Calendar

Saturday 23 February 2019
4:30 p.m. – midnight
Hall get-in for P.A. etc 2 p.m.

Glastonbury Calling

Multi venue event over Glastonbury Band showcase.

Further info here.

Under the banner of the band collective “Keshanadram”, Ash Mandrake and Jenny Bliss bring their special musical connection to the Fabulous Furry Folk Night.

A journey through a range of emotional scenes, with unexpected twists and turns. Come to laugh, come to shed a tear. Come to be surprised and amazed and entertained. This is wild-card-fusion.

Ash Mandrake: http://www.ashmandrake.com
Jenny Bliss: http://www.jennybliss.co.uk

“JENNY BLISS is one of the best and most inspiring musicians I have ever come across. Beauty just pours out of every instrument she touches”
Gilad Atzmon

Jenny Bliss started her musical journey at 6 years old, when she taught herself to read and write music and play the recorder. She has since toured the world with leading early music ensembles, the Medieval Baebes and psychedelic folk bands playing live on Radio 3, at the BBC Proms and Buckingham Palace. She now lives in Glastonbury and is recording a ‘musical diary’ of this year.

Ash Mandrake incorporates music, loop machines, stories and comedy. He designed the double necked guitar, hats and costumes. This is folk rock, but many styles are used. He has been described as imaginative; an incredibly skilled musician and songwriter; unique, brave, and completely naturalistic.

PLUS SUPPORT FROM LOCAL FLOOR SPOTS – 5 to 10 minutes: contact nathanvibration@gmail.com or phone 07752 593299 to book a slot.

Doors open at 8 p.m. for an 8.30 start. Interval at 9.30 p.m., main act at 9.45

Admission: £8 / £6 concessions (on the door – no advance tickets).

More About The Ash Mandrake Act:

Entertainment, originality and quality: Sometimes we have to trust in the powerful imagination of another in order to truly experience something new…

“You’ve never seen anything like it. You’ll never forget it. You’ll never be the same again.”
(Roger Nuttal: Folk At The Oak, Bishop’s Cleve 2010)

Ash Mandrake Live is about Entertainment. Take a voice like Sting having swallowed an opera singer or Midge Ure crossed with velvet. Now multiply that voice by twenty, using modern loop machines. Throw custom guitars into the mix. Lay upon this the ancient craft of story telling – with spoken delivery that has been compared to Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. The next step is to coherently weave a collection of exquisitely hand crafted hats through all that quality.
Yes… I said hats…
He makes them !
Having difficulty imagining how this might work? Please refer to the opening statement above.
And for the final cherry on the cake throw in stand up comedy worthy of Bill Bailey, but as surreal and surprising as Monty Python. Do you think that could work? here’s what other people have said about the Ash Mandrake phenomenon:

I always describe him as an eccentric story telling wizard. (Velvet Harding)

Magical mystical mayhem really sums him up. (Pete Farrier)He is a ONE OFF,and a magnificent ONE OFF at that!! (Pamela Bamford)

Many a time I’ve been asked “what” he is… I just say a unique happening…. (Bryony Edwards)

I was so impressed I bought three CDs straight off, at times he can sound quite Celtic and has a great voice and vocal range, sometimes so sweet it makes you think of Robert Wyatt.
(Jeff Berg, Unfretted 2016)

Somebody stole and spliced the DNA of Robin Williamson, Arthur Brown, and Captain Beefheart. there is no other way to describe – or explain – Ash Mandrake. A modern troubadour, complete with hats and travelling van.
(Greenmantle 2014)

“the feral folk phenomenon Ash Mandrake”
“singer-songwriter, guitarist and distinctive performer who plants roots music firmly back into the earth”
(David Metcalf: Bath Story Telling Circle 2008)

A good eccentric is hard to find and in a medium where many acts can sound the same, here’s one act that trumps so many in terms of stage presence, image and musical ability. With mutant instruments in his possession, he will take you on a ride that no amount of Frank Zappa will prepare you for! Grasp it tight, it’s Ash Mandrake!
(Brewtown Music 2013)

…imagine The Mighty Boosh as a one man show, being taken to a time of folklore, rock, dragons and bank managers, but actually being able to sing and play the instruments (and minus Bollo and Naboo). You would then have this great act.
(Tamsin Porter 2013)

n evening full of feminine power found in being vulnerable, assertive, beautiful, and yes – POWERFUL! Our music will guide you through different emotions & inner landscapes to find a hidden treasure – your inner power! Power to say yes! to say no! to stomp your feet or open your heart! We will share our creations and invite you to join us, sing along & move! 

