[T]wo singer-songwriters join forces from across continents to perform an intimate, entertaining and candid show that offers insight into the life of a storyteller. This night of live music will feature singles written by each artist, covers, and newly written work from two contemporary songwriters at the top of their game.
Luke Yates is a London based multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter who beguiles audiences with stories of love, lust, life, freedom and adventure. Having grown up in Cumbria, he draws on experiences from travelling the world with a guitar, vocal coaching for the world’s leading contemporary choir, managing a successful music venue and performing in over 80 countries.
In 2016 Luke began working with mentor and music publisher Judy Stakee, who has signed and developed artists as diverse as Gavin DeGraw, Sheryl Crow, Katy Perry and The Civil Wars. He’s spent time honing his craft drawing on influences including Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, Regina Spektor, Jamie Cullum and Imogen Heap. Luke was recently featured on BBC Radio 2 and in 2017 has so far performed major international venues including London’s legendary venue The Troubadour and New York’s Rockwood Music Hall.
This will be Luke’s first headline gig at Florence Arts Centre, after his appearance at the Copeland Rocks 4 Manchester benefit gig on 24 June.
Joining Luke for this transatlantic affair will be singer-songwriter Keekwyn. Her brand of honest pop music, writing about love, separation and higher consciousness should make for an intimate and emotional evening. Writing out of Brooklyn, New York, Keekwyn pulls her experiences from her work as a therapeutic counsellor, a voice teacher, a soul mate, a friend, and a spiritual seeker.
Besides being centre stage Keekwyn has also led and developed several bands in her career including the funk soul sound of Keekwyn & The Hackers. She has performed at the world-famous New York venues The Bowery Electric, The Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, Rockwood Music Hall and many more iconic stages. Keekwyn released her first EP Naked Under Covers in 2012, and her second EP Tell It To The Mister with Keekwyn & The Hackers in 2015. Recently, she has been working closely with Grammy nominated engineer Michael Prochilo on an exciting new venture coming in 2017.
Florence Arts Centre is looking forward to welcoming this pair of contemporary singer-songwriters along for a great night of live music. Tickets cost £8 in advance (£10 on the door) and can be purchased form the website, by telephone on 01946 824946 or in person at the venue.