our community.” Thanks to everyone for their support, homelessness is increasing locally, and Opendoors is there to help.

Six:Teen Edition: Devizes Music Academy’s First Show!

Devizes Music Academy brings us Six: Teen Edition This Saturday, and we wish all the young performers the very best of luck!

So, I find myself chatting with Jemma Brown, who, if you live in Devizes but don’t know, you don’t get out much! With husband Anthony, they’re the brainchild of drama group The Invitation Theatre Company, and FullTone, our homegrown orchestra which has thrilled audiences from Marlborough College to Bath Abbey and beyond, yet annually return to town to stage the most breathtaking FullTone Festival….but there’s a new style of show heading our way this Saturday 6th April…..

Jemma has brought together a phenomenal team under the Devizes Music Academy banner, a school of performing arts she has run for the past two years, and their phenomenal cast of young people, to bring an historical masterpiece to the stage in the centre of Devizes this weekend. Six:Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ Six, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences.

Six was created and written by Marlow and Moss. What began as a one-off student production staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 has gone on to be staged professionally, and is currently seen on stages in London’s West End, on Broadway and on tours across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and now…..(insert drum roll here) ….Devizes!!!

Twenty local 13-19 year olds will be smashing their way through the stories of the lives of Katherine of Aragon (Ruby Phipps), Anne Boleyn (Amelie Smith), Jane Seymour (Jess Self), Anne of Cleves (Kelsey Husband), Catherine Howard (Mia Jepson) and Kateryn (that’s how you spell it!) Parr (Lisa Grime), with 14 Ladies in Waiting in support – and promises to be quite something. 

Think our young people can’t pull off a show of this magnitude? Think again! Jemma said “we’ve spent the week absolutely drilling this show in full scale all day rehearsals – the voices of the six queens are off the scale and the entire attitude towards the production from all the performers has blown us away. We have full on tech from the best team (Patch Productions) coming in and quite literally are bringing the West End to the West Country! The music, the story telling, the dancing, the total and pure emotion of the songs, both in hilarity and devastation, rivals adult productions – fact. I can’t quite believe we’re doing it and that the young performers themselves have pulled off such a fantastic end result. It’s very very exciting!”

It’s on at Devizes Corn Exchange for one day only – Saturday 6th April, but there’s two showtimes, 2:30pm and 7:30pm. The strapline asks, would “Henry VIII approve of this show?! When you see SIX, we’re pretty sure you’ll all be in agreement….who cares?!” Devzine wishes Jemma and all the youths performing, we know a few from previous performances, all the very best with this amazing sounding show, and I’m certain, no one will need their heads chopped off!

We fully agree with Jemma when she expressed, “supporting young talent is so important, because encouraging kids to put themselves out there is a fantastic thing and…..you might be surprised just how much you enjoy this gem of a show!”

Tickets are from Devizes Books priced £15/£20; or online HERE.

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Palooza delivered everything they said they would to the Devizes Exchange nightclub early March, with a knockout inaugural night of smooth house music vibes. Here’s my take on it. The DJs were bang on the money, the atmosphere was unpretentiously buzzing with positive and uplifting vibes I compared to the UK rave scene at its peak, but a few more through the door would’ve been welcomed. As it is with dance music culture, a new thing has to grow and develop, and this works through word-of-mouth; hence why I mention it!

What impressed me most was the age demographic there. I spotted a number of older ravers, reliving their misspent youth, and I saw younger clubbers too, but all mingled with the shared ethos of good vibes, and that’s what made the night so satisfying. If you missed the last one, I advise you check in on the next one in May; keep up-to-date with them on Facebook. Tickets are HERE.

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Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival 19th & 20th April featuring Darius Brubeck, The Wonder of Stevie, and Suntou Susso

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival is coming soon, over the 18th to the 20th April at Christ Church and free fringe events at the Royal Oak, both in the heart of Swindon, Old Town….

The 4th Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival continues to bring world class acts to Wiltshire, and this year includes a month of free entry Festival Fringe events at The Royal Oak Old Town.

The main event starts with ‘An Evening of Classic Soul’ (Friday 18th April) which is headlined by The Wonder of Stevie, the Ultimate Celebration of Stevie Wonder. The project has been a favourite throughout theatres and is the brainchild of two of the top performers in the UK, Noel McCalla and Derek Nash. Noel McCalla’s long association with the Morrisey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers,” (Blues and Soul Magazine). Noel’s vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and he provided vocals on Mike Rutherford’s album, Smallcreep’s Day.

The award winning saxophonist Derek Nash has played with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion. He has performed live with artists such as Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse and many, many more.

Billy & Louie Soul Band

The Evening of Classic Soul also features local talent Billy & Louie, will perform with their new nine-piece soul band, following their soul out debut concert. The duo are set to perform an array of soulful classics from Aretha Franklin to Bill Withers. They’ll also perform soulful versions of some of their own material from their debut EP ‘Manifesting You’.

On the David Knight Jazz Stage (Saturday 20th April) the line up is headlined by the Darius Brubeck Quartet. Born in San Francisco, Jazz pianist and composer Darius Brubeck grew up in the artistic milieu of his famous father Dave Brubeck and has enjoyed a lifetime of international experience as band leader, composer, teacher and broadcaster. Previously a Professor of music in South Africa, his concerts also feature South African music as well as some of  Dave Brubeck’s iconic hits.

DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET / Clerkenwell / Shot by Rob Blackham / http://www.blackhamimages.com

The 2023 festival added a showcase of music from Africa which was a huge success and the 2024 event will continue to include this genre. The African stage (Saturday 20th April) is headlined by Suntou Susso and his band. Celebrated across Africa and Europe, Suntou is a Kora player (a 22 stringed harp-lute), percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia. Born into the 700-year-old Griot tradition, Suntou performs his role as a historian, storyteller, and unifier of people through song. The group combines the rich, traditional sound of West-African Mandinka culture with Afro jazz and soul.

The event also features favourites at Devizes Southgate, Two Man Ting, the Bristol-based duo of English guitarist Jon Lewis, who has a clear penchant for Two-Tone and punk inclinations of yore, and Jah-Man Aggrey, a Sierra Leonean percussionist. Also, Ibou Tall Quintet, Ian Bateman’s ‘It’s Trad, Dad’, Billy & Louie’s Soul Band,  Kim Cypher Quartet, and more.

Two Man Ting

The Festival Fringe is being held at The Royal Oak Old Town which is the home of Tuesday weekly Jazz nights. From 19th March, leading up to the festival, they will be celebrating some of the biggest names in Jazz such as Herbie Hancock and Stan Getz, with some of the best musicians on the scene. All the fringe events are free entry and the first set is at 8pm. As well as the live music, their restaurant, The ChopTank will be serving a delicious menu before and during the first set. Please contact the venue directly for table or pre music dinner – 01793 977337.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Tickets from HERE

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Ignore Petty Facebook Posts; The Marley Experience Concert in Devizes Is Going Ahead as Planned

In song Bob Marley made no exceptions. He spoke freely in several songs about the powers that be, trying to hush him. The summit of their disapproval led to an assassination attempt in December 1976…is his message the reason for a loud minority of locals trying to derail a tribute act gig, I mean, really?!!

On the Survival album he chanted about an “ambush in the night, tryin’ to conquer me,” and in the song Keep on Moving he openly told of his heartbreak at having to leave his family to exile in London.

It is not for me to reason why, neither would I dare compare the gravity of his plight with a seemingly petty recent local resistance against the tribute act The Marley Experience coming Devizes Corn Exchange on 13th April, but after complaints to the Council over signage advertising this event, now it seems some people have taken to Facebook to falsely claim the event has been cancelled.

We will not speculate why they have decided to do this, only say the event is most definitely going ahead. Eddie Prestidge of Wiltshire Events, hosting the gig, said, “this is totally unfounded. Unfortunately this rumour has been posted by some malicious individuals for unknown reasons, but the show will go on. There are still a limited number of tickets available.” 

Whatever motives those deliberately trying to sabotage this event have, we really don’t care. There are no valid reasons for it. If you don’t want to go, don’t; simples. We’ve been looking forward to this. I’ve seen The Marley Experience before, and as a lifelong fan of Bob Marley and the Wailers, I will tell you, you will not be disappointed. These petty attacks on the event are counterproductive to their intentions, as they only serve us a darn good excuse to continue plugging this gig!

They’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel for pathetic attempts to derail this gig from going ahead, “Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner.” 

Get your tickets from Devizes Books, Sidmouth Street, or online here:

https://wiltshiremusiceventsuk.onestopwebworks.com/event/bob-marley-event/

The Tap at The Peppermill to Host Open Mic

Two local musicians have joined forces as Nightingale Sounds to host their first Open Mic Night at the new Tap at the Peppermill in Devizes….

With a vision to showcase the local talent pool and provide a platform for networking, connection and collaboration, Nightingale invites you to join them for an evening full of wonder, on Tuesday 30th April; what better way to finish off the first month of spring?!

Welcoming all abilities and styles, they also embrace the use of backing tracks and can provide a session drummer and bassist to enhance solo performances. 

At this stage they are not accepting full bands, but would love to hear from you regarding future ticketed events as they plan to ramp up the ante for musical events at The Tap at The Peppermill. 

Either turn up on the night between 7-730pm to book your 2 song slot to or pre-book with Chrissy on 07521770189.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 3rd – 9th April 2024

First week of April, there’s no fooling you, here’s what we’ve found to do…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. 

Wednesday 3rd

Crafty Kids in Hillworth Park, Devizes. RAF Cadets’ Easter Egg Hunt continues across Devizes until 14th April. Easter Bouncy Castle Kingdom on the Green until 5th April. 

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer in Wiltshire – Free Talk at Melksham Library.

Screening of The Royal Opera Madama Butterfly at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Simon Munnery’s Jerusalem at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thursday 4th

There’s Easter themed holiday activities at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder, Devizes.

Andrew Hurst is at St Nicholas Church, Bromham.

Hooch at The Tuppenny, Swindon. Subhumans at the Vic. Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas at Swindon Arts Centre. The Illegal Eagles at The Wyvern Theatre.

Salisbury Open Mic at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Plumhall at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Friday 5th

Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes.

Teenage Halloween, Start The Sirens and Trashed at The Pump, Trowbridge. Open Mic at Newtown Social Club. 

12 Bars Later at The 3 Brewers, Corsham.

The Forgetting Curve & Little Villains at the Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Kammerphilharmonie Europa at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at Christ Church. Black Parade at the Vic. Phil Ellis’ Excellent Comedy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. King of Pop starring Navi and Jennifer Batten at The Wyvern Theatre.

Martin Carthy at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Norman Jay’s Norman Soul at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Saturday 6th

Jamie Williams

Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective at The Southgate, Devizes. The Clones at The Three Crowns. SIX: The Musical – Teen Edition at the Corn Exchange. Back to the 80s party night at the Bear Hotel.

Mick Jogger & the Stones Experience at Seend Community Centre.

Siren at The Pilot, Melksham.

John Hackett Band at the Pump, Trowbridge.

Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Desperate Measures, The Setbacks & Death Traps at the Three Horseshoes.

John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at The Merlin Theatre, Bath.

The Beatles Complete Tribute Show at the Athenaeum Centre, Warminster.

Gaz Brookfield is in the Tent, at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

41 Fords at Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland.

Motley Crude at the Vic, Swindon. Swindon Recital Series at Swindon Arts Centre. Northern Live – Do I Love You at The Wyvern Theatre.

A Band Called Malice at The Tree House, Frome.

Sunday 7th

Jim Blair at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Open Mic at The Red Lion, Lacock.

Little Wander Presents…Ria Lina at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Ben Fletcher Band at the Three Horseshoes. 

Dreamboys at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 8th

And then There Were None opens at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes, running until Saturday.

Tuesday 9th

Fish n Chip Supper & Quiz Night in aid of RNLA at Devizes Conservative Club.

Café Concert at St Andrew’s Chippenham.

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe, a Celebration of Wes Montgomery with Nigel Price at Jazz Knights, The Royal Oak, Swindon.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And, while we’re planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a look at the coming month HERE.  

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Trending…..

Help Devizes Opendoors On Lions Sponsored Walk

Join Devizes Opendoors for a sponsored walk, at 9.30 am on Sunday 12 May 2024,  (registration from 9am) to support the work of Opendoors, which helps local homeless and vulnerable people. They ensure that they have a hot meal, clean clothes and bedding, help to tackle problems like finding a home, getting medical assistance, or sorting out financial difficulties….

It’s an eight mile circular walk to the south of Devizes, from the Guide Hall on Coate Road. The route is mainly flat and easy terrain but with a few small hills on the way. The route passes through Nursteed Village, Sleight, and Stert, then returns to the Guide Hall via the Wessex Ridgeway.

The walk organised by the Devizes Lions gives the opportunity to all the local groups and charities to raise funds for their particular good causes.

There is a shorter walk for young children. Dogs are welcome!

The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities. There will be marshals and safety vehicles at strategic points along the route should anyone require assistance. There will be a drink station on route and at the Guide Hall at the end of the walk.

Register for the event and set up your sponsorship page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/devizesopendoorssponsoredwalk2024

Or contact them: events@devizesopendoors.org.uk

Or just want to support our work by making a donation: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/devizesopendoorssponsoredwalk2024

Devizes Road Resurfacing Plan Abolished Due to Dinosaur Fossil in Pothole

Wiltshire Council’s ambitious plans to resurface all the roads in Devizes before the next ice age have been cancelled because rare dinosaur fossils have been found in the potholes on Estcourt Street, by the Morrisons roundabout….

Head of Wiltshire Council, Dick Cleaver, a keen fossil finder in his spare time, discovered the fossil of what is believed to be a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex when inspecting the potholes personally. “I’ve always had a keen eye for spotting fossils,” he explained, “there’s lots of them at County Hall.” 

“We’ve suspected Devizes had a prehistoric past, a breeding ground for dinosaurs like the T-Rex we’ve found,” Cllr Cleaver continued. “This is why we’ve deliberately not fixed a single pothole for the last decade or two, but we couldn’t announce the reasoning until we found some concrete evidence.”

Now they have, Wiltshire Council have had no choice but to suspend plans to fix the potholes. “They are of vital archaeological interest,” the councillor expressed, “a freestanding baby Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil perfectly intact like this is an extraordinarily rare find. Who knows what other feeble excuses, oh, sorry, I meant paleontological relics the potholes will unearth? Archaeology excavations are costly, thanks to the potholes we’ve saved crucial spending costs to the taxpayers.”

It is thought the dinosaur died from either Sarsan dropstones falling from the melting glacier on Roundway Hill, 65 million years ago to this very day, the 1st of April, or it was hit by a speeding Waltery Rosely butchers delivery driver. Councillor Yan Wallish said, “it is unfortunate that local archaeologist Professor Brian Schmuck, the independent verificator of the discovery sadly has gone mysteriously missing in his brand new Porsche just hours before releasing his report, and the document is password secured on his Speak & Spell.”

The contract for excavation of the site has been awarded to Strongishold Global Archaeological Research, a newly-formed subsidiary of John Turner’s company, partner of local MP Michelle Donenought. Ms Donenought was excited by the news, stating, “there’s been a decline in requirements for bogus PPE fleecing the NHS, since the end of the pandemic, and Johnny’s profits have felt the crunch; we thought we might have to sell the second yacht. By coincidence SGAR has just been set up for precisely this kind of exciting discovery, so we’re delighted; imagine trying to live with just the one yacht, like Chippenham chavs. Oh, by the way, I can say what I like about anyone now, and if they sue, you the taxpayers cough it up, how fantabulous is that?”

Amazingly fortunate, SGAR was registered as a company at London’s Company House, with its banking in the Cayman Islands, just five minutes before the discovery of the fossil. With the potholes already at considerable depth, little further work needs to be done over the next millennium and the company could employ as many as three experts in the field. “Expect an insignificant rise in your council tax to cover the cost,” Cllr Cleaver explained, “for as little as an extra £30 a week to the average household, Devizes could become the archeological site of interest for the entire county, especially as we’re wrecking Stonehenge this coming summer. I’m sure residents will be delighted with the news.”

Accusations made by Wiltshire’s gutter press, the Wiltshire Hive newsite were quickly dismissed by the council. Editor Kenny J Plebb, alleged the discovery was a hoax, and a feeble excuse for not fixing the potholes, as he spoke with Cllr Cleaver’s mum, who claimed some fossils had recently gone missing from her son’s private collection which he kept in a biscuit tin under his bed. Then she asked the Wiltshire Hive reporter for the fifty quid he offered her, but Kenny just ran away giggling, after showing her his Spiderman underpants.

Councillor Yan Wallish reminded residents that the roads are the property of Wiltshire Council, and anyone found interfering with any archaeological discoveries, by “driving past them with the expression of a woke loony lefty,” would result in the persons responsible being permanently banned from his Tory bias pornographic Facebook group, Devizes Tissues. “And no one wants that to happen,” he expressed, “if they want the free pix of Liz Truss in her undercrackers, that I recently acquired, and who wouldn’t? Corr, I’ve cracked a few out over that, I tell you.”

The baby Tyrannosaurus Rex townsfolk are calling “Barney,” was approached for an interview, but as of yet has refused to comment, which is a shame because he would likely make more sense than your average Tory councillor dinosaur. What is becoming clear through these findings is that Devizes was hugely populated with these beasts, but despite the T-Rex left masses of footprints measuring 1.55 feet in length, Devizes roads were significantly smoother during the Jurassic period than they are now. Mum may have gone to Iceland, but it seems T-Rex shopped at Morrisons. The dinosaurs were naïve to a bargain, and likely missed out on hotdog stuffed crust pizza and chicken tikka lasagne for a pound fifty each.

The only question remains if the dinosaurs of today’s Devizes are equally as naïve to believe any of this April Fools joke. I’d like to think it’s really scraping the bottom of the barrel to expect anyone to fall for this, but the clickbait keywords are all here for a healthy hitting article, like Devizes and pothole, hot topics right now for some unknown reason.

Trending…..

Summer Roots Festival….In Keevil?!

You may know the tiny village of Keevil, the name of which will never cease to remind me of Evel Knievel, for its airfield…

Led Zeppelin’s Cover Thatcher Photographer is the Subject for Wiltshire Museum Exhibit

November was one crazy month for our friend and researcher from the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England, Brian Edwards. Undoubtedly our only friend from the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England!

Brian still found the time to chat with me, despite national media hot on the story and hounding him. I didn’t follow the scoop up with a feature, at the time, as it was all over the national news before I’d put the kettle on. Something Andy Warhol apparently said about being famous for fifteen minutes, which it’s likely he didn’t, but there you are. Brian certainly was so, more than poor ol’ Lot Long, the thatcher subject of Victorian photographer Ernest Farmer, who subsequently became the both unlikely and unsuspecting cover pin-up for a Led Zeppelin album…probably on minimal wage too!

Since the national sensation has retracted somewhat, the amazing find is being brought back local, as Wiltshire Museum in Devizes opens an exhibition celebrating the work of Ernest Farmer, on April 6th, and running until the 1st September. It’s going to be an interesting one, as little is known about the photographer, despite being a leading figure in the development of photography as an art form. 

A Wiltshire Thatcher – a Photographic Journey through Victorian Wessex, will show how Farmer captured the spirit of people, villages and landscapes of Wiltshire and Dorset that were so much of a contrast to his life in London. While I’m sure there will be some fascinating photographs on display, of course, the kingpin to it all is this world renowned image of the elderly thatcher carrying a large bundle of sticks on his back and still coming up smiling! An iconic 1971 cover for famously featuring no words, Led Zeppelin IV has sold more than 37 million copies worldwide. The framed image in a hint of rural and urban contrasts is understood to have been discovered by Robert Plant in an antique shop near Jimmy Page’s house in Pangbourne, still its origins were unknown even to the band.

The origin of the central figure has remained a mystery for over half a century; that’s where our Brian stepped into the story. He recently discovered it in a late Victorian photograph album. His research involved monitoring everyday sources that stimulated public engagement with Wiltshire’s past. While following up on some early photographs of Stonehenge, Brian came across the Victorian photograph Led Zeppelin made familiar over half a century ago, and likely, being a bit of headbanger in his past, nearly spilled his coffee all over it in shock!! (He’s going to love me for saying that bit!)

The exhibit promises some exceptional Victorian photographs from Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, featured in Ernest Farmer’s photograph album titled ‘Reminiscences of a visit to Shaftesbury. Whitsuntide 1892. A present to Auntie from Ernest.’ There’s over a hundred architectural views and street scenes together with a few portraits of rural workers. 

So, if there’s a feeling you get, when you look to the West, and your spirit is crying for leaving, do check this exhibit out; I will, and no doubt you’ll want me to report my findings. Why not strap a bundle of hazel on my back while you’re at it, and I’ll thatch your roof for you too?!!

Trending…..

CSF Professional Wrestling returns to Devizes

CSF Professional Wrestling returns to Devizes, on Sunday 25th June for a very special edition of CSF SHOWDOWN! Following multiple sellouts of the venue, The…

Ajay Srivastav at Devizes Arts Festival 

“Do you know of anyone else doing something similar to what you’re doing?” I asked him as he crouched by the Cellar Bar’s vinyl banner,…

41 Fords Park Up at The Southgate 

With the happenings at the Arts Festival taken care of, and twenty/thirty something’s pilgrimage to The Three Crowns for the delights of our most famed…

Film Review: Translations

by Helen Edwards For those that are too busy to read this film review and to help our tech-conditioned ‘keep-it-quick’ minds please see the one liner…

The Wiltshire Gothic; Deadlight Dance

With howling, coarse baritones Nick Fletcher, the main vocalist of Marlborough’s gothic duo, Deadlight Dance chants, “here comes the rain, and I love the rain, here she comes again,” proving two things: one; he’s never been a milkman, and two; they’ve covered the Cult classic Rain on their upcoming second album, The Wiltshire Gothic, released tomorrow, 29th March 20224. I’m one step ahead, you are advised to catch up….

If the time of the Black Death brought about radical advances in music and arts, we’re engulfed in a similar epoch post-lockdown; lone contemplation and plotting is paying off with overwhelming creative output, and Deadlight Dance is a perfect example. Messages exchanged between two members of an ex-St John’s Sixth Form late eighties gothic band, Nick, and multi-instrumentalist Tim Emery, was the root, a retrospective passion to return and pay homage to their influences. The result, a reunited touring duet finding a new-wave-gothic gap in the market, and the recording of an astounding debut album, Beyond Reverence last year.

The debut was superb original material top-heavy, nodding to their influences through substantial synths and drum machines; to suggest the Wiltshire Gothic is an addition to the concept is wildly off mark. Live, the pair appeased audiences through covers, with a strengthening acoustic take; think how Gary Jules stripped back Tears for Fear’s Mad World in 2003, add some lutes, you’re close enough to the picture. It was Tim’s idea to record them, and Nick’s wish to do so in an Anglo-Saxon church. Tim said, “we wanted to capture that side of the band. We were moving forward with the sound from the first album, but this was no more or no less valid.”

On 28th November 2023 Deadlight Dance played some of their favourite covers acoustically at the 12th century All Saints Church in Alton Priors and with help from filmmaker Haunting the Atom, shot a promotional video. They felt it vital to clarify the church had no heating and averaged 3o; but hey, you are goths, I thought you liked coldness?! “My initial idea was to involve Nick Beere of Mooncalf Studios,” Tim furthered, “and record them live there, with a view to perhaps releasing them.” Tomorrow you can hearken the result, essentially join them in that church.

The Wiltshire Gothic is a love letter to the songs of Deadlight Dance’s early days playing music, discovering bands, and then ultimately discovering themselves, through music. A love letter you can copy and paste because the effect is a thing of beauty. Three songs each from The Cure and The Cult, two of Joy Division, one being Love Will Tear Us Apart, naturally. Others from Bauhaus, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission, The Weeknd, Sisters of Mercy, and lastly, the one alongside love tearing us apart which you need not have been a goth to appreciate, OMD’s Enola Gay. But hey, this is so encapsulating it’s enough to turn Roy Chubby Brown into a goth!!

