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Star turn in the living room!
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By GARRY McCARTNEY
A FORMER pop star who turned
her back on the commercial music
industry played two intimate “living
room gigs” near Findhorn recently.
Canadian singer-songwriter Jane
Siberry, known for such 1980s hits
as ‘Mimi on the Beach’ and ‘I Muse
Aloud’, received frequent e-mails
from overseas fans asking her to
perform in their towns, but found it
difficult to secure the services of a
suitable concert promoter.
This inspired her to launch a
‘microtour’, contacting fans on her
mailing list and offering to play small
venues – ranging from intimate cafés
to fans’ own homes – anywhere in
Europe where fans could organise a
space, an audience of 20 to 30 people
and a night’s accommodation.
Chris Preece was one such lucky
fan: “Being familiar with Jane’s lyrics
and some of her ideas, I guessed
that she would be interested in
THE FORRES GAZETTE Wednesday, May 8, 2013 29
www.forres-gazette.co.uk
Findhorn,” she said. “So in planning
a salon for her, I suggested it, and she
was immediately interested. I have
been a fan for years, and decided to
do this as part of my 60th birthday
celebrations.”
It soon became a local project, as
Chris encouraged other people to get
involved, including Annie Crawford,
who managed promotion and sales;
Maria Olstholm, who offered her
large living room at ‘Woodlands’ in
Findhorn Road for a performance
space. As word spread, others in the
community got on board: while Jackie
Adkins helped with publicity, poet
and story teller Margot Henderson
performed on the first night, and
singer-songwriter R.J. Chapman on
the second night, and Adriana Sjan
Bijman stepped in on photographic
duties at the last minute.
“Jane gave two different but equally
moving and intimate performances
on April 20 and 21 in front of
enraptured audiences in Findhorn,”
said Chris. “She moved seamlessly
between readings and medleys of
old and new material for nearly two
hours in an accomplished display of
her material.”
The performances were attended
by more than 60 people over the two
nights. One fan attended from New
York, others from Norfolk, and more
from Findhorn and the local area.
“On the first evening there were
spontaneous playful interactions
with the audience,” said Chris. “It
contrasted with the second, which
was more introspective.”
Siberry performed in Findhorn for
a nominal fee.
“The whole thing was a
harmonious and beautiful
experience,” said Chris. “I met so
much appreciation from the people
who were in the audiences, and I’m
sure Jane is bound to come back.”
Siberry went on to record a session
and interview on Radio 4 Scotland,
and to perform in Edinburgh, Fife
and Glasgow.
Her music has been compared to
artists such as Kate Bush and Joni
Mitchell, and draws on a wide variety
of styles, from new-wave rock to a
reflective pop style influenced by
jazz, folk, gospel and classical music.
She has collaborated with artists
including Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno,
David Byrne and Nigel Kennedy,
but is perhaps best known for the
song ‘Calling all Angels’, which was
recorded as a duet with K.D. Lang.
In 2006, she lost interest in the
commercial music business and
subsequently set up her own record
label. She has made her entire
back catalogue available for free
download.
Siberry stayed at the Findhorn
Foundation for a week and showed
great interest in the life of the
community.
“I met a circle of people that I hope
to meet again,” she said. “I hope to
perform in your Universal Hall next
time.”
For more information, visit the
website at www.janesiberry.com
Jane Siberry performs with her acoustic guitar at
‘Woodlands’ in Findhorn.
There wasn’t a spare seat in the house for either of Jane Sibbery’s ‘living-room gigs’ in Findhorn.
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Awards Dinner & Ceremony: Friday 25th October 2013
Who should enter: Open to all food and drink businesses and
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including: producers, retailers, catering and eating establishments,
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Watch the chef’s live theatre starring Charles
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over 50 local businesses exhibiting their
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Indulge guilt free - your entrance fee goes
straight to The Archie Foundation who are
aiming to raise £1million to enhance the
children’s ward at Raigmore Hospital.
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Exhibitors: there are a limited number of stands available.
To secure your space call Lyndsey Kelman on 01463 732213
Entries close on Wednesday 5th June.
More info and online entry: www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com
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Strathspey & Badenoch
HERALD