AN acoustic guitar master who has travelled the world performing his soulful folk music is set to entertain in Teesdale this month.
Singer songwriter Adrian Nation, who has racked up an estimated 20,000 miles gigging to audiences from Portsmouth to Palestine, is heading to Stainton and Streatlam Village Hall, on Saturday, September 28.
The 49-year-old, from Holland-on-Sea in Essex, was encouraged to pick up a guitar when he was 16.
He said: “It didn’t come easy. Every chord was a struggle, every finger wanted to be somewhere it shouldn’t be but I had got a taste and wanted so badly to be able to play freely.
“Some folks have told me I’m talented, I tend to think that it’s more a question of determination.
“Before the days of Youtube I would sit listening to records to figure out bits and pieces. I recall many, many nights learning the solo section of Mark Knopfler’s Tunnel of Love. But I never really wanted to play other people’s songs. I wanted to write my own.”
And over the years he has written and performed his own work the length and breadth of the UK.
He has now released four albums. He found inspiration for his latest album, Anarchy and Love, on the streets of Athens, in Greece, in the form of a tiny, but neatly written piece of graffiti, “we are the happy future, fight now”.
He said he is looking forward to the visit in September, adding: “Right from when I was starting out on the road, the North-East has always been so kind to me and the chance to be back performing in this wonderful corner of the world is always a joy.”
Tickets in advance are £12 and are available from Jane Teasdale on 01833 638348 or Sean Williams on 07952 925542.
There will be licensed bar on site and food will be available. Tickets will also be available on the door.