If I award points for doing what it says on the tin, The Wiltshire Gothic is off the scale. For me, with mandolin, mandocello and bouzouki blessing these covers, subtle bass, and Nick’s evocative and mood-fluctuating vocal range, I’m taken back to my innocence of youth, and its drive, born of frustration and anxiety for the mysterious direction life might take me. New to the Marlborough area, as a teenager, friends took me exploring the sights they might’ve taken for granted, off the beaten track. I’m there again, sharing a bottle of red wine, perched atop West Kennet Long Barrow or the Devil’s Den, gazing into the sunrise. And Robert Plant resonates “oh, dance in the dark of night, sing to the morning light,” from a busted-up cassette recorder. The Wiltshire Gothic is this enchanting, the selection of lutes, the pure acoustics ringing out simplicity, breathes the fire of a dragon into authentic, timeless folk.

And there it is, yeah, Deadlight Dance are recapturing the gothic classics of their youth sublimely. In the video Nick stresses the flexibility of goth-rock compared to the confines of archetypal folk, but if these are the songs you took out with you, on your Walkman, even if just to Marlborough’s Priory Gardens during school lunchbreak, then they are, in essence, your folk. They may’ve broken the mould, and that’s good, isn’t it, that’s what post-punk was all about? And that is what The Wiltshire Gothic not only recaptures, but reimages, divinely. It’s as if Robert Smith sang his songs in an 18th century Wiltshire field, whilst uprooting turnips!

“Because of the unique instrumentation,” Nick explained, “we didn’t worry too much about staying too close to the original versions and felt we could be respectful to the original artists in how we interpreted their music. It’s not a radical shift in direction for us; this has always been part of our sound. I would imagine we’ll follow this up with another dramatic musical tangent.”

The Wiltshire Gothic is released via Ray Records on Friday 29th March 2024, streaming everywhere worldwide. Available on Bandcamp. A limited run of physical copies is available from the band. The album is accompanied by a short film of the day that is released on YouTube on release day, we will add the link tomorrow. Deadlight Dance have an album launch on Sunday 14th April at The Blue Boar in Aldbourne from 6pm.

Trending….

Devizes Street Festival Day 2

Devizes Street Festival 2023 came to a glorious close in the Market Place yesterday with the unique and dynamic brass, keys and guitar combo, Misha…

Devizes Street Festival; Day One

If I can, which I think is best after one too many visits to the Stealth bar, sum today in Devizes up in a word,…

Deadlight Dance: Innocent Beginnings

Marlborough’s darkwave-goth duo, Deadlight Dance push their boundaries to new limits with their second single, Innocent Beginnings this week, and it’s a corker of goth…

Nothing Rhymes With Orange have Butterflies

If Lidl Shoes, April’s blast from our aspiring homegrown four-piece indie-punkers, Nothing Rhymes With Orange certainty raised the rafters with energetic enthusiasm, I held subtle…

So Excited…. Devizes Musical Theatre’s Sister Act at Dauntsey’s

An exodus of musical lovers and, I’d assume, a healthy handful of friends and family, trekked southwards through winter’s final ambush last night, to enjoy the opening night of a dazzling performance of Sister Act at Dauntsey’s…..

It was presented by the established local amateur dramatics group, Devizes Musical Theatre. I stress my usage of the word amateur in its foremost dictionary definition; the opposite of professional. The second connotation it was in some way inept couldn’t be further from the truth in this case. A common misconception in creative arts, I find, whereby those in it for the love thrust their hearts, soul, and elbow grease into it, more so than a pro going through the motions for their paycheck. The result usually is perhaps something raw, but highly entertaining and enjoyable, and their production certainly was the latter.

The run ends on Saturday (30th March,) at the last count just fourteen tickets remained, so I advise you to be quick, and lucky, to pick some up. It’s a large hall, selling it out proves the grand reputation Devizes Musical Theatre has built locally, this performance hits their pedestal.

With a debatable focus on the singing rather than acting, the benchmark of a good musical, surely, there’s some show-stopping moments. Georgia Watson makes the perfect diva Deloris, and there’s both astounding vocals and comic timing from Louise Peak as Mother Superior and Barry Gibney, who plays the socially awkward police chief Eddie. Particularly noteworthy is Grace Sheridan who plays Sister Mary Robert, in song and conviction of the influence Deloris holds over the convent.

Yet high accolades go out to all the actors, stage directors and team; Adam Sturges, Oli Beech and Simon Hoy as the mobsters, Gareth Lloyd as mafia boss Curtis, Graham Day as Monsignor O’Hara and the huge backing of those wonderful singing nuns! It is the combination of their motivation and exceptional effort which makes this such a dynamic show, coupled with the elementary notion, Sister Act has universal appeal and is simply fun on a stick!

In critical reflection, the musical concludes somewhat differently from the movie. Without spoilers, the amusing scene where Deloris prays for God’s forgiveness unto the mobsters holding a gun to her head, causing them to question their ability to shoot her, wrongly perceiving her as a nun, is replaced by a more slapstick finale akin to a Benny Hill chase scene. Yet on further consideration into my rather geeky complaint, I guess this works better on stage, such is the jollification of a musical, often bordering pantomime. And it wraps it up faster, allowing more time for these astute and timeless Motownesque songs. Devizes Musical Theatre use this to their advantage; you certainly get your money’s worth.

Veils off to first time director Emily Holmes, and musical director Naomi Ibbetson for an apt and fantastic show, which will send you off thoroughly entertained, and with a smile.

Trending……

Song of the Week: Canute’s Plastic Army

Swindon’s acoustic Celtic folk duo Canute’s Plastic Army played the Southgate in Devizes last Saturday; though firmly on my never-ending must-see-list, even just the name…

Female of the Species Announce 2023 Date!

For eight years on the trot, minus the lockdown year no one needs reminding of, local all-female supergroup, The Female of the Species have performed…

Waiting for Godot @ The Mission Theatre

By Ian Diddams Images by Playing Up Theatre Company Samuel Beckett’s existential work is performed in the round this week in Bath’s Mission Theatre, by…

Carmela’s Wonder Wheels Challenge

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to ride with our inspirational fundraiser, Carmela Chillery-Watson on their very own Wonder Wheels Cycling Challenge 100km around Wiltshire….…

Fashion Against Fear: FearFree Fashion Show at the Devizes Condado Lounge

I have, what I like to call, a fortuitous fashion sense, meaning I open the wardrobe and whatever happens to fall out of it, I put on. Much as I’m a vogue window shopper, it doesn’t prevent me from telling you about an important fundraising fashion show happening right here in Devizes…

Yep, Devizes! Devizes fashion, is that even a thing?! It is now and for a worthy cause. Sit back and enjoy your complimentary glass of fizz (or non-alcoholic alternative) as you watch a spring style showcase event live at the Condado Lounge, Devizes on May 2nd, 6-8pm, hosted by the BBC’s Ali Vowles. 

The show has been curated by independent boutique, Spirit, and circular fashion pioneers 1st Impressions. Once you’ve viewed the show, you’ll have an opportunity to browse and buy the clothes as well as be in with the chance to win some fabulous prizes in the raffle, including a three course meal for two at The Pig, Bath, a gin tasting experience at Still Sisters, Sustainable candles from Paddywax Candle Bar and gift vouchers for a pampering session at the Beauty Bar, Bath.

You can choose from two ticket options, the gold gets you a free glass of fizz and tasty tapas board for one, whereas the silver just gets you the fizz!

Fashion against Fear is the ultimate night out for fashionistas, supporting FearFree, a charity working to break the cycle of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking across the Southwest. Free-Fear supports over 10,000 adults and children every year to not only keep them safe but help them to rebuild their lives free from fear and abuse. Find out more about FearFree here.

Now, I know, you’d all like me to steal the show in my LBD, all satins and statement sequins, a daring off the shoulder, or mini cowl neckline number perhaps. I know you know I’ve got the legs to pull it off, and I know you know I know, but really, darlings, others have to have their turn in the spotlight. Don’t let the fact I’ll probably be slouching on the sofa in my Batman onesie stuffing onion rings into my chubby cakehole rather than shaking my little tush on the catwalk put you off! If you’re too sexy for Milan, New York or Japan, vogue Devizes style and raise some cash for a worthy cause; you’re a superstar, yes, that’s what you are, you know it!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE >

Trending…..

Kyla Brox; Throw Away your Blues

By Ben Niamor  Long Street Blues Clubs’ offering for the coronation weekend.. Kyla Brox….. The bunting is still up for those keen to celebrate, personally…

Helen’s Poem on BBC Upload

A quick one from me today, offering our congratulations to our new writer, Helen Edwards from Devizes, who read out her poem “Motherhood,” on BBC…

Song of the Week: Snazzback

Wednesday, song of the week time, and it’s some smooth jazz from Bristol’s finest purveyors of looping rhythms and upside down chickens, Snazzback. Stokes Croft…

Devizes Town Council Welcomes New Councillor

Since the recent byelection for Devizes East, Guardian Vanessa Tanner was welcomed to The Town Council this month; Guardians of the Galaxy ensemble, or, maybe…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 27th March – 2nd April 2024

The first Kamikaze moth of the year dive-bombed my face the other morning. Forget blossoming trees and tulips, that’s a milkman’s sure sign of spring…because we wear a headtorch, you see? Oh, never mind, what do you care?! You just want me to tell you what’s happening over the eggtastic week in the wilds of Wiltshire; suppose so, if I must! Happy Easter one and all!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. 

Wednesday 27th

Last day to catch Vowvas film screening at Parnella House, Devizes, see poster for details.

Devizes Books Presents…The Island Continent; A trip through the history and culture of Australia at Wiltshire Museum. From the achievements of early Aboriginal tribes, through visits from European explorers, the inhabitants of the Red Centre and finally to the work of Australian imports to this country, they celebrate all that is great about the Antipodean life and culture. With contributions from Thomas Keneally, Nevil Shute, Clive James, Germaine Greer and Billy Connolly. An evening devised and introduced by Lewis Cowen. 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets, £6, includes a glass of wine or soft drink and nibbles. Tickets available from Devizes Books cash only please. Or book by phoning 01380 725944 and pay cash on the door.

The regular Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. And Acoustic Jam at the Southgate. 

Opening night of Editor’s Pick of Week, Devizes Musical Theatre brings Sister Act to Daunsty’s School in West Lavington.

Siân Dicker: Walton’s Songbook and Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, both at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Rondo Variety Show at The Rondo Theatre, Bath. Bethlehem Casuals at The Bell, Bath.

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard at The Tree House, Frome.

Thursday 28th

Starting Thursday and running all weekend, Wadworth have open days at the Wadworth Brewery & Tap Shop, Devizes, promising a “We’ll Meet Again Big Weekend.”

Regular PSG Choir workshop at King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Stuart Rolfe and Becky Lawrence at The Old Bell, Warminster.

Robert Brown at The Beehive, Swindon. Flo Parker Bombosch & Sienna Wileman at The Tuppenny. And it’s Vic Fest 2024 at the Vic, celebrating its tenth year, music all Easter “Band” Holiday Weekend: eggs opening at 7:30pm with Chasing Dolls, Ritual Divide, Kotonic, Trashed and Falls On Deaf Ears.

Luisa Omielan’s Bitter at Swindon Arts Centre, and The Best Of Queen at the Wyvern.

Friday 29th

Easter Bunny Hunt across Devizes by the Devizes RAF Cadets, all weekend.

People Like Us at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

Some reggae and soca with David Brewster at the Bear, Marlborough.

Future Sound of Trowbridge #7 at the Pump, Trowbridge with Nothing Rhymes With Orange, SOAK and Feedback. Junkyard Dogs at The Red Admiral, Trowbridge.

Marty’s Fake Family at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Regular Music event at the Cause Cafe in Chippenham.

Iain Ballamy’s Fascinada at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Boot Hill All Stars at The Three Horseshoes.

Funkkinsteins at The Beehive, Swindon. The Chaos Brothers at The Ashford Road Centre. A Country Night in Nashville at the Wyvern. Vic Fest continues at the Vic, with Truck, Nervendings, Men In Vests, The Belladonna Treatment and Fluff.

Tool Shed: A Tribute to Tool at The Tree House, Frome. General Levy at the Cheese & Grain – amazing, and it doesn’t look sold out yet!

Saturday 30th

Melksham Lions Easter Egg Hunt.

Tom Davis & The Bluebirds at The Southgate, Devizes. Funked Up at the Pelican.

Nick Harper’s Tempus Fugitive tour at St Peter’s, Marlborough. Barrelhouse at The Lamb. And a reggae party with Razah-Hi-Fi at the Royal Oak.

Josh Kumra at the Barge, HoneyStreet.

The Unpredictables at The Bell, Great Cheverell.

Brad Stevens at The Consti Club, Chippenham.

The Lost Trades at The Pump, Trowbridge, sold out I’m afraid. Be Like Will at the West Wilts Con Club in Trowbridge. Miss Bridy & The Two Notes at Gloucester Road Conservative Club. The Ultimate Retro Disco Party at the Civic.

Be Like Will

The Buttmonkeys at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. The Mix at St Margaret’s Hall.

The Blue Moon Band at Tucker’s Inn, Faulkland.

The Jukebox Graduates at The Swiss Chalet, Swindon. SGO at The Beehive. The Chaos Brothers at The Ashford Road Club. Awakening Savannah at The Woodlands Edge.

Marquee Square Heroes at Swindon Arts Centre. Bowie Live at the Wyvern. And Vic Fest at the Vic has Modern Evils, Life In Mono, Bluntnose, Sebastian & Me, Nothing Rhymes With Orange and Colour of Bone.

Reuben’s Daughters at the New Inn, Bath.

Junkyard Dogs at The Sun, Frome. The Wurzels at the Cheese & Grain. Viva Morrissey at The Tree House. 

Junkyard Dogs

Sunday 31st

Scrambled Eggs Easter Hunt at Hillworth Park, Devizes. Illingworth at The Three Crowns. Adam Woodhouse’s Thieves at The Southgate, highly recommended if you like your Americana.

Thieves

Open Mic at the Red Lion, Lacock.

Junkyard Dogs at Calne Liberal Club.

Rob Clamp at The Barge, HoneyStreet.

Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham.

Sunday at Vic Fest, Swindon sees Kid Klumsy, Visceral Noise Department, AnyMinuteNo, Mr Badaxe, Rebel Station, Disruptive Influence, Bear Noir and Dangermind, from 5:30pm.

James Hollingworth at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Authentics at Tucker’s Inn, Faulkland.

Moonlit Poachers with Jake Puntis at the Long Room in Box.

Carmina 3 at The Bell, Bath, and a Palestine fundraiser with DJs Goodgroove, JayCee, and others, see poster. 

Monday 1st April

Canal & River Trust’s Let’s Walk through Caen Hill & Jubilee Wood. South Western at The Three Crowns, Devizesfrom 3pm-5pm.

Junkyard Dogs at The Red Lion, Lacock.

Tuesday 2nd

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe presents at Celebration of Stan Getz with Terry Quninney, for Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some technical gubbings to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And, while we’re on about planning ahead, April is hotting up, believe me, loads of good, good, even gooder stuff and stuff gooder than them! Have a gander at the coming month HERE.  

I would recommend Andrew Hurst at St Nicholas Church in Bromham Thursday 4th, Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club Friday 5th, Mick Jogger at Seend Community Hall on Saturday 6th and the John Hackett Band at the Pump, or Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Following week, you can find And Then There Were None opening at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes Monday 8th, and the Marley Experience on 13th April at Devizes Corn Exchange; unmissable. 

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by FB messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Tell Us About Your Event

Please make sure we’ve not already picked it up and listed it before submitting, it saves me a lot of time; thank you!

Big up the Easter weekend, remember Easter is a time for celebrating the coming of spring, the beauty it encompasses, and the bringing of new life to the world…. by all means cover yourself in melted chocolate and ask your partner to get licking, but unless you’re prepared for all the gubbings bringing a new life into the world personally presents, be sensible and pop a Johnny on it! Filth, I know, but only the headstrong read this far!!

Trending….

Carsick Pump It!

By Ben Niamor (with Devizine edits) This evening I’ve been reminded of a different feeling, something missing in recent years; noisy, energetic, bordering madness….. Youthful…

Devizes Gearing Up For Street Festival

Less than a month away now until the best day out in Devizes, our International Street Festival; who’s overexcited, who wants to know what’s happening…

Bournemouth Writing Festival 2023

A festival goer’s perspective Helen Edwards  A first. A first for Bournemouth and a first for me.  The event, brain (and heart) child of Ildiko…

The Vintage Bazaar is back in Devizes!

On Saturday 24th June from 9.00am to 2pm, its regular home The Corn Exchange in Devizes, Wiltshire will once again be filled to the brim…

Battle of the Carolines: Historic Lib Dem Win In Marlborough

The Liberal Democrat’s are today celebrating a historic election win in the heart of Marlborough, in the first contested Town Council election for thirteen years….

In what was dubbed a “Battle of the Carolines,” the Lib Dem Caroline Sadler triumphed with 62% of the vote in what was once a traditional Conservative heartland.

The result came in at just after 11pm on Thursday night. A delighted Caroline Sadler paid tribute to Caroline Wrench (the Conservative candidate) and thanked all of the election staff before committing herself to work hard for all the people of Marlborough.

David Kinnaird Liberal Democrat candidate for East Wiltshire congratulated Caroline Sadler, and said “we have to see this result is a stunning win for Liberal values. It is a rejection of the Conservatives and marks the beginning of a political sea change in East Wiltshire.  Roll on the GE.”

Congratulations to Caroline, and we wish her all the best in her role. 

Devizes Arts Festival Reveal Full Line-Up for 2024

After a larger quantity of social media teasers than previous years, Devizes Arts Festival has today revealed their full line-up for 2024. Better take a peaky sneaky gander at it, keep in their good books, because it looks rather special! Based on previous experience they usually range from pretty awesome to super-duper lights are gonna find me awesome…so here goes……

The festival runs from Friday 31st May to Sunday 16th June, and never fails to bring us a diverse programme of separate events within the arts, music and theatre, but also takes in talks and walks. Some come with a worthy price tag, but there’s lots of free fringe events also. All it takes is for you to support it.

I don’t know about you, but the first one I got excited about when I heard, was Bristol’s soulful indie-folk singer-songstress Lady Nade, who plays the Corn Exchange on Saturday 1st June. I put this Lady on my must-see list after fondly reviewing her album Willing back in 2021. I’ve not yet had the opportunity to see her live. Yet it is not for that reason I’m grateful to the Arts Festival for booking Lady Nade, rather in contemplation of the elevated sentimentality channelled through her Americana-fuelled songs.

I summed up the album at the time, with “written during the pandemic, there’s a secluded ambience echoing through these eleven sublime three-minute plus stories of friendship, love and loneliness lost and found, reflecting the fact it was recorded in multiple studios and engineered by all the musicians in isolation. Yet to hear it will hold you spellbound in a single place, till its conclusion.”

If that doesn’t tempt you I don’t know what will! But Lady Nade is not before a high-energy Penzance sea-punk grand opening to the festival, with Golden Gnome award winning Jolly Roger, at the Corn Exchange on Friday 31st May; blistering barnacles, Captain Haddock, that sure sounds like some swashbuckling shenanigans.

History of Market Lavington, anyone? Sunday 2nd has a festival walk, followed by the first two free fringe events, consummate story-teller Adam Alexander’s Seed Detective at The Peppermill from 2pm, and a solo loop pedal show with Eddy Allen, 7pm at the Cellar Bar.

Likely the best known name on the roster, comedian Lucy Porter comes to Devizes on Thursday 6th June, and I’m sure you’re all aware of her distinctive, bouncy, feel-good comedy from TV and radio panel shows, and being victorious on Celebrity Mastermind.

Lucy Porter

Prior to this headliner, NHS doctor, journalist, broadcaster, speaker, campaigner and comedian Dr Phil Hammond on Monday 3rd June presents ‘How to Fix the NHS’ and ‘The Ins and Outs of Pleasure…’ I’ve my own suggestions on the subject, don’t get me started, but maybe add Prime Minister to Phil’s already impressive résumé!

Wiltshire based multi‐instrumentalist, the Edward Cross Quintet at the Assembly Rooms on Tuesday 4th June. Liz Grand’s superb, funny, moving, sensitive and informative portrayal of Clementine Churchill, also on Tuesday at the Merchant Suite.

Wednesday 5th June sees English naturalist, ecologist, author and broadcaster Mike Dilger, known as the wildlife reporter on The One Show, doing a talk on One Thousand Shades of Green, his quest to find 1000 different British plants in a calendar year and assess how our flora is faring in modern Britain. Geneticist, author and broadcaster, Adam Rutherford, who frequently appears on science programmes on both radio and TV, also gives an engaging, provocative and informative talk the Arts Festival promises to be unmissable.

Hollie McNish. Image: Kat Gollock

Poet and author Hollie McNish presents her Lobster Tour on Thursday 6th June at the Town Hall; I’m just chatting about her with the legend who is Kieran J Moore, seems Hollie played Bath Komedia recently, he recommends, and you can’t get a better local recommendation than that. 

The weekend sees a blues, skiffle, calypso and rockabilly mesh, apparently with a sweeping vaudeville twist, which sounds like a beguiling and exhaustive blend I must say! Jo Carley and the Old Dry Skulls are at the Corn Exchange Friday 7th June.

Jo Carley and the Old Dry Skulls

London’s Cable Street Collective headline Saturday, an intriguing one, their sound mixes African-influenced guitars and beats with soulful female vocals, socially conscious lyrics and western melodies, creating an idiosyncratic alt-pop sound that’s all their own.

Sunday 9th June sees a Festival Walk into the West Woods; Sarsens, Soldiers and Sawpits. Two free fringe events, an Americana band from West Midlands called Rumour, from 2pm at the Three Crowns, and a fresh and lively approach to jazz at St John’s Church from 7pm with the Annie Parker Trio.

The final week of the festival sees world-renowned concert pianist, Ida Pellicciolo on Monday 10th June at the Town Hall. Belinda Kirk, world-record holding explorer, researcher and a leading campaigner promoting the benefits of adventure on wellbeing, talks at the Town Hall on Tuesday, along with intrepid Antarctic explorer Tom Crean’s story brought to life in a dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley from Play On Words Theatre Company, at the Wharf Theatre.

Two best-selling Wiltshire-based authors, Kate Webb and Jon Stock, discuss their craft at The Peppermill Hotel on Wednesday 12th June, and there’s a remarkable intimate solo guitar performance from Martin Simpson at the Corn Exchange.

Duo Tutti, a classically-trained flutist and pianist duo who combine well-known classical tunes with interesting sounds to create a unique concert that is accessible to all, at the Town Hall on Thursday. Terry Quinney’s Sound Of Blue Note accurately recreates jazz and the aesthetics which defines Blue Note Records, also on Thursday 13th June at the Town Hall.

Friday 14th June there’s an organ recital at St John’s with award-winning organist and conductor Huw Williams, and we have the intriguingly titled Slambovian Circus of Dreams at the Corn Exchange, an electrifying live performance of moody but upbeat alt-roots rock.

The final Saturday of the Arts Festival, 15th June, we have something altogether different, hypnotist Matt Hale presents an 80s Spectacular, where Matt promises to have you partying like it’s 1985, humm, whether you like it or not. I’m not sure about hypnotists, I might stand at the back!

Matt Hale. Image: DG-Imagery-3

Soulful and electrifying rhythm and blues band The Junco Shakers at the The British Lion on

Sunday 16th June at 2pm, and Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell, creators of Oooh Beehive, the number one spoken word and poetry open-mic night in Swindon, have a Wham! Bam! Poetry Slam 6pm at The Wharf Theatre; two free fringe events polishing off another spectacular Devizes Arts Festival. 

Box Office is now open, details and tickets HERE, hope to see you there! 

