I love the variety of our string quartet gigs.  Last Saturday evening we played for a suprise 60th birthday party at the very lovely and quite querky Exeter museum. We played by the entrance to surprise the guests as they arrived then moved to accompany their drinks reception.  Finally we moved again to accompany their birthday sit down meal. We played a set list of upbeat rock and pop classics and the guests even sang along with a few numbers as well. (I think they'd had a few drinks by this point).  Great night with lots of positive feedback.  Makes a difference from our wedding gigs. Love the variety of our work.

Little road trip out yesterday with Exe Valley String Quartet. We played for a charity dinner drinks reception at ANRÁN : Luxury Boutique Accommodation in Devon near Ashburton. The venue was beautifully dressed and looked all festive. We played a selection of pop/rock classics for the guests as they arrived and chatted over a drink including 'Simply the Best' as a music request. We are now getting ready for a busy December and three weddings as we approach Christmas.

Shilstone Weddings. Some pictures from yesterday afternoons drinks reception at Shilstone House. A nice relaxed occasion while guests have a drink and catch up with each other. I put together a set list of popular upbeat songs that guests recognise (and sometimes sing along to). Having live music at this point in your wedding day adds a nice touch to the day. Thank you for all your lovely feedback and kind words afterwards. It was a pleasure!  After this gig it was a short journey up to Exeter and the Rougement Hotel to meet up with the Exe valley String Quartet to play for a very special dinner. It was the 15th wedding anniversary for a couple that the quartet played for at their wedding ceremony all those years ago.  It was a very intimate and romantic evening full of emotion and love. Love working as a violinist in Devon. #weddingviolinist #dawlishfiddler #exevalleystringquartet www.musiciandevon.co.uk

Lovely evening gig at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery tonight with the Exe Valley String Quartet. We are not just a traditional wedding ensemble we are also available to play for corporate events, drinks and dinners. A string quartet is the perfect backdrop for a reception. We put together a varied set list of mainly upbeat pop and rock classics and covers at the organisers request. The music was very much appreciated. #corporatemusicians #corporatestringquartet www.exevalleystringquartet.co.uk

Back out on the road as a solo violinist today. Really enjoyed playing at Brickhouse Vineyard for a small intimate wedding ceremony. Today was a nice surprise for the brides mother who used to play the violin. My versatility was put to the test today playing the Imperial March from Star Wars and then discreetly merging into Pachabels Canon for the brides entrance!! Cool idea. I then went to the other extreme and played Sweet Child of Mine for the exit of the bridal party and guests. #weddingviolinist #dawlishfiddler #musiciandevon.

Corporate Violinist for the evening last night. Drinks reception for Armoric Freight as they celebrated together at St Elizabeth's House in Plympton. Love gigs like this. Playing through my repertoire to complement the mood of the evening with a few ballads and then a few more upbeat songs as the champagne flows. I had the nicest of compliments as well last night. 'I love the way you add your own personality to these well known songs'. He said that my style was 'unique' - I think that's a good thing! #corporateviolinist #musicandevon #dawlishfiddler

What a lovely gig tonight. Playing the violin for a drinks reception for the Devon and Somerset Law Society annual dinner. I serenaded Sir Ian Botham, Viv Richards and big Joel Garner in the cricket museum at Somerset CCC. (Well carboard cut outs anyway!). I enjoy playing for the corporate dinners and drinks receptions, always a good crowd in a great mood! usually having a drink!

Saturday evening I accompanied the dinner and drinks reception for the Devon Local Medical Committee. This was in the Solar room in Dartington Hall. Very nice! I really enjoy corporate events as I often get to play through lots of my repertoire. Even did some light jazz this time. #corporateviolinist #devonviolinist #musiciandevon

Wow, what a Saturday!  I had the pleasure of playing on the beach at The Venus cafe Blackpool Sands for Fee and Simons wedding on Saturday. I played the Canon in D for Fee's entrance and then we rocked out to Mr Blue Sky which is a new piece in my repertoire.  I then drove a short distance to Ringmore by Bigbury to play at a suprise birthday party.  It was all very exciting as the birthday girl new nothing of the party or the fact that a violinist would be there to play her in.  Imagine her face when she walks into Sky full of stars by Coldplay! It was awesome! I then played a mixture of light jazz and classical favourites while the guests had a drink before dinner.

I had a lovey afternoon at Tiverton Golf club today playing in the restaurant for Mothers Day.  The sun was shining and the golf course was in the background.  I played a two hour set of light classics on electric violin to help create the right ambience for this special day.

What a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve. I spent the afternoon with Lucy our cellist from the Exe Valley String Quartet
and we entertained the guests at the very beautiful and stunning Bovey Castle.  We are very fortunate that as their recommended supplier we are invited to play at this 5 star hotel complex many times across the year.  We played some original duo arrangements of some traditional Christmas carols while the guests had afternoon tea.  Very nice to! Nice to be playing alongside a 'live' musician and for an appreciative audience.

Great evening at Somerset County Cricket Club last night. I played live electric violin for the drinks reception event for the Devon and Law Society Devon & Somerset Law Society. This was a pre drinks champagne reception before their meal. I played a mixture of contemporary covers as well as a set of new light jazz classics like I've got rhythm, The girl from Ipanema and Summertime. Enjoyable evening. I even got to meet Beefy Botham (kind of!)