Dartmoor church brings live jazz to Widecombe in bid to launch new tradition
An ancient Grade I listed church on Dartmoor is set to host an unusual musical event, with the South West-based Sarah Harris Jazz Quartet bringing songs from the Great American Songbook
St Pancras’ Church in Widecombe is set to host a live jazz performance this Sunday, (1st November), marking the church's first jazz concert in recent times.
The event features the South West-based Sarah Harris Jazz Quartet, as part of an effort to establish the ancient Grade I listed building as a regular venue for high-quality music.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go directly towards maintaining and preserving the historic church.
"This is the first jazz concert in St Pancras in recent times, and we are very interested to see what response we get, especially from the local community," said concert organiser Michael Brown.
"If it is as positive as we hope it will be, it could be the start of a regular jazz programme in St Pancras' church.
‘Not exactly what you'd expect in a comparatively remote location such as Widecombe."
Organisers point to the church’s natural acoustics and historic setting as key reasons for expanding its musical programme beyond traditional and classical performances.
Sunday’s concert will focus on selections from the Great American Songbook, alongside other jazz standards.
The quartet includes:
- Vocalist Sarah Louise Harris, whose work has been featured on the Netflix series Queer Eye and across European radio;
- Keyboard player Will Butterworth, a London jazz scene regular whose recordings have featured on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM;
- Bass player James Macphail, who has been working professionaly for two decades and is based in Cornwall; and
- Drummer Ronnie Jones, who has headlined sold-out shows at London's Ronnie Scott's.
The performance will include a 20-minute interval with refreshments, including home-baked cakes.
The initiative follows previous musical events at the church, with a festive performance by the Ferio Sax Quartet already scheduled to follow on Sunday 13th December.
Tickets for Sunday’s concert can be purchased at the door or online via the event poster QR code.
Premium reserved seats are £20 and can be booked directly through Michael Brown.