Through another joint initiative between the Gable End Theatre and Woodwick House, one of the country's leading vocalists will soon be in Orkney. This is Anita Wardell, currently nominated as one of the three finalists for the BBC's 'BEST OF JAZZ' Award for 2006.

She will be performing at the Gable End Theatre on Friday, June 19th 2006, at 8 p.m., and at Woodwick House on the following night, June 20th 2006, also at 8 p.m.

Anita's beautifully toned singing style is all her own, but has its origins in the school of Ella Fitzgerald, taking in the classic show business standard ballads (Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart and Oscar Hammerstein) and giving them a modern spin with wordless vocalising techniques in dazzling improvisations.

Her BBC citation reads: 'Both on CD and on stage she is a modern re-interpreter of the standard repertoire and someone who brings her inventive and energetic approach to newer material as well.'

The Guardian proclaimed her 'one of Britain's most exciting talents'.

In Japan they said, 'She's the real thing who can fluently scat and vocalese.'

For her tour to the far north, Anita will be accompanied by the leading Scottish jazz guitarist, Nigel Clarke.

Tickets at the Gable End Theatre will be £6 (£5 concessions); for bookings phone 01856 701210.

Tickets at Woodwick House will be £9 (£7 concessions); for bookings phone 01856 751330.