Monday 12 November 2018

John Smith & Co - a Sunday night treat!


Just want to say a very big

  'THANK YOU!' 
 to those lovely  
Dart Gig Promotions 
chaps - Peter and Jonathan...

 

They brought us a real and most unexpected Sunday night treat last night with a memorable performance from
who has built a reputation as one of the UK’s finest guitarists and songwriters.

The auditorium was virtually packed, the atmosphere was buzzing, and a happy throng of people were first entertained by singer-songwriter Maz O'Connor. 



Maz O'Connor


Maz was a sheer delight with her pure, clear voice and enchanting songs. 

She was warm, funny and very talented... I particularly loved 'Should Have Loved Me Better' - so very poignant and moving.







 And then came a stunning performance from John Smith, joined by Belfast friends and fine musicians and backing singers Joseph and John McGurgan 



John has been described by folk legend John Renbourn as one of the UK's finest guitarists and songwriters, hailed  as 'the future of folk music' - and after last night's performance it's not hard to see why.


Never having heard John sing and play before, I found him mesmerising from the start! With his fantastic voice and style very reminiscent of the late, great John Martyn, he had me transfixed for the whole performance and I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single song. He was also friendly and warm with a great stage presence - and coupled with the beautiful harmonies from support Joe (double bass) and John (guitar), it really was for me a night to remember.

We were very lucky indeed to have John and the boys, and of course Maz, at the Flavel as part of their tour - so well done DGP boys for booking them. What a coup!

It was the last DGP gig of the season and after last night's performance they've left us all eager for more - and they tell us they have lots of folky treats in store for us next year...

In fact, I have it on good authority that they have already booked some amazing acts for 2019 and tickets are selling already, so make sure you don't miss out!


Flook
 FLOOK

Yes, none other than the very popular Flook, who after announcing that they were taking a prolonged pause from live performance at the end of 2008, are now back together due to overwhelming popular demand, and are playing some carefully selected concerts around Europe and further afield. Catch these rare shows while you can! 






BBC award winning duo Philip Henry and Hannah Martin,

Their performances never fail to delight and excite - ranging from the traditional musics of the British Isles, to Indian classical slide guitar, to the stomping roots party of Phil's beatbox harmonica... and much more.






As always many thanks to Jonathan and Peter of Dart Gig Promotions and all at the Flavel for another Magical and Magnificent Music Night Out.


Performers' Info: 

Maz O'Connor:  http://mazoconnor.com/
Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin:  http://www.philliphenryandhannahmartin.co.uk

Monday 5 November 2018

Great fun at the Quiz





Just want to say a very big thank you for the Flavel Fundraising Quiz last night. 


It was a nice thing to do on a rainy Sunday evening and really good fun - such a lovely friendly community event and great to see the auditorium packed with people laughing and generally enjoying themselves.


 
Big thanks to Rose and Steve Williams who worked so hard compiling all the questions, organising and running the evening...




 ..They got it just right as it wasn't too serious - but it wasn't too easy either so it really made us get our thinking caps on and get the old grey matter working. 







Our team of Happy Quizzers didn't win, but we didn't do too badly - and anyway it really WAS a case of 'It's not the winning, it's the taking part,' as we all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, with the added bonus of knowing we were helping to raise funds for our Fantastic Flavel.






Many thanks to the Flavel for this very successful event - I hope you'll be doing it again some time.




Wednesday 31 October 2018

Those Stones Just Keep Rollin' On...


We had the pleasure of watching Rolling Stones' film Havana Moon on the big screen last Friday, and what an amazing concert that was!


We really enjoyed the interview with 'The Boys' beforehand, with Charlie looking his usual laid back self, Ronnie being Mr Cool, Keith's ever smiley face and inimitable way of talking - and of course that normally shy and retiring Mr Jagger, who was encouraged to say a few words! 


Havana Moon, directed by Paul Dugdale, was filmed on 25th March 2016 in Havana, Cuba - the recording of a free outdoor concert put on by the band at the Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana sports complex.


It was the first time ever in their fifty year career that the Stones had played at Cuba, and in fact this amazing concert marked the first time a rock band had performed in Cuba to such a large crowd - an estimated 500,000 concert-goers. 




There were some fantastic shots throughout the film of this huge gathering of happy and joyful people - dancing, cheering, singing along and just having a great time. You just could not help being infected by their enthusiasm - which was what, for us, made this film so hugely enjoyable.

The performance from 'The Boys' was incredible- so much energy, we really don't know how they keep on doing what they're doing so well!  And for so long...

Nobody can strut their stuff quite like Mick, and the music from Keith, Ronnie and Charlie was, we felt, nothing short of astounding. 
Boy, do those fellas know how to sing, play, and entertain a crowd! 


   To say the crowd went wild was an understatement - they just loved them!

