New live music venue for Ilfracombe

THE newest venue for live music in Ilfracombe officially opens its doors on Saturday at The Waverley in St James Place by the harbour. The fully revamped function room at the rear of the pub will be known as The Venue and the aim is to have live music pla

THE newest venue for live music in Ilfracombe officially opens its doors on Saturday at The Waverley in St James Place by the harbour.

The fully revamped function room at the rear of the pub will be known as The Venue and the aim is to have live music playing throughout the weekend, from Thursday to Sundays during the summer. In fact there is a preview gig with local band The Chillies on Friday and on Saturday the opening will be hosted by the Waverley house band, Best Served Chilled, whose wide repertoire always proves a crowd-pleaser.

On Wednesdays, there's Curry-oke (yes, curry and karaoke,) while an open mic night currently operates on Thursdays and there's more karaoke on Sundays.

Combe Martin Carnival kicks off on Saturday and at the opening event in Holland's Park there's live Music in the Marquee from 7-11.30pm, with local favourites Chris Millington, Amy Newton, Katy Shotter and One for the Road. The event is free, but ticketed on the door on a first come, first served basis.

The Roadhouse Band will be playing at Stowford Farm, Berry Down, on Friday from 9pm. On Tuesday of next week (Aug 11) Revival are playing at the park from 8.30pm.

The White Hart at Bratton Fleming hosts an Old Skool Vinyl Night on Saturday, for those who just can't give up those shiny black disc things - and who enjoy a dance at the same time.

The popular Open Mic Night returns to the Ship Aground at Mortehoe this Friday and starts at 9pm approx.

In Woolacombe tonight (Thursday) the classy ska and reggae influenced Zamba will be playing at the Red Barn.

There's karaoke at the Aggi in Braunton tonight and on Friday the venue features the Steve Ley Jam Night. Steve is a guitarist and keyboard player with a wide range of classic tracks plus talented mates who join him from time to time. On Sunday the Aggi has Lunchtime Jazz with Simon Banks and Jeremy Huggett, two finely tuned musicians.

On Saturday the White Lion features favoured DJ Benny Joy and on Sunday there's more classic Open Mic Night with Amy Newton.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon to the smooth strains of jazz on Sunday at The Old Rectory, Ashford, when the D�j� Blue duo are supplying their musical services free of charge at an open gardens event to raise money for the North Devon Air Ambulance.

In Barnstaple, Koopa will be hitting the Underground @ the Inn on the Square on Saturday. The three piece rock band was the first unsigned outfit to break into the Top 40 and have since had three singles in the charts. They are touring to promote a greatest hits album and bring with them a mix of punk, rock and pop. With support from Rubella and local punk favourites Falling Apart.

Free music at the Olive Branch on Friday with Unnamed Heroes.

On Saturday at the Rising Sun, Newport, North Devon's own gothic romance rock band Vampyrouss will be celebrating the launch of their first album through the Casket record label.

Their new blend of gothic romantic rock mixes poetry, heavy guitars and orchestrated music to bring their album A Dark Desire to life, which deals with the last witch trials in Bideford, of all things. The launch is at 7.30pm and admission is free.

On Monday unleash your dark desire for karaoke once more as Sod 'em & Sing returns to Sherry's Tavern.

It is the grand final of Okehampton Battle of the Bands on Saturday at Simmons Park, Mill Road, Okehampton - and two Barnstaple bands are among those bidding for the grand title.

The Sam Dowden Band and Jonny Black will be competing against themselves and four other finalists to see who comes out as top rock dog.

Jonny Black (formerly Mendella) need little introduction to most North Devon fans and their brand of indie rock has won friends both sides of the Atlantic. The Sam Dowden Band sees Sam's excellent voice and guitar backed up by piano, bass and drums. They will be challenging Go Green Monkey, Half Price Waffles and Sunshine Getaway and The Sum Of. Whoever wins it should be a great night and begins at 6pm. Visit www.battleofthebandsokehampton.co.uk to find out more.

Oceanview Country Music Club continues at Alverdiscott Hall this Tuesday from 8.30pm, with live music from Double Whisky.

You might have noticed Bideford Folk Festival kicks off on Monday and runs throughout the week, with concerts, dances and workshops being held at various venues including Lacey's Ale House and Kingsley School. For a full listing visit www.bidefordfolkfestival.co.uk.

Sod 'em & Sing Karaoke swings back into action tonight at Quigley's and catch him again on Sunday at the Heavitree.

It is open mic time tomorrow (Friday) at the Joiners Arms as the venue continues its strong tradition of live weekend music. On Saturday the lively and popular Out of the Blue will be playing.

LBGT Night returns to the Tavern-in-the-Port tonight from 7pm until 1am.

Tomorrow the Palladium Club features Wille & the Bandits while on Saturday the club welcomes back local band MudMunkey. The trio play original material in a style composed from many influences to give catchy tunes with a wide appeal. The gig is free and doors open at 8pm. Jam night at the Palladium on Tuesday.

Zamba will be playing at the Waterfront Inn, Westward Ho! on Saturday night.

The Elizabethan has free live music tomorrow (Friday) with a Birmingham Blues Brothers tribute. On Sunday the venue has more with a tribute to the great Roy Orbison and there's more again on Tuesday with Phase 3.

The Roadhouse Band will be back in action on Saturday at the Seagate in Appledore. The venue music tomorrow too with Ian Hudson & friends plus more on Monday with Acoustic Sound Session.

Top Western swing band The Hot Club of Cowtown will be raising hell at the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington tonight (Thursday) from 8pm, with sheer instrumental virtuosity, allied to Texas swing, gypsy jazz and deeply-grooved country songs.

On Friday the venue shifts to RHS Garden Rosemoor as the Plough introduces "the best purveyors of blues in the UK today" in the form of The Blues Band, about to celebrate their 30th year in the business. The gig is at 8pm and to find out more about either of the above, call (01805) 624624 or visit www.plough-arts.org.

On Saturday, AJ & the Underdogs will be bringing their varied range of popular classics to the Cavalier Inn at Torrington and also on Saturday, The Elements will be appearing at the Torrington Arms.

And finally... The Bridge Inn at Hatherleigh hosts Sod 'em & Sing Karaoke on Saturday night from 8.30pm.