SARAH McQuaid is a singer-songwriter with an international background and a reputation both for the quality of her singing and multi-instrumental musicianship. She is coming to Dorset for a short tour with Artsreach, starting on Thursday 22nd January at Shipton Gorge village hall. On Saturday 24th she is at Studland and the last concert is on Sunday 25th at £35 family Milborne St Andrew. All concerts start at 7.30pm.

Praised by Devon’s Beaford Arts rural touring organisation for her “stunning vocals… engaging narrative with the audience – an all round musical treat,” she is equally at home on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and floor tomdrum.

Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural Cornwall, Sarah is known for the warmth and wit of her performances, which have earned her loyal followings on both sides of the Atlantic.

Bringing the eclecticism of her multi-national background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, Sarah’s work spans genres and defies categorisation.

From contemplative ballads to playful blues and atmospheric instrumentals, expect a varied, eclectic programme of original and folk songs, plus a few familiar covers, performed on a range of instruments.

Other regional dates on Sarah’s winter tour include Sunday 18th January at Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton, Wednesday 4th February at the Bridge Inn, Topsham near Exeter, and Friday 11th June at The Watermark at Ivybridge.