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.