News / Sprees with Sproule
AMERICANA songstress Devon Sproule returns to Shetland this weekend for two concerts following her uplifting performance in the isles last year.
After narrowly missing out on the opening of Mareel 12 months ago, the genre-crossing maverick will appear at the new venue on Friday night (23 August) with a new look backing group, a fresh batch of songs and support from talented local guitarist and songwriter Arthur Nicholson.
Another local singer/somngwriter Malachy Tallack will also perform on stage with Sproule to replace Mike O’Neill, who collaborated on her new album Colours but is unable to make the tour.
The following night (Saturday 24 August) she will be taking her band across Yell Sound to perform at Cullivoe public hall.
Brought up on a commune in Virginia, Sproule has been described as having “the polite manner of a pastor’s daughter and the mildly bonkers mannerisms of a swingin’ 1940s jazz singer”.
She said her Shetland concert last year was the highlight of her tour and she was excited about coming back.
“Before I went last year, just the idea of going to Shetland was exciting. But the trip itself was way beyond my expectations in the people I met, the countryside, the wildlife, the community, the art.
“We’ll be able to spend a few days there, as we did last time, which is such a treat. I’m so excited to be returning to play for all those wonderful people again.”
The concerts are being promoted by independent outfit Ragged Wood Promotions, in association with Shetland Arts.
The husband and wife team of Neil and Kelly Riddell who run Ragged Wood have already brought Kris Drever and King Creosote to the isles and say they have more artists lined up for the first half of next year.
Tickets for the Mareel concert cost £14 (£12 concessions) and are available Shetland Box Office online or by calling 01595 745555.
Tickets at Cullivoe cost £10 (£5 for under 18s; free for under 14s) and are available at the Cullivoe shop or on the door.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.