Start 2025 with some swagger!

As it approaches its tenth year, Music on the Levels announces another varied programme of Sunday afternoon concerts. It is maintaining its winning formula of making the concerts free to attend while raising money to cover costs by offering refreshments at modest charges, holding a raffle and accepting donations

The first concert of the year is with The Barnacle Buoys on Sunday 26 January 2025 in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. Starting at 3 pm with refreshments served from 2.15 pm and reveals outline details of concerts for the rest of the year.

The Barnacle Buoys is a group of a cappella sea shanty singers based in North Somerset. It exists to enjoy their craft, entertain audiences and raise money for charities.  

‘In recent times we have consistently completed over 40 performances each year’, comments Clare Flay, the group’s organiser, ‘and this has been a significant contribution to the charities we support. Our main charities are CHSW and RNLI and over the past 12years since the group was established, we have raised thousands of pounds for them including may other charities. We have also organised shanty events on board the cherished MV Balmoral.

‘The Barnacle Buoys have known each other for many years before realising that they had something in common: the appreciation of shanty music.  After making the discovery the Buoys got together in February 2013 and shared a pint or two in the Old Inn, Clevedon and experimented with a few shanties.  The rest, as they say, is history . . .’

Arrangements for this concert

There is no need to book as the church’s capacity have never yet been exceeded. However, it should be noted that seats are available on a first come, first served basis. 

In order to help with the artists’ and other costs a raffle is held. In addition, donations are encouraged. It costs over £400 to put on a concert.

Website: https://musiconthelevels.com/

The remaining concerts are as follows:Sunday  January

Sunday 23 February

Trio Paradis

Presenting ‘The Latin American Collection’.

Sunday 30 March

Rolling Harmony 

Glorious music rooted in English and American singing traditions.

Sunday 27 April

The Fitzwarren Trio

Well- known classical pieces and new compositions inspired by Somerset. 

Sunday 18 May

Steve Jinski- Folk Acoustic Guitar

This is lovely stuff. You can hear all the love that’s gone into it – Bob Harris Radio 2.

Sunday 29 June

Lutes and other instruments

Presented by Steve Graham with ravishing music.

Sunday 28 September

Jacquelyn Bevan and Oscar Tabor

Piano and virtuoso violin.

Sunday 26 October

Spirit of the Blues

Julia Titus recreates the songs of Bessie Smith.

Sunday 30 November

Kingsbury Band

The ever-popular forty-piece concert band.

Church Fête Concert- Si Barron

Saturday 22 June 2019, 3.30 pm St Mary’s Church TA7 0EP

Si Baron singing

Creative interpretation of traditional folk songs with beautiful guitar and harmonium playing. ‘I play guitar, dulcimer and harmonium. I mainly sing English traditional song, the only kind of music that never gets old.’

Website: http://sibarron.eu/index.html

There is no need to book; just turn up in time to be seated by 3.30 pm. The concert is presented during the Church Fête which starts at 2 pm in the church. So come early to browse the stalls and sample the refreshments on sale.

Contact Ann Philcox on 01278 691438 akphilcox@btinternet.com for more information.

Black Cat Jazz

Sunday 26 May 2019, 3.30 pm St Mary’s Church TA7 0EP

Black Cat Jazz

A six-piece band playing in the New Orleans dance hall style, in a varied programme, including popular songs, blues, rags, jazz standards and a liberal sprinkling of spirituals.

Website: http://www.blackcatjazz.co.uk

There is no need to book; just turn up in time to be seated by 3.30 pm. The church is open all day; teas served from 3.00 pm. Contact Ann Philcox on 01278 691438 akphilcox@btinternet.comfor more information.

Scythia

Sunday 28 April 2019, 3.30 pm St Mary’s Church TA7 0EP

Scythia 1

Scythia (pronounced Sky-thee-ah) is a 6 piece Bristol-based band playing an eclectic mix of Jazz, Blues and more.Expect beautiful vocal tones from our singer Shairon Lloyd, a buzzing horn section of trumpet and saxophone, alongside the steady grooving pulse of our rhythm section. You’re likely to hear God Bless the Child, Fly Me to the Moon, Mercy Mercy, Sharp Dressed Man, Cold Duck Time and Moanin’.

Website: http://www.scythiajazz.co.uk

There is no need to book; just turn up in time to be seated by 3.30 pm. Doors open at 3.00 pm.

Contact Ann Philcox on 01278 691438 akphilcox@btinternet.comfor more information.

Centre for Young Musicians Taunton  (CYMT) and Taunton Preparatory School

Sunday 24 March 2019, 3.30 pm St Mary’s Church TA7 0EP

hcym 2016 038

Two leading musical establishments combine in this celebration of young musical talent.

Website: https://www.cymtaunton.org.uk

There is no need to book; just turn up in time to be seated by 3.30 pm. Doors open at 3.00 pm.

Contact Ann Philcox on 01278 691438 akphilcox@btinternet.comfor more information.