The ARC… Americana, Roots, Country songwriter touring event 2023

Welcome to the information page for The ARC Songwriters’ Tour - a unique songwriters’ round on tour featuring My Girl The River, Kate Ellis and Anna Howie. Performing Americana, Roots, Country, folk and more. The ARC Songwriters' Tour, inspired by Gretchen Peter's Wine Women and Song, is a unique event for fans of harmonies, stories, Americana, roots, country, folk and more. Featuring My Girl The River, Kate Ellis and Anna Howie, audiences have been moved to laughter, tears, sing-a-longs and stillness. A blend of American and British styles, they perform together 'in the round'. These gifted writers and performers create an intimate atmosphere and have been compared to the trio of Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Emmylous Harris by esteemed author and journalist Paul Sexton. Audiences have been full of praise for such an unforgettable night. ‘Incredible’, ‘moved me to tears’, ‘this is perfect for Americana and Country music fans’, ‘I look forward to your return!’

2022 was amazing with incredible shows, near sellouts and an unforgettable audience connection. The ARC songwriters would love to perform at your venue, festival or songwriting event. Click here for current TOUR DATES and check back for updates and new dates. Get in touch HERE for more!

Click on any small guide image below to go directly to the artist’s website or scroll for more information and Spotify/Youtube links

Kate Ellis’s southern country-folk roots come from her father who was an important early musical influence – he once played guitar with Hank Williams on the famous Louisiana Hayride, where Elvis and Johnny Cash started out. Kate’s emotional and seductive vocals take you into a world of private beauty, reflection and feelings. The music is always intimate and evocative – you listen and want to be there. “I hope that whatever people get from the music, they’ll be moved. I hope that they’ll find something that is beautiful and truthful. I don’t think that you can connect with any real emotion without truth.” Her new album, which will be released in Spring of 2022, has already turned heads with three wonderful singles and video premieres on Ditty TV. Kate recently performed at Maverick Music Festival.

Another Way (song in Spotify)
Speed of the Sound of Loneliness (video on YouTube) duet with Brooks Williams

My Girl The River is mainly the work of Kris Wilkinson Hughes. Hailing from southern Louisiana and after spending many years in Nashville, Kris relocated to the UK (much the same as Kate), bringing her incredibly rich ‘sugared espresso’ vocals to her memorable songwriting style. Compared to Lucinda Williams and Jason Isbell, Kris weaves a rich tapestry of words and melodies, bringing the listener into a world of different emotions. AmericanaUK gave her latest album Cardinal in the Snow an 8/10 calling it ‘Nashville meets southern gothic’ A new album is in the works and Cardinal in the Snow will be featured on tour.

It’s Gonna Be Alright (song in Spotify)
You Do Not Deserve My Tears (live on YouTube)

Anna Howie is the British writer joining these two American women. Anna has a delicate voice yet is able to grab the listeners full attention. With a writing style crafted from study with the likes of Gretchen Peters, Anna truly gets to the heart of the matter. Her newest album, which will be released in Spring of 2022 was produced by Lukas Drinkwater and features a myriad of instruments and harmonies. From laughing to crying, Anna’s songs are instantly relatable as they are memorable. Anna worked hard over lockdown performing every Friday night live on Facebook. An experience that inspired songs off her new album.

In Her Shoes (song in Spotify)
Angels Among Us (YouTube video)

Recently My Girl The River and Kate Ellis performed at The Green Note. Read this glowing review from Americana-UK HERE
My Girl The River and Anna Howie recently performed at The Sound Lounge as part of the Paul Sexton presents series.