Magdalena Atkinson – www.magdalenaatkinson.co.uk

Ruth Blake – www.ruthblake.com

Join us for a special celebration – The LAUNCH of Magdalena Atkinson’s 2nd album “Love & Light” in Glastonbury. Love & Light, the kindred spirit to Magdalena’s first album Beauty & Power, is original music inspired by life, people & inner knowing. Experience this truly magical & eclectic voice, at times touching your heart with its gentle quality and at others lifting your spirit with its power & resonance. Magdalena’s songs ebb and flow through the core of the spiritual heart bringing healing to the unrested mind and quells the vexatious spirits that knock on my door Steve Lee Glastonbury 107.1 FM Presenter of “The Drive-Thru” Her tunes and the way she performs are compelling – great music and lyrics obviously pouring straight from her heart! Simon Neild Producer/Presenter Source FM.

 Both artists will be performing after the releases of their 2nd albums, sharing with us the lyrical & empowering feminine songs & chants. In the meantime you can get the albums from each artist from the links below”

Find the albums here:

https://www.magdalenaatkinson.bandcamp.com

This concert is with a special guest – a wonderful singer songwriter from Glastonbury – Ruth Blake, who is publishing her album “Creation”in October! Both artists are creating healing poetry and music inviting more love & light into our lives, using their unique gifts, voices, melodies and lyrics to heal and uplift our hearts and spirits. Join us and celebrate our creations! https://www.ruthblake.com 

“Thrive, my friend, do thrive Not only survive in this challenging time Thrive, My friend, do thrive and be the light which can show the way!”

Harpist, singer and storyteller Robin Williamson is a master of his art, an inspiration to many through his many songs with The Incredible String Band in the 1960s and 70s, and his varied subsequent bardic career. One of the finest folk and experimental musicians of his generation, Robin’s work and presence displays a talent worthy of the great poets, with fine skills on harp and guitar. He returns this year for his eleventh annual spring concert in the atmospheric stone hall at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms, for a full length solo performance. Doors open at 8 p.m. for an 8.30 start – tickets are available for £15 on the door, or £14.30 (including booking fee of £1.30) in advance from the Bristol Ticket Shop – 0117 929 9008 – or £14 in advance from the Lords Of The Wildwood Community Tea Rooms
in the Assembly Rooms, or Labyrinth Books on Glastonbury High Street. 

Songs, ceremony, stories… open mic. Magic Hat admission (donations at the door) – all proceeds to keep the Assembly Rooms going!

Further details of the evening t.b.c. – contact Nathan Williams.

For the first time since FFF started over ten years ago, we are proud to welcome our global-thinking local heroes – eco-folk activists Seize The Day – for an intimate “unplugged” gig in the beautiful stone hall at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms. The band have been working on new material as ever, and have some thoughtful and gentle songs to fit the acoustic vibe, as well as old favourites and anthems for an ailing planet. If you know and love this awesome band, you may want to hear them in a more acoustic context than usual, with material you won’t have heard before. And if you don’t know their music, come and check them out: a national and international phenomenon, winners (well, almost winners!) of the inaugural Radio 3 World Music Awards and regular headliners at many an eco-festival. To know them is to love them, just as we love this ever-living earth and her creatures. Check out their website and Youtube channel.

Supported by floor spots, folk club style, from local musicians. Get in touch with Nathan or Dora to play: nathanvibration@gmail.com / dorabelldarling@googlemail.com.

Doors open at 8 p.m. with the band on after the interval at 9.45 p.m. Admission: £10 / £8 concessions on the door. For online advance tickets (£10) click the “tickets” link on this page. 

Advance printed tickets are also available from the Lords Of The Wildwood Community Tea Rooms                               in the Assembly Rooms, open 12 – 5  Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat.

Also from Labyrinth Books, High Street, Glastonbury

Fabulous Furry Folk presents: Martha Tilston (plus floor spots)

Glastonbury Assembly Rooms’ FFF night hosts one of our favourite singers, Martha Tilston, plus floor spots from local artists. 

“Sharp, original songs that dissect the modern world. She captures both the harshness and enchantment of life” Guardian

“Redolent of early Kate Bush. Soulful vocals that soar around on an understated masterpiece” Acoustic Magazine

With a voice like spiderwebbed hollows and lyrics that inspire and captivate, Martha Tilston has developed a successful musical career with a large and loyal following worldwide.

Martha and band have played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals. She has recorded and released several critically acclaimed albums, gained a nomination for BBC best newcomer, appeared as a guest vocalist for Zero 7, toured internationally and played with the some of the world’s most inspiring musicians.

Tickets online from Eventbrite: – this event will probably sell out so advance booking is recommended!

Advance printed tickets are also available from the Lords Of The Wildwood Community Tea Rooms in the Assembly Rooms, open 12 – 5  Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat.

Or from Labyrinth Books, High Street, Glastonbury

Details of this event are to be confirmed. There will be music… and ceremonials… beyond that – watch this space!

The Bardic Chair of Ynys Witrin

Every year we hold a  competition to choose the next Bard of Glastonbury and hold an Open Gorsedh ceremony to celebrate creativity and bring new Bards into the College.

