Johnny and the Poorboys hit the road today for a two-month Trailer Park Sweethearts tour.

Keighley's favourite Celtic rock and rollers play eight concerts around Yorkshire and one in Lancashire.

The first gig helps open Bradford Festival -- see below for details -- and the tour showcases the band's new line-up.

Johnny says the two new desperadoes in the "last gang in town" are guitarist Nick Procter and bass player Graham Dixon.

And Johnny claims Nick played with Cherryland Bandits, Hanoi Rocks and the Counterfeit Stones.

He adds: "Graham was last seen in the Travelling Elderberries, The Gangsters of Soup and Wizzard."

Pinches of salt should also be taken with Johnny's report of the Poorboys' activities during their recent time off.

Two allegedly joined a religious cult, one toured with the Chuckle Brothers, and another invaded the stage at a Daniel O'Donnell concert.

The musicians -- this is more believable -- also learned new material for their "Pogues meet Steve Earle in Keith Richards' kitchen" set.

Catch the Poorboys at O'Neils, Blackburn, June 18; Three Horse Shoes, Otley, June 20; Dales Bridge Outdoor Centre, Clapham, June 21; Tut and Shive, Yeadon, 28; Snooty Fox, Oakworth, July 4; Halifax Irish Festival, Piece Hall, July 5; Riverside Festival, Hebden Bridge, July 13; Rose and Crown, Ilkley on July28.

nThe Powder Monkeys join Johnny and the Poorboys in helping kick-off Bradford International Festival this weekend.

The two Keighley outfits perform in Centenary Square as part of the festival's free music and street arts programme.

Johnny and the Poorboys play their Celtic and alt-country rock and roll tonight at about 5.30pm.

Also performing between noon-3pm and 4.30-9pm are Imani Hekima, Wilfull Missing, Azam Khans, Seven Hours and Midnight Special.

Powder Monkeys play funky indie and pop-rock tomorrow, towards the end of a 10.45am-8pm extravaganza.

Also appearing tomorrow are Connect, Elephant Talk, Harlem Gem, Capoiera Angola and Dioloulou.

There will be free performances in the square every day next week, around lunch and tea-time plus June 21 from 11.15am to7pm.

Other festival events include a city-centre carnival procession (tomorrow 11.30am), Lister Park music and street arts weekend (tomorrow & Sunday) at the Peel Park mela (June 21/22).

There is also a kite festival, stage performances, club nights, Bite the Mango world cinema, and art exhibitions to look forward to!

Details from 01274 722272, or www.bethere2003.com.

nKeighley band The Pipers tomorrow take time off from recording their latest five-track CD.

The trio play the Snooty Fox, Oakworth, with support from acoustic singer-musician Paddy Hurst.

As well as Paddy, the Pipers' former singer, there will be DJs at the free-entry gig.

nBlondel's appearance tonight at Steeton Hall will be followed by a public performance on Wednesday at the Punch Bowl in Silsden.

The Keighley trio then head back to Birmingham. "They like us there," says musician Roger Kirby. "It must be our northern accents!"

nThe Wilderness performs at Maguire's, Leeds, tomorrow following tonight's gig at O'Shea's in Manchester.

nLeading Canadian blues guitarist Amos Garrett performs at the CragRats Theatre, Holmfirth, on June 25 at 8pm.

Amos, renowned for the guitar solo on Maria Muldaur's Midnight at the Oasis, will be supported by The Distant Cousins.

Book £10/£8 tickets on 01484 691323.