The haunting legacy of songbird Eva Cassidy in a tribute concert

There was an overwhelming response when he played her deeply moving and emotional versions of Fields of Gold and Over the Rainbow on his BBC Radio 2 programme in 2000 – four years after she died.

The talented American vocalist and guitarist was only 33 when she lost her battle with melanoma (skin cancer).

Her compilation album Songbird shot to the top of the UK Albums chart and since then she’s become a household name with record sales topping 10 million copies world-wide.

Now Dunstable’s Grove Theatre is celebrating her exquisite sound with a one-off concert in October – Songbird: The Music of Eva Cassidy.

It stars Hollyoaks actress Sarah-Jane Buckley who revives her greatest hits with precision and passion.

Sarah-Jane – who played crazy Kathy Barnes in the Channel 4 soap – is the face of The Prince’s Trust and an ambassador for the charity.

She has also just completed a part in the film Kicks in which she features as a Liverpool mum with a taste for younger men.

She was thrilled to be cast in Songbird which traces Eva Cassidy’s remarkable and poignant journey from humble beginnings to her tragic and untimely death.

Her voice captures the raw emotion and power of this iconic artist whose unique sound became a global phenomenon. Known for her impeccable interpretations of jazz. blues, folk, gospel, country, rock and pop songs, Eva’s most mesmerising hits include Imagine, Time After Time and Wonderful World.`

And whether you’re a veteran Cassidy fan or just discovering her legacy for the first time, this is an opportunity to hear 25 of her immortal melodies from a wide range of material, infused with the warmth and purity that made them so moving and memorable.

> Songbird: The Music of Eva Cassidy takes place on Sunday, October 12. Call the Box Office on 01582 602080 or visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk