IN a new collaboration that is going to see hot new talents coming to Queen's Hall, Narberth, Span Arts and Swn Festival present Jodie Marie tonight (Friday).

The event, which sold out a mere three weeks after tickets went on sale, has generated a lot of excitement and anticipation in the Narberth area where singer-songwriter Jodie Marie was raised. Showcasing tracks from her debut album, Mountain Echo, Jodie is excited about the home-coming gig, having tweeted to all her followers: "very excited about this gig! X" 

"I love Pembrokeshire," she explained. "I think it has had such a massive influence on me; having all the beautiful space, landscapes and sea on my doorstep is amazing. I spend so much time at the beach, or just in the sea kayaking, surfing, or cliff jumping. I really appreciate that feeling of going out of your back door and all there is are fields and silence. You really come into your own, it's great for inspiration." 

Jodie Marie is that rarest of things: a refreshingly pure talent with a collection of deeply personal songs that manage to genuinely affect the listener.

Raised in Narberth - isolated and disinterested in the pop charts - Jodie was brought up on a diet of blues and Bonnie Raitt, leading her to a soulful and genuine signature sound. 

Her voice is that of a classic artist and her unique tone and phrasing is impossible to compare. Whilst the quality and substance of the songs bring to mind greats such as Carole King and Joni Mitchell, her style is truly original within this classic framework of writing. And the emotional depth of her writing belies her mere 19 years of age. 

She will be supported by talented local singer-songwriter Lowri Evans and Harry Keyworth, an emerging new talent with brilliant song writing and stirring honey-soaked vocals.

There is a waiting list for cancellations - contact (01834) 869323 or [email protected]">[email protected]