Midsummer Concert

Welcome to the Jacobstowe Community Group Midsummer Concert, a charitable event in aid of RNLI Lifeboats and St James Church, Jacobstowe.

This year we have two great headline acts.

CROWDY-KIT

Crowdy-Kit began as a ceilidh band - a new project for seasoned folk dance musicians Hannah Cumming, Jon Dyer, and Matt Norman, created with a simple aim: to play good traditional tunes in a way that makes people want to get up and dance. After a successful run of ceilidh appearances at major festivals and dance series, the band is now recording their debut album. The new material expands their musical palette and forms the basis of their developing concert set, adding songs and new tunes to their repertoire while staying true to their dance-driven roots.Their sound is grounded in the English folk tradition but draws freely on wider influences: American contra dance, New Orleans blues, jazz, and Quebecois music all play a part in shaping the band’s rich, rhythmic and joyful approach. Whether on the dance floor or the concert stage, Crowdy-Kit bring lift, drive and melodic flair.

Since forming, Crowdy-Kit have quickly established themselves on the folk circuit, performing at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Towersey Folk Festival, and the Late-Night Extra at Sidmouth Folk Festival, as well as respected ceilidh series including Oxfolk, Unicorn, and the Bristol Ceilidh.Hannah Cumming has been playing fiddle for dances for most of her life. With Jon and their siblings she made her festival debut in Dyer Cummings in her early teens. Her fiddle style is full of the energy and lift needed for great dance music. She is also a well-known singer, caller, and teacher.

Other projects: Hannah Cumming & Jon Dyer, Zeffe, Antler Ceilidh Band, Dyer Cummings.
Jon Dyer also learned his craft in Dyer Cummings, developing an agile, dance-focused flute sound from an early age. His playing brings sparkle and rhythmic clarity to Crowdy-Kit. He is widely known across the Westcountry as a musician, caller, and teacher.

Other projects: Hannah Cumming & Jon Dyer, Gadarene, Antler Ceilidh Band, Dyer Cummings.

Matt Norman has long been a familiar face on the ceilidh scene, playing mandolin, fiddle and more recently piano, where his rhythmic sensitivity and inventive chord work come to the fore. He is also increasingly in demand as a contra-dance and social-dance musician.

Other projects: Gadarene, Bristol Ceilidh Quartet, Fairytale Ceilidhs.

Crowdy-Kit: Westcountry dialect - a small bowed instrument or fiddle.You can find out more, and view some videos and hear music from Crowdy-Kit at:

www.crowdykit.com
info@crowdykit.com
Instagram: @crowdykit
Facebook: CrowdyKit

MARINERS AWAY

Based in South Zeal on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, Mariners Away are a long-established shanty crew formed in 2007 who perform traditional sea shanties and other songs of the sea. They’re a bunch of good mates who love singing with a sprinkle of harmony and a good chorus - whether that’s in a packed festival field, a village hall or the corner of a pub where the songs really come alive. They perform throughout the year generally at events in Devon, Cornwall or Dorset but occasionally even further afield too. Their music draws on maritime and folk traditions, but they’re not precious about it, singing for enjoyment, for atmosphere, and for the people in front of them. If you like songs with stories, plenty of character and the occasional grin along the way, you’ll feel right at home with Mariners Away.

They've had the unique honour of appearing on BBC Spotlight, serenading viewers as the South West regional broadcast handed back to the national network - a memorable moment for both the group and the audience at home. Along the way, they have provided pre-match entertainment at Exeter Chiefs, and were also proud to sing aboard the relaunch of SV Britannia, the historic fishing smack, berthed at Exeter Quay as she underwent her final restoration. In December 2024 they were highly privileged to perform at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in celebration of the first year officers’ graduation. 2025 brought with it a number of memorable performances. They once again had the pleasure of appearing on one of the main stages at the Falmouth International Shanty Festival, and a torrential July afternoon at Clovelly Maritime Festival did nothing to dampen their spirits. The highlight of 2025 was a joint Shanty Shenanigans charity concert in October with their hugely talented friends Pirates of St Piran. The event raised much-needed funds towards repairs to the roof of Boyton Methodist Chapel near Launceston, making it a truly special and rewarding evening.

You can find out more, and view some videos and hear music from Mariners Away at www.marinersaway.co.uk

The interval will include a free glass of Pimms & Lemonade plus strawberries and cream, a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of summer with friends and family. Don't miss out on this special event as space is limited to 73 people - mark your calendars now!

Date: Friday, 12 June 2026

Time: 7.30pm

Location: St James Church, Jacobstowe, Devon EX20 3RF (free parking in Little Ellacroft opposite the church)