Ben Howard new single "Old Pine" and Live dates

Following the 200,000+ sales of his top 10 debut album Every Kingdom in the UK alone, two sold-outs tours of the US (multiple, and contemplating a hectic Summer of festival appearances ahead of his biggest, UK tour to date, Ben finds himself positioned as one of the most successful young singer-songwriters from the UK and Europe in years. Old Pine is a woozy, languid song, both cathartic and quietly euphoric. A long-standing live favourite, Ben’s percussive perfection is matched with the driving intricacies of his guitar playing and, smoky controlled voice. Originally released in the Spring of 2011 as an introductory EP through Communion Records, Old Pine has already played a crucial part in introducing Ben to a bigger, broader audience. He has since played to over 80,000 thousand fans at over 120 sold out performances. His UK tour later this year has now sold in excess of 50,000 tickets alone, culminating in three sell-out nights at London's Brixton Academy. Ben Howard’s music harks back to a classic and comforting time of old, albeit with a forward-thinking method of guitar performance. 2012 has very much been his year, with over six months of it still to enjoy.

• 16th June - Goldcoast Oceanfest, Devon
• 24th June – Radio 1 Hackney Weekend, London
• 7th July – T In The Park, Kinross
• 15th July – Latitude Festival, Southwold
• 18th August – V Festival, Chelmsford
• 19th August – V Festival, Stafford
• 6th September – Bestival, Isle of Wight
• 2nd November - Brighton, The Dome SOLD OUT
• 3rd November - Plymouth, Pavilions SOLD OUT
• 4th November - Cardiff, University SOLD OUT
• 5th November - Bristol, Colston Hall SOLD OUT
• 7th November - Dublin, Olympia SOLD OUT
• 9th November - Belfast, Waterfront SOLD OUT
• 10th November - Glasgow, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
• 12th November - Manchester, O2 Apollo SOLD OUT
• 14th November - Leeds, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
• 16th November - Newcastle, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
• 17th November - Aberdeen, Music Hall SOLD OUT
• 19th November - Cambridge, Corn Exchange SOLD OUT
• 20th November – Lincoln, Engine Shed SOLD OUT
• 21st November - Leicester, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
• 22nd November - Nottingham, Rock City SOLD OUT
• 24th November - Birmingham, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
• 25th November - Bournemouth, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
• 26th November - Southampton, Guildhall SOLD OUT
• 28th November - London, O2 Brixton Academy SOLD OUT
• 29th November – London, O2 Brixton Academy SOLD OUT
• 30th November – London, O2 Brixton Academy SOLD OUT

www.benhowardmusic.co.uk

Ben Howard releases his new single  ‘Old Pine’ 6th August 2012 on Island Records
WHAT THE PAPERS SAY
“He’ll make listening to acoustic folk-tinged music feel like the first time.” —The Guardian

Author Liz Shakespeare has deep roots in the North Devon Countryside

Author, Liz Shakespeare, was born in Devon and the family stories she grew up with and the sense of being deeply rooted in the area have, she feels, influenced her writing. She draws her inspiration from the North Devon countryside, from the strong historical identity of the area and the sense of past lives that can be experienced in any long-inhabited area. She is interested in social history and particularly in the lives of the less advantaged. A synopsis for each book follows, Liz's books are available from www.lizshakespeare.co.uk
The Turning of the Tide. Young and vulnerable Selina Burman from Clovelly and her two young children are confined in the harsh environment of Bideford Workhouse. Her prospects improve when she meets Dr Ackland, a popular G.P. committed to social change. He employs her as a servant in his own household, despite the doubts of his wife and the Bideford community. Selina's work gives satisfaction, but her search for love and security does not conform to the expectations of a middle class Victorian family and threatens to damage both her own future and Dr Ackland's career. Set in Bideford and Clovelly, this novel draws on newspaper articles, letters and census returns, and powerfully brings to life the factual origins of the story.  

Fever: A Story from a Devon Churchyard. How many of us have wandered through a country churchyard and been moved by the memorials to young children? In this book the author sets out to discover the truth behind a number of graves dating from just one year in a nineteenth century Devon village. Her compelling investigation reveals the harsh reality of life in a small village before the days of effective medical care. By skilfully weaving social history, research and imaginative reconstruction she builds a sympathetic portrait of a community in the midst of adversity. It is a story common to many rural communities; it is impossible to remain unmoved by the knowledge that this story is true. 

The Memory Be Green: An Oral History of a Devon Village Within living memory village life has changed beyond recognition. Yet the old ways have not disappeared completely for they survive in the memories of our older neighbours. In this book men and women born early in the twentieth century recall a vanished way of life: a time when large families kept a pig to supplement a simple diet; every drop of water was carried from the village pump; the whole village turned out to help with the hay harvest and life was as slow and steady as the horse which pulled the plough. 

Reviews of Liz's books can be seen at www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

PROMS IN A PIGSTY Summer Classical Evening at the BIG Sheep

Trot over to Abbotsham on Sunday July 22nd for PROMS IN A PIGSTY, a Summer Classical Evening The BIG Sheep. The event, sponsored by Devon Life features String Ensemble, Sorrelli Strings, three of the brightest young classical stars in the West Country. They will be accompanied by musical director and pianist Dom Carter and will be playing to an appreciative audience which will not only include some of the west countries most discerning classical music lovers but also an array of four legged classical novices. The concert will be performed in the animal barn with all the resident animals also being able to enjoy the evening. CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND FIND OUT MORE 

World's First Classical Event in an Animal Barn - Rick Turner Director of the BIG Sheep flock says..... "As far as I am aware this quirky new event will be a world first with a classical concert being performed in an animal barn. I cannot wait to watch the animal's reaction to the music, we have done a test run and they seem to enjoy it as much as the humans. Their reaction to the finale Land of Hope and Glory will be amazing to see - we hope that the human audience will be joining in as they do at the last night of the proms and maybe the sheep will contribute with the odd baa and the pigs may cover the odd squeak with the lamas, pups and chickens adding to the harmony." 

PROMS IN A PIGSTY Summer Classical Evening The BIG Sheep, Bideford Sunday 22nd July from 7pm - Contact Information: Telephone: 01237 472366

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY!