We are so lucky to have so many creative, motivated people in our west country communities. People like Ashburton Arts Centre director and celebrated jazz musician Andy Williamson who puts together cracking events like the Ashburton Chamber Music Festival 13 – 23 July and the diverse, eclectic but accessible Tinners Moon Festival which kicks off on Friday 21 April.
I am not going to list all the goodies on offer, but my eye was drawn to these performances on the extensive programme:
- Linden Dance: Unconsciously You. Two dancers, two giant wooden cubes, using Afro-fusion and contemporary movement styles. Friday 21 April, 7pm.
- Sam Ritchie and Jason Singh: Trumpeter Sam (of Sam and the Womp) meets ‘human sampler’ sound artist and nature beat-boxer Jason, whose music has been on TV (Green Planet) and The Proms. Friday 21 April, 8.30pm.
- Living Room Theatre: The Washing Machine of Destiny: teenager Luca and the older Philip are both on the autistic spectrum. Theatre like nothing you’ve seen before. Intriguing! Saturday 29 April, 2pm.
- Moscow Drug Club: popular band: ‘transcendent troubadours of Gypsy Jazz, Latin and Swing’ Saturday 29 April, 7.30pm.
- Workshop: Dartmoor Sound Studio Recording Club and Skylark FM: record your own stories on Dartmoor’s very own little radio station! Wednesday 3 May, 11am – 2pm.
- Music from India and Iraq. Friday 5 May, 7.30pm.
On Tuesday 2 May, 7.30pm, West Country Voices’ editor-in-chief, Anthea Simmons, will be taking part in a panel event: The State we are in: how did we get into this mess and how do we get out of it.’ Should be lively!
There is a whole lot more, so you need to check out the details at www.ashburtonarts.org.uk and, ever mindful of the cost of living crisis, ticketed events are always at three prices so that people can pay what they can afford.
The event will close on Monday 8 May with a community cabaret, open mic session and a bit of a bash!
Don’t miss it!
Tickets for all events can be booked online at http://www.wegottickets.com/tinnersmoon2023 (10 per cent fee) or you can email boxoffice@ashburtonarts.org.uk to reserve and pay on the door.
