From medicine to music via Yorkshire's first whisky distillery
Thu 9th January 2020
A young singer songwriter from Beverley will make her debut at the Spirit of Yorkshire's Distillery Sessions next month.
Having completed a MSc in Molecular Medicine, Rachel Makena is now turning her attention to her lifelong passion for music and will perform on the 31st January at the intimate Hunmanby venue where Yorkshire's first single malt whisky, Filey Bay is being produced.
Spirit of Yorkshire co-founder and keen musician, David Thompson is looking forward to seeing Ms Makena perform at the distillery for the first time: "Rachel is a regular on BBC Music's Introducing show and has played at local festivals including Tribfest, Staxtonbury and Filey Folk Festival. We can't wait to welcome her to our unique venue overlooking the copper stills where we're making history."
Of the debut, Ms Makena said: "2020 is going to be a very exciting year for me. In addition to performing at the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery, I am supporting The Housemartins tribute band, The Southmartins at the O2 Academy in Leeds and Sheffield and have been invited to perform at Arafest Music Festival and the Let's Rock gig night at Bridlington Spa. I can't wait!"
Tickets for Rachel's gig on 31st January cost £10 and from £15.50 with a choice of deli boards. They are available online at spiritofyorkshire.com or by calling 01723 891758.
Forthcoming events at the 18th January - ERT Cafe/Bar , Beverley 12pm, Pot Still Coffee Shop include a Burns night celebration with a Yorkshire twist on 24th January and Scarborough duo Circa 15 on 28th February.
In addition to fortnightly live music events, visitors can tour the distillery and enjoy home-made refreshments in the Pot Still Coffee Shop seven days a week.
Ms Makena is currently fundraising for WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature) with her songs 'Plastic Wrap' and 'Can Anybody Hear Me?' and all profits from streaming these songs on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music will be donated to the animal charity.
