AN EVESHAM-BASED folk singer, originally from Belarus, has just recorded her first live acoustic EP and now she is looking forward to a busy summer of live performances.

This is hardly surprising, given that on he day of its release the EP, Strawhouse Sessions 12, got to #1 on UK iTunes Blues Album Charts.

Katrin Leoni came to the Vale with a strong folk background, four years ago, and she was determined to carry on her dream of a career as a singer/songwriter.

She said: "I'm originally from Minsk, Belarus, so I was born and grew up there. I have been a part of Belarusian folk singing and dancing group/ensemble for about eight years, while I was at school and then did a bit of gigging, while I was at university. I moved to Evesham around four years ago.

"Some time after moving, I saw and advertisement on the internet for Open Mic UK - national singing competition - and decided to take part, where got to Area Finals stage held at NEC Birmingham."

She added: "This way I met Dutch Van Spall - the founder of Big Help Music, a Warwickshire based music label, and took part in their Artist Development Program, which included quite a lot of working on songwriting and industry guiding."

With a guitarist found and help from Big Help Music, the EP was sure to follow.

Katrin said: "My guitarist's name is Chris Vizor, we have teamed up in September last year and played at various open mics and gigs. So this coalition with Chris and Big Help Music resulted in recording this EP.

"We are doing a set at the Folk On The Water festival on Saturday June 24 at The Cape of Good Hope in Warwick. Then I've got a couple of gigs, where I'd be performing on my own. In addition, I'm waiting for confirmation of the slots at The Evesham River Boat Festival and The Plum Festival in Pershore."

Confirmed summer gig dates for Katrin are as follows.

July 1 - The Folly Inn, Napton (Folk On The Water)

July 21 - The Fusilier, Leamington Spa

August 18 - The Fusilier, Leamington Spa

Further details at, http://www.facebook.com/katrinleonimusic