Sasha Allen, their backing singer, was also brilliant with a tremendous voice and stage presence.

We just have to listen to her and Mick singing 'Gimme Shelter' and it brings it all back! Just fabulous...


...Turned out it was catching, as we walked out of the Flavel at the film's end with such a feel-good factor, and full of  fondness for a band we have loved since the early sixties, that we just had to rush home and play "Gimme Shelter" as loud as common decency to our neighbours would allow!

Here's a link to the film trailer to give you a taster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE-FYOt0jmo

Once again - another great musical evening at the Flavel. Thank you so much to all involved - please keep it coming!

 (PSST... Next musical treat? 
Black Sabbath - the End of the End on November 2nd. 
See you there..??)

Tuesday 9 October 2018

The Who - Woo Hoooo..!


Once again we had a most enjoyable Music Night with 'The Who - Live in Hyde Park' film on Friday night.



  Loved the way the excellent performances were interspersed with some great interviews with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend...





...they don't seem to have changed a bit - in fact Roger's voice was just as fabulous and Pete's playing just as brilliant as it was back in the day. 





Very sad that Moon the Loon and John Entwistle couldn't be there for this 50th anniversary celebration concert, but I have to say that I thought Zak Starkey's drumming was absolutely fantastic...  






Personally I couldn't keep still throughout all of the songs which I know and love so well, and I just loved it that the audience clapped after each performance!

Once again a great atmosphere and a hugely feel-good film for us - thanks as always to Sam and all the lovely Flavel staff for another great night out (and the Malbec was very nice too - thank you Sally...)

 


The added bonus was that after watching the film trailers, we're now very much looking forward to 'The Rolling Stones - Havana Moon' - so that's our Music Night sorted for 26th October!




Call 01803 839530

Boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk
https://twitter.com/FlavelArts

Guest Blogger Valeria D


Tuesday 2 October 2018

Bird on a Wire, and - Who..?

I just want to say a very big thank you to Flavel Sam for organising a very interesting introduction to this Leonard Cohen film from celebrated British Film-maker and Director Tony Palmer.



'Bird on a Wire' follows the iconic poet/singer/songwriter Cohen on his 1972 European tour. Long lost 16mm prints were restored for this release, not seen since 1972.

My friends and I really enjoyed this musical documentary film last Friday - much enhanced by the informative talk beforehand - and it was great to see an almost full auditorium so I guess I wasn't the only one!



Now looking forward to seeing 'The Who - Live in Hyde Park' next Friday 5th October, and tickets are only a fiver - incredible! 

The music just goes on and on - isn't it brilliant?  Thank you Sam and all at the Flavel for another great evening.

More Info for The Who in Hyde Park:

http://theflavel.org.uk/TheFlavel.dll/WhatsOn?Programme=4818634



Call 01803 839530
Boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk
https://twitter.com/FlavelArts




Guest Blogger Valeria D

Monday 17 September 2018

Fabulous Folk From Leveret

A big thank you to Peter and Jonathan of  Dart Gig Promotions for their latest 'Folk at the Flavel' concert last Saturday.




Leveret, comprised of acclaimed British folk musicians Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron, entertained us with their great performance of fine fiddling, marvellous melodian magic and - er - cracking concertina-ing. (Sorry chaps)
 

Not only are they all extremely accomplished musicians but they're really nice guys too. We really enjoyed their wit and fun - not to mention the music! - and hope to welcome them back to Dartmouth again soon.


Thanks to Leveret and all involved all in for a most enjoyable evening. Please keep up the good work, DGP...

Links:

Leveret: https://www.leveretband.com/home
Dart Gig Promotions: https://goo.gl/PumGCg
The Flavel:  https://theflavel.org.uk/TheFlavel.dll/Home

Flavel Info:

Box Office: boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk
Phone: 01803 839530
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFlavel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlavelArts

Guest Blogger Valeria D

Thursday 13 September 2018

Dart Gig Promotions have done it again...!

 Once again, those lovely fellas Peter and Jonathan from Dart Gig Promotions have managed to organise another one of their Fantastic Folk Gigs - this time the much acclaimed folk band Leveret - to entertain us at the Flavel this coming Saturday.

How do they do it? They just seem to have a knack for searching out an eclectic mix of  'Folk Royalty' and enticing them to come and delight us with their extraordinary talents - how lucky are we??





To learn a little bit more about Leveret members Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron please read on...



Melodeon genius Andy Cutting, a three-time BBC Folk Awards Best Musician, is a compelling solo performer and currently works with Blowzabella, Topette, June Tabor, and Roger Daltry. 






Photo by Elly Lucas
 Fiddler Sam Sweeney was the 2015 BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year. 

He directs the National Youth Folk Ensemble and is known for his work in Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, The Full English and his own 'Made In The Great War' project.  



