Newton Abbot Festival

Bha?g?a is a form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of India. Bhangra dance began as a folk dance conducted by Punjabi farmers to celebrate the coming of Vaisakhi, a sikh festival. Bhangra can be related to Assam's Bihu which is associated with farming; as the traditional Assamese society is predominantly dependent on farming. Parallels between Bhangra Bihu can be further drawn from the fact that the merriments for both of these music forms involve characteristic overtones with dances along with the enthralling beats of percussive musical instruments. Moreover, both Bihu and Bhangra involve high energy dance moves and sequences with young dancers in colorful clothing and the folk music played with the dhol. Both music/dance varieties, though having the similar themes, are distinctly different and have their proper origins in the respective states of Punjab and Assam. The specific moves of Bhangra reflect the manner in which villagers farmed their land. This musical art further became synthesized after the partition of India, when refugees from different parts of the Punjab shared their folk dances with individuals who resided in the regions they settled in. This hybrid dance became Bhangra. The dance started from just one move and evolved later on. It has been popularized by Punjabi artists from the Sikh communities, with which it is now commonly associated. Today, Bhangra dance survives in different forms and styles all over the globe – including pop music, film soundtracks, collegiate competitions and even talent shows.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Enjoy an uplifting afternoon of Acoustic Roots from one of the new rising guitar stars

The Observer described her music as, ‘Macy Gray meets Nick Drake,’ and both Bob Harris and Andy Kershaw have featured her on their BBC shows. Kit’s trademark sultry vocals and virtuoso guitar playing have wowed audiences across the UK through extensive touring with the guitar hero, John Etheridge. Kit’s recent concerts include: the Anne Frank Awards at the BBC, a master-class at Paul McCartney’s LIPA, the Honorary Doctoral Ceremony for Bill Bryson and Andy Kershaw and a headline show at the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain.

Maverick***** ‘A superb guitarist…highly recommended’

The Observer 'full of warmth…an absolute delight'
 

Spectrum Music was first formed in January 1997.

The style of music is ‘Concert Band’ arrangements, selections from ‘Musicals’ and popular Standards. The library currently holds 131 arrangements all funded by an Annual Membership fee of £20 per member and proceeds from Concerts.

Membership is currently 40 players meeting on Wednesday evenings each week at 7.15pm in The Parish Centre Kingskerswell, a village located between Newton Abbot and Torquay in Devon, England. The annually elected committee consists of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Musical Director, Band Co-ordinator plus two others.

We welcome new competent players and currently have vacancies for bassoonists.

Potential players please contact Tim Porter, 01803 310906.

All other enquiries, please contact the Band Secretary, Kate Lee, at davelee3546@btinternet.com

Musical Director – Tim Porter

The Band is led by Tim Porter (B.A.Hons) Music L.R.A.M a working musician, musical
arranger and teacher.

He is a clarinettist and pianist who studied at Kneller Hall, Dartington College of Arts and The Royal Academy of Music.

His career started in the Army where he was solo clarinettist and instructor in the Parachute Regiment Bands and later in the Royal Military Academy Staff Band. He then went on to perform in various professional ensembles worldwide and has performed before various members of the Royal Family. Tim's other passion is Torquay United Football Club, but we can't all be perfect!
 



Bell Ringing from St Columb Minor Church Bell Ringers

Ringers from both the Devon Association of Ringers and from The Guild of Devonshire Ringers

As there is no band of ringers solely attached to St Leonard’s Tower, ringers travel in from surrounding towns and villages to ring the bells for special events such as the Newton Abbot Festival. For a number of years a band attached to St Michael’s Parish Church, Kingsteignton have rung the bells at St Leonard’s Tower on Christmas morning. Ringers from both the Devon Association of Ringers and fro The Guild of Devonshire Ringers gladly give of their time to ensure the bells are rung at special times and events. We hope this not only creates that unique atmosphere for these events and occasions, but ensures the ancient art of bell ringing continues for generations to come, both to take part in and listen to.






Clogs with Heather & Gorse
 
Founded in 1984, Heather and Gorse Clog Dancers are a ladies only dancing side (but we do have male musicians!) based near Newton Abbot, Devon. We dance mainly North West Morris dances with the occasional Cotswold dance thrown in. Our main aim is to enjoy ourselves, but we also hope that we provide entertainment for others. We collect money for charity when we can - a past squire has estimated that we have donated about £5000 to charity since we started.

In the Winter we practice every week on a Wednesday evening in Combeinteignhead village hall.

In the Summer we try to dance out at least once a week in the evening, usually at a pub. We also regularly dance at Sidmouth Folk Festival, Teignmouth Folk Festival and Brixham Heritage week. We like to spend at least one weekend away at a folk festival every year such as Wimborne, Swanage or Weymouth.

Please visit the website for more information, www.heatherandgorse.org.uk
 

The Beacons Wheelchair Dancers
 

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that comes from China. It is practised by many millions of people worldwide, and is becoming ever more popular. Tai Chi is accessible to people of all ages, levels of fitness and from every walk of life. The health and fitness benefits gained from Tai chi promote a general feeling of positivity and happiness, and improve many common long and short term conditions. Improvements to balance, flexibility, coordination and to the condition of bones, joints, and muscles come from regular Tai Chi practice. Reductions in stress levels, and benefits to the respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems are typical to many Tai Chi practitioners. Western medical research now supports the claims that the health benefits of practising Tai Chi bring.

