Outstanding Musical Talents to Kick off Summer Season

Otterton Mill will shortly open its famous summer music series with performances by outstanding musical talents in a variety of genres.  The summer concerts are held outside in the mill's courtyard under twinkling lights and against the backdrop of the mill stream.  They have earned a dedicated following over the years for the calibre of musicians appearing and the magical atmosphere and setting.

The season commences on Thursday 2^nd July with one of the best blues musicians around, Derrin Nauendorf.  Since arriving on British shores a few years ago from his native Australia, Derrin has built a devoted following in the UK and Europe with a series of stunning stage performances and acclaimed albums.  He has opened for Van Morrison, played live sets for Bob Harris and Paul Jones on BBC Radio 2 and received numerous accolades from music critics in the national press.  With 6 CDs under his belt, each one gaining more and more accolades, Derrin is earning a well-deserved reputation as one of Australia's finest ever musical exports.  "Excellent" says Bob Harris and "Just amazing!!..." declares Maverick.  Tickets for Derrin are £10.50.

The following week, on Thursday 9^th July, the Mill welcomes back one of its most popular acts, Huw Chidgey & Catherine Handley.  Catherine is principal flute with the Welsh Sinfonia and is a much sought after soloist and session musician in the classical world.  Huw's musical background is firmly rooted in the folk scene, where he has established a reputation as a wonderful vocalist and guitarist.  Together, Catherine and Huw make a formidable partnership.  Catherine's flute and keyboard playing provide the perfect accompaniment to Huw's stunning voice and witty storytelling.   As a duo, they create a warm, passionate atmosphere which audiences are always reluctant to leave at the end of their shows.  Tickets for Huw and Catherine are £10.50.

 The third show in the summer series on Thursday 16^th July sees a much anticipated return from one of the country's top musicians, Boo Hewerdine.   The former leader of great 80's band, The Bible, Boo has had his songs recorded by k d laing, Natalie Imbruglia and even Mel C from the Spice Girls.  He's been called the greatest contemporary songwriter in England, and Nick Hornby , for whom Boo contributed music to the soundtrack for the movie version of Hornby's book High Fidelity, said "If I could write books that sounded like this, I'd be very, very fulfilled."  Boo is a big man with a voice as smooth as vintage port, and is a must-see for mill audiences.  Tickets for Boo are £11.00.

Future shows include performances by the brilliant foursome Burden of Paradise whose music fuses blues, jazz, soul and folk, fivepiece Colvin Quarmby who are rocking the folk world nationwide, and Irish folk and blues artist Maurice Dickson who is performing this year with uillean pipe player Catherine Ashcroft - full listings and information can be found at www.ottertonmill.com.

 All music nights at Otterton Mill feature menus of fabulous seasonal food.  Tickets can be booked by calling 01395 568521 or in person at the Mill's Gallery.  Note:  prices cover music only.

Date added: Monday 8th June 2009
Latest updated: Monday 16th January 2012