Norwich Arts Centre, 24 Mar 2026
Joint headline show
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, KATIE SPENCER’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through her assured guitar style and songwriting. Now, as Katie steps into this new era with a third album, her focus turns to those deeper inner spaces, inviting the listener to engage with her heartfelt and intricately-crafted songs.
Her writing, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Judee Sill, Julie Byrne and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, weave into her sound. Katie absorbs these influences into her songwriting and with her distinctive deep vibrato and crystal-clear guitar style, she makes the music inimitably her own.
Born and raised in Norfolk, WATKIN SHARKEY is a folk songwriter influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, Ralph Mctell and Michael Chapman. A new kid on the block, Sharkey has dived into his first year of live performances with tours of the UK, France and Spain. Supporting Katie Spencer in Sheffield and opening for Paul Armfield on his spring 2025 UK tour are notable successes. With a debut album in the works, Watkin has a distinctive, contemporary sound while tipping his hat to the 60s/70s folk tradition.
A small, independent, award-winning venue. The heart of Norwich’s cultural community
51 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG
01603 660 352 / None