Trending……

Age of the Liar; The Burner Band

Okay, so it’s been a little over two years since I fondly reviewed the debut album, Signs & Wonders, from Leeds’ alt-country come Americana outfit, The Burner Band, when I labelled it “foot-tapping bluegrass fun” with, unusually, added elements of punk. This new seven track album Age of the Liar takes a massive step forward…

Song of the Week: Ålesund

Back-tracking a week for this, as it was two great tunes came along simultaneously; like buses, in another county, don’t get me started on the bus service around these backwaters! Ah, and relax, save that for another time; Ålesund’s emotive and immersive soundscapes will do the trick. New single from, as I suggested, lat week,…

The Railway Children Calls at Devizes’ Wharf Theatre

Pride of the arts in Devizes, The Wharf Theatre say, “if you love the story of The Railway Children, first serialised in The London Magazine in 1905 and published as a book in 1906, before being made into the classic 1970 film; then we can assure you that the stage play will not disappoint.” Being…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire 17th -24th April 2023

Things are all a bit upsidey-down as Devizine catches up with the 21st century. Something about old dogs and new tricks, I’ve streamlined with a new computer, which roughly translates to I don’t what the heck I’m doing! So, bear with me as I pretend everything is running as smooth as a baby’s bottom and…

Across the Water with Paul Lappin

Remotely possible he misses all the roundabouts, Paul Lappin came from Swindon, now resides in the South of France, yeah, across the water, which is also the title of his latest EP; coincidence? Remotely possible…. It’s been since last July when we mentioned Paul with previous EP, Flowers in the Snow, this new title track…

REVIEW – Billy Walton Band @ LSBC, Con Club, Devizes – Saturday 15th April 2023

A Trip To New Jersey Andy Fawthrop Tonight we‘re in the land of Springsteen, Van Zandt and Southside Johnny. We’re on the New Jersey shore, swinging with the band. It’s late, it’s hot, the room is absolutely rammed and The Billy Walton Band are in town. Well, only just, after a late-afternoon scare when their…

King Alfred’s Tower Charity Abseil

This summer SOS Africa will host a 160ft charity abseil fundraising event from King Alfred’s Tower at Stourhead in celebration of the organisation’s 20th birthday! Taking place on the 9th, 10th 16th & 17th September 2023, the abseil event will be the charity’s highest to date and the first time that this iconic historical venue will be open to public…

Song of the Week: Nothing Rhymes With Orange

I know, I keep missing this supposed weekly feature, no matter how I might promise. I did have one for last week but the dog ate my homework, and, I dunno, procrastination takes control over me like I’m possessed by lethargy and need of an exorcist like Mr Motivator; whatever did happen to him?! But…

Thirty Years in the Dreadzone

Dreadzone, the Phoenix rising from the ashes of Big Audio Dynamite’s success, when drummer Greg Roberts and keyboardist Dan Donovan teamed with Julian Cope’s sound engineer Tim Bran, were the prolific electronic dance triumph of post-rave…. Owing their accomplishment to the fine blend of reggae into the contemporary melting pot of dance culture, harking back…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 12th – 18th April 2023

Speeding through April come sunshine, rain or a little bit unpredictable changing between the two, such is the season…… Said it before, I’ll say it again, more stuff will be added, this is published on Mondays so you’ve time to grab any tickets for ticketed events, but live music in pubs and things like this…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 20th – 26th March 2024

Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.…

Ongoing: The Mousetrap at the Wyvern, Swindon runs until Saturday 23rd.

Wednesday 20th

Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.

Daniel Kemish at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tuto Tribe atThe Bell, Bath.

Thursday 21st

Iona Lane and Ella Clayton at the Pump, Trowbridge.

Jim Blair at The Beehive, Swindon. Somerset Velvet & Hatty Taylor at The Tuppenny. 

Memory Sing at Swindon Arts Centre.

Adam’s Apple Jazz Trio at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Sylvertones at the Old Bell, Warminster.

Desperados (Eagles tribute) at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 22nd

Devizes Ghost Walk with John Girvan. Eddie Martin Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. DJ Stevie MC at the Exchange.

Open Mic at The Barge, HoneyStreet

Damm! at The Bear, Marlborough

Band of Others at The Grapes, Melksham.

Take The Stage at the Neeld, Chippenham.

Eddie Gripper Trio at the Civic, Trowbridge. Wiltshire Rural Music Fundraiser at Emmanuals Yard.

Pussycat & The Dirty at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Furlined at The Beehive, Swindon. Moving Pictures at The Vic.

Ezio at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Rhythm Presents Funkagenda DJs at 23 Bath Street, Frome.

Saturday 23rd

Easter Egg Hunt at All Cannings. Jumble Sale at St Andrew’s Church, Devizes: 10-11am. John Rutter’s Requiem at St Andrew’s Church.  Eddie Holgate Trio at the Southgate, Devizes.

Spring Concert at St Mary’s Church, Marlborough. Swipe Right at The Bear, Marlborough.

Peaky Blinders at The Pilot, Melksham. Rockin’ The Joint at Melksham Rock n Roll Club.

The Worried Men at The Talbot, Calne.

Radiation Sickness at The Consti Club, Chippenham. Counterfeit Quo, Status Quo Tribute Band at the Neeld.

Kevin Brown’s Shackdusters at the Pump, Trowbridge.

Moments of Pleasure; the Music of Kate Bush at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

M&W and Underbliss at The Three Horseshoes.

Soul’d Out at Tucker’s Graveyard, Faulkland.

Solarbird at the Duck, Laverstock. Rob Clamp at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Rachael Sage at Chapel Arts, Bath. Paul Foot’s Dissolve at The Rondo Theatre, Bath.

A World Music Club at The Beehive, Swindon. Biffy McClyro at The Vic, Swindon.

Lottery Winners at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Revelation Roots at the Tree House.

Sunday 24th

Sunflower Easter Fair at Devizes Corn Exchange: 11-4pm.

Josh Pugh’s Existin’ La Vida Loca at Swindon Arts Centre. Jonathan Pie at the Wyvern, Swindon.

Junkyard Dogs at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

The F.O.S. Brothers at The Bell, Bath.

Stevie Wonder tribute The Wonder of Stevie at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 25th

The Great Big Dance Off at the Wyvern, Swindon.

Kevin Figes’ Wallpaper Music at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 26th

Spring Wreath Making at Hillworth Park, Devizes. And, it must be the first time Editor’s Pick of Week is on a Tuesday! The James Oliver Band play Devizes Conservative Club.

Jazz Knight’s Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe Event at The Royal Oak, Swindon, is a celebration of Grant Green with Chris Cobbson. How Sweet It Is at Swindon Arts Centre. 

Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit at the Wyvern.

Sue Harding at The Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

And planning ahead, don’t forget Devizes Musical Theatre brings us Sister Act at Dauntsey’s School from Wednesday 27th until Saturday 30th March. Next week also sees Vic-Fest at the Vic in Swindon, with a huge line-up, People Like Us are at The Three Crowns, Devizes on Friday, while Nothing Rhymes with Orange headline the Pump in Trowbridge, The Lost Trades are there on Saturday. General Levy at Cheese & Grain Friday, The Wurzels on Saturday!

Nearly into April, where I would recommend Andrew Hurst at St Nicholas Church in Bromham Thursday 4th, Brian Poole at Long Street Blues Club Friday 5th, Mick Jogger at Seend Community Hall on Saturday 6th and the John Hackett Band at the Pump, or Cara Dillon at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Following week, you can find And Then There Were None opening at the Wharf Theatre, Devizes Monday 8th, and the Marley Experience on 13th April at Devizes Corn Exchange; unmissable. 

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week!

Trending…….

41 Fords are Not Dead Yet!

Damp morning, about 3:30am I’m descending Pelch Lane in Seend, like a sack of potatoes dropping. If you don’t know the track it’s a steep…

Frankisoul on Fire!

It got me reminiscing, the EP helping through washing-up the roast dinner plates this Sunday, Trowbridge-based Frankisoul’s newly released debut, On Fire. Ruminating my student…

Gazette & Herald to Buy Out Devizine

In a deal I’ve been trying to clench for a year now, Newsquest, owners of Wiltshire based newspapers, including the Gazette & Herald have taken…

Wharf-ing Back To Happiness!

Do you remember the wonderful sounds of The Shadows and The Tornadoes beaming across the airwaves from Radio Caroline with their spellbinding instrumentals; Apache, Foot…

Don’t Impress Them Much, Online Rants at Glastonbury Line-Up!

Image: Czampal

I’m laughing, not at the Glasto lineup, but the incalculable comments of negativity it has encouraged in Facebookland. It should be said though, most disapproving remarks appear on shares of the post and not the original, and most of them were posted this morning when most ticketholders are likely at work, funding their forthcoming adventure to Pilton. Now they’re homebound, online anticipation and positivity has risen above the seething armchair critiques……

Then there is this ‘old photographs of Wiltshire’ Facebook group I recently joined, where a picture of the Barge at Honey Street was posted today with the caption, “The Barge at Honey Street, near Pewsey.” Some aging, caps-lock permanently stuck on gammon responded, “IT IS NOT PEWSEY IT IS HONEY STREET!”

If caps-lock usually implies angered shouting, and the nearest large village to Honey Street is Pewsey, perhaps it suggests how nonsensically negative and overreactive your average Facebooker has become, and how much it exists for aimlessly irritated and amateur critics to vent their general disgust over first world problems. It says more about them and the tenet of Facebook than the thing they’re mocking. This much ado about nothing is amusing though, that’s why I like this particular social media platform….

Glastonbury Festival released their main lineup poster today, and my gut reaction was similar to the priceless online onslaught of negativity in the comments. Being honest, it’s not inane, it’s not the best lineup we’ve seen, but I restrained myself from passing comment, considering it’s an age test; the older you get the less headliners you should expect to know at an event self-professed to be a festival of “contemporary” performing arts. No one online considered it might not be Glastonbury which has the problem!

And secondly, for the simple reason I’m not going anyway, and haven’t attended for twenty-four years. I wonder how many of those feeding negative comments to the pitchfork assembly are going themselves. I hope and pray it’s not many, for Glastonbury is not the place for decomposing strident and pessimistic cynics…. like me, for example!

Glastonbury is and will always be an experience, you go to Glastonbury for going to Glastonbury, not whoever happens to be on a stage you’re passing. Yeah, it’s held some massive names in the past, pre-broken Brexit Britain, but does anyone commenting have an inkling how much and how hard it is to organise something on this scale? How much work goes on behind the scenes? Far more than typing your grievance in a text box, rest assured.

I can now count the acts I’ve heard of on the annual Glastonbury poster on my fingers, even less ones I’d actually like to see, this lessens with every year Father Time takes from me, it’s an old dog new tricks scenario; I’m content with shit happens. Most of the names I’ve heard of are through my daughter’s playlist, with a sprinkling of classics like Cyndi Lauper, to whet the appetite of grumpy old bastards who might yet turn up; it’ll all come off in the wash!

I shouldn’t scratch my Uncle Albert beard and tediously spin a yarn of how I once failed to see the Mad Professor at the dance tent because of my genius navigation past the Pyramid Stage while Pulp was playing. A band who, being I was a ‘raver’ and they were ‘indie’ I wouldn’t usually beeline, but finding myself unable to gorge further through the masses, was forced to watch them, and forever became a fan through unexpected circumstance. But if I did, it would surely serve a purpose to illustrate a tale of the unexpected. Digest new things, you never know till you try. To moan this act doesn’t suit your whim is to misunderstand the concept of Glastonbury, or festivals in general. You need to open your eyes and ears to new things not just relish in the nostalgic era of your individual youth. But more importantly, the arts and entertainment industry at its knees, need you to do this more than ever before.

Yet, in this ocean of boiling ageist whimpering which is the comment section on Glastonbury’s Facebook lineup post, which one could summarise as a multitude of disgruntled whingers unlikely to even attend, who cannot accept they’re past it and are whinging for the sake of whinging, one gen-z’s unintentionally amusing comment reversed the status quo, by calling the lineup, “a load of old dinosaurs!” (Assuming they meant the acts listed and not the other commenters!) They win the internet today for standing against the grain, still bleating bollocks, but for precisely the opposite reason to everyone else, thus proving if you can’t satisfy everyone, why bother trying with anyone? Who the heck is SZA and how did they get listed above PJ Harvey? I might have to sacrifice a cute furry pet over this atrocity!

Though, in this, you should note the universal appeal Glastonbury promotes and always has. I recall the nineties when attendees foamed from the mouth at the thought Robbie Williams got up there to do his thing; youth today would hail this classic, as they would’ve done for Led Zeppelin. Because should a change of tide wipe you out or this upset you, there’s a billion retro festivals, eighties nights, tribute acts, et al, which are more niche, and likely kinder on your wallet too. Maybe take some time to research them rather than jump a bandwagon?

Yep, if Shania Twain is the calibre of Elton John or Springsteen now, a tear will undoubtedly trickle down my wrinkled cheek, but it is not my cheek Glastonbury needs to appease, neither is it the witch hunt of unsatisfied grumpy old keyboard warriors. Key here is the simple notion; Glastonbury is so much more than a main stage and congested campsite. Don’t fuss over mainstream or contemporary things if they’re only going to engulf you in flames of irritation, think of your blood pressure.

No buddy, saunter them there Somerset fields and find the bizarre, outlandish, the upcoming, the amateur, the underground, then, and only then will you understand the true ethos of Glastonbury.

Or simply retire, watch it on the telebox; you can fast forward. With a cardboard cup of Lidl cider, and undercooked hotdog. Stay home where you can take a piss behind the sofa without queuing, and maybe start a blog where, like me, you can hypocritically rant your niggles without spoiling a Facebook post! What have we becomeeeee?!

Trending….

Song of the Week: Talk in Code

You can’t stay on the sunny side of the street; you’ve got to cross over at some point. But if the blurb I’m sent for…

Concrete Prairie at The Southgate

Without cloning technology it was another Saturday night dilemma still as easily solved; Concrete Prairie were at The Gate, arm twisted…. From The Barge to…

Song of the Week: Lewis McKale

Song of the week this week comes from Brighton’s singer-songwriter Lewis McKale, a Billy Bragg-ish harmonica and guitar combo breakup song from his forthcoming album,…

“RENT” at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, March 13th-16th 2024

Ian Diddams

Written by Jonathan Larson
Presented by Maple Theatre Company

It’s always hard reviewing a show that one has seen multiple times before, performed by differing companies. It’s also hard reviewing a show that is one of one’s favourite shows EVAH. And if that wasn’t hard enough…  Its far too hard to review a show that one has performed in oneself. It’s wrong to compare – its unfair and meaningless…  differing companies, differing directors, differing theatres.  So, ignoring the seven other productions I’ve seen including the one I bummed around in (quite literally – if you know you know) ….  Here goes…..


For those that know the story of “RENT” – you can skip this paragraph. Otherwise, Jonathan Larson’s story – a glorious homage to Puccini’s “La Boheme” – revolves around a group of bohemians in the lower east side of New York City and deals with topics such as homelessness, drug addiction, betrayal, and AIDS… as well as love, friendship, recovery, and hope. All wrapped up with a stunning score of often poignant, sometimes funny, always beautiful singing with six-part harmonies. If you want to know more …  duck go go is your friend as ever.

RENT on stage is usually set in a quasi-industrial area – and Maple Theatre Company don’t buck that trend (I doubt RENT heads would allow it to be honest!). Scaffolding creates multiple levels which are used excellently throughout the show and frames several areas for the action. ON stage props and setting is minimal, but I raise my hat to the wonderful use of moveable music flight cases with wooden tops that represent beds, side tables and THE cafe table (if you know, you know). Quite brilliant also was the use of 40-gallon steel oil drums …  where “drums” covers two definitions of that word.  Chapeau to Luke Hocket, set designer (who also produced the show) and his set team of Tom Courtier and Milly Hayward.

Directing a show like “RENT” is no easy task (not as hard as reviewing it obviously 😉) as the show is basically “the same” whoever does it (as it is so iconic – maybe after 400 years, like Shakespeare, some aspects will be changed, and we will get a RENT set on a spaceship …)  but Dionna Kate-Hargreaves set her own stamp on it in subtly brilliant ways. I mentioned the use of multiple levels already but the piece de resistance of the show is in many ways …  the drumming.  (If you know you know).

And speaking of drumming that brings us to the music – a six-piece band led by MD Kris Nock rocked out the show hidden subtly off stage but in full view (once you know, you know). I wonder if Kris’ toughest task (not as arduous as reviewing obviously) was teaching three actors to hit a large piece of metal in time with two sticks for some considerable time (if you know, you know).


Tech is as ever hidden away where no one can see them up in the attic of the Rondo, and technical director Tom Courtier and his crew slid their sliders and pushed their buttons and  lit their lights to full effect. (I’ve got a deep and meaningful understanding of tech). Rule number one in a theatre is never hack off the tech guys – they have hammers, and saws, and unlimited access to 240v at all times (if you know, you know) so – GREAT WORK GUYS!!!

That’s about it then. Set, Tech, props, direction, music.  Yup. That’ll do.


Ah.

Yes.  That lot that cavorts upon the stage.  Nearly forgot them. Starting with cavorting…  choreographer and dance captain Grace Egginton and Grace Shobbrook whipped the cast into a frenzy of whirling limbs when they weren’t singing.  And often when they were come to that. It must be said the Rondo’s stage is quite….  Bijou… particularly when by necessity a good half of it is taken up by aluminium scaffolding poles that don’t bend if you collide with them (if you know, you know) so the tightness of choreography is impressive.

And so – the cast. I’ve used the line about “strutting and fretting his hour upon the stage” before so I won’t use it again.  Ooops.

It takes a dedicated cast to work “RENT” – it is emotionally draining (if you know, you know), taking its toll on the actors’ own emotions. And this cast did Jonathan Larson proud. The ensemble – they always get listed last so here they are first cos that’s important (if you know, you know) so bravo Daisy Wilson, Morgan Hames, Georgi pepper, Steven Hockett, Jasmine Lye, Sophie smith, Milly Haywood, and Sarah Easterbrook…  All of whom also starred in the all-important cameo parts that just make “RENT” simply “work”. Special mention must be made though for Jasmine, who stepped up to play the role of the harassed waiter in the café scene due to cast unavailability this evening.  Cometh the hour, cometh the Jas!

I suppose that leaves the principals. *sigh*.  OK. Well…  ummm…  errr…

Well in all honesty they weren’t good. Nope. Not at all.

THEY WERE BELTING!!!  FANTASTIC!!!  MAGNIFICENT!!!

and other superlatives.

In no particular order…  Bryan Houce played Mark…  his portrayal got stronger and stronger throughout the performance as the middle-class wannabe with no confidence (that’s Mark – not Bryan!). Mimi was played superbly by Grace Egginton who quite rightly as a choreographer played the part of a striptease dancer very well.  (Hmmm…  that maybe came out a bit wrong?) 😉Roger Davis, all angst, and anger was quite phenomenal played by Josh Phillips.  Absolutely fantastic. Liberty Williams probably stole the show for “most likely to break a wine glass at forty feet” with her incredible top note harmonising as Joanne, and Naomi Marie as Benny (déjà vu here – if you know, you know) as the brooding, mean turncoat-comes-good ex-flatmate.

If I appear to be rushing through these principals, it’s because I could write war and peace about them otherwise. Next up – in her first ever principal role (which is hard to believe, if not as hard as reviewing of course) playing Maureen was Sarah Askew.  Now Sarah is no mean belter of a top noted harmony as well, as befits a rock band vocalist (if you know, you know) but …  well.  If you need a top MOO-ERR then Sarah is your girl (if you know, you know).  And then we have Davey Evans as Collins. Another wow moment.  Collins is a complex character to play especially with the range of emotions demanded of it, and Davey perfected them all. Great voice too. Which leaves last, but of course NEVER least…  Angel. George Friend. I had the pleasure of speaking with George before and after the show – he is reprising the role he played in 2017 – and he claimed (yeah right 😉) he couldn’t believe he could still reach the high notes he needed but they were well reached, another great performance.

So that’s it. I’ve reviewed a show that’s hard to review. A show that for an opening night was quite wonderful. And let us not forget either the debut show for a brand-new Bath based community theatre company.  Top job.


“RENT” runs until Saturday 16th March at 1930 each evening with a 1430 matinee on the 16th. Tickets can be bought from
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bath/rondo-theatre/rent/e-mdxlbz

and I urge you to go.

And – don’t forget to MOOOO!  (if you know, you know).

You always said how lucky you were that we were all friends. But it was us, baby, who were the lucky ones.

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Danny, Champion of the Food Bank

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The First Ever Devizes Pride Announced

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An Amazing Devizes Concert for Opendoors

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 13th – 19th March 2024

Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there’s lots to get through! And I’ve not had time to run off a weekly podcast, though the thought was, cos I like doing them, but ain’t nobody listening to them…. probably must be my jokes putting them off! I can understand that!

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, let’s jump right into the week….

Wednesday 13th

Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.

Runny Snotts Open Mic at the Three Crowns, Chippenham.

Los Gusanos at The Bell, Bath. And running until 16th March, Rent at the Rondo Theatre.

Big Jam Session at The Vic, Swindon. Memory Cinema – Peter Pan at Swindon Arts Centre.

Junior Voice Festival – Songs From Our Song Book at the Wyvern.

Thursday 14th

Make your own Easter Egg Masterclass at HollyChocs, Poulshot.

Fantasy Radio live Lounge at the Pelican, Devizes: Jambon Chapeau.

Comedy Loft at The Civic, Trowbridge.

Ruby Darbyshire at The Old Bell, Warminster.

PSG Choir workshop at the King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Foregate Brothers at The Beehive, Swindon. Alex Taylor at The Tuppenny. Jeff Woodhouse Medium at Swindon Arts Centre.

Howlin’ Ric & the Rocketeers at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Friday 15th

The What 4’s at The Black Horse, Cherhill.

The Groom’s House Party at The Town Hall, Devizes.

Tom Davis & the Bluebirds at The Barge, HoneyStreet. Trash Panda at the Cooper’s, Pewsey.

The Soul Strutters at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Be Like Will at The White Hart, Atworth.

Richard Wileman & Amy Fry, Phil Mercy’s Blind Convergence at Baristocats, Swindon. Jon Amor Trio at The Beehive. Penfold at The Vic. Cirque – The Greatest Show at the Wyvern.

Sam Kelly’s Station House at Chapel Arts, Bath. Beatsenders Episode 3 at Nowhere.

Nine Below Zero at The Tree House, Frome. Limehouse Lizzy at the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 16th

CUDS; Let’s Clean Up Devizes, on the Green. Wiltshire Air Ambulance Free Valuation Day at The Corn Exchange, Devizes. The Starlight Concert Series with the Full-Tone Orchestra at St Andrews. The Tricks at The Three Crowns. Lightnin’ Hobos at the Southgate. Devizes Rugby Club has the ladies v Amesbury, 2nds V Amesbury, screening of Six Nations and Six O’Clock Circus in the evening.

Charity Event in Aid of Dorthey House at St Nicholas Church, Bromham.

The Blue Moon Band at Woodborough Social Club.

Josh Kumra at The Bear, Marlborough.

Start the Sirens at The Grapes, Melksham.

Beetlehead at the Pump, Trowbridge with Charmtype in support.

The Gesualdo Six: The Wishing Tree at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Asha McCarthy at The Manu Centre. Radiation Sickness at The Three Horseshoes.

The Honky Tonks at Tucker’s Inn, Faulkland.

Alan West & Friends at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Depeche Mode tribute, Enjoy the Silence at The Vic, Swindon. Tundra at The Woodlands Edge. Cirque – The Greatest Show at the Wyvern.

Livewire AC/DC at The Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 17th

Craft Fair at West Lavington Village Hall 10-4pm

March Sighthound Stroll, Devizes: Meeting at the car park right at the top of the road leading to Caen Hill Locks and Cafe. £3 parking fee applies.

Stones Throw at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Howlin’ Matt at the Southgate, with a cigar box guitar making workshop beforehand.

