A MUSICIAN from the United States got a surprise when a fan from Barnsley invited her to perform in the town.
Emily Duff may be garnering a reputation in her home of New York City, but it’s doubtful many people in Barnsley will have heard of her.
But music lover Chris Farrall had, finding her music online after noticing she was influenced by some of his favourite artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle - and Chris struck up a conversation with the American singer-songwriter in unusual circumstances.
“I ordered a copy of her CD and my order got mixed up, and I just got talking to her,” said Chris, 57, from Richard Road, Smithies.
“I went to see her in New York, somewhere I love to go because there’s different music every night of the week.
“She’s always wanted to come over here, but it’s finance and logistics for artists who haven’t got a label.”
Chris has since seen Emily three times, and when the opportunity came up for her to play at The Garrison in Barnsley town centre, he pulled out all the stops to make sure she could get there.
“It came out of the blue,” said Emily. “At first I thought this guy can’t actually mean me, he must want to talk to someone else.
“But he started saying how much he loved my music, and I realised he was just a genuine music lover.
“Many artists these days are against technology and streaming, but I’m very grateful for it and this is a beautiful example of technology working.
“Chris didn’t see me at a show in New York, he found my music online.
“He was excited to bring me over and share what I’m doing with his friends.”
Emily, who has since written a song about the experience, stopped off at The Garrison after a UK tour taking in Edinburgh, Nottingham and Cheltenham, last Sunday.
“A lot of people I’ve introduced to Emily’s music have liked it,” added Chris. “And it’s nice for her to have some friendly faces in the crowd.”
