Sunday 14th February, 7.30pm

Ruby Lounge, Bond St

‘Scots Singer of the Year 2008/9’ Emily Smith has firmly established herself as a leading light in the Scottish folk scene. Since winning the 2002 ‘BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award’ she has released four critically acclaimed albums, toured extensively with her band on the international folk circuit and is recognised not only as one of Scotland’s finest interpreters of traditional song but also as a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Emily and her New Zealand partner Jamie McLennan will be treating us to a night of songs to remember this Valentine's Day.

Local musicians of the highest calibre will open for Emily in Wellington's finest new music venue, come early for a bite to eat and enjoy the ambience.

“As far as I’m concerned she can walk on water” Mike Harding, Radio 2

 “Emily Smith could become to Scottish folk what Joni Mitchell is to its Californian cousin” 
 Emily spent six years living in Glasgow during which time she gained an Honours degree in Scottish Music from The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.     

Now living back in her home area of Dumfries Smith has found her niche drawing on the rich local history and landscape as the source and inspiration for her music. She has an affection for collecting dusty old poetry and song books in search of new material. The results are re-worked ballads which seamlessly interweave with Smith’s own descriptive songs, often confusing the listener as to which material is old and which is new.    

Emily became the first ever Scottish winner of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2005 after winning the folk section with her song ‘Edward of Morton’, another of her songs ‘Always a Smile,’ about the life of her Polish grandmother, was short listed in the final ten.     

Frequently performing in the same line up as her musical heroes, Smith’s star is definitely in the ascendant. She will be performing with Jamie McClennan, fiddler extraordinaire who is featured in their latest CD Adoon Winding Nith. Rumour has it there may be a surprise appearance of one of our favourite Irish lads from NZ, and we will be delighted by some floorspots from local performers afore hand. Come and have a social catch up over a pie and pint before hand… actually pies may not be quite on the menu but you know what I mean......

See Emily's website for further information.