Singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid is kicking off the new year with an exciting series of UK concerts, following her extensive autumn tour across the UK and USA. Beginning in her adopted hometown of Penzance, Cornwall, McQuaid’s January performances will set the tone for a dynamic year ahead, including a February-March tour through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Full details, including times and ticket links, can be found at https://sarahmcquaid.com/tour.
Opening at The Acorn in Penzance
“It’s become a tradition for me to start the year at The Acorn,” McQuaid says of her January 17th performance. “The familiar faces and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect setting to debut new material.”
Fresh off her autumn tour, McQuaid has two new songs in her repertoire and plans to introduce another during the January shows. These tracks are a preview of what’s to come, as she aims to record a new album this summer, contingent on the completion of her ambitious home studio project. She’s transforming a derelict garage into a high-quality recording space, a venture she hopes to fund through touring and crowdfunding efforts.
A Life Shaped by Music
Born in Spain and raised in Chicago, McQuaid has had a remarkable musical journey. As a member of The Chicago Children’s Choir, she toured North America before moving to Ireland in the 1990s, where she wrote the influential Irish DADGAD Guitar Book and contributed to renowned publications like Hot Press and Dublin Evening Herald.
Her move to Cornwall in 2007 marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. She collaborated with Zoë Pollock, creator of the 1991 UK Top 5 single “Sunshine On A Rainy Day,” on an album under the band name Mama, praised for its “maverick mix” by MOJO. Pollock’s encouragement spurred McQuaid’s focus on her own songwriting, ultimately shaping her path as a solo artist.
Acclaim for The St Buryan Sessions
McQuaid’s sixth solo album, The St Buryan Sessions, showcases her stunning live performances. Recorded in the medieval church of St Buryan during lockdown, the album highlights her exceptional talents as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist.
Critics have hailed the album’s minimalist beauty, with Acoustic Guitar describing her voice as “a fragile, starkly resonant alto” and Folk Radio UK calling it “a wonderful, expressive and intimate live album.” The recording’s immersive ambience and artistry have earned praise across three continents.
The Road Ahead
As 2025 begins, Sarah McQuaid invites audiences to join her for evenings of soulful storytelling, intricate musicianship, and a sneak peek at her forthcoming works. Her UK tour is set to captivate new and longtime fans alike. Sarah’s vision for the year includes the launch of her new home studio, which she envisions as a creative hub for her upcoming projects. This ambitious endeavor symbolizes a new phase in her artistic journey, offering not only enhanced sound quality for her recordings but also a personal sanctuary for exploration and innovation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Website: Sarah McQuaid
Facebook: @sarahmcquaidmusic
Instagram: @sarahmcquaidmusic
Twitter/ X: @sarahmcquaid
BlueSky: @sarahmcquaidmusic.bsky.social