A unique event for folk music lovers is taking place soon in Barnstaple. A family of Devon Romani Gipsy musicians will present their family’s songs, stories and folk lore in a rare and special event.
Tom Orchard will talk about the living traditions that have passed through generations of the family; of song, music, dance and the Romany language; of tales and oral history.Tom will be ably assisted by his wife Jean and their sons Ashley and Richard as they explain and share a tradition that is both contemporary and historical.
The event will take place at St Anne’s Chapel, Paternoster Row, Barnstaple on Friday 1stMarch. The evening is presented jointly by the Devonshire Association Music Section and The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington.
The title of the event is Kil and Gillie Radi - A Romani language title which will be translated on the evening - come and find out what this means and more. This event is the latest in an occasional series of talks presented by the Devonshire Association Music Section.
Music Section Chairman Paul Wilson said “we feel very lucky to have Tom, Jean, Ashley and Richard to do this significant event for us – it’s as much of a chance to get up close and hear some of the stories and songs in an informal and relaxed setting as a formal concert. A lot of us will be fascinated to be taken behind the sharing and passing on of a family’s music over generations.
Paul first recorded Tom in the 1970s - when they were both much younger - and Tom’s playing was put on a seminal vinyl folk album of the time called “Devon Tradition” along with Jean’s mum Amy Birch singing and a number of other fantastic Devon Romani musicians. Since then the family have become nationally known, making their own CDs and visiting folk festivals and community venues up and down the country from East Anglia to Yorkshire. Tom and Jean have also travelled abroad with their music.
The event takes place on Tuesday 1stMarch 2019, starting at 8.00pm at The Plough@St Anne’s, Paternoster Row, Barnstaple EX31 1SX. All tickets are £8 and are unreserved. There’ll be a break for refreshments with a bar, tea, coffee and soft drinks and a chance to chat with Tom, Jean and family and learn about the other activities of the DA Music Section. Seats are limited and booking is advisable – to book tickets please visit www.theploughartscentre.org.ukor phone 01805 624624.
Further information
Paul Wilson
M 07855 882 319