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Wed 22 Jul
Magic Gareth: BALLOONATIC
14:00 - 15:00
Doors Open 13:30
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Wed 22 Jul
Magic Gareth: BALLOONATIC
14:00 - 15:00
Doors Open 13:30
“A blend of past, present, and future sounds” – American Songwriter
Singer-songwriter Bob Sumner cites the musically progressive sensibilities of his heroes when talking about the spirit of his new album, Some Place to Rest Easy, out now via Fluff & Gravy (worldwide) and North Country Collective (Canada). “They were always creating something new, something different,” he says of idols like George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. With that ideology in mind, Sumner set about creating an album that takes as much inspiration from the audio production of Randy Travis as it does the lyrical soul of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker—a melding of eras, sounds, concepts, and stylings that’s informed by the past, but never bound by it.
Joining Sumner on select dates is BC-born folk and Americana songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten, a four-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee whose music pays homage to the golden era of country songwriting—Willie Nelson, John Prine, Bobbie Gentry—while weaving in threads of British folk revival and bluegrass. Her most recent album, Turned to Gold (Light Organ Records), has drawn praise from Billboard Canada, American Songwriter, and Americana UK, and her agile voice and ruminative storytelling make her a natural complement to Sumner's own roots-minded vision.
With Some Place to Rest Easy, Sumner picks up the tempo compared to his previous releases, balancing the stirring lyrical depth fans have come to expect with a more buoyant, lively feel. “It felt appropriate to give the music itself some joy,” says the man who’s made a career out of tapping into difficult-to-touch-on, real-life stuff in a relatable, palatable manner. In the end, that’s what Sumner’s music has always been about—more than a single sound, influence, instrumental, or clever line. “I always want people to feel something,” Sumner explains. “If I heard that this album helped somebody that was feeling down, even just by feeling some other emotion for a little while, that’s the number one thing for me.”
Box Office
Open periodically throughout the week | Book online 24/7
Cafe
Daily | 10 - 4
Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.
Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!
As a past Chairman of Tayside NADFAS/Arts Society, I have enjoyed so many of our lectures in Birnam's wonderful hall and the hospitality which has accompanied it.
Virginia Cardwell-Moore | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
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What a warm and lovely welcome for this Yorkshire author. Thank you. Birnam Book Festival, author
Rose George | Birnam Book Festival 2018
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