The BAG Open Mic Night - the 2nd Thursday of every month

Click here - for a Open Mic Night flyer for you to print and stick on your fridge or give to your friends, ta! (400Mb pdf file)

On the 2nd Thursday of every month, The Globe Inn, in the centre of Buckfastleigh, plays host to BAG's Open Mic Night where local singers and musicians get the chance to perform before an enthusiastic audience.

The club has been running since August 2006 and is growing in popularity, especially since gaining stand-up comediene Emma Chilcott as compere.

Performers are mainly from Buckfastleigh itself, though word is getting round and there are now several regulars who travel from Totnes and further afield to enjoy the opportunity of playing at a sensitively amplified, pub-based music club.

The brainchild of BAG secretary, Gavin Kilty, the Open Mic Night provides the opportunity for many people of all abilities to share their sound, some of whom would not normally be able to do so.

Musical styles usually include a mixture of folk, rock, pop, blues and jazz with singer-songwriters playing their own material making up a significant part of each evening. Sound engineer Clive Buckland-Bork is happy to try mixing virtually anything – world music or even classical at the beginning of the evening would be welcome too.

The music starts at around 8.30pm and ends at 11pm sharp so as to not cause a noise nuisance for neighbours. Those hoping to perform should arrive before 9pm to add their names to the list. Admission is free - everyone welcome.

A generous donation Thanks to John and Lianne at The Globe, the Open Mic Night crew were recently able to buy a rather nice guitar for the club to make it easier for more people to be able to spontaneously play (and sound good!). Also some nice new speaker stands mean that the sound now projects better through the pub.

Artists' Home Groups
Through surveys undertaken at previous BAG events, and discussions at the regular BAG meetings, it became apparent that many people struggle to make time for their art, and it was felt that to meet up regularly for an 'art session' offering mutual support and encouragement might really help – and be more fun than always working by oneself.

So far BAG members have come together to mainly paint and draw and also share stories and poetry, but all art forms will be considered according to their feasibility.

Keeping the group informal and friendly was important to Kate Goulden who originally proposed the idea. Therefore, for the present, groups meet in people's homes, taking it in turns to play host. Due to the confines of space it is likely that, over time, more than one group will evolve.

Art in the Oven! Exhibitions
The Baker's Oven, Fore St, Buckfastleigh
At the time of writing we are about to hold our 2nd open evening exhibition in a local pizza café-restaurant where everyone is welcome to come and meet us and talk about how the Artist's Home Groups might expand – so come join us on the 1st April, 7.30pm to see a small exhibition of work created by the present group's members - as well as catching up with all the latest BAG news.

We currently have room for 2-3 more people in the current artists' group - please phone Kate on 01364 643090 if you are interested in joining us.

BAG meetings
BAG meetings are informal, friendly affairs held in The Globe pub every now and then. Please let us know if you wish to be kept informed about when the next one is, and if you would like us to send you minutes of the last meeting, etc.

Everyone is welcome and it would be great to meet you and hear your ideas regarding the arts in Buckfastleigh.