Music

Foot-tapping Grace

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The next concert is with Katie Grace Harris on Sunday 29 March in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. The concert starts at 3pm and refreshments are available at modest charge from 2.15pm.

Katie Grace Harris is a multi-tasking, foot tapping, piano, dulcimer and accordion-playing singer and story-weaver. Inspired by real stories of social injustice and with a fast-growing reputation in the UK Folk world, her sound has been described as ‘boot-thumping, heart-filling acoustic/folk music’. 

‘Does your life not just feel better after listening to a little bit of Katie Grace Harris?’

Patrick Kielty – BBC 5 Live 

Katie’s Debut album The Toledo Sessions was released in late summer 2022. It includes two songs developed in collaboration with Reg Meuross and features musical contributions from Phil Beer, Odette Mitchell and Lukas Drinkwater

Katie’s first ‘instrument’ is her distinctive pure voice – she uses it to draw her audiences into the story she is telling with ‘spine-tingling’ results. Her engaging live performances usually feature her playing a range of instruments including Piano, Piano Accordion and Shruti and she can often be seen toting a home-made chess board stomp box and a pair of sturdy boots for a full one-woman-band experience!

Katie traces her folk roots to singing along as a girl with her father as they drove around in the rusty family Triumph Toledo. ‘We would sing songs from Joni Mitchell, The Spinners, Ralph McTell and James Taylor,’ says Katie. These early experiences clearly influenced her own musical sound.  Her repertoire ranges from gentle new arrangements of traditional songs alongside raw and exposed original compositions. Her well-crafted live sets combine historic legends and stories with a smattering of social justice to temper the mix.

The last three years have proved a turning point in Katie’s career. As live gigs moved online, Katie took the opportunity to bring her music to audiences around the UK and has built on this as live performances have re-emerged supporting artists such as Katherine Priddy, Hannah James and Toby Kuhn and Jim Causley as well as headlining at various Folk Clubs and festivals. Her talent for writing original material attracted the attention Reg Meuross, festival favourite and one of the UK’s Folk singer/songwriter lynchpins. This resulted in a collaborative song-writing and recording project which features as part of Katie’s debut album ‘The Toledo Sessions’.

Katie Grace Harris brings passion to her music and is more than a talented performer. When not-gigging she uses music to empower and develop young people. ‘I’m currently working for Oxfordshire County Music Service with a remit for developing their folk music provision as well as developing their brand new Music for Wellbeing offer which supports vulnerable children using music.’ 

Currently based on a rural farm in Oxfordshire, Katie can mostly be spotted playing solo or with various musicians around the folk clubs of the UK.   

Arrangements for this concert

Since the 2026 Music on the Levels leaflet was printed, it no longer has the use of The Old School car park.

However, there is parking on most of the roads in the village, including Liney Road and Cheer Lane, TA7 0EX – a short walk from the church, but we ask people not to park in Church Lane. 

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.

The Performing Rights Society is supporting this event with their Charity discount.

https://www.katiegraceharris.com

Music on the Levels is a registered charity, number 1214857

https://musiconthelevels.com

September concert- a change from advertised programme

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Our next free concert is on Sunday 28 September 2025 with Glorishears in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. The concert starts at 3 pm and refreshments are available at modest charge from 2.15 pm.

This is a change from the previously advertised line-up as violinist Oscar Tabor is no longer available. However, we are pleased to welcome back Graham Vincent performing with Chris Edmunds.

Together they form Glorishears (named after the old English tune – a corruption of Glorious Years). The duo features Graham Vincent on fiddle and voice and Chris Edmunds on melodeon and accordion. Their performances feature traditional English tunes and songs, but expect some fine music from further afield to be added to the mix!

Graham has performed for us several times paired with the guitar of David Mitchell. 

‘I’m really looking forward to playing at Music on the Levels again,’ says Graham, ‘it’s always an inspiring place to play thanks to the wonderful setting and acoustics, the lovely team running the event and, last but not least, some of the best cakes in Somerset!’

Quite simply, two ‘consummate musicians’ with an unbridled passion for their music.

Arrangements for this concert

There is limited parking on the road by the church but there is additional parking at Somerset Young Farmers on School Road TA7 0LN. Visitors are asked not to park in Church Lane as this prevents resident access.

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.

Steve Jinski on Sunday!