Each chaired Bard holds the post for one year and a day, before setting up a competition to elect a successor. The Chair refers to the position but, in some cases, as in Glastonbury and Bath, there is a physical ceremonial chair which is passed down from bard to bard. We also have a blue ceremonial robe and the ceremonial Silver Branch of Ynys Witrin, which are passed on with the title. Each Bardic Chair has its own Celticised name and is frequently associated with a specific location which is often, but not always, a natural or man-made mound or stone circle. Of course in Glastonbury the natural focus is the Tor.

The contest is open to Poets, Storytellers and Songwriters who compose on a given theme each year. We meet up over the third week in May to celebrate local arts & culture and share in creativity, performances & ceremony. The new Bard is Chaired at the Finals, which are held on St Dunstan’s Day (May 19th) every year.

The Institution of the Bardic Chair of Glastonbury is independent and belongs first and foremost to the people of Glastonbury, regardless of faith, background or politics. The position of Bard of Glastonbury is open to anyone who lives within walking distance of the Tor. We trust that anyone wishing to join us will be sympathetic to the Celtic Tradition from which it claims its heritage. See Rules of the Bardic Trials

Some previous years’ entries can be read in our Poetry archive.

Performers who wish to enter the contest for the Bardic Chair of Ynys Witrin this year must fill in an Official Entry Form, which is usually available from the Library of Avalon, Glastonbury High Street, Somerset. This year’s Open Gorsedh is being organised by the Gorsedh Committee of the Bardic Council of Ynys Witrin. Contact us here for further information.

The Becoming Love Introductory Workshop is a full day of guided meditation and practical exercises to guide you to a fuller understanding of reverence. Open to all, from age 16, you will learn the basics concepts of the inspirational creative initiative, Becoming Love.

Would you like to know what it feels like to love and accept yourself? Would you like to feel a sense of belonging in the world without fear? Do you know what it feels like to feel reverence for others in your family, your friendship circle, and your community?

Becoming Love is about feeling reverence for yourself, humanity and this beautiful universe within which we exist.

On this workshop you will be introduced to the concepts of Becoming Love and given the opportunity to clear limiting blocks and beliefs to finding reverence in your life. This workshop is specifically designed to enhance your ability feel a sense of belonging, acceptance and love.

On the Becoming Love Introductory Workshop you will be guided every step of the way…
* Learn the secrets of the lifestyle choice, Becoming Love
* Be guided through a series of heart opening and releasing meditations
*Feel the negative emotions that are no longer serving you leave effortlessly and easily
* Experience a rush of love fill every cell of your body
* Be equipped with tools you can use afterwards to maintain your new feelings

Introductory Price of £45

This year sees Craig Morris & Gareth Lewis join together on their “Messages From Beyond” Tour. They Will be working together for their second UK tour on what is set to be an exciting and uplifting journey. Come along and join together & be in the company of family, friends and loved ones from the spirit world as they not only share their presence but their messages of hope, strength and love showing you they are only a thought away and that life really is eternal.

*Anyone attending a Craig Morris & Gareth Lewis event is not guaranteed a reading. An evening of mediumship is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any form of mediumship is purely an experiment and no results are guaranteed*

Finals and Chairing of the 13th Bard Of Ynys Witrin

Every year we hold a  competition to choose the next Bard of Glastonbury and hold an Open Gorsedh ceremony to celebrate creativity and bring new Bards into the College.

Each chaired Bard holds the post for one year and a day, before setting up a competition to elect a successor. The Chair refers to the position but, in some cases, as in Glastonbury and Bath, there is a physical ceremonial chair which is passed down from bard to bard. We also have a blue ceremonial robe and the ceremonial Silver Branch of Ynys Witrin, which are passed on with the title. Each Bardic Chair has its own Celticised name and is frequently associated with a specific location which is often, but not always, a natural or man-made mound or stone circle. Of course in Glastonbury the natural focus is the Tor.

The contest is open to Poets, Storytellers and Songwriters who compose on a given theme each year. We meet up over the third week in May to celebrate local arts & culture and share in creativity, performances & ceremony. The new Bard is Chaired at the Finals, which are held on St Dunstan’s Day (May 19th) every year.

The Institution of the Bardic Chair of Glastonbury is independent and belongs first and foremost to the people of Glastonbury, regardless of faith, background or politics. The position of Bard of Glastonbury is open to anyone who lives within walking distance of the Tor. We trust that anyone wishing to join us will be sympathetic to the Celtic Tradition from which it claims its heritage. See Rules of the Bardic Trials

Some previous years’ entries can be read in our Poetry archive.

Performers who wish to enter the contest for the Bardic Chair of Ynys Witrin this year must fill in an Official Entry Form, which is usually available from the Library of Avalon, Glastonbury High Street, Somerset. This year’s Open Gorsedh is being organised by the Gorsedh Committee of the Bardic Council of Ynys Witrin. Contact us here for further information.

Shakespeare’s magical woodland fairy comedy, brought to life by Glastonbury’s His & Hers Theatre Co. 

Further details t.b.c.