June Boom - Week Two: 8th - 14th June

If last week was a whirlwind, get ready for a tornado, as we hurtle into week two of June Boom.

Bringing creativity, culture and unforgettable experiences to Exeter, Arts Writer, Editor and Co-Producer Belinda Dillon shares her highlights and top picks from the festival's second week of must-see events.

You better get those dancing shoes dusted off because music is taking centre stage this week, with an eclectic mix guaranteed to bring the joy. Here’s our round-up of all the action…

Looking for top-end BPMs so the dancefloor can stand in for the gym? Then Rhythm of the 90s (Exeter Phoenix, 12th June) are not to be missed. Consistently voted as one of the best experiences at Glastonbury, this seven-piece live covers band specializes in 1990s dance and rave anthems. You’ll be shaking your tail feather non-stop!

Want hip-swinging grooves from an earlier era? Then get your talcum powder at the ready for Midas Soul Club (Exeter Phoenix, 13th June), which has DJs spinning the hottest 60s and modern Northern Soul tunes until 1am – all vinyl and on a sprung dancefloor!

At Bomba on 10th June, come hungry for hot tunes and a sizzling grill when Blues & Burgers returns with bluegrass maestro Big Joe Bone. Performing a mix of Delta Blues, Oldtime, Gospel and Hillbilly music, Big Joe (aka UK musician Danny Wilson) will bring his trademark raspy vocals, hard driving harmonica rhythms, fantastic bottleneck slide guitar playing (on steel bodied resonator guitars) and lightning finger-picking skills on five string banjos. Expect new material alongside songs from the greats, including Flatt and Scruggs, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Charlie Parr, and Robert Johnson.

At Exeter Northcott you can enjoy more rhythm and blues-inspired gems, this time from The Manfreds (12th June), featuring Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, two original members of Manfred Mann, along with the Marcus Cliffe, Simon Currie, Pete Riley, and Mike Gorman.

Across town, 12th June continues to deliver musical heroes as the Corn Exchange hosts Carpenters Gold - Live in Concert. Performing all the classic hits, Carpenters Gold seek to recreate the look and sound of the worldwide 1970 tours, including a special highlight where 'Karen' (West End vocalist Vikki Holland-Bowyer) plays the drums with her full live backing band.

Modern rock more your bag? Look no further than local three-piece Stillyano, who return to Exeter Phoenix (13th June) to showcase original material plus plenty of covers of classic stadium artists.

If cabaret-style music and performance is more your vibe, then The Ruby Dolls Are Alive (Exeter Phoenix, 12th June) is a must-see. Fusing folk music, pop and poetry – switching from medieval hymn to Britney Spears, 16th century folk to Mary Poppins with a sprinkling of Noel Coward and a dash of Beyoncé – this critically-acclaimed ensemble tell the true story of a 1940s murder.

And now for something completely different! Choral Pilgrimage (Exeter Cathedral, 11th June) sees renowned ensemble The Sixteen filling the Cathedral with a programme exploring music from the Spanish Renaissance alongside works from James MacMillan and Kerensa Briggs.

Fear not, theatre fans – we’ve got you covered! Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles (Exeter Northcott, 10th June) serves up a fresh take on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse before it strikes again? Featuring live music, audience interaction and mystery galore, it’s sure to be an evening of fun and mayhem.

At Cygnet Theatre, Troubled Waters (12th June) conjures otherworldly realms and fantastical creatures with contemporary re-tellings of ancient river legend, folklore and myth. Expect leaping salmon, fishtail women, mythical raves and sacred springs.

Literature fans can explore their creativity at Lightbear Lane’s Lit Lab (Cosy Club, 10th June) – a space for literary and cultural pursuits and interests, to share ideas and help them grow. Sign up for the newsletter to register your interest, then submit ideas and proposals to help shape the evening’s agenda. This is a relaxed evening in good company. With limited spaces, booking is essential.

Returning to the Corn Exchange with a brand-new talk, BAFTA award-winning producer, author, historian and presenter Professor David Olusoga will be diving into The Global History of the British Cup of Tea (11th June). In this talk, David uses art and photography, history and humour to uncover the strange and unexpected history of our national drink.

Thirsty to tap into your own creativity? The one-day Wild Watercolour workshop (Exeter Phoenix, 9th June) focuses on learning ‘ways to see’ as well as practical skills and techniques. Led by fine artist and ceramicist Sarah John, the session is suitable for beginners and experienced painters.

To top off your week (literally), get a bird’s eye view of our wonderful city with a Roof Tour at Exeter Cathedral (10th, 11th, 13th June). Get behind the scenes into the void high above the Nave, into the South Tower, the Lead Room and the Ringing Chamber and then through the spaces in the North Tower. If weather permits, you’ll reach the North Tower to enjoy some of the best views of Exeter (and beyond). Flat-soled shoes (no flip-flops!) are essential.

Gosh, what a feast! See you out and about!