The first place that events usually get listed is at wegottickets.com/ashburtonarts. Sometimes they get listed there before they appear below. You can also book tickets there (+10% booking fee) or email boxoffice@ashburtonarts.org.uk to reserve and pay on the door (cash or card). See Access, Tickets & Finding Us for more about why there are three ticket prices, plus other useful info about coming to events at Ashburton Arts Centre. To be kept up to date with everything going on at Ashburton Arts Centre, join our mailing list.
Sep 2024
Trees by Sam Richards & the Sonic Harvest EnsembleSaturday 21 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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The life of trees inspires this new work by Devon-based composer and pianist Sam Richards, with accompanying photography by Sybille Schiffman. The music takes the life cycle of a tree as its basis – from dispersal through germination, shoots, sapling, young tree, mature tree through to decay – after which the whole process starts again. Such is life. You will hear washes of sound, moving textures and hints of vernacular melody. Featuring:
Steve Day percussion; Roger Hall gongs; Ric White sax/ewi; Mike McInerney piano; Jennifer Campbell
flute; Gillian Taylor violin; Emma Welton viola; Eliza Jacobs cello; Chris Derrick clarinet; Andy Williamson
sax/bass clarinet; and: Briony Greenhill, Jenny Osborne, Lucinda Guy & Kerry Priest singers
Liane Carroll
Sunday 22 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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One of the UK’s most accomplished jazz singers and outstanding pianist Liane Carroll performs jazz classics and original compositions. Well-known for her powerful, highly emotional voice and superlative improvising skills, Liane has enjoyed a long career across multiple genres.
Our Land: Wild Camping and the Right to Roam Movement – 3 short films followed by a discussion
Wednesday 25 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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In the week before the UK Supreme Court hears the case between Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Darwalls, this event looks at the issues involved – the right to go wild camping on Dartmoor and the wider ‘right to roam’ across land whether owned privately or publicly. Three short films will be screened: Our Land,
Adrian Cox Trio, Makin' Runs Tour
Thursday 26 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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“Makin’ Runs,” is the latest project by internationally-acclaimed clarinetist Adrian Cox. It delves into alternative ragtime repertoire from the early jazz era, aiming to capture and express the timeless essence of the music. According to legend, “Makin’ Runs” is a tune attributed to Buddy Bolden and heard by Bunk Johnson in New Orleans. The phrase symbolises Bolden’s vision for inventive improvisations whilst never repeating himself.
The trio endeavours to emulate that spirit, crafting tight yet dynamic arrangements that honour the music’s original intent, allowing ample room for improvisational fire. The programme includes compositions by Duke Ellington, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, Barney Bigard and many more.
Lola Flamenco: Passionate music and dance from Jerez, Spain – The cradle of flamenco
Friday 27 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Passionate music and dance from ‘The Cradle of Flamenco’ will infuse Ashburton this September, thanks to a return visit by this troupe of authentic gypsy performers. Lola Flamenco is returning to the Arts Centre with their brand of fiery Spanish dance and song from their home in Southern Spain. The troupe of dancers, singers and their incredible guitarist accompanist will scorch audiences with the flames of Andalucian passion and the pulsing rhythms of Spanish guitar, clapping and incredible footwork.
Film: The End We Start From (15)
Saturday 28 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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As London is submerged below floodwaters, a woman gives birth to her first child. Days later, she and her baby are forced to leave their home in search of safety. They head north through a newly dangerous country seeking refuge from place to place.
Not Only But Also The Blues: The Mojo Workin' Band / Russell Sinclair (solo)
Monday 30 September 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Another great line up of two of the best blues acts in the South West. Mojo Workin’ Band is a 7-piece group from Somerset, and Russell Sinclair is one of the finest singer/guitarists on the scene.
Oct 2024
Photo Booth Snapshot of Ashburton (Forecourt)Tuesday 1 October 2024 - Thursday 31 October 2024 at 12:00 AM
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Hands of the Heron is a dreamfolk trio from Bristol, UK. Their instantly recognisable vocal harmonies are delivered by three frontwomen – Bec Garthwaite, Beth Roberts & Claire Vine – each of whom brings a signature writing style to the band’s mercurial sound.
Hands of the Heron / Anna Anise
Tuesday 1 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Hands of the Heron is a dreamfolk trio from Bristol, UK. Their instantly recognisable vocal harmonies are delivered by three frontwomen – Bec Garthwaite, Beth Roberts & Claire Vine – each of whom brings a signature writing style to the band’s mercurial sound.
Under The Surface
Thursday 3 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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This is a Dutch trio which has toured the world, and is now on its first major UK tour. The musical journey takes listeners on a dreamlike flight, encompassing euphoric moments as well as delving into the darker and more challenging depths of the human psyche. This unique experience has unfolded all over the world, from open-air music festivals, arenas, and museums to Buddhist temples and churches. It transcends the usual categories: there are elements of folk music, electronica, improvised jazz and more.
Aerial Silks Demo/Taster with Joanna Quinsey
Saturday 5 October 2024 at 11:30 AM
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This free entry event includes a short performance followed by a taster session.
