WEST HARTFORD, CT — Internationally touring singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid will bring her blend of folk, blues, and original music to West Hartford on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a performance at The Sounding Board Coffeehouse.
The show is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Universalist Church of West Hartford 433 Fern St. Tickets are available at this link.
The Sounding Board Coffeehouse is not an actual coffeehouse, but it is a nonprofit organization founded in the 1970s that is dedicated to folk music.
The concert is part of McQuaid's extensive 2026 touring schedule, which includes 118 performances between mid-January and the end of November.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago and now based in Cornwall, England, McQuaid is known for performances featuring multiple instruments, live looping, and a mix of original compositions and selected covers.
Her music ranges from contemplative ballads and playful blues to atmospheric instrumentals.
During her concerts, McQuaid moves between acoustic and electric instruments, incorporates layered vocals and percussion, and frequently invites audiences to sing along.
McQuaid said her demanding touring schedule has also provided an opportunity to develop new material before recording her next album.
"It's been quite the marathon," McQuaid said. "On the plus side, it's been fantastic to get the opportunity to try out my new material on live audiences before I record it."
She said performing the songs live has allowed them to evolve.
"Pretty much every song has changed and developed along the way, so that'll make our task a lot easier when we finally do get started on the next album," McQuaid said.
The musician is also preparing a new recording and rehearsal studio in Cornwall, where she has been developing arrangements for her upcoming album.
Her longtime manager and producer, Martin Stansbury, has accompanied her on tour for nearly 17 years and produced her latest album, The St Buryan Sessions.
Stansbury has also been recording and filming a series of performances called "Garage Sessions" at McQuaid's new studio.
McQuaid said the rehearsal space has been particularly useful for developing songs that incorporate multiple instruments and live looping.
One new composition begins with unaccompanied vocals before adding acoustic guitar, percussion, keyboards, electric guitar and vocal harmonies.
"That one needed a LOT of rehearsing, but it's working beautifully now!" she said.
West Hartford Concert Details
Additional information about McQuaid's music, recordings, and performances is available at sarahmcquaid.com.
To purchase tickets for Saturday's show, click on this link.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
West Hartford Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.