FROM the Royal Albert Hall to The Witham, folk singer-songwriter Bella Hardy is bringing her new award winning tour to Barnard Castle this week.
The BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year Award winner will present her ninth solo album, Hey Sammy, on Thursday, October 4, at 7.30pm.
It is described as a glorious and accomplished record which combines fresh, artful arrangements with an unabashed embrace of gleeful and melodic choruses delivered in her unmistakeable voice.
Bella is a regular on radio and television, notably singing solo in a sold-out Albert Hall at the Proms in July.
She’s written and recorded with everyone from Beautiful South founder David Rotheray to folk luminary Eliza Carthy, and performed with the great Mary Chapin Carpenter on her 2016 UK tour. A self-taught “fiddle singer”, Bella began performing at Cambridge and Sidmouth festivals from the age of 13 and took a degree in English literature and a masters degree in music. Her debut album Night Visiting, released ten years ago, established her reputation as a songwriter. Humanist hymns, ancient Chinese poems, feminist battle cries and the title track’s reflections on the rise of racism in Britain make this Bella’s most richly rewarding album to date. She also returns to her traditional roots with a retelling of the supernatural ballad Tam Lin.
She will be supported at The Witham by James And The Burn, an alternative Americana inspired duo from the North East.
Sarah Gent, marketing manager at The Witham, said: “Bella Hardy is an amazing musician and we are delighted to welcome her back to The Witham in Barnard Castle.
“Her last gig here was a real highlight back in 2015 and following playing the BBC Proms and the launch of her eagerly-awaited 9th album,
“Bella is guaranteed to offer an outstanding evening of music. With local support act James And The Burn, you can enjoy first-rate music here at Barnard Castle’s arts centre.”
To book, visit The Witham at 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, during opening hours 10am to 4pm, or call 01833 631107.
