One of Frome’s most celebrated residents is finishing her highly anticipated Christmas Tour here in Frome at the Cheese & Grain on Thursday 21st December.
Originally from County Derry, Northern Ireland, Cara Dillon has lived in the town since 2002 with her husband, Sam Lakeman (musician and producer), and their three children. She is internationally recognised as a leading light in Irish Folk Music and her voice has won the hearts of millions including huge stars such as Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, who both regard Cara as an important influence on their singing careers. You may have heard Cara singing on Disney Movies, TV shows and National Radio not to mention the countless concerts in theatres and festivals she performs year on year.
Her first Christmas album, called “Upon A Winter’s Night”, was recorded at home and in Frome’s own Cooper Hall and went to Number 1 in the Official Indie Album Breakers Chart when it was released last year not once, but twice!! Cara captured the mystery of the festive season with a collection of songs ancient and modern, providing a very welcome antidote to 21st century Yuletide excess.
The story of Jesus’ birth is retold with gravitas, reverence and atmosphere, with the mood shifting from joyous wonder to reflection, faith and celebration. The music embodies the winter landscape and the sentiments of the season, both light and dark. The Sunday Times called it “Simple and stunning!” and the BBC called it “An instant Christmas classic”.
We spoke to Cara about her upcoming concert in Frome and asked what the audience could expect.
“Well, i’ve always felt there is another side to the Christmas we’re all force- fed from the media…far away from Bing Crosby’s crooning and Noddy screaming. I absolutely love the story at the heart of Christmas and wanted to perform songs that conveyed the wonder and celebrate it with the dignity and beauty it deserves. This will be the very last date of 17 Christmas shows and my last concert of 2017, so it will be extra special.
“The band are truly amazing and we have a beautiful stage set and lighting. It will be magical and very atmospheric.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Cara has recently returned from touring China, the USA and Germany and also released her seventh studio album called “Wanderer” on 13th October. Like her Christmas album, this too went straight to number 1 in the Official Indie Album Chart and has received rave reviews throughout the press with The Guardian calling it “Gorgeous homesick blues”.
Both signed CDs and LPs are available to purchase from Frome’s very own Raves From The Graves on Cheap Street… the perfect Christmas present. For more information visit Cara’s website at www.caradillon.co.uk
