Darlington’s Hayley McKay is heading to the USA next week to perform at the International Singer Songwriter Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.
Hayley won Gold for International Single of the Year with her song Wild West and Bronze for International Emerging Artist at the prestigious event last summer.
Unable to fly out last year due to the colossal financial cost, Hayley has secured funding from Creative Darlington and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and is excited to head stateside on August 1.
Hayley told The Northern Echo: “It’s going to be a fun adventure. I’m going to Coney Island in Charleston to do a gig with David Neil Crabtree, and then we’re heading to Atlanta for the awards show.
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“Then we’re heading to Gatlinburg, and going through the mountains en route to Nashville so I’ll get to see where Dolly Parton grew up.
“In Nashville I’ve got a gig with Bill Di Luigi, who I’ve been writing with on Zoom for a few years.
“I’ve also got some writing sessions with some really good writers. We’re going for 11 days so it’s going to be an adventure.
“It’s great to be able to go this year so I’m really grateful for the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Creative Darlington.”
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It’s been non-stop for the blonde songstress this year with her latest song, Homemade Show, having airplay at radio stations in Australia last month.
She also performed at Sunday for Sammy at Newcastle City Hall on July 2, and appeared on Crafter’s TV on June 30 chatting all things music therapy and creativity.
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On her return, the local celebrity will have some gigs closer to home, including; St George's Venue, Hartlepool Wednesday, October 11, The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond on Thursday, October 12, and Music Port Festival in Whitby on October 22 at the Whitby Pavilion.
Hayley is also over the moon to be on the lineup of West Coast Folk Festival at Blackpool Winter Gardens next year playing alongside big names including Eddie Reader.
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