Pewsey Players at St John’s, Pewsey.

Ruby Darbyshire at The Red Lion, Lacock: 12-2pm.

Bob Bowles at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

The Schmoozenbergs at The Bell, Bath.

Dom Joly’s Conspiracy Tourist Tour at Swindon Arts Centre.

Monday 18th

Jonah Hitchens at The Bell, Bath

The Mousetrap opens at the Wyvern, Swindon, runs until 23rd March.

Tuesday 19th

Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival Fringe, a Celebartion of Nancy Wilson with Victoria Klewin & Adam Stokes Trio at Jazz Knights at The Royal Oak, Swindon.

Poetika (poetry slam) at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, donate to us if you can, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

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The Drum n Bass Huntr/s of Old Devizes Town

In true Royston Vasey style, unfortunately due to time and resources we don’t review international music as we did during lockdown, choosing to focus more on the original concept of local issues and talent, unless of course, we can find any vague link to someone around these parts; there’s a tenacious one with Beskar’s latest album of uplifting drum n bass…..

Proving the irony in Devizes singer Chrissy Chapman’s nom-de-plume, One Trick Pony, her stunning vocals feature on two tracks on the album, Liquid with Friends, released at the beginning of the month, and on a number of previous singles produced by Beskar. One of them is an astounding cover of Ella Fitzgerald’s Fever.

A chance opportunity for Chrissy, working as social media manager for 4NC¥ //DarkMode’s London headquarters during the pandemic, unveiled a hidden talent producing some spoken words for a Dust tune, which in turn led her to be introduced to Beskar, who since has enhanced many of his tracks with her prowess as a singer-songwriter. Now, under the pseudonym Huntr/s, Chrissy has fast climbed to recognition and popularity in drum and bass circles, though this doesn’t mean you’ll no longer see her acoustically perform on our local circuit too, I hope!

See? As the codger who was there for breakbeats slipping into acid house and creating a UK rave scene inspired equally from dub reggae as the less soulful German tekno, who danced through this progression, when hardcore fragmented into happy and dark, and celebrated what blew from it’s exhaust pipe, the “jungle” of drum n bass, and still coming up dancing, I find it slightly confuddling differentiating between the many subgenres drum n bass has separated into more recently. 

Take it as a senior moment, but I’m dubious about breakcore or dubstep, feel they’re heading in a direction I’m not looking to journey down. For me the split came at the end of the rave honeymoon, 1993. Andy C’s Origin Unknown caused heated debate, it was dark, directed away from the cheese on toast, carefree vibe of hi-hats and crashing piano breaks we were accustomed to. In just a few subsequent years I was waving A Guy Called Gerald’s Black Secret Technology CD around, but most of my mates waited for Goldie’s Timeless before accepting this new force, “intelligent” drum n bass.

It peaked at LTJ Bukem’s Logical Progression in 96, drum n bass no longer the jungle tumult you heard at raves, rather as the title suggested, here’s a style for the chill-out, for the after-party. And that’s where I left it, trundling off to the big beat sound of Jon Carter, The Chemical Brothers and Norman largin’ it. While what Beskar is laying down here is fresh and original, it makes no secret in nodding to its influences, to this peak of drum n bass, and for me, that works a treat.

The opening to Liquid with Friends is much like this, there’s the sparse drum n bass riffs of Photek, Hype et al, spacey ambient sounds of the Orb, KLF, and some uplifting vocals and piano breaks. There’s casual rap like Divine Bashim’s for William Orbit, there’s a spanning package offered here, flowing sweetly. The result is euphoric and enchanting throughout, but it’s the Huntr/s featured tracks, Home and Running which are the standouts, and I’m not just saying that, I’m backing it up with reasoning; because from cheesy hardcore to contemporary house, when any dance music genre breaks for some beautiful female vocals the soul is elevated.

Donna Summer proved that for Giorgio Moroder, Caron Wheeler did it for Soul II Soul in the late eighties, Rozalla took it to the rave, Heather Small did it for Mike Pickering, and a lounge style of house brought to the masses; dance music wouldn’t be what it is totally instrumental. Mickey Finn knew this with Urban Shakedown, and we did, we lived as one family, the vocal only enforced it into us! We were like, “damn that’s some powerful shit, we’d better live as one family now, or else!” I never did get any pocket money out of Mickey!

Beskar manages to amalgamate the lot without it becoming overcrowded there. Just as DJ Cam with the trip hop trend, funky jazz loops are allowed in. There’s a lot more going on with this album than breaks and beats, but it does this too with bells on. Silent River is one example to this experimental goodness, Inner City Life, the opening to Timeless meets Massive Attack, soulful vocals with layers of chill, and even subtle wailing guitars, akin Quincy Jones adding Slash to Micheal Jackson tunes, Beskar went there too; you magician! 

I’m taken back and in awe, our own Huntr/s’ contributions here embeds her voice to a history of female vocalists who uplifted the crowd, from Summer to Small, and that’s a high but deserved accolade for our Devizes girl!  

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Conceived on International Women’s Day and announced on Mother’s Day; Palestinian Children Memorial in Swindon

On International Women’s Day a group of women from the Swindon community decided to organise a clothes memorial for the over 11,500 Palestinian children killed by Israel since October 7th when 36 Israeli children were killed.…

Theresa, a spokeswoman from the group said “All children are innocent. No mother should have to witness the death of their child. Children in Gaza are now starving to death and their parents can do nothing to stop this slow and painful death. It must be horrific to watch your child wasting away.”

“We are women of different religions and none, from different races and backgrounds, coming together to extend our solidarity and love to the mothers of Gaza. We are mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts, all heartbroken by the loss of life in the Gaza Israel conflict.”

“We realise that it is almost impossible to imagine the scale of child deaths, so our memorial will enable people to see what that looks like and hopefully encourage them to join us in calling for a ceasefire.”

On Saturday 27th April from 10am-4pm the group plan to lay as near to 11,000 sets of children’s clothing around the office of Justin Tomlinson MP, who voted against calling for a ceasefire. They want to make it clear that 76% of UK residents want a ceasefire in Gaza. “We’ve seen demonstrations outside Robert Buckland MP’s office. He didn’t vote at all on the motion calling for a ceasefire. We want to pressurise our political representatives to represent many their residents by calling for a ceasefire.”

“We will leave the memorial in place until the next day to give people the opportunity to see it or add to it. The clothes will all go to charity and not be wasted.”

Over the next seven weeks the group will be collecting clothes and will announce collection points to drop them off. They are looking for venues who are happy to receive clothes and for volunteers to pick up clothes, deliver them to the event on the day and help lay out the clothes.

The spokeswoman said “The clothes will be laid in a line from Justin’s office along the path in front of ASDA and M&S going in the other direction. This is a peaceful and emotive memorial for the lost children which cannot be spun as a ‘hate march’ or organised by ‘Islamist extremists. We hope that this will also attract people who don’t want or can’t march but who empathise with the families and friends of these children. We will need lots of people to achieve this, including the tidy up on Sunday 28th April. Perhaps families going shopping will stop by on the day with some clothes and reflect on this terrible loss of life. Everyone is welcome. We will announce collection points soon. We’d like to thank Swindon Palestine Solidarity for letting us use their social media platforms to share this women led community event.”

For further information on how to get involved please check out our Facebook event on Swindon Palestine Solidarity page https://fb.me/e/gxWlVcdki or look out for local press updates.

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Wowzers! Huge congratulations and a colossal thanks to young Chloe Boyle from Devizes, who is planning to spend the night of April 5th sleeping outside to raise funds for Devizes OpenDoors, a charity supporting people who are homeless or vulnerable. But this is just the tip of the iceberg of Chloe’s amazing fundraising efforts…..

Super proud parents said seven-year old Chloe is “very much hoping for nice weather,” but you know, April is an unpredictable time to do this, Chloe, wrap up warm! This brave endeavour has already raised an impressive £312, over the bold target of £225, the amount needed to fund five nights of emergency accommodation. Find the Just Giving Link HERE if you can help her top it up even further, thank you!

Chloe has been raising money for Devizes OpenDoors since she learnt about the charity in a school lesson. Mum, Julie said, “she came home saying we had to run a toy stall for them.” Since, she has run stalls, tombolas and raffles, and with lots of local support in Devizes over the last year, donating toys and buying things from her stalls, she raised over £500 for them.

In 2019 Chloe raised an amazing £1,600 for Hope for Hasti, a parent-led charity for Hasti, a ten year-old with a rare genetic disease called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. I can’t even count that far, Chole!

Now operating at The Southbroom Centre on Victoria Road, Devizes OpenDoors is a charity to help people in the Devizes Community Area find solutions to homelessness; to offer support to local people when they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and to benefit local individuals in need, including the marginalised and vulnerable.

They provide four cooked meals a week, and with company and hot drinks, there is also the chance of a shower, and support and advice from staff and volunteers. OpenDoors are currently running low on various items in their food stores. You can follow their Facebook page for updates on what items they’re short of, and you can find drop-off points in Lidl or Morrisons, or arrange to drop off to the centre directly through their website.

“We’re camping out for OpenDoors,” Chloe explained, “and that’s who we’re raising money for.” Well done Chloe and good luck, you are a super star fundraiser! Help her raise some money by donating HERE.

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Happy Daze; Palooza Baptises House Music at The Exchange, Devizes

Newly formed and locally based collective Palooza hosted their opening night at The Exchange nightclub in Devizes yesterday, offering house music with universal appeal and the ethos of raving days of yore; mind I don’t have an Uncle Albert moment here, “when I was in the rave!”

Greg Spencer, the kingpin in organising the event, told me he’d be interested to read what I had so say about the do. While a DJ night is a different kettle of fish to reviewing a live band, the kettle or main premise is the same for anything, points scored for doing what it said on the tin. In other words, was it as advertised?

Palooza hyped it to be “the hottest house event in Devizes. Deep house and soulful grooves, tech melodies to uplifting beats.” The only indifference was it’s the “only” house event in Devizes for some considerable time. Other than this trivial, my dancing clogs didn’t stop, so top marks all round for a fantastic treat.

Welcomed, then, for those dance music hunters and an inaugural shindig hoping to blossom, I hope so too. Retrospective glimmers to the heyday of UK rave culture have been successful in larger towns, yet always seem to come with a marginalised hook.

Raver Tots invites parents of toddlers to force their youth culture down the throats of their impressionable offspring, in a bizzare soft play-happy hardcore mesh, and Trowbridge recently saw the Pipe & Slippers Raves, patronisingly focusing on middle-aged ravers by reducing noise levels and ending at a respectable time.

Though both successful, they feel presumptuous and a tad condescending, in my opinion. I never felt the need to embed my nostalgic skulduggery on my kids; they find their own way. And as for the idea of finishing a party at eleven o’clock so foggies can retire to their slippers in some kind of care home fashion is, quite frankly, insultingily ageist and badly researched; ravers danced all night, into the next week if possible. What in the good name of John Digweed gave them the ludicrous Cinderella notion we can’t now cut a rug after midnight?! It’s not done via age concern, rather cashing in on nostalgia.

The reason for being critical of these others is that rave had no uniform or restrictions. It was universal, the loosest era you can dub a youth culture, for it engulfed every preceding one and fused them in one electronic explosion of positivity and joy.

Ravers came from punks, mods, soul boys, travellers, new romantics, rastas, bikers, the lot. No one gave a hoot about your roots, ethnicity, political sway, sexual preference, and especially not your age; we all danced together under the same sun. It was the most unassuming epoch ever.

And, delightfully last night, the ethos matched. Palooza filled “the Bin” with a handful of older ravers proving they still got it, but equally attracted a wide age demographic, interacting without the slightest hint of aggravation. That’s the ticket, that’s precisely the atmosphere old ravers cherish with pride, and one which, evidently, is being passed onto the younger present. We stopped racial tension, drunken nightclub brawls, and football hooliganism; really.

The Exchange in Devizes faces historic self-deprecating banter from locals, infamously dubbing it “the corny bin.” I beg to differ. The modern Exchange is on a level way above your typical nightclub. By comparison, it’s comfy, congenial, and affordable at both the foyer and bar. It retains the exceptionally simple but functional design of square amphitheatre dance floor, with all seating facing inward to it and the bar stretching across the rear. It makes the perfect spot for a house night of Palooza’s challenge to recreate the integrity of classic dance music culture. I’m only here to report back that it did, with bells on, oh, and shake ma thang like a Polaroid picture.

The air held a manner of anticipation, and the three DJs delivered. With splinters of classic house samples from Leftfield to Fatboy Slim, the speakers pumped of joyous contemporary beats, bang-on the timeless vibe of house music since its inception. Glow-sticks passed around, smiles and hugs exchanged, no bullshit from tossers, just carefree merriment and united celebration.

Another top point scorer from me was Palooza didn’t try to be something it wasn’t, it didn’t try to cater for all and meld every dance music subgenre into a single night, for that would feel cramped or sycophantic by modern standards. If you attacked it objectively because you wanted abstract minimalist techno or darkstep breakcore, you failed to see the simplicity of a working formula of yore, the enduring practicality of association. Because, while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Jack boldly declared, let there be house, and house music was born, in 1987, when your scrupulous pigeonholed subgenre was an itch in its daddy’s bell-bottoms.

Soz, but a market town like Devizes couldn’t sustain something so codifying as a quasi-amapiano ethereal techno gig; think broader, and dance your trainspotting cares away!

Palooza met that challenge head-on and unruffled. Greg expressed to me that he’s only in it for the love. It now needs the opportunity to grow and harness its ethos. It needs to extend a welcoming hand to those looking for a regular and affordable quality dance music night in Devizes, of which I’m assured it will. And hey presto, ravers young and old will arrive there, Harvey Ross Ball’s smiley face logo will be smiling on our town, and house music will  be reborn, and for that applause, Palooza gets my top rating; feel the melody that’s in the air and beeline the next date, one and all.

Only Thursday! Jon Amor Trio Special at The Southgate, Devizes with Ian Siegal

Legend has it, as a child Elvis Presley sneaked into gospel churches and juke joints, surely the spark of rock n roll. Given a flux capacitor, that’s one point in time I’d beeline; love to have witnessed what he saw there. But it’s unlikely, Doc Emmett Brown doesn’t give them out freely…..

So I ponder at the door to the Southgate, this is as close as dammit I’m going to get to a rowdy postwar Mississippi juke joint in 2024 wilds of Wiltshire! You could argue the point, but I believe I’m right; it’s rammed to the rafters in there, and it’s only a Thursday night! If you were there you would accept it’s not open for debate.

Valid reason, homemade blues legend Jon Amor shifted his trio’s monthly residency from the usual Sunday to Thursday to fit the schedule of his guest, and what a dynamite guest it was. Devizes hasn’t seen Ian Siegal since 2022, part of the lockdown supergroup Birdsmens at Long Street Blues Club, with Jon, Dave Doherty, bassist Rob Barry and Jonny Henderson pushing the keys. A most memorable gig for Long Street, either not forgotten by the blues hunters of Devizes, or they’ll rightfully take Jon’s recommendations as red.

Classic Rock Magazine described Portsmouth-born Ian Siegal as “a national treasure.” He’s picked up thirteen British blues awards, three Mojo blues albums of the year, four European blues awards and three USA nominations. He is, as proved last night, cool on a barefoot Bruce Willis pounding through the glass of the Nakatomi Plaza level, he is the Steve McQueen leaping the anti-tank obstacles on a stolen Nazi Triumph of UK blues!

He came to our humble tavern, and between him and the Jon Amor Trio, sparks flew, pounding blues riffs reverberated, and crowds gyrated in harmony to a free gig you’d happily pay top dollar for. So, if we’ve said a number of times just how unmissable and phenomenal this monthly residency is at the Southgate, which we have, many times and by our many writers, it’s always worth reminding, and because of last night’s, this is a particularly appropriate time to do so.

There were people on Jon’s Facebook page commenting they were trekking up from Southend-on-Sea for this gig, ergo, we should consider ourselves so lucky to have it on our doorsteps, and thank Jon, Tom and Gerry, along with Debroah, Dave and staff at the Southgate, for maintaining Devizes as a blues town and providing us with talent on this level. It was one of the most memorable and historic nights I’ve witnessed at that tavern, and that’s pushing the boat out.

There’s dog’s bollocks accolades I could award Ian with, don’t want to flatter the guy, but damn, the vibes from that fella replicate all which makes blues the root of all pop music genres, the growling and screeching Howiln’ Wolf vocals, the nimble guitar picking, the very construction of the blues is in his hands, and he delivers it with a passion and virtuosity of the greats, of Muddy Waters, of BB King; hot dang, that guy can play! 

They did some originals between them, the ground thumped through Jon’s Juggernaut, the heavens opened when Ian lead the Rolling Stones cover You Can’t Always Get What You Want, long hair was swished around, the booze flowed and people came to party united in a sublime vibe of happiness, it really was the kind of scorcher I’m not sure how Jon and the Gate can top.

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Wiltshire Council Threaten Prosecution Against Wiltshire Music Events’ Posters in Devizes

Salisbury-based event organisation Wiltshire Music Events has been ordered to remove posters advertising the Marley Experience gig at the Devizes Corn Exchange on 13th April, by Wiltshire Council, because they were unauthorised…..

Company director, Eddie Prestidge said, “we have been told by Wiltshire County Council to remove our posters from their present positions around Wiltshire or we will be fined £250 per poster, per day! When we designed the posters we carefully took into account where we would safely place them, and to make them of a sturdy and waterproof material, so they would be as  safe as possible. We have monitored them daily in case the weather affected them, but it is with regret that we will have to remove all of our advertising posters by Sunday.”

Environmental Enforcement of Wiltshire Council notified the company, stating “the display of such advertisements does not benefit from exemption or deemed consent under the above the regulations and is therefore unauthorised.” It then threatens the company with liable action should they fail to remove the posters within three working days. “The Council therefore trusts you will take immediate steps to remove the authorised advertisements, and insure that, neither these or any other unauthorised signs shall be displayed at any location in the control of Wiltshire Council,” going on to explain it will not give the company a warning next time before prosecuting.

It should send out a stark warning to all, if you haven’t permission to display your advertisements it will be considered flyposting, illegal in the UK. UKGov states, “it is illegal to display advertising material such as posters or placards on buildings and street furniture without authorisation. It is not only unsightly but can also cause danger to pedestrians and road users.”

But I have to have sympathy for Wiltshire Music Events, an event poster such as the one in question is hardly neon glowing Piccadilly Circus, and no more potentially dangerous to road users than many of our other permitted event signage, from our Arts Festival to DOCA or FullTone, even some brown signs like the one advertising the Old Potato Yard on Andover Road which seriously obscures the view for those turning out of Ostler’s Yard.

If it all seems a tad harsh, given the town is plastered head to toe with other advertising signage, the rules are the rules, but I wonder if all said signs are situated on the owner’s own land, or granted permission to be on Council land. And even if they are, should they not still be monitored for being “unsightly” or dangerous? Mr Prestidge sadly told Devzine that he feels “victimised.”

I consider if this is more “cross my palm with silver,” than monitoring potential unsightliness or danger, and in this, ironically, if the words of Bob Marley, even through a fantastic tribute act to him, might be deemed too reactionary for the delicate situation the Conservative top-heavy county council find themselves in with a forthcoming general election and masses rising against the political ethos they stand by?

It could be; see this is an opinion piece razzled by the notion that both the hospitality and music industry is suffering enough post-lockdown, that it would’ve been a kinder resolute for the Council to have waived it this time, with a wrap on the knuckles to say don’t do it again?

However, Wiltshire Music Events promises “the show will go ahead as planned,” and we will be here to sing it from the highest heights, as loud as we can, not because it appears it’s an event the authorities wish to poo-poo, rather because we need events like this in our town, we want to celebrate events like this coming to our town, and we want to thank all those promoters for sifting through the bureaucratic piffle in order to host them. Plus, I’ve seen the Marley Experience, and support act Illingworth, and I’ll let you know now, if you come along you’re in for an unforgettable night of entertainment!

If you have any prominent position in and around Devizes, and would let them display their poster, Eddie states, “perhaps  we can come to some arrangement with a couple of free tickets for this event!” Do get in touch with us, and we’ll gladly pass the message on, or comment in our social media shares of this article, thanks. 

So, three cheers to Wiltshire Council for giving us an excuse to promote this event again, with a disconcert and quite frankly unjustified angle! As Bob said himself, “why’s this fussing and a-fighting? We should really love each other, in peace and harmony, instead, we’re fussing and fighting, and them workin’ iniquity.”

I hope to see you on April 13th at the Corn Exchange, Devizes; please do what you can to support live music in our town, share and invite your friends to events, that is the way to get word out.

Tickets HERE.

Trending……

Full-Tone Festival Announce 2023 Line-up

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Devizine Review of 2022!

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Let’s Clean up Devizes!

You’ve got to love our CUDS, the Clean up Devizes Squad, hardworking volunteers who make the town look tidy and presentable. Here’s your chance to show your gratitude and help out too…..

In line with Keep Britain Tidy’s Annual GB Spring Clean Campaign, Be a LitterHero, the CUDS have their own  Devizes Town Litter Pick on Saturday 16th March from 10:30-12:30, meeting on the Green.

At last year’s annual litter pick they pledged to fill fifty black bags of litter (3750 litres) but managed seventy-five bags, that’s an amazing 5,625 litres of rubbish off our streets! Well done all.

Given this, 2024 they’re upping their game, pledging seventy-five bags to be filled. With the support of Devizes Town Council all the collected litter will be sent off for recycling.

The litter pick is open to all, and the CUDS would like as many people as possible to help them out. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, parents, grandparents, nephews, nieces, etc. Equipment, bags, and all you need will be provided; all you have to bring is yourself!

There is a Facebook group you can join to find out more, HERE.

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Swan Dies on the Crammer, Devizes

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Devizine Christmas Podcast!

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Carmela To Help in Local Care Home

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Ashes of Memory; New Single From M3G

The fifth single coming out from Chippenham singer-songwriter M3g on Friday, Ashes of Memory, and if I’ve said in the past what separates Meg from the average singer-songwriter is her stark individuality, this one stands out as the perfect paragon….

There’s a choric aura in the undertones of this acoustic dream, evocatively expressed as ever, but perhaps more ambient and succinct than any of Meg’s previous winsome outpourings. It’s rich with poignant and lucid definition, hope in turning a metaphorical new page in her life, and the sorrowful trajectory which succeeds fades into tears, literally.

It’s one of those three-minute marvels that leaves you breathless and in a dilemma of quite what to do now it’s over. Meg played many local festivals, and has supported the likes of Gaz Brookfield and Amelia Coburn; any musician following her better pray she doesn’t finish on this one! 

Find her Spotify page below, follow, or at least return here on Friday to hear it and judge for yourself, I think it’s a beauty!

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Alex Roberts at The Barge, Honeystreet 

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Mighty Mighty; The Scribes Storm the Muck!

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Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 28th February- 5th March 2024

Come on spring! Oh well, here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there’s lots to get through….

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, let’s jump right into the week….

Find a podcast of everything listed, sprinkled with some great local music below. It’s only a half hour long, trial thing, see how it goes, give it a listen, let me know what you think, especially if you’re the kind of person who cannot be bothered to read this! Music comes from Ruby Darbyshire, Canute’s Plastic Army, Fly Yeti Fly, Ruzz Guitar with Peter Gage, and the Birdsmens.

Wednesday 6th

Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at the Southgate.

Eldermirth, the elderly daytime comedy show at The Neeld,Chippenham.

Cantaloop at The Bell, Bath.

Swindon Old Town Comedy Club at The Hop Inn with: Alex Kitson. Ross Noble at the Wyvern, Swindon. The Western Players – Outside Edge at Swindon Arts Centre, running until 9th March.

Thursday 7th

Editor’s Pick of the Week; Jon Amor Trio Special with Ian Siegal at The Southgate, Devizes. Rum & Records at the Muck & Dunder.

PSG Choirs free taster session at King Alfred Hall, Chippenham.