Photo by Elly Lucas

 Concertina wizard Rob Harbron leads the English Acoustic Collective summer school and is known for his work with The Full English (Best Group and Best Album BBC Folk Awards 2014), Emma Reid, Fay Hield, Jon Boden and others. 

Saturday's performance from Leveret looks set to be a real treat for us, if some of their reviews are anything to go by - just take a look at a small selection from their website:

“This trio of fantastic English musicians is so exuberant in their dance energy and understated in the beauty of their interwoven harmonies. Witnessing the subtlety of their musical interaction on stage was like a breath of fresh air. Highly recommended! ” - Natalie Haas

 “Classy players … their intuitive way with tunes is glorious” - Mojo

“Three of England's finest traditional players weaving exquisite tapestries out of old and new tunes. Just sublime. I can't recommend seeing them live enough. ” - Verity Sharp, BBC Radio 3

"You won't find English folk music played better than this.” - R2

Anyway, it's time for me to stop 'Rabbiting' on now so why don't you 'Hare' on down to the Flavel and secure your Leveret tickets without delay? 
You won't be 'Happy Bunnies' if you miss out - 'Hop' to see you there... (Sorry!)

Links:

Websites:

Flavel Info:

Tel: 01803 839530



Guest Blogger Valeria D

Wednesday 12 September 2018

Los Pacaminos are Coming to Town!


I'm so excited - Los Pacaminos are performing at The Flavel next week, and I can't wait to see them again! 
Can't believe we're lucky enough to have such a popular band playing at the Flavel - right on our doorstep...



Paul Young and Jamie Moses

We saw this great Tex Mex band - led by the ever-popular Paul Young - at Exeter a while ago and thought they were brilliant.






It was such a great atmosphere, with everybody feeling happy and up on their feet - and I don't think it was just down to the tequilas...!


The Flavel are making the whole evening into a great party night ...

 

 ...and teaming up with the Coffee Couture Cafe who are serving takeaway beef chilli or spicy veggie nachos (with cheese, guacomole and sour cream).

Available from 6pm for just £6.50 per bowl.




Pre-book your food here to avoid queueing - you won't want to miss all the fun!

 
 



The bar will be open throughout the entire performance so you can come and go as you like, and I have it on good advice that there will be tequila shots - just to get us into that TexMex Mood...

Sound good to you? Tickets are selling fast but there are still some left so I hope to see you there - should be a fun night!

 
Thursday 20th September from 8pm

LOS PACAMINOS - TEX MEX PARTY NIGHT
AT THE FLAVEL.


Links:

Tickets:              https://goo.gl/YZ9JX4
E Mail:               boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk
Tel:                     01803 839530
Website:             http://theflavel.org.uk/TheFlavel.dll/Home
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/TheFlavel/ 
Twitter:              https://twitter.com/FlavelArts

Thursday 30 August 2018

Do You Know How The Fabulous Flavel Was Born..?

The local organisations - they say YES!
I have just finished reading, from cover to  cover, 'The Curious Story of the Birth of the Flavel Arts Centre Against Great Odds'. All I can say is I am full of admiration - in fact, nothing short of amazed - to learn about this tortuous journey and had no idea of all the many setbacks, challenges and disappointments that a small but dedicated band of Dartmouth-lovers had to go through to realise their dream. 




Support from local artist Simon Drew


Visitors and people who have recently moved to Dartmouth often ask how such a fine contemporary building - with its library, theatre and cinema facilities usually only available in larger town - came about.








As Mr Ray Bridges, Hon. President, says in his introduction on the purpose of this fascinating booklet "It was an heroic community achievement, and this explanation of the Flavel's arrival is a little tribute to all those people and their families who took part. This is their story..." 

One of the many fundraising events - don't they look happy?

 And what a story it is...

Thereby hereby hangs a very lengthy tale, chronicling an incredible eight years from the original idea for the Flavel in 1997 to its 'birth' in 2005.





From feuds, funding setbacks and financial problems to bureaucracy, bad news and building regulations, not to mention continuous opposition from various councils, this determined group - along with a host of supportive and eager volunteers - doggedly carried on and overcame hurdle after hurdle without losing sight of their vision of a community hub for the town.



 
The Great March, 2nd September 1999


"We're from Dartmouth! Mighty, Mighty Dartmouth! What do we need? 
We need THE FLAVEL!"  






This rousing chant was apparently developed by four young supporters en route on a boat upriver from Dartmouth, along with one hundred and eight fellow Flavel supporters, for a demonstration to SHDC in Totnes.  

This day proved to be one of the most important days for the future of the project.



From May 1997 this committed band of Trustees and Townspeople continued to work tirelessly: fundraising, demonstrating and basically working their collective socks off until - after a veritable river of blood, sweat and tears - the Flavel finally, finally made it to its Grand Opening 
on February 25th 2005.

