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As we know from the Devon Demos pages on this website, the county has a wealth of unsigned musical talent.

So what happened when we put eight of Devon's up and coming folk and blues stars in a room together, and asked them to perform in front of their peers.

"Being surrounded by fellow artists, who are all fantastic musicians, is great and can only be beneficial for me in terms of learning from them," explained Awliscombe singer-songwriter Cole Stacey.

Jackie Oates and Jim Causley take to the stage

A sentiment echoed by the others.

The musicians were brought together to record a programme for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon.

Kev Hutchings' Devon Demos showcases some of the local talent from around the county.

"Devon has a great deal of musical talent that often doesn't get the exposure it deserves," said presenter Kev Hutchings.

Over the two hour-long shows, eight local artists are captured in their natural environment, playing live on stage and sharing their talents with the county and some of their fellow musicians.

"This is the third Devon Demos show I've presented now, but it's the first time I've got all the acts together under one roof," explained Kev.

Blues Maestro Vince Lee and Al Wallis

Cole Stacey is joined on stage by rising female star Jemma Rycroft from Plymouth.

Vince Lee and Al Wallis from the Wildcards - also based in Plymouth - will bring a huge case of the blues to the proceedings.

Exeter based folk artist Jackie Oates, already making waves around the county, will be sharing the stage with established Devon folk star Jim Causley

"The Devon folk scene has a real community atmosphere," said Jackie.Β 

"Everyone goes to each other's shows and it's always great to share a stage together."

The intimate Plymouth venue, Annabel's, resonated with the sounds of guitars, accordions and fiddles as well as some diverse vocal talents.

Plymouth soloist Jemma Rycroft

Plymouth-based solo starΒ Manuel DaCosta moved to Devon from India after sticking a pin in a map.

"I just wanted to spread my wings and find a new place to show off my talent, and as soon as I opened my atlas I saw Devon," explained Manuel.

"I moved several years ago and have never looked back."

Joining Manuel will be Exeter singer songwriters Nicky Swann and Matthew Stead, and young protΓ©gΓ© of Show Of Hands' Steve Knightly, Woolacombe's Jenna Witts.

You can hear the second part of Kev Hutchings' Devon Demos from Annabel's Cabaret and Discotheque on Saturday 24 May 2008 at 5pm on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon and here on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Devon website.