Junkyard Dogs at The Old Bell, Warminster.

Canute’s Plastic Army at The Beehive, Swindon. Mark Harrison at The Tuppenny. Taylormania at the Wyvern.

North Sea Gas at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Mobius Loop at 23 Bath Street, Frome. Sam Sweeney Band at The Tree House. Paul McKenna: Success For Life at the Cheese & Grain.

Friday 8th

Devizes Ghost Walk: with John Girvan. Cobalt Fire at The Southgate, Devizes. Palooza house night at The Exchange.

Seend Village Get Together at Seend Community Hall.

Frankisoul at the Pump, Trowbridge, with Syncopation Station.

Take the Stage at The Neeld, Chippenham.

Rewind to the 90’s – Kevin and Perry look–alikes at Venom Nightclub, Westbury.

Brasher, Eat Your Own Head, & Bad News First at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Junkyard Dogs at The Boathouse.

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra at Chapel Arts, Bath. The Living Room, Jim Godfrey at the Grapes.

Shepherds Pie at The Vic, Swindon. At-It at The Queen’s Tap. Showaddywaddy at the Wyvern.

Saturday 9th

Wiltshire Climate Alliance’s Green Open Homes event opens and runs until 17th March. It is an opportunity to ask a local resident about an energy saving improvement that they’ve made, and see if it might work for you. On an event day, people who have made energy saving improvements open up their homes to share their experiences.

Matt & Tom at The Three Crowns, Devizes. Ruzz Guitar Trio at The Southgate. Matchbox Mutiny at the Moonrakers.

Fly Yeti Fly at Keevil Folk Club.

Pancho & Bear at Woodbrough Social Club.

Static Moves at the Lamb, Marlborough.

Scott Doonican at the Pump, Trowbridge. Marty’s Fake Family at The Greyhound. 

Back to the 80s party night at Spencer’s Club, Melksham. Twice Bitten at The Pilot. 

Phantom Lymb at The Talbot, Calne.

North Wiltshire Symphony Orchestra at St Andrew’s in Chippenham. Abba Sensations at the Neeld, Chippenham.

The Saga Louts at the Swiss Chalet, Swindon. Ghost UK with Phantom Droid at The Vic. 

Black Rose at The Woodland’s Edge. Dear Zoo at the Wyvern, Swindon.

Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Full Tone Orchestra’s The Queen Symphony at Bath Abbey. Mumma Quiche and LC Hammered at The Bell, Bath.

Baskery at the Tree House, Frome. Mad Dog Mcrea at The Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 10th- Mother’s Day – don’t forget!!

Kate at The Three Crowns, Devizes.

The Worried Men at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Mother’s Day Jazz concert feat. trumpeter Laura Jurd & WYJO at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Joli Blon at The Bell, Bath

RPA Level Up Present ‘Actually I Can’ at Swindon Arts Centre. Dear Zoo at the Wyvern, Swindon

Monday 11th

Chippenham Film Club March feature.

Escher Steps at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 12th

Dom Franks Quartet at Jazz Knights in The Royal Oak, Swindon.

The Spoonful at The Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week, and please listen to the podcast, it’ll be fun, pinky promise!

Our Shelly’s on the Wheels of Steel at the Muck!

Every first Thursday of the month Muck & Dunder owner Shelly Field plans to get behind the wheels of steel and bring us some funky, laid-back, groovy, toe-tapping, head-bopping vibes, starting with this Thursday, 7th March!

From 7 until 9pm, The Muck & Dunder rum bar in Devizes invites you to join them for rum and records, and even bring some vinyl records for Shelly to spin, but you need to sign up on the night with a max of 3 tracks per person. “Think all genres,” they’ll say they’ll consider, “but we don’t want any face-melters or offensive stuff…you get the gist!”

Trending…..

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Never Changing the Rules With Atari Pilot

Swindon’s sonic indie popsters Atari Pilot are a prolific bunch, and have a new single out called The Rules Never Change….

And, they don’t. There’s a definite uniformed methodology to Atari Pilot which builds with each new single. Yearning vocals, never without a repetitive chorus to hook you, neatly packaged in retrospective new wave electronica. It may not be as commercially viable as, say, Talk in Code, but it’s irresistibly beguiling and universal to be pop you need to hear. 

Love it! I don’t want these rules to change!

LinkTree

Trending……

Town Council Register Warm Spaces Devizes

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Review: Cracked Machine at the Southgate

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Keeping Secrets; New Single from Life in Mono

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And I’m not usually in for Seattle Sound, but Life in Mono are the kind of layer-building specialists who could turn Björn, Benny, Agnetha and Anni-Frid into ripped jeans and flannel shirt-wearing grunge kid crowd surfers! In an Evanescence fashion they’ll take three minutes to build the ambience then bring the guitars crashing, and the result is sublimely encapsulating.

Filled to the brim with brooding noir drama and sensually immersive grunge, the secret is out, Life in Mono is gorgeously intertwined enchantment, and this is one finely-produced tune which expands to fill the room, as choranaptyxic as the Occamy, for want of a less Pottermaniac analogy! 

LinkTree

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Billy Green Three’s Endless Scrolling

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Female of the Species; Deadlier in Seend!

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Swindon Palestine Protest at Labour Party Fundraiser

Members of Swindon Palestine Solidarity made themselves heard at the Labour Party fundraising dinner, where Jess Phillips MP was the guest of honour, protesting at the stance taken by the party on the ongoing slaughter in Gaza.….

Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted that Labour should be ashamed of themselves for not standing up against the genocide in Gaza.

Rob Gray said, “it’s unbelievable that the Labour Party who are supposed to be in opposition, have colluded with the Conservatives to thwart a ceasefire in Gaza. Over 30,000 people have been killed by the state of Israel, over 10,000 children. People are dying of starvation in Gaza and our local Labour Party are gorging a three course meal at £35 a head. What on earth are they thinking? We urge people to join our local marches and the national marches in London when they can. This is truly a matter of life or death for our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”

A couple of people entering the event stopped to talk with the protesters with varying views on the situation in Gaza. Some conversations became very heated.

Swindon Palestine Solidarity states they will continue to protest until there is a permanent ceasefire and Palestine is free from occupation.

Trending……

Anyone For Table Tennis at Hillworth Park?

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REVIEW – Cinelli Brothers  @ Long Street Blues Club, Con Club, Devizes – Friday 1st March 2024

Two Great Bands

Andy Fawthrop

This is getting to be a regular thing now.  Ian Hopkins puts on a band that I’ve never heard of, so I trust him and buy a ticket.  Then I wander up the hill to the Con Club and find myself in a room that’s already packed to the rafters, with queues at both bars.  Then I have a great night out, and I write a review about what a great band I’ve just seen.  Too good to be true?  Nope – it just seems to work every time, and I’m not complaining!

Only slight difference this time was that I got two great bands for the price of one.  Support acts come and go, some are good and some are less so.  But last night was one of those really good nights where the support act were really excellent.  You can tell they’re pretty good and getting through to folks when the idle chatter at the back of the room slowly subsides, and people really start listening.

And so it was last night with first-timers at the club Sons of the Delta.  Consisting of Mark Cole  (vocals, harmonica, guitar and mandolin) and Rick Edwards (guitar & vocals), these guys delivered some real no-nonsense stuff – a great blend of electric and acoustic blues, featuring both traditional blues plus some originals.  They were chatty, stripped back, relaxed and completely on top of their performance.  It was mostly harmonica-driven, backed by gravelly vocals.  Their set seemed all too short and, as Ian said at the end over the enthusiastic applause, here’s hoping that we get to see these guys again.

And after our starters, we were onto main course and pudding – two sets from the US-based Cinelli Brothers.  The band is a project born out of a common passion for the electric Chicago and Texas blues from the 60s and 70s.  Brothers Marco (guitarist and lead singer) and Alessandro (drummer) decided to form an explosive team showcasing original repertoire in the style of Chess, Stax and Motown.  Last night on stage they were joined by Tom Julian-Jones on harmonica, guitar and vocals, and by Stephen Giry on bass, guitar and vocals.

This band won the UK Blues Challenge in September 2022, and were ranked number 2 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis USA in January 2023, so they arrived with plenty of pedigree.  And their latest album is only a couple of months out of the packaging, so obviously there was plenty of material from that source.

There was lots of cool, down-tempo, laid-back stuff –  I particularly liked “Last Cigarette”, which they described as their “big fuck-up song”, and “Fools’ Paradise”.  There was some blues, there was some funk, and there was some Motown.  Most of all though, there was a damn good show, featuring near on two hours of superb musicianship.  The stage banter, and inter-song rapport with the audience, were both good.  They were commanding, they were engaging and, most importantly, they were utterly entertaining.  Full marks from me.

If you get chance to see these guys in the future – don’t hesitate.  Definitely recommended!

Future Long Street Blues Club gigs:

Friday 5th April 2024                                       Ben Poole Band

Saturday 4th May 2024                                  Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse

Saturday 18th May 2024                               The Dirt Road Band

Saturday 22nd June 2024                              KOSSOFF The Band Plays On

Thursday 10th October 2024                       Heavy Drunk, Watermelon Slim & Leonardo GuilianiFriday

Friday 18th October 2024                     Wishbone Ash (Corn Exchange)

Saturday 9th November 2024                     Ian Siegal Band

Saturday 16th November 2024                   John Otway & The Big Band

Trending…..

Song of the Day 45: Funkin Hell

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Lou Trigg, and Some Flowers

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Something Of Nothing; New Single From Talk in Code

Swindon indie popsters Talk in Code return tomorrow (1st March) with a new single, Something Of Nothing …..hold tight to your Deely-Boppers, things are about to get eighties around here….

Every time Talk in Code releases a single I find myself pondering deeper into what makes good pop, and if the word pop is a suitable term to use to describe a song at all. Wikipedia defines ‘pop’ as a “genre of popular music,” a rather incontrovertible statement, being it defines ‘genre’ as “a conventional category that identifies pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions.” Find me ‘shared conventions’ between Elvis’s Heartbreak Hotel and Doja Cat’s Agora Hills, other than both were commercially produced? If they weren’t ‘pop’ they would hardly fall into the same category. They’re styles apart, separated by time and influences, ergo ‘popular,’ at the time, and that’s an epoch, not a genre.

I’d argue pop is only a genre when thinking outside its own sphere, ie; classical, jazz, folk. Ergo, everything else is pop, making pop a blanket term. Not all pop songs are popular, even if the intention was; singles flop, or, era depending, they become timeworn. Ah, but we were discussing ‘good pop’ and for that there’s two distinct categories.

Category one is throwaway, only encapsulating briefly, fitting with a current trend. Think of those songs you bought back when, but you’re now horrified you liked them, compared with those songs you consider classics, and will still drag you down to the dancefloor today. I bet you thought of more classics than the once trendy ones, because the latter you block from your mind, until some radio DJ spins it and you think, did I really like that shite?! Therefore, good pop breaks the very rule of pop, it’s not trending, rather it’s timeless. Ask yourself why tribute acts are big business, or a current act feels the need to sample an eighties electronica riff, it’s nostalgia.

Talk in Code often cite The Killers and The 1975 as influences, and certainly their root lies in another ambiguous genre, indie. Indie to me implies nineties dance-indie or Britpop, but whenever I hear a new TIC single I’m contemplating eighties electronica pop, more with every release.

Something Of Nothing is no exception, it accentuates the euphoria of an eighties dancefloor filler, and wouldn’t sound out of place on a chart hits compilation of 1986. By the opening bars I thought Ah-Ha were making a comeback, I thought Roxette might sing. The fact that when I addressed this eighties influence with the band they were agreeable, despite citing nineties influences themselves; it’s what you want to hear, meaning one thing, that their sound is timelessly classic, ergo, good pop.

If it was so, that this tune was on a mid eighties hits album, I’m assured it would be a smash and Bruno Brookes would be introducing them on Top of the Pops. Equally with a nineties one. Talk in Code cherrypicks from era-spanning memorable and timeless pop songs, garnishing them with contemporary freshness.   

Subject is equally perennial for any good pop, they blurb this one as, “taking things at face value, over analysing and the scene of one person wanting more than the other from a relationship.” Woody Guthire wrote this lyric, “and it’s hard and it’s hard, ain’t it hard, To love one that never did love you?” in 1941, again, recurring themes are so because they’re eternally popular subject matter, ergo good pop!

The song will be available via Regent Street Records on all streaming platforms from tomorrow, 1st March. Recorded with Sam Winfield at Studio 91, Newbury. Talk in Code take their dynamic show on the road,  7th July – Minety Festival, 20th July – Southgate Inn, Devizes, 27th July – Fulltone Festival, Devizes, 2nd August – The Three Horseshoes, Bradford On Avon, 3rd August – The Castle Inn, Swindon and 26th August – Box Rocks, Box. The act which can neatly slip into these diverse events, can equally thrill an audience at say, FullTone, or the Three Horseshoes, proves my waffling point, I think!

Pre-save it HERE!

Trending…….

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Wiltshire Legends Jesus Jones Announce Co-headline tour with EMF

Think early nineties dance-indie crossover and the Madchester circuit might understandably spring to mind. Yet Pop Will Eat Itself were Brunmies, The Shamen were Scots, but EMF and Jesus Jones were West Country, from Cinderford and Bradford-on-Avon respectively….

International, and bright, but perhaps not quite so young, Wiltshire’s own Jesus Jones announced a first ever co-headline tour with EMF this autumn with Echobelly in support; who said they were rivals?!

Right Here, Right Now two of the 90’s most enduring alternative-rock acts are delighted to confirm they will be going toe-to-toe on what’s shaping up to be an Unbelievable run of shows together. 

Taking over big rooms in Manchester, Bristol, plus a major date at London’s O2 Kentish Town Forum this October, the co-headliners will be sharing a bill for the first time ever. A tour that promises Great Things, EMF and Jesus Jones will also be joined by very Special Guests: Echobelly for the Manchester and London legs of the tour. The full list of dates are below.

Expressing their excitement for the Autumn tour, James and Ian of EMF state:

“We are so happy to finally be announcing these very special shows with our long term friends Jesus Jones, it’s been very hard keeping this news a secret! From EMF at these shows you can expect all the old hits with an added couple of bangers from our new album ’The Beauty and the Chaos’”. 

Echoing their sentiments in a year where Jesus Jones celebrate their 35th Anniversary, frontman Mike Edwards adds: 

“People always assume EMF and us were great rivals – nothing could be further from the truth, we’ve been best friends for more than thirty years! Then, the same people always assume we must have been on the same bill, loads of times. Incredibly, it has NEVER happened before, until now. These shows are going to be fantastic – and having Echobelly on the bill too – it’s a brilliant line-up.”

Sporting over 20x Top 40 hits between them, Jesus Jones, EMF, and Echobelly dominated the charts during a vintage era for indie and alternative-dance music. 

Forged in the cross-over crucible of the bubbling Acid House and Indie-Rock scenes of the time, Jesus Jones were formed in Wiltshire in 1988. Landing a Top 40 smash with their acclaimed debut album ‘Liquidizer’ (1989), the quintet would go on to find huge success in the early 1990s with major hits including “Real Real Real”, “Right Here, Right Now”, “International Bright Young Thing”, “The Devil You Know” and many more across the decade. Releasing their most recent studio album ‘Passages’ in 2018, the band are celebrating their 35th Anniversary this year with a world-wide tour, with shows across the US, Canada, Australia and these momentous UK co-headline shows this year.

Across the border in Gloucestershire, the stars were also aligning for fellow scenesters EMF. Founded in late 1989 the dance-rock quintet would quickly rise to fame with the release of their platinum certified debut album, ‘Schubert Dip’ just two years later. Shifting over a million copies sold and charting at #3 in the UK (and #12 in the US), it featured the infectious debut single “Unbelievable” a track that conquered the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and remains their calling card to this day. From there, the hit singles kept coming throughout the decade, with their next 7 singles all besieging the Top 40 including “I Believe,” “Children”, “Lies”, “Perfect Day”, “It’s You” and more. Releasing a further 3x Top 40 albums, the band would take an extended hiatus following the release of ‘Cha Cha Cha’ in 1995. Reuniting for special live shows and festivals since then, EMF returned with their acclaimed new album ‘Go Go Sapiens’ in 2022. Continuing their hot-streak of recent years, the band have just released a brand new album, ’The Beauty And The Chaos’. The first single from the album, “Hello People” featured a guest appearance by Stephen Fry and gleaned rave reviews. A second single, “Reach For The Lasers” will be released on 8th March 2024.

Fast forward to 2024 and the catalogues of EMF and Jesus Jones remain as vital as ever. Pooling their creative forces and impressive collection of hits for a series of major shows together in 2024, tickets for the EMF + JESUS JONES tour – will go on sale this Friday, 1st March @ 10AM. 

2024 TOUR DATES

Academy Events presents…

25/10/2024 – Manchester O2 Ritz* 

Academy Events presents…

26/10/2024 – London O2 Kentish Town Forum*

Pink Dot & Gigantic presents…

27/10/2024 – Bristol Marble Factory

* w/ Echobelly

*****

TICKETS

Tickets go on sale this Friday @ 10AM here: 

O2 Ritz: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3E00603800AC2001

Kentish Forum: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3E00603DF84725F5

Marble Factory: https://themarblefactory.seetickets.com/event/emf-jesus-jones/the-marble-factory/2954083

Peace, Love, Americana and Jol Rose

I trouble procrastinating upon being gifted a previously released CD from an artist for review, unfortunately they land on the backburner, prioritising upcoming news items. I swear to myself, “I must get on and review that,” especially when it’s as brilliant as Jol Rose’s 2023 album, Peace, Love, Americana. So, that’s my box to tick today…..

A surprising brilliance, for while I’m aware of his popularity on the Americana scene, and particularly in his hometown of Swindon, it was only a brief encounter at Bradford Roots Festival in January, where he handed me this beauty. He was on early, see? I could still taste the toothpaste, had to locate the room in the lovely labyrinth of the Wiltshire Music Centre, and once done the room was full and I couldn’t get in until someone left; few did, now I know why.

Ergo, I caught his last few songs, recalling the upbeat, happy-go-lucky and amusingly fruity Make Some Hay, which though on the album, I realise after gorging myself on it’s sublime observations, portrayals and wonderful Dylan-esque folk-rock, happy-go-lucky and amusingly fruity songs is only the tip of the iceberg.

First impressions were, while Bob Dylan-like vocally, even the most troubled of Jol’s characters have escape plans. They aren’t totally dejected and beyond hope like many of Dylan’s. This gives a much more sprightly and sanguineness vibe, and I’m leaning more in nature to the likes of the wild romanticisms or optimism in the face of misfortunes of Springsteen’s storytelling. Either way, despite Jol’s prolificness at an album annually since 2019’s My Nebraska, there’s clearly a lot of time, effort, and thought put into his songwriting. Surely the key to any amazing acoustic folk artist.

Being on the gatefold is a call to “free Julian Assange,” a subject Jol blogs about on his website, rallying his local MP, I realise I must dive deeper into the meanings of his songs, as he has proficiency in weaving poignant narratives, far from simply “making hay!” Still, only subtle political nods in his themes, I detect, are unlike the bluntness of Guthrie. The only exception to this rule I noted, is a closing tune When the Day and Night Collide, for this is truly blowin’ in the wind.

There’s defeatism yet hope, over Dylan’s usual bitter and derisive foreboding, yet romantic interludes are not often forthcoming, as in the opening tune, All Alone Again. It hankers the pit of your soul, an honesty pleading she takes him back home, even if he has trudged all over her flowerbed! Metaphorical or not, Jol, you need to get yourself to Homebase and replenish those Rhododendrons pronto!

Then comes the aforementioned light-hearted upbeat tune, Make Some Hay, followed by an absolute marvel. Meet me in Berlin, tormented touring dreams of it all coming together again, Romeo a personification of his hopes it’ll freshen up, it’s homecoming, delivered with amazing passion; thus the album persists this way, and it’s stunning.

Featuring Rachael Birkin on fiddle, award-winning pedal steel player Holly Carter, keyboardist Jon Buckett and Lewis Lord-Jenkins on drums, Drew Di Fiore on bass and Jason Serious on harmony vocals, this is twelve tunes strong, which does exactly what it says on the tin. There’s authentic Americana throughout, country folk, country blues, and if tunes weave in and out of pace, it flows like a fresh Red River valley song. The Carter Family would save him a space at their dinner table.

Tracks like Let it Roll aren’t the complex riddles of cliché Americana, rather facile sing-a-along, rolling into folk-rock. Other, more cleverly intertwined tunes require thought, often I’m deciding if Jol is subtly reflecting metaphorically, or more simply this romantic longing in the face of doubt. This open-ended prose is the key to the magic, as you interpret it as you will, hopefully bearing relevance to your own affairs, and that’s when the music takes you away. It’s a skill only the best singer-songwriters can muster, if Jol’s music doesn’t take you there, none of the others will. Come on Home, nine tracks in, is the perfect example. Though there’s a running theme of wishing to return home, it’s sublime and as congenial as home itself. It’s a painting on a wall, a permanent fixture hung with love.

I thought Jol was good, I didn’t dream he was this good;  Peace, Love, Americana is a keeper alright! Bag yourself a copy HERE.

Trending….

Swindon Paint Fest: Live Street Art in October

Though Ken White’s murals have been seen across Swindon for decades, particularly his Golden Lion at the Whale Bridge roundabout on Fleming Way, contemporary street…

I Shuffled in Swindon, and I Liked It!

Yep, It’s Swindon Shuffle weekend, and so I thought it best to poke my nose in….. Voice recognition they call it, I call it defective…

Furlong Close Celebration

Residents of Furlong Close in Rowde mingled with staff, the new owners, villagers, councillors, and many of the campaigners which made up the Familes and…

Sheer Music Grand Return to Devizes

Ah, it’s on the grapevine alright; godfather of Wiltshire’s millennial live indie scene, Kieran Moore isn’t sneaking in the back door with his tail between…

A Baroque Blast at St Mary’s!

Kaffeehaus Culture comes to St Mary’s, Devizes on the 1st of October, bringing you some Bach, Handel & Telemann…… The acoustically rich space of St…

Vince Bell at the Southgate Inn, February 25 2024

Ian Diddams

Regular readers of Devizine may be well accustomed to hearing the name “Vince Bell”. For those less frequent readers or those that have recently moved to this particular corner of the universe, grab a cuppa and sit back …

Vince is a Devizes based singer-songwriter of excellent – and well deserved – local repute. He hides his substantial light under a huge bushel (and it needs to be huge to hide his phenomenal talent) but rest assured, if you don’t already know, when you see a gig of his advertised then it’s a gig worth cancelling weddings, baptisms, bar mitzvahs and other sundry celebrations for, in order to get down to.

Where do you start to review a gig by Vince, when that path has already been beaten by others before?

My Oasis of Calm… Vince Bell at the Southgate Devizes – devizine.com

REVIEW – Tamsin Quin & Vince Bell @ The Southgate, Devizes – Sunday 26th June 2022 – devizine.com

A Detonation at the Southgate with Vince, Tamsin, Phil and Jamie – devizine.com

Jamie, Tamsin, Phil, Vince and Ed Too; Five Go Adventuring to The Southgate – devizine.com

REVIEW –Vince Bell – 7th July 2019 @ The White Bear, Devizes – devizine.com

The more eagle eyed and inquisitive amongst you will have noted the above rather neatly represents a review every year since 2019…  and so, I find the niche for this review…. One for 2024 and thus to keep the tradition alive.

Vince was just… well…  Vince. In the Oxford English Dictionary, under “Sublime” it merely says “See Vince Bell”. True.


Vince pens his own bitter-sweet songs about life, relationships and family with complex fingering and philosophical lyrics. It has been said of him, that he has enough lyrics in just one song for an entire album (© Fraser Tilley) and certainly Vince is not one to use half a dozen lines when several dozen will do even better. But in between his own works Vince throws in a cover or two – but these are no ordinary covers…  these are Vince Bell covers, covers like you never heard before. Vince may take another’s song, but he makes it all his own. At times, it’s difficult to tell if the cover is a cover particularly if it’s from one of his personal favourite musicians which may not be Radio 2 material and globally familiar.

