All the way from bonny ol’ Dundee, Scotland, folk artist Simon Kempston is paying Vernon’s Gallery Vertigo a visit Friday, Sept. 18.
An award-winning songwriter and regarded fingerstyle guitarist, Kempston is touring from Vancouver Island to Calgary, with numerous stops in between, before he moves on to Ireland and northern Europe.
Known for his poetic lyricism and distinctive guitar playing, Kempston’s music is steeped in the history of the folk, blues and Celtic traditions and is complemented by his rich, powerful and compelling voice.
Kempston’s beautifully crafted folk-tinged songs, which he has performed to critical acclaim at esteemed venues and festivals all over Europe, are said to transport the listener on a uniquely Scottish journey.
Reaction to his latest album, The Last Car, has been positive, reports Kempston on his blog, adding the video for the album’s single, A City Beautiful, was recently nominated for the Edinburgh International Film Festival Short Film Challenge.
“I’m greatly appreciative of all those who have bought or taken the time to listen to it, as well as those who have given the album wider exposure,” writes Kempston.
Opening for Kempston Friday at Gallery Vertigo (#1-3001 31st St., upstairs) is Ernest Anyway. The performance starts at 8 p.m. and admission is on a sliding scale of $5 to $10.
