A singer-songwriter who reached the final of this year's The Voice is performing in the East Riding. Sally Barker, who was mentored by Sir Tom Jones and is supporting the legendary performer at his shows this summer, is singing in the more intimate surroundings of The Back Room in Cottingham on Saturday, September 20.
The mother-of-two, who brought Sir Tom to tears with her rendition of Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, is joined on the bill in Cottingham by acclaimed instrumentalist Vicki Genfan, who has performed at jazz and guitar festivals worldwide.
The show has come about from a close relationship between Sally and local musicians Lou and Rich Duffy-Howard, who perform around the region as Loudhailer.
Lou said the friendship dates back to the 1980s when she was playing in Paris with Hull indie band The Red Guitars and her brothers Mike and Rob Howard were busking in the French capital with Sally.
Lou said: "We have had some really great, fun times over the years and have kept in touch, bumping into each other while playing gigs around the country."
In 2012, Sally and her bass-playing son Dillon Wakeford turned up to play a Loudhailer Acoustic night, and last November, Sally made the most of a break from recording The Voice to return with Vicki and play another set.
Lou said: "Sally had been recording The Voice in Manchester but she dashed over from her hotel to do a show here.
"She knew by then that she was through the first round, but we were sworn to secrecy.
"Earlier this year Sally got in touch again and said she was lining up some gigs for September.
"She wanted to come to Hull again and Rich suggested The Back Room because we like to collaborate with other musicians and promoters.
"We have worked hard to make Loudhailer Acoustic a venue and an event where people listen and appreciate the music.
"We know Paul Sutton takes the same approach at The Back Room and we want to support that."
The show will kick off the venue's new season, which two days later will see a performance from Canadian acoustic roots group My Sweet Patootie, supported by Irish singer-songwriting duo Odi.
Paul Sutton, owner of The Back Room, said: "The interest in Sally's show is huge. There is already heavy demand for tickets. We'll definitely sell out."
Tickets cost £12. Call 01482 847007 or visit The Back Room Cottingham website
