Sing the blues as festival returns or rock on with up-and-coming band

A promoter has given another boost to the music scene in Scunthorpe with the confirmation that the Blues Festival will be returning.

Solid Entertainment has confirmed the date of the fourth Scunthorpe Blues Festival, which will be held at the town's Redbourn Social Club.

Already booked are Albany Down, The Dukes, The Wha?,

Jo Harman and Company and the Blues Boys Kings.

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Stephen Stanley, promoter, said: "The blues festival has recently been growing in popularity so we decided to organise two a year – one in October and one in May.

"The festival has really taken off because it is great value for money.

"We book six artists providing a variety of vocal ranges and talents to produce a great evening."

Blues singer Kyla Brox has also signed up to the event.

Some critics say she is one of the most authentic UK blues and soul singers working today.

Stephen said: "There is a blues audience in Scunthorpe, so we wanted to put something on for these people."

The Scunthorpe Blues Festival will be held on Sunday, October 28 between 3pm and 11pm.

Advance tickets will be £19. Early bird tickets are £16 each and are now on sale by calling 01472 349222.

For more information, visit www.scunthorpebluesfestival.co.uk

Elsewhere in the music world, the profile of local band Empty Pockets is rising every week.

The Scunthorpe duo – or band as they like to be known – are in their fifth month together and enjoying every minute of it.

Singer/guitarist/writer Mark Donaldson, 28, told What's On: "I have been doing gigs since 2004 and Jonni has previously been in bands too, but things did not work out.

"We ended up getting together on an off-chance for a jam. It became clear within ten minutes we were on to something."

Lead guitarist and co-writer Jonni McGrath, 21, said: "In our songs we try and give the listener a lift and a drive to get what it is they want. We write to inspire."

Mark and Jonni have been booked for a gig at the town's Lincoln Imp on September 1 on the same bill as Deadbeat Echoes, Danny Mahon, The Finest Hour and Chris Orphan.

Over in Kirton, Edwina Hayes will appear at a Town Hall Live event in the town, on Sunday, September 2.

Tickets for the event cost £8 and it starts at 7.30pm – so call 01652 649230 if you are interested.

Tickets for the Lincoln Imp gig are £6 and the show starts at 7pm.

Empty Pockets will perform at the Baths Hall this Saturday from 7pm.