Donovan to star in the Purbeck Guitar Festival
Saturday - Sunday 23rd-24th May
World famous songwriter Donovan headlines Dorset Festival - which promises a weekend of brilliant guitar music in a beautiful walled garden!
When we talk about the titans of the 1960s, names like The Beatles and Dylan are often the first spoken. But look closer at the DNA of the most influential music of that era, and you will find the fingerprints of one man: Donovan…
Donovan and the Psychedelic Revolution
The influence of Donovan
Donovan Leitch is widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters and recording artists working today. At his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 it was stated, ‘Donovan singlehandedly initiated the Psychedelic Revolution with his album ‘ Sunshine Superman.’
Donovan and The Beatles
It is common history that Donovan became the guitar tutor to The Beatles during the famous trip to India. He taught John, Paul and George the finger style guitar and many of his unique chord patterns, that would create many of the best songs and styles of The White Album.
Most notable John’s ‘Dear Prudence‘ and ‘Julia‘ (which John asked Donovan to help him write), Paul’s ‘Blackbird‘, George’s ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps‘ and many others on The White Album.
Donovan encouraged and nurtured Harrisons’ songwriting , in particular teaching George, Donovan’s other secret descending chord patterns that he did not share with John or Paul, patterns which resulted in George writing the hugely successful song ‘Something‘.
Flower Power
And yet Donovan is much more than the creator of the first Psychedelic Album, Sunshine Superman announced Flower Power for the first time and presented to the world the first World Music fusions of Folk, Classical, Jazz, Indian, Gaelic , Arabic and Caribbean.
At the age of 16 Donovan set his artist vision, to return Poetry to Popular Culture and he has done so on a worldwide scale. He was 4 years younger than The Beatles, Dylan and The Rolling Stones when he achieved all this.
1996 Royal Albert Hall
In June 2011, Donovan performed his classic 1966 Album Sunshine Superman at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by the London Contemporary Orchestra.
He was joined on stage by Led Zeppelin Guitarist, Jimmy Page,who had played as a session musician, on the original album. Jimmy Page described the evenings as ‘truly memorable’ and ‘an absolute triumph for Donovan.’
Donovan's most popular songs today...
Donovan’s music is still very popular and influential today. Here’s the top five Donovan songs most listened to on Spotify…
Season of the Witch
Hurdy Gurdy Man
Catch the Wind
Sunshine Superman
Mellow Yellow
Purbeck Guitar Festival
Rock-It Saturday
A day celebrating the best in Folk, Blues, Jazz & Rock. Featuring the legendary Donovan, The Story of Guitar Heroes, Gary Cain, Galaxy Thief, Chris Cocoran, Laura Snowden and Callum Buckley.
Spanish Sunday
A day of Spanish rhythms and fiery Flamenco dancing. Featuring
Juan Martin, Flamenco From Spain, Carlos Bonell, Flamenco Meets Maqam, Flamenca
and Miki Cruz
Supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust
The Purbeck Guitar Festival is supporting the Dorset Wildlife Trust this year with a percentage of profits donated to the charity.
Where is the Purbeck Guitar Festival?
Upton Country Park: The Purbeck Guitar Festival is celebrating its third year in a fantastic new home, the walled garden at Upton Country Park. The gardens offer an intimate and atmospheric setting where music and nature come together — a perfect backdrop for world-class guitar music.
BBQ and Tapas: As well as a bar there will be a Rock-It Saturday BBQ and a Spanish Sunday Tapas to fuel your festival experience.
Find out more at: www.purbeckguitarfestival.co.uk and follow our Facebook page.
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