Back to Vince’s music. Some older songs of his, some newer. Including one of his latest pieces, a work in progress he is anxious to point out, to celebrate the recent publication by friend, Sorrel Pitts, of her new book “Broken Shadows.”  Naturally, as ever, it is as …  well…  sublime as everything else Vince writes and plays.

The late afternoon soon swept past as it is wont to do and as the set end approached Vince asked the crowd which of his two particularly light-hearted songs we would like to hear – “Spiderman Pyjamas” or “Devizes Song.”  The answer was obvious of course – there could only be one answer….  BOTH! And Vince duly provided. Like everything Vince writes of course these are not however just light-hearted pieces. Listen to the lyrics properly and they tell hugely poignant tales. Nothing from Vince is just a glossy façade …  everything has onion skins of depth if you take the time to go peeling within them…  with surgical precision …  so to speak.

From an old man at his table, to what real heroes are …

Trending…..

Devizine 5th Birthday!

Right then you lot, Devizine is five years old today, or at least it was when I begun this monumental mission of reminiscing on how,…

Recreational Trespass with N/SH

Arriving just in time to catch Swindon schoolteacher Garri Nash by weekday, ambient acoustic musician N/SH by gig-nights, at one of the early mini-festivals of…

The Scribes on a Journey

In the distressing event of a relationship breakdown some take to drinking their sorrows away, others might venture off to “find themselves,” whereas creative types…

Party For Life Reveal Final Lineup

It’s been a few months since we announced Party For Life are back in the biz of vital fundraising, with a Suicide Prevention Day fundraiser…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 28th February- 5th March 2024

Bit Wintery, innit? Calendars are going forward, weather is going backwards! Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, let’s jump right into the week….

Okay, all being well, below, find a podcast of everything listed, sprinkled with some great local music. It’s only a half hour long, trial thing, see how it goes, give it a listen, let me know what you think, especially if you’re the kind of person who cannot be bothered to read this! Also, I thought it might be good for anyone with sight or reading issues, but they will have to put up with me waffling! Music comes from Meg, Jol Rose, Phil Cooper, The Worried Men and Junkyard Dogs.

Wednesday 28th

Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.

The Importance Of Being Earnest at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, running until 11th March. Big Jam Session at The Vic.

Earl Okin’s Legend at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Buffo’s Wake at The Bell, Bath.

National Theatre Live at the Merlin, Frome, with Vanya.

Thursday 29th

Open Mic at The Crown, Aldbourne

Phil Cooper at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Alan Clayson & Chanson at the Beehive. Frank Carducci & The Fantastic Squad at The Vic. Daniel Foxx at Swindon Arts Centre.

Keith James – ‘Solid Air’ – The songs of Nick Drake & John Martyn at Chapel Arts, Bath. Tam Lin Retold at the Rondo Theatre.

Leaps of Faith at the Merlin Theatre, Frome.

Friday 1st March

The Cinelli Brothers at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes.

Technicolour Steam Train & Ed Dyke at The Pump, Trowbridge. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran Tribute at the Civic.

Jennifer Pike and Martin Roscoe at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Samantics at The Three Horseshoes.

Green Haze- Green Day Tribute at The Vic, Swindon. The Worried Men at The Queens Tap. Static Moves at the Deer’s Leap.

FearFree Fest 2024 at The Bell, Bath with DreamCaster, Kane Pollastrone, Mobscure, Louie Greensmith and Sharpie helping to support FearFree, a local charity breaking the cycle of abuse.

Free Community Festival at Komedia, Bath.

Saturday 2nd

CapFest at St James, Devizes. Plan of Action at The Three Crowns. Junkyard Dogs at The Southgate. The Music of Simon & Garfunkel at The Wharf Theatre.

Sam Cronin at The Barge, HoneyStreet. Open Mic at The Kings Arms, All Cannings.

Apache Cats at The Bear, Marlborough. Homer at The Lamb. Chuckle at the Church – Comedy Night at St Peter’s.

The Chaos Brothers at The Grapes, Melksham

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #6 at the Pump, Trowbridge with Nobody’s Dad, Sharpie and Sebastian & Me.

Spiers & Boden at The Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. The Derellars at The Three Horseshoes.

Mid Life Krisis, Diversify at The Vic, Swindon. Trios Amigos at the Swiss Chalet. Sonic Alert at The Queens Tap. Post 12 at The Woodland’s Edge. 

The Saviours Collective at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Witchfest Market at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, followed by Maniac Street Preachers Vs StereoIronics. The Blink 182 Show has sold out at the Tree House. Martha Tilston at Rook Lane Chapel.

Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th I’ve got nothing, but do keep a check on the event calendar for updates.

Update: Just in, there’s an open mic at the Lamb in Marlborough from 8pm on Monday 4th March.

Tuesday 5th

Jazz Knights presents Alan Barnes Quartet at The Royal Oak, Swindon.

ADHD and Women with Dr Samantha Hiew at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week, and please listen to the podcast, it’ll be fun, I promise you!!

LIVE: Holy Popes – The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon, 24/02/2024

It’s great to see a shining review on The Three Horseshoes in Bradford-on-Avon and grassroots venues in general from a nationwide blog like God is in the TV….

Read here:

https://wp.me/p3tFMx-Twf

Goths in Devizes: Deadlight Dance at The Southgate and Vinyl Realm

Every weekend is a dilemma, with so much going on. Invitations to see The Beat at the big Cheese, Sorrel’s book launch in Lockeridge, but sometimes I just wanna go where…. .. cue the theme from Cheers…..

And they’re always glad you came, at the Southgate in Devizes, a truly landmark tavern for bringing the town a steadfast, free and happy music venue. With a spectacular month’s line-up, incredible yet forever modest hometown singer-songwriter Vince Bell today at 5pm, those flip, flop flying Junkyard Dogs next Saturday, outstanding virtuoso Ruzz Guitar the following Saturday, grungy Cobalt Fire nestled between them and the legendary Jon Amor Trio’s monthly residency shifted from the usual Sunday to Thursday 7th to allow a convenient opportunity for the incredibly cool Ian Siegal, yeah it caters for the town’s historic penchant for the blues and prog-rock, but the Southgate never stands on convention; last night proved this.

What Devizes anchors in blues, each local town has its own niche, Chippenham, folk, Trowbridge, indie, but eastwards, Marlborough way, the tendency leans towards post-punk and gothic. It was something intriguing, if a smidgen eerie to me, drafted there at a tender age from suburban Essex, only knowing black eyelined boys with wicker necklaces and stormtrooper boots from vampire movies. Accepting gothic was a necessity if I wanted to fit in, get off with “posh” girls, and avoid being bitten by the head vampire down Figgins Lane; none of which actually happened!

Something to look back on and laugh with Tim Emery, one half of duo Deadlight Dance, who was one of those goths in my school year. The other half, Nick Fletcher, arrived at St Johns for the sixth form but I was outta there by then. Together they formed teen bands, nowadays they’ve reunited to form Deadlight, playing here tonight after making a morning in-store appearance at Vinyl Realm, which I missed; could still taste the toothpaste.

In fondly reviewing their wares and gigs they’ve made me realise what I missed by only calling a meagre compromise of liking Robert Smith and teetering on the edge of full blown gothic; hence my reasoning for making a beeline to the Gate.

When the cumulation of the gig came to pass and Tim and Nick paid homage to their influences, I confess I’m in the dark about Sisters of Mercy or Fields of the Nephilim covers, but being in the dark for goths is a good thing, I thought?! I can, though, appreciate the more commercial or pioneering quarters, as they covered The Velvet Underground’s Waiting for my Man, or electronica classics from OMD and Joy Division; you know the ones.

Covers were sprinkled to begin with, as Deadlight Dance delivered their originals superbly, from a forthcoming album and their debut one, Beyond Reverence. With acoustic beginnings they built in layers from emotional melancholic expressions, on subjects like loving rain (despite wearing shades throughout the gig!), revolution, burning like fire in Cairo, and even a gothic sea shanty, to backing tracked beauties to enhance the second half of this poignant show with the new wave electronica and ethereal wave, and roused the crowd.

With a sorrowing rendition of Heartbreak Hotel, as found on their album, and these breathtaking impressions of gothic rock and electronica of yore, Deadlight Dance put the breath back into a genre often overshadowed these days by shoegazing pop or grunge; indie subgenres surely derivatives of post-punk but not as memorable for me.

If anyone’s going to bring out my inner-goth, it’s Deadlight Dance…pass my blood rose lined black corset and skull and cross pendant, pronto, because last night was another great night at the Southgate, again offering diversity to our town’s entertainment program. Bringing a touch of Marlborough to Devizes is a welcomed rarity imho, it often feels as if there’s an ocean between Avebury and Beckhampton rather than just a flooded roundabout!

Thanks to the Gate for parting the sea, and thanks to Nick and Tim for a splendid evening. Even got the opportunity to briefly chat with two other bands on our ever-growing must-see list, The Radio Makers and Static Moves; watch this space!

Trending…..

12 Bars Later at The Southgate

Could be a pub crawl, more likely the chord progression of blues, but my drunken jesting query met with a shrug from the guitarist,…

Richie Triangle; Imposter Syndrome

Coming around to Devizine’s fifth birthday has got me reminiscing on how all this started in the first place, who is really to blame?!…

Date Set for Devizes Pride

Hear ye, oh, hear ye, with much yet to plan for the event, we’re pleased to announce the date of Saturday June 29th has been set for Devizes Pride…..

Put it in your diary, though I’m sure to remind you again. The inaugural Pride at Hillworth Park in Devizes last year, unfortunately, clashed with the popular beer festival. So, we’ve made sure there’s no major events in town this time on the day, because organiser Oberon Christmas and the Devizes LGBTQ+ group wants to build on last year’s success, and here at Devizine, we’re dedicated to helping out whether we can to make this an exciting and memorable day for all.

It’s too early to divulge plans yet, but there’s a focus on entertainment we are keen to involve ourselves with, so we’re hopeful for some live music, and of course, some drag. Details on this to follow. In fact, in negotiating a fair price from bands, I threw down a gauntlet of dressing up in drag myself, y’know….as an incentive…. though I fear it might have the opposite effect!

Do you dare me? Have I got the legs for it?! Will you turn up to find out? I do hope so!

Ha! Fear not, I’m certain there will be more entertaining things to do on the day than laughing at me in a ballgown and fishnets. I’m aware my interpretation of Pride might be slightly inaccurate. Maybe yours is too, all the more reason for one and all to turn up and take part in my honest opinion.


Being hetero, I see it more about being proud of how far we’ve come as a nation in the acceptance of equality, rather than pride in one’s personal sexual orientation, though I understand it means this to others as well, and rightly so. Watersheds like Stonewall aside, in my lifetime alone, we’ve progressed so far. It deserves recognition.

Ergo, Pride is welcoming to all, and that’s the way we should, and will, project it. It relies on this united ethos, I think, especially in a small town like Devizes.

I  sincerely hope this year you can make it down to Hillworth Park for a rainbow celebration.

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 21st-27th February 2024

Hey, teacher! Leave those sausage rolls alone. Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, there be lots more than your average sausage roll to get through, yer filthy muckers…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week. Nothing ongoing on our list, so, let’s jump right into the week….

Wednesday 21st

Green Grub Club at St James, Devizes. Regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate.

Carducci Quartet at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon.

Jessica Fostekew’s Mettle at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Amadou Diagne & Group Yakar at The Bell, Bath.

Lunchtime Recital at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Thursday 22nd

Open Mic at the Crown, Bishop’s Cannings.

Devizes Film Club at the Wharf Theatre, screening Official Competition.

Runny Snot’s Acoustic Sessions at the Neeld, Chippenham.

Fin Taylor at Swindon Arts Centre. Adam Rowe at the Wyvern Theatre. Stone Soup, Modern Evils and Phantom Droid at The Vic. Larkham & Hall at the Beehive. Oxbowlake and Jess Marie at The Tuppenny.

Avalon Comedy Network’s Pierre Novellie, Tessa Coates, Huge Davies and Jake Baker at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Paul Cowley at Chapel Arts, Bath. Cindy Stratton Band Everything Changes album launch at the Rondo Theatre. 

Rob Newman at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 23rd

Devizes Ghost Walk: with John Girvan. White Horse Opera’s Top of the Ops at St Joseph’s School.

Mark Morriss plays the Pump in Trowbridge with Sound Affects in support. Sax Man ‘Shilts’ at the Civic.’

Drink and Draw at 31.Co.Work in Chippenham, opening the fringe February events across the town this weekend. Instant Wit – A quickfire comedy event at The Constitutional Club. Heat 2 of Take the Stage at the Neeld Hall.

That’ll Be The Day at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The Retro Rock Show at Swindon Arts Centre. The Hamsters from Hell and the Vooz at The Vic. Jay Styles is Michael Jackson at The New Inn. 

Shoun Shoun & Venice Treacle at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon.

Nanny Folio Theatre and The Amazing Bubble Man at Pound Arts, Corsham.

CharmType at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Rock the Tots Family show at Rondo Theatre, Bath. The Jake Leg Jug Band at Chapel Arts.

Eddie & The Hot Rods at The Tree House in Frome. Absolute Bowie – Greatest Hits at The Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 24th

Seed Swap at St Andrew’s, Devizes. Editor’s Pick of Week: Deadlight Dance arrives in Devizes with an instore at Vinyl Realm from 11am, and they play The Southgate in the evening. The Wharf Theatre has The Lonnie Donegan Story. Kennet Gateway Club has the Rockin’ Bandits at Devizes Conservative Club.

@59 at The Lamb, Marlborough.

Wet Franc at The Pilot, Melksham. The Fabulous ’59 Ford at Melksham Rock n Roll Club

Toodles and the Hectic Pity,  Charlie Gillman and Luke De-Sciscio at the Pump, Trowbridge. Adult Panto Alice in Wonderland at the Civic.

The REAL nursery rhymes and songs – toddler to KS1 at Wiltshire Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Clare’s Circus at King Alfred Hall. Hidden Canvases – ‘Street Art and the City’ A talk by Doug Gillen at the Platinum Hall. Let’s build LEGO Chippenham! at Wiltshire Swindon History Centre, Chippenham. Rock the Tots: Baby Boogie atThe King Alfred Hall. Toddler Tango at The King Alfred Hall.

Steppin Thru’ Time – Mary Lou Revue at The Yelde Hall, Chippenham. The Rosellys at Rivo Lounge. Daft Laffs – A night of comedy greats at The King Alfred Hall. The Old Road Tavern has a Mega Fringe fest, see poster below.

Louise Farrenc plays Symphony number 3 at Corsham Town Hall. Marty’s Fake Family at The Royal Oak. Shake It Up Theatre presents The Improvised Shakespeare Show at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Holy Popes, Shin Splintz & Big Byrd at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford-on-Avon. Adriano Adewale’s Catapluf’s Musical Journey at Wiltshire Music Centre.

Molly’s Chamber at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

Science Museum: The Live Stage Show at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Straighten Out at The Vic. World Music Club at the Beehive. Danny & The Randoms at The Queen’s Tap. 

Glamarama at The Woodland’s Edge. MetSon at the Swiss Chalet.

Martin Rowson’s Giving the Gift of Offence at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Phoenix River Band at Chapel Arts, with Sophie Rose in support.

The Sunbirds at the Tree House, Frome. The Beat featuring Ranking Junior at the Cheese & Grain.

Sunday 25th

Vince Bell at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

Melksham Record Fair at the Assembly Hall.

Open Mic at The Old Road Tavern, Chippenham. Shed-ache Dance Theatre at The Constitutional Club Chippenham. Elvis in Blue Hawaii at the King Alfred Hall.

Bandeoke at Prestbury Sports Club, Warminster.

Schtumm presents DG Solaris & Courting Ghosts at the Long Room in Box. 3 Daft Monkeys Duo at The Bell, Bath.

Garth Marenghi’s Incarcerat at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

CSF Pro Wrestling: Showdown at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Monday 26th

Rock the Tots Family at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Josienne Clarke at Swindon Arts Centre,

Ben Tunnicliffe’s Nowhere Ensemble at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 27th

Valuation Day with Paul Martin at The Athenaeum in Warminster.

Sophie Stockham Quartet at Jazz Knights in the Royal Oak, Swindon. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars – Soho Songbook at the Wyvern Theatre. Connor Burns at Swindon Arts Centre.

Sam Thomas at The Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week! 

Darren and The Chocolate Factory; A Family Workshop at Hollychocs!

If I’ve been feeling as excited as little Charlie Bucket all week, I’ll justify why. On Friday my son and I had a chocolate adventure of our own, and while no one fell into a chocolate river or blew up into a giant snozzberry, we had fun at Hollychocs in Poulshot, returned with lots of goodies made with our own hand, and decidedly more enlightened to the art of the chocolaterie…..

It was a birthday present for my ever-growing Oompa Loompa, rather than a recipe for an article, but this half term chocolate making workshop was so fun I feel inclined to mention it anyway!

Holly Garner opened this successful business five years ago, and while she’s yet to install a glass elevator, Hollychocs has won awards and expanded to a café known as The Beanery. It’s the ideal space for hosting homey workshops, and there’s plenty to choose from for all ages. We’re here for a family-friendly course; I made enough mess with this one let alone something more technical!

Let’s be honest here, these workshops come at a price, but you certainly get what you pay for, especially if you love chocolate, and if we’re being honest, who doesn’t? Personally I’m as passionate about eating the stuff as Holly is with making it. If stuffing chocolate into a cakehole was a competitive sport, I reckon I’d be up for an Olympic gold medal; a chocolate coin medal, here’s hoping!

Holly’s enthusiasm and passion for her art is exemplified at such events. As her assistant provided us all with delicious hot chocolates, Holly introduced herself with a little background, including her roots as “the queen of caramel” at Cadburys; there has to be a parody of a Billy Ocean song in this, Caramel Queen, now we’re sharing the same dream? No? Maybe? Just me then!

And it was a dream come true. A detailed and educational five minutes kicked it off, explaining the journey from cocoa pod to chocolate liquor, and to your belly, with the use of a mock pod prop. Several example chocolate buttons of various strengths were handed out to try, including ruby chocolate, something you won’t find mass produced because of a lesser shelf life. 

We were told their country of origin, facts about fair trade agreements, and after the brief but informative lesson, we were given the raw liquor and double cream to mix ourselves. Needless to say, I was getting a smidgen overexcited at this point!

Starting easy, we made chocolate lollipops and decorated them, followed by a chocolate bar and onto the grand finale, chocolate truffles. The kids all had fun, the parents had more. Some of the treats we made, like leftover buttons, mysteriously went missing before leaving the factory floor, the rest were neatly bagged to take home.

Like a right cheeky Wonka, I even ate the letters of my nametag, which Holly inscribed on our paper base with, yeah, you guessed it, chocolate! From now on, in chocolate language, I’m known as just “ren!”

I wondered if when Holly gets home after her working day, she just craves a packet of crisps, but one thing is for sure, she made techniques in chocolate engineering look simple, when it wasn’t so, and things got sticky; scrummy fun for all the family.

Cadburys, and I’m sure other sweetie factories too, may have their own theme-park-fashioned activities, where you’re a face in an overcrowded commercial queue. At Hollychocs, just down the road, you’re treated to the personal touch, not to mention her divine handcrafted and unique chocolates.

I can’t tell you anymore about it then this, who do you take me for, Slugworth? You’ll have to find out for yourselves!

Trending…..

Drag Me Down are Invincible; Fact!

Ah, hark the beatific resonances of an adolescent choir, in their prime; Swindon’s metal-skater-punk three-piece Drag me Down have a new single out, destined to…

Valentina: Making Artistic Use of Devizes’ Shambles

It’s our lovable soup-making duo rightfully in the headlines here today. Anya and Marc of Soupchick are making good use of the unit opposite in Devizes’ Shambles, opening a tranquil art space, plus adding a further dining area….

It’ll be a lovely space to relax, lunch, and browse some art for sale; I know, I poked my nose into their grand opening this afternoon!

Valentina, they’re calling it, named in memory of Anya’s grandmother, and while for the initial month there’s a teaser of local artists exhibiting, thereafter individual artists will exhibit a show. 

I do believe I’m therefore duty-bound to return with news of said individual exhibits when the time comes, and it’s nothing to do with the absolutely scrumptious soup they serve, so, don’t dare say it is!!

Gaz Brookfield’s Village Hall Tour Came to Lavington

West-side in the Lavingtons last night, tumbleweeds could’ve blown along the High Street as an army of highway operatives rode into the village with heavy resurfacing artillery. Yet, behind blockades at the village hall, a pocket of gig resistance stood their ground, guided by their temporary sheriff of entertainment, Gaz Brookfield. They were going out-out, even if it meant marching from Littleton Pannell or Rickbarton!

No one’s fault, just unfortunate timing, but I gladly report any clashes between parties was reduced to the mere possibility of some reveller tripping on a traffic cone in the dark – what else can I say of the incident? My mum always told me to watch where I was going!

In this wonderful village hall, though, everyone was made to feel welcome. Warmed with chilli, rice and choice of drinks, curious villagers and local Gaz fans melded for a memorable evening. Armed with just a guitar this all-round entertainer of the singer-songwriter variety fulfilled a promise to book himself into willing village halls as an initial part of a wider annual tour. Who am I to argue town and city venues get all the fun, and this genius idea breathes life into otherwise often quotidian or redundant halls? But the true genius of Gaz Brookfield isn’t only present in marketing concepts. 

Your typical singer-songwriter can be categorised thus; wonderfully creative yet timorous, bold but perhaps not so accomplished, or a pick of both positive qualities, as Gaz clearly falls into, an expert in confidently delivering self-penned marvels. It would seem nothing is off limits as a subject, as life takes its course Gaz reflects on any occurrence or newfound knowledge and views them equally as worthy of writing about. The result is variety. Habitual vow of playing a fun song after a melancholic one, Gaz explains this, as is he summarises the thought process behind each song with a balance of serenity and good humour.

You know what I mean, though? Some singer-songwriters, while talented, stand tense and only address an audience with “this next song is called,” whereas someone like Springsteen will drag a backstory out to epic proportions. Gaz finds the middle ground, a perfect balance. Yeah he gave a locally themed backstory related in his first gigs in a band playing his own village hall, but all intros were a brief synopsis, and on with the associated song.

Everything he plays is original, fans chant them back to him, but every layer of his personality, thoughts and observations are exposed on the stage he commands, that’s his honest beauty. Also worth noting, parallel to Springsteen or folk singers like Seeger, there’s sunny-side of the street, hometown themes, but Gaz confines himself to nada; there’s historic or apocalyptic stories, thoughts of symbolic tree carvings, blues about diabetes, and quite often, frank insights to being a musician. Through the quips and ditties to the sombre or reflective moments, if I’m making this sound as if Gaz is a jack of all trades, he’s not, he’s a king of them, an all round entertainer.

Weaving an audience under his spell, he relates, he engages an audience, makes them feel a part of the show rather than observers. Relaying an anecdote about an ukulele fashioned guitar, he drops off the stage and sings a shanty unplugged. A communal moment of sublimity alongside archetypal latest album plugs, and ending with a selection of previous known and loved works. Gaz is a tricky one to pin down, given the variety and proficiency he plays with, but he certainly ticks every box with a gold star.

A national gemstone from down our way. Expressing a love for the West Country just one tangent he focussed on, an ode to a friend amusing titled “nuggets,” and too many other ingenious prose to mention. Though this was not before a Tilshead support. Mischa of Mischa and his Merry Men arrived without said merry men, calling an opportunity to play some songs he wouldn’t usually do with his accompanying band. Singing of desperation, eco-anarchy though with a mildly blasé approach, and citing seventies electric blues influences in song, Mischa was apologetic about swearing, thrilled to be performing with Gaz, and made an apt and superb support act which would’ve been perfect with his collective as a headliner.