I have been teaching Tai Chi for ten years, the last seven of those in Devon. I have the privilege and honour of being an Inner Disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei which means that I am a 12th generation inheritor and teacher of authentic Chen family Style Tai Chi. My students have opportunities to meet and practice Tai Chi in Newton Abbot, Exeter, Teignmouth, Kingsteignton and Exmouth.

My contact details are as follows:-
Home: 01626 778048
Mobile: 07968 174934

 

Never Underestimate Musical Belief - that's the motto that this 5-piece live by, hence the acronym which has given them the determination to achieve a huge amount since forming in January 2007. They've already played over 250 gigs, including sets at 02 Wireless at Hyde Park, Glastonbury, Vale Earth Fair, Beachbreak Live, Respect, Fordham, Colston Hall and Windsor Castle. They've been short listed/finalists in talent contests 02 undiscovered and Global Battle of the Bands. They receive regular airplay from over 20 local and national radio stations and host The Respect Show on Phonic FM 106.8 every month. Enjoyed promotion through well known publications such as NME, ATM, Hip Hop Connection, Guernsey Press, RWD, 24-7 and local newspapers such as Western Morning News, Express and Echo

Everything to date has been achieved without any record label or major management support confirming that their dedication to the homegrown/DIY approach to writing, producing and promoting music can really work.

Prince Harry is a fan, as is Rik Wakeman, Celebrity Chef Michael Caines MBE and Bohemian Rhapsody producer, Malcom Toft, who recently described the band as "... the best thing I've heard in years".

And to top it all off the band have supported acts such as The Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, Transglobal Underground, Skindred, Bad Manners, Akala, Skinnyman, The Beat, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, ZionTrain and Mica Paris!!

So what do they sound like? Its kinda an ultra fresh fusion of acoustic urban soul, which is as incredibly catchy as it is inventively cool. First album Local Anaesthetic has already sold over 5,000 copies and includes the track Night Time, which features on British comedy film Three and Out starring Mackenzie Crook and Colm Meaney. Other artists on this film include Blondie and Gabriella Cilmi. Second album Salt of the Earth has just been released and contains more stunningly strong melodies, sharp paralyzing rhymes, fat beats and some lovely parping brass to leave you comatosed! The future looks bright for these guys as they continue to....

Never Underestimate Musical Belief.

N.U.M.B are fully endorsed by FAITH GUITARS, FENCHURCH CLOTHING and THTC CLOTHING. Further endorserments from Paul Clayden Photography, Ballroom Blitz
 

The much acclaimed Newton Bushel Morris Dancers are a Cotswold side formed in 1972 and based in Torquay. During the summer season (May ‘till September) we dance out at fine ale houses around Torquay, Newton Abbot, South Dartmoor and the local environs. We also perform at various festivals, events and celebrations. During the winter months (October ‘till April) we practice every Thursday at Kingskerswell Scout Hall. Our dancers are aged between 13 and somewhat over 60.

We are delighted to announce that, as from March 2009, we are now a mixed dancing side. This means that women are now more than welcome to join us. We would like to invite any ladies and men to come along and be part of this wonderful ancient tradition. Absolutely no previous dancing experience is necessary as weClosing Single Quote Mark ll teach you everything. No prior experience needed, we will teach you all you need to know! If you are interested, then call Roy, our foreman (teacher) on 01626 835749 or email: Tony@newtonbushelmorris.org

Our kit comprises black breeches, white shirts and socks, blue neckerchief, and blue and yellow baldricks, arm ribbons and the ubiquitous bells. The baldricks centrepiece is the St Leonards Clocktower in Newton Abbot.

We are available for bookings at any events and we regularly dance at weddings, fetes, festivals etc. You can find out much more information from our website, www.newtonbushelmorris.org

Belly Dance. Dancer: Chryssanthi Sahar Scharf (July 29, 1960 - ), Heidelberg

Photography by: Gudrun Holde-Ortner

Belly dance is a Western term for traditional Middle Eastern dance styles, especially raqs sharqi). It is sometimes called Middle Eastern dance or Arabic dance in the West, or by the Greco-Turkish term çiftetelli (Greek: ts?ftet???).

The term "Belly dance" is a misnomer as all parts of the body are involved in the dance; the most featured body part in raqs sharqi being the hips. Belly dance takes many different forms depending on country and region, both in costume and dance style;; and new styles have been invented in the West as its popularity has spread globally.

Raqs sharqi is the style more familiar to Westerners, performed in restaurants and cabarets around the world. It is more commonly performed by female dancers but is also sometimes danced by men. Raqs sharqi is a solo improvisational dance, although students often perform choreographed dances in a group.

Raqs baladi, is the folkloric style, danced socially by men and women of all ages in some Middle Eastern countries, usually at festive occasions such as weddings.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Over the last 20 years Duke Johnson & The Scorchers have become an institution to live music & rightfully gaining the reputation of one of the best Rock & Roll bands in the UK.

They are not a tribute band but a shinning tribute to some of the best acts and songs in the world. Fronted by “The Duke” the bands level of musicianship is unrivalled by any and their reputation has been built through being a high energetic live band playing a back catalogue unchallenged by any band, local or national.

See Duke Johnson & The Scorchers on MySpace here.