Bumper programme of concerts
A packed programme of concerts for music lovers is on at Ilminster Arts Centre this September, with cut-price tickets for students and free entry for 12 year-olds and under.
A magnificent seven live performances are being staged during the month - from jazz and folk to classical music, French chanson and pop hits from the 60s and 70s. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
September's selection starts with a classical performance, presented by Concerts in the West, of Prokoviev, Chopin, Schumann and Poulenc on Friday, 1 September, performed by Riccardo Pes on cello and Alexander Boyd on piano.
The next day, 2 September, sees a change in musical taste and tempo as the Sweet&Hot Quartet take the stage with a set of superlative swing jazz, mainly from the 1920s and 30s. The quartet teams up US jazz couple Jeff and Anne Barnhart (piano, flute and vocals) with the UK's favourite finger-picking troubadour, Tom "Spats" Langham on banjo, guitar and vocals, along with Graham Smith, the swingin'est drummer in the land! Expect a fast-paced, fun-filled evening of music and mirth as this ensemble seamlessly weaves from Ragtime to Blues, Hot Jazz to Cool Swing.
The following Friday, 8 September, heralds a Journey into French Music as Fifi la Mer and Oliver Wilby of hit Quintet Oh La La! present a unique show that will take you on a journey through 100 years of French music, from Offenbach to Gainsbourg.
And the live music doesn't stop there because on Friday, 15 and Saturday, 16 September we have two consecutive nights of sublime blues and pop. Friday boasts an entertaining evening with legendary US electric blues vocalist, harmonica player and band leader Johnny Mars, celebrating the release of his new album ‘The Reunion’.
Over his long career, Johnny has worked with the likes of Magic Sam, Earl Hooker, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Jesse Fuller, Spencer Davis, Ian Gillan and Bananarama, to name a few. Johnny is joined by the Craig Milverton Quartet on piano, double bass, drums and guitar.
On Saturday talented tribute band Established 58 play the hits of Cliff Richard and the Shadows, which is bound to get you rocking in the aisle. The band will play all your favourites from the last 60 years, from ‘Living Doll’ and ‘Apache’ to ‘Wired For Sound’ and ‘Riders in The Sky’. Don't miss your chance to relive a golden age of music.
On Friday 22 September join Jemima Farey and a lineup of talented folk bands, including Bath-based, alt folk-rock band Rivers of England, and unique duo Oconee Bell with their toe-tapping mix of transatlantic music. There will also be performances from the famous Farey Family, including the popular 'jam session' finale!
The month's programme ends on Friday, 29 September with a celebration of legendary jazz divas, as Annika Skoogh pays tribute to their golden voices and stirring songs. She is joined by Ian Ellis on saxophone and the Craig Milverton Trio on piano, double bass and drums.
All performances start at 7.30pm and can be booked online or by telephoning 01460 54973 (Tuesday to Saturday).
Meanwhile, from 5 to 30 September, the Main Gallery hosts a new exhibition of textile art called 'East' by the Textile Set group. It explores the theme of travel and how different cultures and art forms can spark the imagination. There will also be a solo exhibition, ‘Aspects of Water’ by Joanna Commings, in the Café Gallery, showcasing her abstract impressionist pieces. Both are free to enter.