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The next concert is on Sunday 18 May 2025 in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP with Steve Jinski. Starting at 3 pm with refreshments served from 2.15 pm 

Steve Jinski is a songwriter, singer, performer, musician, music educator and cultural visionary. Born to an Irish mother and a Polish father, brought up in Liverpool, Steve is a truly international artist. He has toured the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Scandinavia as a solo artist and with his recently put together group of musicians simply known as The Festival Band.

Steve has made numerous festival appearances and opened shows for David Gray, Richard Thompson, Eddie Reader, The Proclaimers, Eliza Carthy and Rick Wakeman, to name just a few. Radio and TV appearances include BBC 1 The One Show.

Steve’s music is born of the singer songwriter tradition drawing on influences that include acoustic, folk, Americana, indie and blues but still he retains his own unique voice. Playing ‘live’ Steve accompanies himself on acoustic guitar, and piano. Added to the mix you’ll hear the occasional acapella tune, a wailing harmonica, a couple of interesting cover versions, some tall tales and a positive vibe that will leave you feeling so glad you came to see the show. Steve is equally at home in large concert venues and small intimate acoustic settings.

To date Steve has released 4 albums, 2 EPs and numerous singles. He has just released a brand-new double CD album titled ‘Muscle Memory’ which is available in hard copy CD, as a download, and on all streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.  Distribution is through Lucky Smile Records / Proper Music. This is an album that steps forward whilst looking back. Originally the project was to be a revisit, remix and rework of Steve’s debut album ‘Eventually’, previously only available on vinyl. However, Muscle Memory has grown into a collection of newer songs and timeless Steve Jinski classics, together with some gems which were (inexplicably!) overlooked at the time of their inception.

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

‘One of the best originators of acoustic song around today’ – 5 STARS Rock ‘N’ Reel magazine

Further information:

stevejinski,com

SteveJinskiSpotify

SteveJinskiYouTuubeChannel

Harmonious March

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Music on the Levels announces details of its free concert with Rolling Harmony on Sunday 30 March 2025 in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. Starting at 3 pm with refreshments served from 2.15 pm 

Rolling Harmony is a vibrant vocal ensemble of experienced singers from the South West, passionate about the music they sing and excited about the sound they create as a group. Their performances showcase the group’s rich range of voices and are infused with their sheer enjoyment of singing together. 

“An exquisite blend of voices and rich harmonies”

Rolling Harmony has performed to great acclaim across the South West of England, including Bath Abbey, Halsway Manor, Shaftesbury Fringe, Calstock Arts and in the far west of Cornwall. They are delighted to be performing for the first time at Music on the Levels.

“Wonderful… truly wonderful”
“Soul-filling”
“Beautiful repertoire, fabulous voices… loved it”
“Amazing… sublime”

Glorious music and gorgeous vocal harmonies, rooted in English and American harmony singing traditions. Songs with compelling lyrics, captivating rhythms and interweaving vocal lines, and delicious arrangements of much-loved jazz standards. There’s something for everyone…

Performing Rights Society is supporting this event with their Charity Discount.

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.

There is limited parking on the road by the church but there is additional parking at Somerset Young Farmers on School Road TA7 0LN, map attached. Visitors are asked not to park in Church Lane as this prevents resident access.

. . and a reminder of our February concert with Trio Paradis- from left:  Ruth O’Shea – violin, Jacquelyn Bevan – piano, and Linda Stocks – cello.

Bringing some sun to dark winter days

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The free concert on Sunday 23 February 2025 in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP is by Trio Paradis.

The concert starts at 3 pm and refreshments are available at modest charge from 2.15 pm.

Much appreciated at Music on the Levels many times over the past few years, Somerset-based Trio Paradis (Jacquelyn Bevan – piano, Ruth O’Shea – violin and Linda Stocks – cello) return with a programme entitled ‘The Latin American Collection’. 

‘This collection of music by South American composers will bring some sun to dark winter days’, says Jacquelyn, ‘with popular dances such as Tango and Rumba alongside classical and reflective pieces. 

‘Composers include Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, the king of Argentinian Tango, Astor Piazzolla, fellow Argentinian Magdalena Garcia Robson, Cuban brother and sister composers Ernestina and Ernesto Lecuona, Mexican Manuel Ponce and Carlos Guastavino, the Schubert of the Pampas. 

‘The music will be introduced as we go along – it’s a fun and informal concert.’

Arrangements for this concert

There is limited parking on the road by the church but there is additional parking at Somerset Young Farmers on School Road TA7 0LN, map attached. Please do not park in Church Lane as this prevents resident access.

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.

. . . . ..and a reminder of our January concert:

The Barnacle Buoys delighted a packed and enthusiastic audience.