Otterton Mill - Live Music Events

Otterton Mill is Devon's leading roots music venue and hosts dozens of world class acoustic performances each year, from folk to blues, jazz, country and Americana.

The entertainment is held indoors, special and very intimate, which makes for a wonderful atmosphere. In July and August events are held outside for the famous 'Courtyard Series' and held under twinkling lights against the backdrop of the Mill stream.

Music evenings are generally held on Thursdays, and always feature menus of fabulous food. Meals are served from 6pm, with the music then commencing at 8pm. You can however also just come along and hear the entertainment if you prefer.

Artists appearing this Spring include:

Patsy Matheson and Becky Mills - Thursday 8th March 2012 : £11

Both former members of the award winning female acoustic group Waking the Witch, Patsy and Becky combine traditional and contemporary folk, acoustic blues, R & B, jazz and rock, with intricate vocal harmonies, natural chemistry, and an engaging charm and humour. The sound they create has been called "painting by song" (Leith FM). Greatly respected within the folk world and with a dedicated following, their "honeycomb vocals" and "plaintive guitar" (Halifax Courier) make for a spellbinding evening of music.

http://www.patsymatheson.co.uk/

Craig and Willoughby - Thursday 22nd March 2012 : £12.50

Cathryn Craig and BrianWilloughby have an undisputed musical pedigree, having worked with The Righteous Brothers, Mary Hopkin, Joe Brown, The Strawbs and Nanci Griffith. Drawing on a wealth of different musical styles and history, their duo sound is best described as "Anglicised Americana", and combines Cathryn's soaring vocals with Brian's sublime guitar playing. Cathryn and Brian share stories from their careers among simply outstanding songs, to create a magical and memorable night.

http://www.craigandwilloughby.com/

Mark Butcher & Matt Taylor - Thursday 29th March 2012 : £12.50

Inspired by life, love and family, Mark and Matt create a modern twist on the best traditions of blues, soul and R'n'B. An ex-England batsman, Mark's debut album"Songs from the Sunhouse" received wide critical acclaim from, among others, Eric Clapton, who described it as "great stuff". Mark has guested with the likes of: Bill Wyman, Albert Lee, John Etheridge, and dueted with Sarah Brightman. Duo partner Matt is a highly respected guitarist, who has performed with Sam Brown, Boy George, Suggs, Mica Paris, Tony Christie, and Paul Young. Mark says, "music is about making you feel good," and together, this duo promise to do just that.

Ram Mama Rag - Thursday 5th April 2012 : £12

A welcome return for Mill favourites Rag Mama Rag. Husband and wife duo, Ashley and Deborah, deliver a barnstorming mix of 20's and 30's Mississippi Blues and ragtime, alongside original compositions. Playing everything from lapsteel and bottleneck guitar, to dobro, ukulele, washboard, harmonica, spoons and African drum, they'll have your feet tapping and a smile on your face!

http://www.ragmamarag.co.uk/

Wingin' It - 28th April : £1.50

New to the Mill, this award-winning Scottish guitar and mandolin duo delivers a fiery, energy-fuelled array of acoustic musical styles. Winners of the coveted "Danny Kyle" Award at Celtic Connections, Adam Bulley and Chas Mackenzie weave effortlessly between bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk and pop. Their performances captivate their audiences with not only their masterful technique and dazzling musical interplay, but also the sheer joy, fun and excitement of their playing.

Christine Collister - 10th May : £12.50

She's back! Over 26 incredible years, Christine has mesmerized audiences with her exceptional voice and songs - a unique blend of soul, blues, pop, jazz, country and folk. The voice of the BBC's ‘Life and Loves of a She Devil', she's worked with Peter Frampton, Richard Thompson and Louden Wainwright III, and made countless radio/TV appearances, including ‘Whistle Test', ‘Jonathan Ross' and ‘Front Row'. Playing with Rob Cross, Christine can "sing the birds down from the trees" (The Times).

Jez Lowe - 17th May : £11.50

A first Mill visit for one of "England's finest contemporary songwriters" (Daily Telegraph). Over a thirty year career, Jez has taken his songs of life in his native North East to audiences across the world, and become one of the most popular acoustic/folk artists of his time. His brand of pointed, poignant and powerful musical epistles from the North have won him numerous industry awards and a 2008 nomination for the BBC Folk Awards ‘Folk Singer of the Year', and his music has been covered by the likes of Fairport Convention, The Dubliners and The Tannahill Weavers, among many others.
Jez will perform songs from his latest (and fifteenth) album WOTCHEOR!, as well as material from his extensive back catalogue.

Kevin Dempsey & Rosie Carson - 24th May : £12.00

Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston - 21 June : £11.50

This relatively new duo has been fast gaining a loyal audience. The unusual pairing of Miranda's double bass and Rex's mandolin has a unique, yet timeless and universal appeal, and beautifully showcases Miranda's growing repertoire of contemporary, narrative songs. In high demand as both a musician and vocalist, Miranda has collaborated with some of the finest musicians in the world, and is best known as the 3rd band member of folk icons Show of Hands. A musical chameleon, she moves effortlessly between genres, from folk to jazz and rock/pop. Her debut album with Rex was released in October 2011.

Amelia Curran - 28th June : £11.00

From Canada, this captivating performer pays her first Mill visit. Born in Newfoundland, and based in Halifax, Amelia won a 2010 Juno award (Canada's equivalent to the Grammy) for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year for her 5th release "Hunter, Hunter". Her personal and introspective lyrics have a poetic quality, and blend seamlessly with the quiet flicker of the music. She has been likened to both Mary Chapin Carpenter and Beth Neilsen Chapman, combining a plainspoken sophistication with a calm, emotive warmth. "One of this country's finest singer-songwriters" (Montreal Gazette).

Box Office :
All music event tickets are available by calling the Otterton Mill on 01392 568521. The Otterton Mill website has more information about all the artists, and links to their official websites. Almost all concerts sell out quickly, so advance booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment.