Great gigs this week at the fringe festival

By [rrothery]

FRINGE-Y sounds abound in the pubs and restaurants of Barnstaple. Rosanna Rothery takes a look at this week's selection of gigs at the North Devon Festival.

THURSDAY JUNE 11

Paul Lamb and the King Snakes

The Olive Branch, Barnstaple

8.30pm. Free

THE rootsy blues of Paul Lamb will be throbbing at the Olive Branch. Paul, who has been inducted into the British Blues Hall of Fame, is renowned for his infectious brand of blues along with long standing compatriots, The King Snakes.

Details: 01271 370784.

Tipitina

Clayton's, Barnstaple

9pm. Free

FOR jazz and blues entrenched in the traditions of New Orleans head to Clayton's and take a listen to Tipitina. The sultry and expressive voice of singer Debbie Jones alone is reason to turn out for this one.

Details: 01271 323311.

FRIDAY JUNE 12

Soulcyde

The White Horse, Barnstaple

9pm. Free

SOUL, funk and a rumbling of rock is entertainment at The White Horse. The influences of Soulcyde are clear — think Lenny Kravitz, Chaka Khan, Prince and the Family Stone. This vocal and guitar duo are Natz and Tsuyoshi — said by some to be Britain's best kept secret.

Details: 01271 322177.

SATURDAY JUNE 13

Sam Holmes

Boston Tea Party, Barnstaple

3pm. Free

BEGUILING, delicate, romantic songs are being served up at the Boston Tea Party. Sam Holmes is a singer songwriter with a unique style, with influences ranging from Nick Drake and Carole King to Alanis Morissette.

Details: 01271 329070.

MONDAY JUNE 15

The Caves

Lilico's, Barnstaple

8.45pm. Free

DAI Goodwin, frontman for the Caves, performed a solo gig at last year's fringe to an eager audience. He's back. This time, with his energetic three-piece from Swansea promising hook-laden indie punk. This Monday music session, hosted by Mortehoe musician Peter Bruntnell, includes support from local acoustic favourite, Douglas E Powell.

Details: 01271 372933.

THURSDAY JUNE 18

Eugene Hideaway Bridges' Trio

The Olive Branch, Barnstaple

8.30pm. Free

BLUES fans will not want to miss a night of authentic grassroots music with Eugene Hideaway Bridges.

By the age of five, Bridges was performing with his blues guitarist father around Louisiana. By the age of 13 he had toured with a gospel collective and formed his own band. Expect a driving night of blues by him and fellow musicians.

Details: 01271 370784.

Charlotte Glasson Band

Claytons, Barnstaple

9pm. Free

CLAYTON'S will become part of the Nu-jazz scene when it plays host to the amazingly talented musician, Charlotte Glasson. If it can be played, apparently Glasson can play it and in just about every style. Her energetic band play original infectious tunes mixing Gipsy jazz, ska, Latin, funky and brass band grooves.

Details: 01271 323311.

MUSIC EVENTS:

FRIDAY JUNE 12 AND SATURDAY JUNE 13

Elkie Brooks in Concert

RHS Gardens Rosemoor, Torrington

8pm

Adults £28, conc and RHS members £28, Plough supporters £24

PEFORMING classic blues and jazz hits and perhaps a song or two from her forthcoming album, Elkie Brooks is bound to deliver an electric night of entertainment at RHS Rosemoor. North Devon treasure, Elkie, has the reputation for being a stunning performer and this concert, organised by the Plough, is one not to miss.

Details: 01805 624624.

www.plough-arts.org

The LLAMA Music Festival

Lynton and Lynmouth

Various times

Free (except the Town Hall gig on Friday 12)

LET'S hope the weather is as good as it usually is for this fabulous free music festival.

The beautiful surroundings of Lynmouth Manor Green and various pubs and venues in Lynton will be the setting for a great selection of acts including Badly Drawn Boy, David Holmes and many more.

www.llama.org.uk

FRIDAY JUNE 12

Tarka Line Music Train

Train Station, Barnstaple

Train departs 6.13pm

Train fares: adult £4.80, concessions available, Admission to gig: £2 (diners free, pre-booking essential)

MUSIC Trains are a tradition in the summer on the scenic Tarka Line and offer a unique way to enjoy the countryside. Local jazz musician Guy Fenton kicks off the 2009 Tarka Line Music Train season from Barnstaple tomorrow.

Guy and his trad jazz band will be playing on the 6.13pm train from Barnstaple as far as Eggesford. They perform at the Fox and Hounds County Hotel and again on the return train, which leaves Eggesford at 9.43.

Tarka Line Music Trains will be taking place on the second Friday of every month until September. Apparently it is not possible to pre-book seats on the train so passengers are advised to arrive in plenty of time to buy tickets from Barnstaple station. A Cheap Day Return ticket from Barnstaple to Eggesford is £4.90 and four people can travel for the price of two with a GroupSave ticket.

Details: 01769 580345.

www.greatscenicrailways.com/ www.foxandhoundshotel.co.uk

● www.northdevonfestival.org