After the excitement last month of attracting their first international songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee to the Welshpool Songwriter Sessions, organisers Stewart Charman and Barry Williams return to rising home-grown talent for this month’s live evening in the intimate surroundings of Welshpool’s Monkey Puzzle café.

Headlining the Welshpool Songwriter Sessions on Friday, November 1, will be emerging country singer songwriter Stevie O’Connor. Hailing from the southwest of England and nominated for Best Male and UK Entertainer of the Year at the 2019 British Country Music Awards (BCMAs), Stevie has played a string of high-profile festivals that have earned him a growing fan base.

Stevie's style is embedded in Texas Country and the influences of Jinks, Hank Williams, Jennings and Willie Nelson are apparent throughout. He brings a blues theme to his songs and has been widely tipped as a man to go and see live. Currently recording his debut album, Stevie has already secured award nominations and multiple dates around the UK supporting some of the best in country music whilst on tour.

Supporting Stevie will be Emma Jade. From Doncaster and nominated for best female at the 2019 BCMAs, Emma competed in the 2013 edition of the BBC TV talent series ‘The Voice UK’, on the team of Sir Tom Jones.

Welshpool Songwriters Sessions co-host Barry Williams will open the evening – a fixture on the local music scene for two decades, he was formerly a member of prog-metallers Moses Eats Cheese and more recently, one half of the country duo One Crow Sorrow (OCS).

After the sad passing of his OCS bandmate, Tim Guttridge, Barry is now back performing as a solo artist, focusing on original material and looking to play wherever and whenever he can.

Entry to the Welshpool Songwriter Sessions, at the Monkey Puzzle Café, Puzzle Square, SY21 7LE, costs just £3 on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm with music from 8.15 to 10.30pm. For more details see the Charman Promotions page at www.facebook.com/CharmanPromotions