Martin’s heading home
POPULAR FOLK SINGER TO PERFORM AT WASHINGTON OLD HALL
A celebrated folk rock singer, who’s enjoyed success on both sides of the Pond, is returning to home turf for an Independence Day gig.
Tomorrow Martin Stephenson will be performing at Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of first US president George Washington, which each year celebrates its links to the USA.
Following a day of starspangled celebrations, Martin will perform in the Nuttery with a mixture of old and new favourites.
It’s a local landmark which was the backdrop to many childhood memories for the singer songwriter who grew up in Washington Village.
Speaking from his home in the Scottish Highlands, Martin, who is returning to the hall after a popular gig there last September, recalls: “I used to walk past the Old Hall every day on my way to school and back then it was across the road from the pit.
“I remember seeing the miners huddled around a fire in a metal bin during the strike and it was an image I never forgot.
“Then, when I was performing in North Carolina I remember going to a book store and seeing a picture of the Hall on the wall. Concord in North Carolina and Concord in Washington are twinned.”
Martin, 56, who attended St Joseph’s Primary School before attending St Robert of Newminster School, said: “I still tour a lot, but the gig at Washington Old Hall will be particularly special. Last time I performed there I saw people I hadn’t seen since school, which was a really nice feeling.”
Martin Stephenson will take to the stage at Washington Old Hall for an outdoor gig in The Nuttery from 7pm on July 4. Tickets are £12.50 from Tel. 0191 416 6879.