Being I reviewed Gaz’s 2016 album, I Know My Place pre-Devizine for a now redundant newsite, alongside Richie Triangle, Tamsin Quin and Phil Cooper he was fundamental to this voyage of discovery in local talent, I’m glad to finally tick him off the top of my must-see list, but wouldn’t mind at all making his gigs as something of a devotee. Aware of his music before last night, even in reviewing a live album, is a solid base but his ability to deliver a live performance in person borders on legendary.

The village hall tour continues until March, the closet being Hook near Swindon on the 23rd, further dates for his new album Morning Walking Club from April takes in Salisbury’s Winchester Gate on April 6th, and includes full-band festivals such as the My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival at Swindon’s Old Town Bowl on July 20th. Find more details HERE, and do, you’ll be glad you did!

Trending….

Sad Day for Melksham Assembly Hall

The stalwart venue of Melksham is being viewed more like just a wart by town councillors, in a sad day which could see the closing…

1st Worton & Marston Brownies Need Volunteer Leaders and Assistants

Featured image by LoraDore

After an impressive forty-five years of Guiding in Worton, through Brownies, Guides, Young Leadership, and as the Unit Leader there for many years, it’s sad to hear Vicky Earley has made the very difficult decision to hang up her Brownie Wings and pass over the running of the unit to someone new…

Unfortunately, the Assistant Leaders will also be leaving the unit at the same time so they really need a new Leadership Team.

Full support would be offered to anyone who might be interested in taking on this Volunteer role.

They’ve been sharing recruitment advertisements on social media in the hope that it would interest someone to enquire but as yet have no luck…can you help?

If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in a fun, fulfilling Volunteer role, please do get in touch with them, or the unit is at risk of closure. It would be a terrible thing to lose for the children, after being established for sixty years this June, 

The current volunteers are able to stay until the Summer Holidays. “After that if we have not found a new leadership team the unit will be closed,” Vicky said, “we really hope that it doesn’t come to that.”

“I’m not looking for someone to commit for the next 30 years,” Vicky continued, “that was my personal choice, even if someone could just keep it open for the next few years it is better than it closing.”

Rainbows 1st Potterne Unit are also in need of volunteers.

If you would like some information about Girlguiding and what Brownies do these days please check out the website: 

https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-volunteer

https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/brownies

Or you can contact Vicky directly for a chat here 1stWortonAndMarstonBrownies@gmail.com

Carrie at The Rondo Theatre, Bath, February 14th-17th 2024

Ian Diddams

As a child of the 70s I grew up with the new genre of horror films …  “The Exorcist” led the way in 1973 with its green vomit and spinning head. “The Omen” in similar demonic child plot followed in 1976, but also released in 1976 was a film featuring a less demonic but no less …  disturbed…  teenager…  “Carrie”. The screenplay was an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1974 novel of the same name about an outsider high school student of that name.

So having a horror story book, followed by a horror story film, what is the obvious next step to take with the overall premise?  That’s right – a musical. How obvious.  After all, its hardly lovely, fluffy, boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, unlikely misunderstanding occurs, boy and girl separate, boy and girl get back together, love blossoms, final curtain, all interspersed with some jolly rollicking show tunes, stuff. Oh no – its more everybody hates girl, mother suppresses girl, girl is awkward, girl’s peers humiliate girl, girl kills peers…   all interspersed with some … well… not so bouncy (but excellent!) show tunes.

If you aren’t aware of the story proper, and the above synopsis isn’t enough, then google is your friend.  Though in a bizarre happenstance of fate my poor typing skills initially wrote that as “google is your fiend”.  Which may be somewhat more apposite given the storyline.  Maybe.

Anyway…  I quite like dark musicals. And let’s face it …  musicals probably don’t come much darker than something that originated from the pen of Stephen King.

“Carrie” is performed by “Luna Theatrics”, a Bath based company at the Rondo Theatre this week. The cast is a young one as befits the story’s setting in Chamberlain High School and where the eponymous anti-hero is a late to puberty seventeen-year-old. The set is a simple black box with minimal props – it very much helps highlight the action with few distractions.

In attendance is the quite excellent live seven-piece band led by Alex Williams, tucked away but centre stage in the rear section that the Rondo’s stage allows for. Tech is provided by Alex Draper & Tony Giddings with specialist effects from Lazurus Molina and Jack Whittaker. Mollie Macpherson produced the show.

So what of the show I hear you ask? The book is by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford and music by Michael Gore, but that’s the stuff that google can give you of course. It’s a fast-paced show which nonetheless pulls along the fairly simple story line in about an hour and three quarters – not that it ever seems to be taking long I hasten to add lest that appear a criticism.

There are three key partnerships in the story. Mother and child – Margaret and Carrie. Margaret is the overbearing, Old Testament god-fearing, benignly intentioned, oppressor of her daughter and is superbly played by Caroline Murray; it’s the smallest principal character yet without Margaret the story doesn’t exist, and Caroline ensures every nuance of the mother’s influence over Carrie is illustrated. Carrie – all shy angst and awkwardness, is played stupendously by Amy Goodspeed. At first Amy’s portrayal seems a little lack lustre – but this is me being slow …  as in fact she had encapsulated the persona of her character perfectly, which as the second act moves on expands into a more confident girl and burgeons with it…  until the final humiliation and the crushing of dreams.
These two have for me the most beautiful parts of the musical …  a duet in the first act (“Evening Prayers”) and Caroline’s stunning solo in act two (“When There’s No One”).

The second partnership is Sue and Tommy – the high school perfect couple – played by Ella Rodbourn and Ewan Wyatt. Both play their characters believably as the “in crowd” that become supportive of Carrie. Ella demonstrates Sue’s frailty and uncertainty in particular really well…  while Tommy’s prom scene with Carrie is done sweetly with compassion.

Then there’s the “nasty couple” of Chris and Billy…  where it’s better to strike than get struck better to screw than get screwed, better to punch than get punched, better to burn than get burned as Chris’ solo (“The World according to Chris”) explains. Chris is perfectly belligerently portrayed by the ever adaptable and strong stage presence of Naomi Marie. Jack Whittaker is absolutely perfect as Billy, all alpha male testosterone, and no brain cells.

The rest of the cast all equally shine – unsurprisingly. Rebecca Paterson & Joe Gibson as the harangued teachers, and other students consisting of Joshua Phillips, Katherine Flint, Holly Dumper, Adam Evans, Sarah Coles and Louisa Naylor.  Ensembles are often glossed over but these eight keep the pace high and all take their opportunities to shine.

There’s one area I haven’t mentioned yet – and step forward director and choreographer Adam Evans. The dance sequences are crisp, sharp, and energetic – several cast members mentioned after the show how warm they still were after changing! The direction is spot on too…  there are parts of the show that are genuinely scary and disturbing. 

TL;DR? It’s a cracking show. The music is excellent. Choreography excellent. Drama spot on. Acting and singing top notch.

And so back to the film in 1976…  Those that have seen it may be wondering if the stage musical has the same…  surprising … ending. Well….. 

…  You’ll have to go and see the show to find out!  Carrie is showing at the Rondo Theatre until Saturday 17th February, at 1930 with a Saturday 17th matinee at 1430.

Tickets Here

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 14th – 20th February 2024

Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire, hold onto your hats, let’s lots to get through…..

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Look, if it’s all the same to you, I cannot choose an Editor’s Pick of Week; too much great stuff happening. I’m doing a Chocolate making workshop at HollyChocs in Poulshot on Friday (see here,) then off to see Gaz Brookfield at West Lavington Village Hall, (Preview) which has to be one. Saturday, if you loved Adam & the Ants, you need to get to The Vic, Swindon for Ant Trouble (previous review) and if you love hip hop get down the Pump in Trowbridge for the Scribes (preview) but saying all this, when SGO come to the Southgate, Devizes, which they are on Saturday, it’s always a pleasure (past review.) Huge dilemma, ergo, can I have five Editor’s Picks of the Week this week?!!

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.

Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday. 

Wednesday 14th

Seed Bomb Making at Hillworth Park, Devizes, and the regular Acoustic Jam at The Southgate. 

Glad to hear The Charlton Cat at Charlton St Peter has a grand reopening on Wednesday.

Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld, Chippenham. Love Stories in Chippenham, don;t know where, One Chippenham your website seems to be down! 

A lunchtime recital with violinist Madeleine Mitchell at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Sterling Elliott at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Ghost The Musical at The Athenaeum, Warminster.

Memory Cinema at Swindon Arts Centre screens Miss Potter (PG.) The Big Jam Session at The Vic.

Carrie the Musical at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Diddy Sweg at The Bell, Bath.

Thursday 15th

Open Mic nights return to The Cellar Bar, Devizes.

Seend Fawlty Players Presents Aladdin at Seend Community Centre, opening today, running up till Saturday.

Kid Carpet and the Noisy Garden Centre at Pound Arts, Corsham.

B-Sydes, Heartwork & Ed Poole at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Bob Porter Project at the Beehive. The Magic of Terry Pratchett at Swindon Arts Centre. Frankie Boyle’s show opens at the Wyvern Theatre and runs until Saturday.

Bath Bachfest opens and runs until Saturday with lots of concerts across the city.

Friday 16th

Innes Sibun Trio at The Southgate, Devizes. Disney’s Frozen Jr runs at the Wharf Theatre on Friday and Saturday.

Gaz Brookfield plays West Lavington Village Hall.

Ward Thomas at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Collateral with Zac & The New Men at The Vic. Soulphia, new name for Sophia Bovell’s Soul Rebels, plays The Cow in Swindon.

Classic Rock American Highway Show at Chapel Arts, Bath.

Bootleg Blondie at the Cheese & Grain, Frome. Liam Helm & The Hang Ups at The Tree House.

Saturday 17th

The Melksham & Devizes Primary will be in Melksham town centre from 10am-noon.

Sorrel Pitts will be signing copies of her new novel Broken Shadows at Devizes Books. Reviewed HERE. There’s a Devizes Town Hall Ghost Hunt. The Truzzy Boys are at The Three Crowns, and S’GO at The Southgate, reviewed here. Oh, and of course, it’s DOCA’s Festival of Winter Ales.

The Devil’s Prefects Album Launch at The Barge on HoneyStreet.

Operation 77 at The Lamb, Marlborough.

The Scribes Boombox reaches the Pump in Trowbridge, preview here.

The George Ward School Reunion Disco Class of the 1970s, at the Spencer Club, Melksham.

Wiltshire Police Band at St Andrew’s Church Chippenham. Valentines Concert in Chippenham, at the Neeld, perhaps? One Chippenham, your website is down.

Gwilym Simcock Trio at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Framed! And Help! I Think I’m a Nationalist! at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty The Legacy Show at Swindon Arts Centre. Apache Cats at Queens Tap. 12 Bars Later at Swiss Chalet. Ant Trouble at The Vic.

Deadlight Dance & Steve Mercy are art Chapter 22 Roots & Records, Bath. Joe Wilkinson 

At the Rondo Theatre. This Flight Tonight – A Tribute to Joni Mitchell at Chapel Arts.

Cover Stories at Salisbury British Legion Hall. The Wiseguys at the Rising Sun, Wimborne.

Even N Song at The Ship, Shipton Bellinger.

Judge Jules is at The Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Sunday 18th

Chantelle Smith is with Richard Wileman & Valve at The Vic, Swindon. Brian Conley at the Wyvern Theatre.

The Woodlanders at The Bell, Bath.

Monday 19th

Buffy Revamped at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Swingle-Tree and Whistling Treason at The Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 20th

Ian Bateman Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon. Miles Jupp at the Wyvern Theatre.

POETIKA poetry slams at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week- that’s the last important thingy to say!!   

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Discover new tipples at a professionally-led tutored tasting. Communion wine won’t be among the offering at a tutored tasting in St Mary’s Church, Devizes, on…

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Rain after a heatwave can be “refreshing” rather than its normal, “annoying.” Save drizzle, though forecast, we’re still waiting for the storm. If it’s refreshing…

The Scribes Boombox to Trowbridge at The Village Pump this Saturday

This Saturday sees Bristol’s Hip Hop phenonium, The Scribes bringing their Boombox show to The Pump, Trowbridge, and will be the group’s only performance in Trowbridge this year. Coming off the back of an incredible 2023 that saw the act perform at Glastonbury, WOMAD, Wireless, Isle Of Wight, Latitude and many more, this will be go off!

Arranged by The Village Pump Community Interest Company, this will be a great chance for people to see The Scribes’ Boombox in an intimate environment before they embark on their 60+ date 2024 tour,  with support on the night comes from local up and comers Iggz, Jay Brooks and Origin.

The Scribes are a multi award winning hip hop act whose unique blend of beatboxing, off the cuff freestyling, crowd participation and genre-spanning music has created a critically acclaimed live show quite unlike any other on the scene today, with appeal ranging far beyond traditional hip hop fare.

They have consistently proven to be an impressive and engaging live act with recent festival appearances at Latitude, Isle Of Wight, Glastonbury, Wireless, WOMAD, Electric Picnic (Ire), Wilderness, Shambala, Boomtown, Bearded Theory, Beautiful Days, Great Estate and many more, and are proud winners of both the Exposure Music Award’s “Best UK Urban Act” and the EatMusic Radio Award’s “Best Live Act”. The group have also provided original music for BBC and Channel 4 television, and are featured regularly on both national and local radio and media including BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1 Introducing and BBC Radio 6 Music.

The Scribes are hotly tipped as one to watch, recently signing with Stimulus Management (Nas, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B, Busta Rhymes), and sharing the stage with the likes of Macklemore, Rudimental, Nathan Dawe, Wu Tang Clan, Dizzee Rascal, Kelis, Rag N Bone Man, Example, Lethal Bizzle, The Wailers, Jurassic 5, Sugarhill Gang, KRS One, Pharoahe Monch, De La Soul, MF DOOM, and Souls Of Mischief to name (drop) but a few, and are steadily establishing a growing following across the continent to add to their already significant fan base at home.

The Scribes

Previous stuff about the Scribes on Devizine

Facebook Instagram Website YouTube Spotify Bandcamp

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Here’s Your Festival of Brexit!

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The Rondo Theatre does Macbeth

Review by Mick Brian Photos by Gail Foster “It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood.” So says Macbeth to Lady Macbeth following…

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Sitting by a controversially purple outside bar, contemplating my debatable definition of the term “festival,” yesterday in Bishop’s Cannings, while Freddie Mercury sauntered past and…

Errol Linton Band at Long Street Blues Club, Devizes

London-based Errol Linton and band made a welcomed return to Devizes’ Long Street Blues Club last night. In June I was surprised to label it my personal best night at Long Street. Catching them again equally did not disappoint, despite knowing what I was letting my mojo in for…..

If Flo’s recent review of the Devizes Youth Action club night expressed a need for gigs for local youngsters, we’re not ageist here and tonight I’m at the other end of the spectrum; yeah, say it, I can take it – where I belong!

Long Street Blues Club welcomes all, but largely attracts older middle-classes with a collective passion for the blues, implanted via the historic Mel Bush effect. Ticket prices also play a part in governing clientele, but you certainly get value for money. All the tried and tested acts booked on their seasonal programmes are of a superior class and quality. Long Street should be proud of the  landmark they’ve created. It’s enough to pull devotees from Cardiff to London.

In its present-day form, Long Street Blues Club turns sweet sixteen this year, though with his brother Rick, town councillor and ex-mayor Ian Hopkins revived Devizes’ fixation with the blues mid-nineties.

Typically monthly, it offers the diverse range within its blues tagline its regulars crave. While others may favour British electric blues, prog-rock, or country blues, and these are readily available, I’m smitten for precisely what Errol and his band lay down, an irresistible mesh of Memphis, Delta boogie and jump with the wonderful twist of Errol’s Jamaican roots. Yeah, it’s going to switch to an offbeat, and set the Devizes Conservative Club to skank!

Likely the most prominent example of this in his set is a cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s Howlin’ for my Darlin‘, in which, after an explanation of the blues legend’s time in Jamaica, it rolls off with a one-drop reggae riff to make Joe Higgs blush.

Much is the set, a sublime and highly polished blues act with this resplendent reggae hook. I believe in my last review I waffled on a tangent about offbeat jump blues and shuffle rhythms influencing post wartime Jamaica via American radio stations, and the accidental hook creating the ska sound at an alleged Prince Buster recording session at Duke Reid’s Treasure Island studio. While I cited Jamaica’s first national sound, ska, as a major influence on Errol’s original output, tonight I felt a larger portion was ska’s successors rock steady and reggae. Maintaining the rootsy Delta boogie throughout, even tastes of dub was hinted at, as the pace steadied to hypnotic riddims; now, that’s right up my street and knocking on my door.

The crowd felt the vibe too, and while Long Street is a seated music appreciation society where idle chit-chat is frowned upon during a performance, folk felt the irresistible urge to shake their thang for the finale. For me, while happy it’s hardly stage-diving, mosh pit country here, I don’t know how anyone could’ve kept still last night!

It was a full house for this amazing five-piece, natural entertainer Errol on vocals and harmonica, pounding upright bassist Lance Rose, invigorating lead guitarist Richey Green, Petar Zivokvic wildly pushing the ivory, and devine drummer Gary Williams. Errol recounted tales of family ties, his parent’s immigration influencing a new song which came across decidedly dub in its initial King Tubby incarnation, whereas another memorable moment for me came with a country-tinged ballad called Country Girl, so gorgeously delivered it could’ve come from Toots Hibbert’s songbook. It was that magical.

They played with skill, joy and gusto, but not before Oxford’s acoustic bluesman Thompson Smurthwaite pulled out an impressive support. A regular at the Southgate I’ve yet to have had the pleasure of hearing, though Andy has reported previously.

I don’t know if Thompson sold his soul to the devil at the Botley interchange, but there was something decidedly deeply-rooted in his enlightening set of relatable originals and prison-type narrative about life on canals, with casual scat vocals akin to Robert Johnson himself, and all the sublime harmonica and guitar picking of any Mississippi blues legend of yore. 

Another cracking night at Long Street Blues Club. I was content enough just to be back in Devizes with cider in hand, after hibernation, broken by teetotal stints at The Pump and Wiltshire Music Centre! Anything else would’ve been a bonus, ergo, Errol’s band, and Thompson too made it a bonus ball the size of the boulder chasing Indiana Jones!

Next Stops for Long Street Blues Club are…

Friday 1st March 2024 – The Cinelli Brothers

Friday 5th April 2024 – Ben Poole Band

Saturday 4th May 2024 – Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse (Corn Exchange)

Saturday 18th May 2024 – The Dirt Road Band

Saturday 22nd June 2024 – KOSSOFF The Band Plays On

Thursday 10th October 2024 – Heavy Drunk, Watermelon Slim & Leonardo Guiliani

Friday 18th October 2024 – Wishbone Ash (Corn Exchange)

Saturday 16th November 2024 – John Otway & The Big Band

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Once a cover band, east Wiltshire’s rootsy four-piece Hooch have moved to writing and recording original material. Their discography goes onto music streaming sites today…

Full-Tone Stands Alone

Full Tone Festival August Bank Holiday then, penny for your thoughts on that one…… Five irritating wannabes handpicked for their conflicting personalities vote on each…

REVIEW – Devizes Arts Festival 2022

A Great Festival – Now What About The Future? Andy Fawthrop Well, the 2022 Devizes Arts Festival has now drawn to its successful close.  Thanks…

Weekend Roundup: 30th June – 3rd July 2022

Full throttle into July, then; here’s what the weekend looks like around these parts. These parts of cultural void, so it’s claimed, we say otherwise….…

Gaz Brookfield to Release More Tickets For Sold Out Show in West Lavington

Breaking news, and it’s not often I get to say that here! As part of Gaz Brookfield’s Almost All Village Hall Tour, which kicked off last night in Kidderminster, he arrives at West Lavington Village Hall this coming Friday, the 16th Feb. It is likely that you know this already, hence why it’s sold out. But, be quick, Gaz plans to release a further twenty tickets for the gig…..

Quick-fingered Gaz fans keep your beady eyes fixated on this here ticket link, as while it might say it’s sold out at the moment, after returning home from a show in Devon tonight, tomorrow he will add twenty more tickets, and they could be yours!

West country based Gaz Brookfield is predominantly an independent solo musician. Although, on occasion you will find him on stage with his band, The Company of Thieves.

Gaz Brookfield photo

Since winning Acoustic Magazine’s singer/songwriter of the year back in 2010 he has spent his time on the road, building a strong and loyal following all over the UK and beyond. He was the first independent musician to sell out Bristol’s, The Fleece, (450 cap), and The Bierkeller, (750 cap), and SWX, (1000 cap).

Gaz has an impressive back catalogue of nine studio albums. The latest of which, Morning Walking Club, went straight in at #1 in the Official UK Folk Album Charts, #3 in the Official UK Indie Breaker Charts, #6 in the Official UK Download Charts, #10 in the Official UK Indie Album Charts, and even #37 in the Official UK Album Sales Charts.

He’s one artist I picked up on BD (before Devzine!) when the precursor rant column ran out of negatives and I begun hunting for more positive stories, finding myself on a voyage of discovery into a local music scene I had no idea existed. It was Devizes gigs for Richie Triangle and Tamsin Quin which got the ball rolling, and before long I was penning album reviews for the likes of Gaz and Phil Copper. I believe I splashed some fond words about the 2016 album, I Know My Place, but the website finished and all traces of it have bitten the dust.

While Gaz has sporadically featured here, I regret to say our paths haven’t yet crossed, so after seven years since reviewing the album I’m looking forward to being able to knock up a live review. Here’s hoping The Tale Of Gunner Haines is on his setlist, if he has one, prolific and quite the master of improv I believe he is!

The Almost All Village Hall Tour takes in twelve rural UK locations in a bid to get his music out beyond towns and cities, and begun with a Facebook post asking for village halls to stand up and be counted. West Lavington’s Community Hall on Sandfield makes the perfect space, a hall with so much potential, and I for one, am glad to see it on the shortlist. Ever a grand idea, getting gigs out to the villages, Gaz, and we wish you all the best with it.

Now, readers, stop reading this and keep one eye on the ticket link!

Trending……

Miracle at MantonFest!

Ah yeah, Paul McCartney whisked Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl out of his hat at Glasto, and no one can top that, no one…

Captain Councillor V The Pigeons From Hell

Jonathan Livingston Seagull came to. Through bloodshot eyes he regained just enough bearing to recall his whereabouts. His wings tied with rope, behind a…

Ska Icons The Beat Announce February Show at The Cheese and Grain

With Ranking Junior now taking centre stage, Two-Tone ska icons The Beat will be coming to Frome’s Cheese & Grain on 24th February as they look to energise audiences with some of the most famous ska and reggae tracks ever written….

One of the key bands in the UK ska revival of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, The Beat still bring the near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars and won them worldwide acclaim.

Based in Birmingham, The Beat released their debut single “Tears of a Clown” through The Specials’ 2-Tone label in 1979. The single went Top Ten in the UK and they soon struck a deal with Arista to distribute on their own Go Feet label.

Their debut studio album ‘Just Can’t Stop’ went Gold in England, and included the now-cult single “Mirror In The Bathroom”. The band’s ferocious live performances and clever blend of personal and political lyrics continue to make them stars to this day, and they’ll be diving into their back catalogue at these new shows.

Tickets Here

Devizes Youth Action Group’s First Club Night

by Florence Lee. Images by Gail Foster.

On Friday, I was lucky enough to have seen the four local bands at the youth gig set up by Devizes Youth Action Group to give under-18 bands the opportunity to perform and show off their talent at the Devizes Corn Exchange.….

Bella Donna were the first band on stage. The first song I saw them perform was Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi and the audience loved it. They had a great set list which consisted of songs such as Drain You by Nirvana and We Will Rock You by Queen. It is safe to say that their stage presence and enthusiasm in these performances spread throughout the audience, who didn’t stop singing or dancing. The band consists of Emmie on drums, Roxie, bass, Bea, guitar with both Bea and Roxie singing. For a band so young, I was impressed by their ability to interact with the audience. I will be following their progress and I am looking forward to seeing how they develop.

