June 22, 2012 9.32 am This story is over 140 months old

Local duo to play at Olympic event in Lincoln

Party preview: Acoustic duo asked to perform at the Olympic Torch Relay celebrations in Lincoln on June 27.

An acoustic duo from Doncaster have been asked to perform at the Olympic Torch celebrations in Lincoln on June 27.

Rhiannon Scutt and Pete Sowerby, who comprise the band known as Rita Payne, were contacted by Lincs FM and asked to take part in the celebrations on Brayford Pool.

Pete said: “As Rita Payne, we have been performing for about seven months, but as individuals we have been performing for a total of 15 years a piece.”

“After finishing university, we both found ourselves back home and after bumping into each other, decided to get together as a duo.”

He added: “We are currently finishing our Extended Play – Big Wheel – and we’re looking to speak to various record companies with the possibility of signing.”

“We’re swamped at the moment with gigs and festivals all over the north of England.”

Rita Payne’s musical style consists of blues, modern folk and country with their main influences including Mumford & Sons, Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel.

“We began around Christmas 2011 and decided to try to earn ourselves a little money playing covers in local pubs,” Rhiannon added.

“Once we started playing we began writing our own material and that’s how Rita Payne evolved.”

“It wasn’t planned at all, but we’re both so glad it’s happened.”

The Olympic Torch celebrations will take place on Wednesday, June 27 from 5pm-10pm at Yarborough Sports Ground.