A YOUNG Stevenston mum who has sung for years at her local church brought her talent to a wider audience after performing at this year’s Celtic Connections.

Folk singer Frances Grier, who goes by the professional name of Franklyn, performed at the Danny Kyle Open Stage Emerging Talent on Wednesday, January 27.

The 30-year-old is an active member of Ardrossan Church of the Nazarene and often sings and plays guitar at services.

But performing at an open stage night was a different experience for the mum of two.

Frances told the Herald: “It went fine but it was a bit nerve-wracking. I’ve performed for years but I probably do more church congregation and community-based things.

“There’s a lot less pressure when you’re performing in church!”

The Danny Kyle Open Stage Emerging Talent gives up-and-coming

artists a platform to shine under the Celtic Connections spotlight and the chance to compete for a support slot at next year’s festival.

This year the competition ran over two weeks, with each open stage night broadcast and recorded by Celtic Music Radio.

Performing is second nature to Frances. She has been singing in choirs since a young age and even published her own CD of her written material in 2007.

The record sold a couple of hundred copies at various acoustic gigs, open mic nights and charity events.

Frances cites Paul Simon, Eva Cassidy and Rich Mullens among her influences.

She said: “I write most of my songs that I perform. I’m inspired to write just by life generally and definitely my faith because I’m a Christian. Music is a huge part of my life. It’s a passion.”

Next for Frances is a performance in Glasgow this month.

She said: “It’s part of Lentfest which is a community festival run by the Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project (AGAP ). I’m doing a set there with another singer called Martin Jones from Greenock.”

Frances’ gig is on Saturday, February 13 at 7.30pm at Blessed John Duns Scotus, 270 Ballater St, Glasgow, G5 0YT. Tickets are £5.

For more information, visit www.agap.org.uk/lentfest/.