Ever since I heard about this event I’ve been noticing the Hurdy Gurdy cropping up more and more frequently so either I’ve got tuned into seeing it or there is a resurgence? Whatever the reason this event at Halsway Manor in Somerset (just down the road from Folk Radio UK) is too good to miss and the players are really something else…just watch the videos below!
Prepare for an evening of Hurdy Gurdy and Bagpipe mayhem at Halsway Manor on Saturday 9 February. In an evening concert / dance starting at 8pm, leading Hurdy Gurdy players Gregory Jolivet, Cliff Stapleton and Steve Tyler will be joined by piper extraordinaire Jon Swayne for what must be a fairly unique evening’s entertainment!
Greg, Cliff, Steve and Jon are visiting Somerset as tutors for Halsway Manor’s Hurdy Gurdy / Bagpipe workshop weekend, hence are available for this extraordinary public performance. There are likely to be one or two guest performers too!
Gregory Jolivet is a phenomenal contemporary hurdy gurdy player. He is much in demand, playing internationally in bands including La Machine (France) and the inimitable traditional British / European dance band Blowzabella (UK).
Cliff Stapleton – a member of Blowzabella from 1980 to 1985 – was highly influential in introducing French dance music to England, and is a prolific composer. He was a popular tutor in last year’s Big Hurdy Gurdy Weekend at Halsway Manor, so they’re thrilled to welcome him back!
Steve Tyler is a Hurdy Gurdy player and multi-instrumentalist, specialising in historical music. He is a founder member of early music ensemble Misericordia, a member of French/Breton/English dance trio The Wendigo, and appeared at Halsway Manor last year as a member of medieval music and dance-theatre group the Daughters of Elvin.
Jon Swayne is a bagpipe maker with an international reputation, a fine player and composer of pipe tunes, President of the Bagpipe Society and founder of the band Blowzabella.
Halsway Manor, National Centre for Folk Arts, has been established as a Charity since 1965. Nestling at the foot of the Quantock Hills between Bicknoller and Crowcombe, Halsway Manor provides a year-round programme of events and activities in traditional folk music, dance, song, storytelling, folklore and related arts and crafts. All are welcome.
Tickets for the concert are priced £10 (£4 for 16 years old and under) and can be booked in advance by calling 01984 618274.
http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/