Country Roads at Acanteen presents SJ Mortimer

Country Roads at Acanteen presents SJ Mortimer (Trio Show) with special guest KIER – 9 July 2026

Country Roads continues its summer run at Acanteen with a powerhouse night of modern Americana and boundary‑breaking songwriting. On Thursday 9 July, the Chelmsford series welcomes one of the UK scene’s most electrifying vocalists for an intimate trio performance, supported by a rising genre‑shifter who’s fast becoming a name to watch.

Headlining the night is SJ Mortimer, the magnetic lead singer of Morganway and a force of nature on any stage she steps onto. Part angel, part banshee, all fire, SJ is known for a voice that can whisper like smoke and roar like thunder. As the frontwoman of Morganway, she’s earned comparisons to Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin and even a female‑fronted Zeppelin, commanding festival stages across the UK, Europe, the US and China with raw power and emotional honesty.

Her songwriting moves between grit and grace, heartache and defiance, country storytelling and soul‑drenched rock. With charting albums, international tours and four BCMA Band of the Year awards with Morganway, SJ now stands on the edge of a bold new chapter. Her forthcoming solo album, recorded in Muscle Shoals and set for release in 2026, promises her most personal and fearless work yet. This trio show offers a rare chance to experience that voice and artistry up close.

Special guest KIER brings her own fearless energy to the bill. The Yorkshire‑based singer/songwriter has carved out a distinctive “y’alternative” sound that blends country/Americana with indie, alt, pop and rock. Her debut album Welcome to the Strange Life topped the singer‑songwriter charts and placed her alongside major names like Steven Sanchez and Hozier, marking her as a breakout talent with global reach.

Since launching her solo career in 2022, KIER has played iconic venues including The Leadmill and Holmfirth Picturedrome, appeared on the main stage at Tramlines and earned airplay from BBC Radio to Nashville stations. With a second album in the works and a reputation for performances that leave audiences spellbound, she’s the perfect match for a night built on originality, power and emotional punch.

With two artists pushing the boundaries of modern country and Americana, this Country Roads date promises one of the most compelling shows of the summer.