Discover New Talent

You might not have heard Tori Sparks on the radio yet, but it won’t be long before this critically acclaimed singer/songwriter hits a speaker box near you. Tori’s folksy and ethereal sounds have been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco and her recent CD, The Scorpion in the Story, is up for six possible Grammy nominations. The Florida native (who now calls Nashville home) will stop in Gainesville this December, playing two benefit shows and showcasing her CD.

“This album is kind of a chronicle about the people I’ve met all over the country in 2008,” says Tori, who tours the country for most of the year. “One of the songs is even about someone I met in Gainesville.”

Despite her many performances nationwide, Tori is anxious to perform for her Gainesville fans.

“I’ve played in Gainesville before, but this year I feel very excited and very lucky to be doing this,” she says. “I tour so much, but I’m always happy to come back to Florida.”

Tori will play a Holiday Benefit Dinner at South Main Community Arts Center tomorrow (Dec. 17) at 8pm. She will play again on Dec. 27 at 3pm at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to benefit the Lake Area Ministries, featuring catered desserts and drinks, photo portraits and raffles. Tickets for this second show are $125 a person or $200 for each couple.

—Michelle Profis