Under The Surface
Saturday 5 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Unhinged puppetry for adults and ages 14+
‘The Ballad of the Underwater Daughter’ is a strange sort of odyssey. A woozy universe of messy minds and monstrously fishy metaphors. Overloaded with puppets, props and machines, it is the latest production from Leeds’ own the OBJECTproject.
Jazz Jam Session
Monday 7 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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These sessions are becoming popular with musicians from near and sometimes as far afield as Penzance! Every month there’s a house rhythm section led by Jess Molins on guitar. Everyone is welcome to come and play or sing, or to listen. Admission is £8 or £5 or £3 (or free if you need it to be).
With Respect To Nat King Cole: Marvin Muoneke & the Tom Ball Trio
Thursday 10 October 2024 - Friday 11 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Three musical friends decided to do something different and revive the trio format popularised by Nat “King” Cole, Oscar Peterson and Ray Charles in the 1950s: piano, guitar and bass. On bass is Jim Rintoul, Adrian Balletto on guitar and pianist Tom Ball complete the trio. Expect everything from tight, arranged Nat Cole originals and loose-to-made-up-on-the-spot remixes of classic pop songs!
The Ciderhouse Rebellion
Friday 11 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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With material from the new album: ‘And Even The Sheep Shall Dance’…
“Intoxicating” The Times
“Astonishing all out virtuosity” NYT
“Gorgeous stuff” BBC Radio 3
Profound and eloquent, epic and haunting, wild, dramatic and occasionally unhinged, The Ciderhouse Rebellion specialises in creating music within the moment. Their favourite jigs whirling into a frenzy. Epic, filmic soundscapes drawn from folk roots.
Palisander: Recorder Revolution
Saturday 12 October 2024 at 3:00 PM
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This is a relaxed family concert for all ages – part of the Two Moors Festival.
Cancelled: Peggy Seeger in conversation with Sam Richards
Saturday 12 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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An intimate conversation with a unique artist who has carved a special place in the folk pantheon of both the UK and the USA.
Now in her late 80s, Peggy’s light burns as brightly as ever. A multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar, 5-string banjo, autoharp, English concertina and Appalachian dulcimer), she is lauded for her feminist and political songs and her co-creation of The Radio Ballads. She has made 24 solo recordings and participated in over a hundred more.
Mayor & James -A Riot of Music & Humour
Sunday 13 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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A Riot of Music & Humour
‘One of the world’s great mandolinists’, Simon Mayor is also very funny! He’s had a song on the iconic American TV series, The Simpsons, played swing fiddle on the CD of the West End stage show FiveGuys named Mo and appeared twice at Wembley Arena as soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Hilary James, possessed of “one of Britain’s finest voices’ (BBC Radio 4), also plays the amazing giant mandobass, and adds guitar to anything from blues to Vivaldi.
Tomorrow's New Quartet
Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Tomorrow’s New Quartet includes some of the UK’s young jazz stars – Deschanel Gordon, Helena Kay, Flo Moore and George Crowley. Their debut album, released on the Ubuntu Music label last year, and was named Editor’s Choice by Jazzwise Magazine, and was featured on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM radio stations.
Ranagri
Wednesday 23 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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“You’re unlikely to hear anything more irresistible & more folky this year” Louder Than War
Ranagri is an award winning folk band from Ireland and England. With a unique blend of instruments that includes voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp/electric harp, and bodhrán/drums, they create a sound that is both mesmerising and unforgettable.
Film: Swede Caroline (15)
Friday 25 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Competitive vegetable growers investigate the theft of prize marrow plants and uncover a tangled conspiracy.
Soap Soup Theatre: Minny Stynker
Sunday 27 October 2024 - Friday 1 November 2024 at 2:00 PM
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A story about the magic of creativity – for ages 3+
What would you do if you moved to a new city? All your friends are far away, your house smells weird and it rains all the time?
Devised by by on of Bristol’s leading theatre makers for family audiences, and based on a brand new book by Artistic Director Tasmin Cuthbert. Soap South theatre combines high quality theatre with projection mapping, bringing vibrant illustrations from the book to life.
Opa Rosa
Sunday 27 October 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Opa Rosa are an energetic acoustic ensemble sharing music from the Balkan, Greek, Klezmer & Roma traditions. With several combined decades of study and experience, all five musicians are well-versed in the musical traditions’ syntax and significance, capturing all the joy and sorrow that these traditions are so renowned for expressing.
Nov 2024
Camp Theatre Co: HansardFriday 1 November 2024 at 7:30 PM
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It’s May 1988. Robin Hesketh, a junior minister in Margaret Thatcher’s Government, comes home to his idyllic Cotswold residence two days after passing the notorious Section 28 that prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. But life is not as blissful as it seems. The foxes have dug up his garden, his wife has a hangover and the fridge is empty. A morning of comical marital sparring evolves into something darker and deeper as an incident from the past tests their relationship to its limits. This funny, brutal and ultimately touching play was premiered at the National Theatre in 2019. In this general election year there could not be a better time for its revival.
Film: Cabaret (15)
Friday 29 November 2024 at 7:30 PM
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Inside the Kit Kat Club of 1931 Berlin, starry-eyed singer Sally Bowles and an impish emcee sound the clarion call to decadent fun, while outside a certain political party grows into a brutal force.
Event Calendar
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What we’ve been up to so far…