There is a lovely poem at the end of the book, epitomising the enthusiasm of so many supporters, which I would like to share with you. I must now confess that after reading every single detail of this incredible story, I STILL cannot read these words without getting a lump in my throat.

I hope you will enjoy it too:

Go, proud ship, your four sails gleaming,
Child of years of hope and dreaming;
All the future lies before you.
Not a soul can now ignore you.

Now’s the time for celebration,
Flagship of the Town’s creation.
Flavel would be right behind you:
Go, proud ship, may fortune find you.

Ken Dent, 2005

 



For full details of this fascinating story of the many trials and tribulations of how the Flavel was ‘born’, pick up a copy of this unique historical record.

I really loved this little book and I think anyone who enjoys visiting the Flavel will too - and the good news is that for a mere £5 you can help to keep the Flavel ship sailing on!


(Oh, and wouldn't it make a great present for a Flavel-Loving friend, or an interesting holiday souvenir..?)


 
Copies of the booklet are on sale in the foyer during opening hours, or for more information on how to receive your copy please contact those friendly Flavel people and they will be happy to help:

Contact:

Tel: 01803 839530

E Mail: boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk

Website: http://theflavel.org.uk/TheFlavel.dll/Home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFlavel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlavelArts


Valeria D, Guest Blogger










Wednesday 15 August 2018

Whitney - what a waste..

We went to see 'Whitney' last Thursday with two friends as we'd always loved her music and had heard good film reviews. 




Well, it was certainly in sharp contrast to the Feel-Good Factor we had after seeing the 'Monterey Pop' film a few weeks ago. What we felt was more of a Feel-Sad Factor as we shuffled out quietly at the end... 
Nevertheless I am glad to have seen this film.




The film blurb states that this is 'An unflinching and honest portrait of a rare talent, told by those closest to her'.

It certainly was that, with interviews from family and friends and Whitney herself.

Her voice and talent was simply amazing even at a very young age, and it was so sad and heart-wrenching to see the slow slide from innocent gospel singer, through international stardom, and down into self destruction and addiction, leading to her death at just forty eight years old.





 A very well made, powerful and affecting film. I found it quite heart breaking, in fact it still haunts me now. 

 
  What a wicked waste of a wonderful talent.

Thanks to the Flavel for this one-off film showing - once again a winner for me.

Flavel Info:
http://www.theflavel.org.uk
boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk 
https://www.facebook.com/TheFlavel/
https://twitter.com/FlavelArts
https://www.instagram.com/theflavel/


Guest Blogger Valeria D

Monday 6 August 2018

Monterey Blew Us Away...

All I can say is “Wow”!


 What a brilliant evening we all had at the Flavel  at the recent screening of 
- the iconic film of the 
Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967, directed by 
D A Pennebaker



I came along with eight music-mad pals and we all thoroughly enjoyed our musical trip down memory lane…

   
The auditorium was laid out with candlelit tables which created a fantastically relaxed atmosphere...so much so that the whole audience clapped and cheered after each performance, kind of forgetting that we were actually watching a film!
 
 


You really felt you had been transported back to 1967 and the Summer of Love, and it was wonderful… Well, I guess you could say it was one of those ‘you had to be there’ evenings - and boy were we glad that we were!




My personal favourite was Otis Redding singing ‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’ – so haunting and beautiful.





My second choice was the fabulous Janis Joplin singing with Big Brother and the Holding Company, closely followed by the incomparable Jimi Hendrix.
 
  So, so sad that we lost these three fantastic music legends way too soon…



I can honestly say that a good time was had by all of us – in fact we were so blown away by it all that we didn't want it to end, so we all finished the evening with a most enjoyable glass of chilled wine at an outside table at the Platform One bar overlooking the river, just reminiscing and talking music, music, music.

  





The enthusiasm was infectious, so thank you very much lovely Flavel people for creating such a memorable event!
 
 I had intended to come to the screening of ‘A Concert for George’ (George Harrison tribute concert film) last Saturday but sadly events overtook me and to my disappointment I couldn’t make it.


  However, I am looking forward to seeing ‘Whitney’ – a documentary film on her life and career - on August 9th. Full details here: https://goo.gl/chgnTL


 
 So much great music on offer – so little time to fit it all in, but I’m doing my best…. Watch this space!

Info:
https://www.facebook.com/TheFlavel
https://twitter.com/FlavelArts
https://www.instagram.com/flavelartscentre/


 

Guest Blogger Valeria D

Monday 29 January 2018

The Greatest Showman




Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya star in this spectacular musical based on the life of PT Barnum - the innovative American showman.
If you like great original music and dance routines and fast moving action, this film is for you!

Watch the trailer for a taster: https://youtu.be/jr9QtXwC9vc?t=16

To find out more and to book tickets, click here: http://theflavel.org.uk/TheFlavel.dll/WhatsOn?Programme=4160714