The second band was called Shox. As soon as they started to get ready, the audience was shouting their name, eagerly anticipating their performance. My interest was piqued as soon as I saw they were using both a DJ set and live music to perform. They opened their set with using the DJ set and then went into a cover of the Arctic Monkeys ‘Fluorescent adolescent,’ which was an instant hit with the crowd. Throughout their set, the drum and bass held the groove nicely, which paired up with Zach on guitar, who played some creative and well-polished solos. He nailed the solo in ‘Can’t Stop’ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which blew me away as I am an avid fan. The lead singer, who was very solid as a rhythm guitarist, let the others be technical and explore their parts whilst holding a beat and singing, which exceeded all of my expectations.

They covered songs such as R U Mine?, in which the drums created the heartbeat of the band, and Buddy Holly by Weezer, to which everyone was dancing. The DJ set really just levitated their performance and meshed really well with the live playing, but gave it an electronic feel, which I haven’t heard or seen in any other gigs. On top of this electric feel, the drummer used electric drums, and this helped the pre-recorded tracks on the mixer fuse smoothly with the instruments. Also, a shoutout to the bassist, who despite standing at the back of the stage held the backbeat of every song humbly, but it didn’t go unnoticed. Altogether, these guys have some awesome ideas, which makes them stand out and make a unique sound that I would love to hear some original songs with. Well done.

Talking to some of the band players whilst Bella Donna and Shox took the stage, all of them downplayed and reacted humbly while I told them how excited I was to hear them play, saying things such as ‘Don’t be too excited’ and ‘We aren’t that good, don’t expect too much.’ However, to say that my expectations were not just met, but exceeded so much that I think I am Enguun’s and Steatopygous’ biggest fan.

When Enguun went onto the stage, I was simply blown away. They are insane. My ears were in euphoria as soon as Ewan Middleton and Joshua Allen started to bless the audience with their music. As a musician, their ability to capture audience attention and put everyone in a trance-like state of freaking out was out of this world. They used techniques such as detuning whilst playing and just purely encapturing everyone with their performance, breaking their promises of ‘not that good.’ Using, or should I say blessing, a Tama Kit (the best type IMO), Ewan played with his whole body, putting his all into creating a beat that the audience could move their bodies too. The mass of sweaty teenagers loved the way that both musicians let each other explore the feel of music that they wanted to create.

It wasn’t just good music either, it was a performance. As you can tell these boys could just play and transport those around them into a different world.  I am not quite sure how to describe to you just how much talent these boys have. Even without a Bassist (although they are looking for one) they still managed to keep the groove and attention of everyone looking at them. I was sure that the two boys must have known each other for years, but I was wrong.  In the same year at school, and aware of each others presence, they didn’t get along too well at first, as Ewan ‘used to sit next to (Joshua) in Year 8 and it annoyed the s*** out of him.’ That was until over time gained respect and one day Ewan asked Joshua if he could play bass, to which he lied and said yes, but with some luck, the guitarist left, leaving the two boys to play ever since. I hope that I have written this to show the admiration I have for these guys. I will be following them and going to see them again as they were just insane, and you should too.

Last, but definitely not least, the act of which I was the most excited for, Steatopygous took the stage. With their adoring fans, of which I am one, hyping them up around me, my anticipation for their act had only grown. The band consists of talented Poppy Hillier on guitar and singing, Ewan Middleton (again) on drums and enticing Eliza Brindle on bass. The first thing I noticed about this band was how friendly they are. I had contacted them before to ask about doing an interview and they instantly replied being extremely kind; this was reflected to the incredible audience of enthusiastic and happy people who welcomed everyone to dance with each other and enjoy the music. The previous bands, school mates and strangers came together to enjoy their music. The fact that they have only done four gigs was insane for the way that they have an ability to perform; the queue after the gig for buying posters and signing them really just reflects how much the audience loved them.

Now, I was lucky enough to be able to talk to them myself, so if you read on, meet Poppy, Eliza and Ewan: When did you become a band?

‘May last year maybe? First, it was me and Eliza. We had Steatopygous and it was just. I had been playing bass, for like three days!’

‘We started a band and I literally didn’t know how to play guitar. We were just like “let’s start a band”’

‘We went to this Young Women’s Music Project in Oxford and afterwards we were like, yeah we are gonna start a band. Ewan joined a bit later.’

What are your musical inspirations?

‘Definitely Bikini Kill’

‘Yeah. I think it would be a sin to answer this and not say Bikini kill. X-Ray Spex. Amyl and The Sniffers.’

‘Sonic Youth, as well.’

‘And Rat Mobile.’

When you were writing your single, how did you go about it?

‘We had never written a song before, so it was very much like let’s just try and do it.’

‘We had no idea what we were talking about, but we were very angry with some boys, so we thought we would channel it.’

Would you like to explain what the songs about?

‘I think our main inspiration is what it is like to be a women in music and how it feels to not be taken seriously in the industry. There was this one time we were in band practise, and this builder next door, whilst we were playing a Pixies song. He goes to Ewan, our male drummer, “Oh, you guys are really good, do you like the pixies?” and completely ignored us. He did not acknowledge us and talked to Ewan the whole time.’

‘I think from there, it just became about all the annoying experiences we have had with men.’

Why the fish?

‘Poppy is really into fish; she wants to be a Marine Biologist and I do a lot of art. I spray painted a fish once and then wrote Steatopygous over it, and it just stuck.’

Why Steatopygous?

‘Steatopygous means excess fattiness on the thighs and ass of a woman, but it sounds like a dinosaur, which is a plus. My Mum was telling me about the poems she studied in her GCSE and there was one called fat, women’s thoughts in a bath… or something. It was a poem about Steatopygous and I thought it was a sick word.’

How does your female punk ‘riot girl’ look fit into having a male band member?

‘I think that ‘riot girl’ definitely isn’t exclusive just to women. I think that one of the problems to ‘riot girl’ in the 90’s was that it was very exclusive, which let to some ethical issues with transphobia and racism within the riot girl movement, so I think it’s important for us to show that anyone can be a ‘riot girl’ and that comes across with having Ewan as our drummer.’

Any upcoming gigs?

‘No, don’t have anything in the calendar at the moment, but always looking guys!’

In conclusion, these are some people, who are truly talented and you they should be on your radar.

Editor’s Note: Trust me to have to add my tuppence into this great review, but I would just like to say a few things, if I may?! Thanks to everyone at Devizes Youth Action Group for hosting this event, it means so much to the youth that there is something for them to do, and let’s hope there’s more to come. Thanks to all the bands who played, I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope we get the opportunity to write about you all again. To all parents, we have as much as possible attempted to gain permission from you for featuring the bands, and while many responded, if there is an issue please do not hesitate to contact me.

I’ve linked in the band’s Instagram pages, please give them a follow and support them with their journeys; the future of Devizes live music scene depends on it!

But most of all, thanks to Flo for all her hard work. It’s one thing for me to report on youth events such as these, but it is far better that youth are the ones reporting on them. Thank you all!!

Trending…..

The Return of Saddleback

Yes, felt obliged to drop into the Saddleback Festival, have a nose….. If a week of heatwave may’ve inconviently paused for drizzle Saturday, fortunately Devizes…

The Turnaround; New Album from The Jon Amor Trio

Devizes is a blues town, fact. I’ve dubbed its origins as “The Mel Bush Effect,” in the past; via Long Street Blues Club and down to The Southgate, the tradition continues and the label sticks. Music promoter Mel Bush would later go onto be a prominent organiser of some of the country’s most memorable concerts, but he cut his teeth here in the early seventies, bringing top acts to the Corn Exchange, at a time the town only had a population of approximately ten thousand…..

Knock on effect, while upcoming nineties bands modelled themselves on Madchester or grunge, from a local village five footballing teenagers formed a band inspired by Dire Straits, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dr Feelgood, the latter playing a particularly significant gig at the venue, which we need not recount now; if you know, you know! Concentrating on The Hoax, those youngsters, the Davey brothers Jesse and Robin, Hugh Coltman, finalised drummer Dave Raeburn, and of course, Jon Amor, raised the bar on the UK blues scene with the vigour of youth in an otherwise largely considered matured genre.

Pushing new boundaries post-Hoax, Jon has explored many guises, from Amor, with Wayne Proctor and Matt Beable, to the Jon Amor Blues Group and King Street Turnaround, solo, and collaborating projects like Birdmens, with Ian Siegal, Joel Fisk, and Dave Doherty,  prolifically producing albums throughout. Here, he’s our lovable living legend, never failing to turn up at the Southgate for a monthly Sunday residency, set in concrete in December 2021, and with renowned guests to boot. Such splendour of the recurring occasion, many of whom return in their own right.

Jon’s backing for said residency and various other venues on the circuit comprises of astounding bassist Jerry Soffe and celestially-sited drummer Tom Gilkes, dubbed aptly as The Jon Amor Trio, and they’ve been into Swindon’s Crescent Records studio. While a Jon Amor album is no new thing, The Turnaround is the first for the trio, and being as it’s such a high pedestal I’m popping them onto, I take a listen to it with a tinsey hint of scepticism they can recreate the magic of their live gigs. Because it’s the improv moments, the atmosphere, warts and all of a pub gig which grasps the magic, see? I found myself wondering if they could’ve released a live album instead, but who am I to kid, I should’ve known better!

Eleven original tracks strong opening with the title track, it wastes no time in recreating said magic. Regardless of any particular setup, this is another Jon Amor gold album, enhancing their live performances and creating a little piece of it you can take home with you. The electric blues held in esteem here is not cut short, there is no wild tangents of experimentation, The Jon Amor Trio never try to be something they’re not; just wild and highly accomplished archetypal blues riffs wavering in tempo, exciting and invigorating.

It’s when I arrived at Rideau Street any doubts melted. With a subtle hint of rockabilly, it rides to the bridge as any good Jon Amor tune does, and you know, you’re in capable hands. Mrs James adopts a firmer delta blues riff, and from there I’m immersed in its gorgeous and thick layers of sublime blues. A downtempo number, I Know What You’re Using sounds direct from the Hoax songbook, and onwards we journey through an album which has definitely got Jon Amor all over it, enveloping the brilliance of this new Trio’s live shows, with bells on. Fans will not be disappointed, and so the shows must go on. Find them at the Beehive in Swindon tomorrow, Thursday 8th Feb, and Sunday sees this month’s residency at The Southgate, Devizes, with Nat Martin as guest, guitar tutor at The Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

The album is only available at gigs and on Bandcamp; streaming isn’t good enough for this beauty, and rightly so!

Trending….

What to Do; Weekend Roundup for 16th-19th June

Ah, the Ashes, about the only international sporting event where England can get a second place! It’s gonna be another scorcher weekend, folks, so here’s…

Weekend Roundup 9th-12th June 2022

Despite all you have to do is scroll our event calendar, I thought I’d make it even easier for you, with a new weekly regular…

Chippenham Art Heist

If Devizine was a voyage of discovery to begin with, I still manage to find talented folk hiding in this rural county, but often it’s…

Mantonfest 2024

Images: Gail Foster

Whilst festivals around us come and go Mantonfest has been a constant of the Wiltshire music calendar since 2009.….

The 29th of June 2024 will once again see the Manton Water Meadow, near Marlborough transformed into a festival field providing an affordable family friendly music picnic by day and a more traditional music festival by night. Most people arrive and pick their spot between 11 am and 12 noon. The live music starts at noon and there will be something for everyone.

Unlike many music events, festival goers can bring their own food and drink or make use of the many food and drink facilities on site.  With an eclectic ‘market’ of local traders and of course the band merchandise tent this event has a real buzz from start to finish.  

Mantonfest 2023

The 2024 Line Up

This year’s line up is now complete. Headlining are The Bohemians a world class Queen tribute act. Badness return by popular demand (or should we say instance) after wowing everyone last year. Forever Elton and The Fab Four will get the whole field singing  across the afternoon and evening.  Local jumping blues band Barrelhouse will be getting the field moving with a blend of reworked classic and their own material and Jose and the Radio Tones plus The Bergamots will get the afternoon mood set perectly.

Mantonfest 2023

Young Talent Development Slots

Once again, this year Mantonfest is pleased to announce the continuation of its young talent development slot. Last year saw an impressive array of talent wow the audience and this year will continue the trend.

Mantonfest 2023

Chairman’s Comment

Chairman Roger Grant says – “This year’s event is one of our most ambitious and ticket sales are going very well. The event is managed by a volunteer committee who are supported by a range of villagers who help set up, steward and break down the festival. Without them we would be lost. It’s amazing that we have hosted the likes of Toyah, The Animals, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Katrina and the Waves, Dr Feelgood and many world class tribute acts across the years. As ever profits made will be donated to good causes including Cancer Research. The primary aim is to provide a great day out for those attending from near and far but we like to make donations where possible.“

Mantonfest 2023

More info and tickets, here.

Trending…..

Female of the Species Back For Halloween

The annual all-female local supergroup get-together is annouced for the Halloween weekend, at a new venue, Seend Community Centre…. Nicky Davis from People Like Us…

Errol Linton at Long Street Blues Club

In a remarkable finale to the season for Long Street Blues Club, London-based The Errol Linton Band presented Devizes with a sublime lively blues blend…

Talk in Code get Illogical

The only person who isn’t going to love this is Mr Spock! Swindon’s Talk in Code released a new single today, Illogical, their first release…

Just the Beginning, Start The Sirens

If it’s the beginning, it’s a loud one; kicking punk album release from Start the Sirens out last week has got me potentially stage-diving off…

Majesty; Kids Art Exhibit at St Mary’s

Ha! Stand aside established local artists, we’re talking about the artists of the future here! If you’re knocking around Devizes this extended weekend, do pop…

Devizes LGBTQ+ Group’s First Big Event

Formed a year ago, the Devizes LGBTQ+ group have organised several meet ups, but the time is nigh for their first big event, Drag Bingo…

Saddleback Back!

In July 2019, straight after the Devizes Rugby Club’s Saddleback Festival, they announced July 11th 2020 for their next festival, but we all know the…

Weekly Roundup of Events in Wiltshire: 7th -13th February 2024

Hey you lovely lot, bit warm for Feb, innit? I wouldn’t do anything too daring, like break out your mankini yet, I expect there will be at least one more wintery blast to come. Here’s what’s happening over the coming week in the wilds of Wiltshire……

Everything listed here is on our event calendar; go there for links and more info. It may be updated with even more things to do than listed here, so check in later in the week.

Ongoing until 17th February, two enlightening exhibits at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire. Reviewed HERE.

Wednesday 7th

Acoustic Jam at The Southgate, Devizes.

There’s a screening of The Royal Ballet Manon at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon.

Whitney; Queen Of The Night at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Peter Knight & John Spiers at Chapel Arts, Bath. Suntou Susso at The Bell.

Thursday 8th

Instalment 6 of the Comedy Loft at the Civic, Trowbridge.

Omid Djalili at Pounds Arts is listed, but sold out, sorry.

The Kahunas at the Tuppenny, Swindon. Jon Amor Trio at the Beehive. A Memory Move at Swindon Arts Centre, Jody And The Jerms play the evening there.

Josh Pugh’s Existin’ La Vida Loca is at the Cheese & Grain, Frome.

Friday 9th

All Floyd make a welcome return to The Bell on the Green, Devizes.

The Future Sound of Trowbridge #5 at the Pump, The Sunnies headline, with Ignotis and Cult Python in support.

Counterfeit Sixties Show at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham.

Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Big Band Brass at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Band of Others at the Boathouse.

Wizards of Oz and Black Rose play The Vic, Swindon. Limehouse Lizzy at Swindon Arts Centre. Rave On – The Rise Of Rock And Roll at the Wyvern Theatre.

Ed Tudor Pole at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Alfie Moore at Rondo Theatre, Bath. Martin Harley at Chapel Arts.

Andy C has sold out the Cheese & Grain.

Saturday 10th

Music for Meninggitis at Seend Community Hall.

Courting Ghosts have had to cancel the gig at The Southgate, Devizes, find Grizzly Rhys Morgan there instead. Editor’s pick of the week takes us to Long Street Blues Club, where The Errol Linton Band makes a welcomed return. One of my best nights ever at Long Street last time they played, see a review Here. 

The Kast Off Kinks at Melksham Assembly Hall.

Jaz Delorean at the Pump in Trowbridge, with Swingletree in support. And Sound Knowledge hosts Declan McKenna at the Civic.

Cultural Assembly; the Art of the Sustainable and A Family Business at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Purple Fish play Westbury Cons Club.

Max Output at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

The Makings of a Murderer at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Nabil Abdulrashid at Swindon Arts Centre. Nervendings, Toast and Arizona Law at The Vic. Mojo at the Swiss Chalet.

Love is Enough at the Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Wifi Wars at Rondo Theatre, Bath

Billy in the Lowground at The Sun Inn, Frome. Ruzz Guitar’s Blues Revue at the Cheese & Grain…oh yes!

Sunday 11th

March for Palestine at Regent Circus, Swindon at 12pm.

Jon Amor Trio & Guest at The Southgate, Devizes from 5pm.

N’Faly Kouyatéo’s Ré-Génération at Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon

Coyote Country at Prestbury Sports Bar, Warminster.

Bill Smarme Rock’n’Roll Trio at the Bell, Bath.

Ukrainian National Opera – Madama Butterfly at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Monday 12th

Filskit Theatre: Wonder Gigs at Pound Arts, Corsham.

Cameron Pierre at the Bell, Bath.

Tuesday 13th

Potterne Pantomime presents Robin Hood at the Potterne Village Hall, running until Saturday.

Paper Moon Quartet plays Jazz Knights at the Royal Oak, Swindon.

Maddie Storvold at the Bell, Bath.

And that’s all we’ve got for now, other than some important things to say: Events listed here are subject to change, we are not responsible for cancellations, errors or postponements in anything listed. 

Important note two, events which come to our attention from now on in, will be updated on the Event Calendar and NOT HERE. So, be sure to check in from time to time, use the Event Calendar to find more info on everything listed on here, and for ticket links, etc. Use the Event Calendar to check for updates and planning ahead.

Did we miss you out? Did you tell us about your event? It’s not that we don’t like you, it’s because Devizine uses many sources to collate these listings, and sometimes we miss a few things. Listing your event here is free, but please make it easier for me by messaging or emailing the info, and then, and this is the really important part, make sure I’ve added it and let me know if not!

Have a good week- that’s the last important thingy to say!!   

“Parents call for safer streets in Devizes.’ Families and all generations joined in the Kidical Mass Devizes bike ride on Sunday

As part of the global Kidical Mass movement, this event combined a family-friendly cycle ride with a protest, calling for safe streets for everyone. The ride started at the Market Place and finished at Hillworth Park. Cheered on by shoppers and pedestrians, we saw children and parents loving the unusual freedom of cycling in town without fear. This all brightened up an otherwise dull day.….

This ride was organised to coincide with the launch of ‘Street Tag,’ a Wiltshire council initiative to encourage everyone to lead healthier lives by promoting active travel. This is a shared vision of Cycle Friendly Devizes to highlight the urgent need for safer cycling routes in Devizes so that everyone has the opportunity to choose active travel.

Catherine Read, who is the organiser, is also an environmental campaigner with Cycle Friendly Devizes. She said, “Parents are telling me that they want their children to cycle around town and to school, but they worry about the safety of their children with the amount of traffic and close passing. Parents want their children to walk and cycle safely outside and to school, but with the dramatic increase in vehicles and no safe segregated cycle lanes, that’s not currently an option in Devizes.”

“We can improve the situation. Devizes has a local cycling and walking plan, and there are identified routes within the plan that, if actioned, would provide safer cycling for children that parents are calling out for.” 

Susan Hayward, who was leading the ride, said, “Every child has a right to feel safe in the town where they live. They should be able to play and ride in their streets, just like we all did when we were young, many years ago. Our Kidical Mass ride today demonstrates that people want to choose the healthy option of cycling in Devizes. It also gives a voice to children and families calling for Devizes to prioritize people over motor vehicles.”

Kidical Mass Devizes calls on our town and county councillors to show bold leadership by supporting safer cycling and making it a priority to protect children. Please turn this vision of streets for people into a reality.

You can find Cycle Friendly Devizes on Facebook and Twitter.

Swindon Palestine Solidarity Hold Charity Dinner

On Saturday, people from across Swindon came to Swindon Palestine Solidarity’s charity dinner to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine and raise awareness of the reality of life in Gaza……

Over 150 guests and 30 volunteers listened, often with tears in their eyes, as the guest speaker, Palestinian journalist Ahmed Alnaouq explained how over 21 of his family members have been killed in Gaza in the recent bombardments. Ahmed came with his new bride, who has also lost many family members and friends.

 Ahmed is the co- founder of an organisation set up in 2015 to provide English-language writing workshops for young Palestinians in Gaza, called We Are Not Numbers. He told how during the Israeli military attack against Palestinians in the summer of 2014, his 23-year-old brother, Ayman, was killed by an Israeli missile while simply walking on the street near his home in Dir-Al-Balah.

Ahmed sunk into depression from which he thought he would never return to normal life again.During this time, he met Pam Bailey, who encouraged him to write his story. The death of his brother and his friends was reported in the media as six Palestinians killed but didn’t use their names. Ahmed wanted his brother to be named and remembered, as well as all the other victims of the Israeli attacks. From there, We Are Not Numbers was formed to share the stories of young Palestinians in Gaza. Over 350 writers now contribute to We Are Not Numbers.

People from the Swindon community, young and old, from varied religions and none, and many different races, came to listen to his story, join in solidarity with the people of Gaza and raise money and awareness.

Swindon Palestine Solidarity are extremely grateful for the generosity of local businesses and individuals who contributed food, decorations, time, and money. Thanks goes to Biblop, Ruchi, Jully, DuDuzo Kitchen,Lalbagh, Pizza and Co, Tandoori Nights, Shupe, Grand Bazaar, The Jewel in the Crown, Kaspars, members of theTurkish and Muslim communities. With their help, the event has raised over £3,000.

Ahmed said, ‘I just wanted to say that I was very, very pleased to have joined you in Swindon. To have joined my friends and family, the freedom lovers and supporters of Palestine in Swindon. It was very lovely to meet all of you, people of all faiths and colours, and people are Muslim, Christian, Jews and of non-faiths. We shared the same values that we all agree on, the freedom of freedom and sympathy of the oppressed with the struggle against the oppressor and I felt like home, I felt like I was surrounded by family. The event was very powerful and the spirit of the people I found there was very high and motivating and it gave me a lot of hope because as someone who has lost all his family members I feel like these people who support Palestine and solidarity with Palestine are now my family, are of my people. And it gives me hope that as long as we have people like you who have continued to participate in events and protests for Palestine, believe that Palestine eventually will be free.’

This really was a great community event. Swindon Palestine Solidarity will continue to organise events, rallies, film shows, fundraisers, and marches in Swindon, as well as encouraging as many people as possible to attend the national demonstrations in London.

They invite people to join them for the next local march on Sunday 11th February at 12pm at Regents Circus, Swindon, and the next national march in London on 17th February.

 

The Lost Trades to Release Live Album

To international acclaim on the folk circuit, we’ve loved to follow the progress of the Lost Trades since day dot, when Phil Cooper enthusiastically told me about the vocal harmony trio union of our three singer-songwriters, with Jamie R Hawkins and Tamsin Quin, one heady night down the Southgate. Then, if memory serves me right, Phil swore me to secrecy until they were ready to announce it!

Cat has long been out of that bag now, and if two fantastic award-winning albums later, one thing I bid you don’t miss is their live shows. From March 1st you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone, a terrible idiom I know and apologise for using, but hey, no animals were hurt in this announcement that the Lost Trades are producing a live album; yay!

Thirteen songs strong, recorded during their Spring 2023 tour, the album includes two previously unreleased songs. But you need not wait for this boat to come in (see what I did there?) you can pre-order it on Bandcamp now.

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