Devon-based singer-guitarist Jim Crawford's song Blues Boy was voted acoustic song of the year in 1999.

The award, coupled with an appearance on a Blueprint Magazine CD, led to appearances at festivals in Britain, France and the USA.

Jim built on his success by playing with well-known blues artists such as Angela Browning, Eugene Bridges and the Bruce Katz Band.

Tomorrow he performs with another rising star on the British blues circuit, already a familiar face to local music fans. Acoustic blues singer-guitarist Emily Druce is a regular visitor to the concert venue, the Parkside Social Club.

She sandwiches the concert between summer festival appearances in the Isle of Man, Holmfirth, Sidmouth, Gainsborough and Norway.

Since releasing her debut album in 2000 she has played with blues and folk artists like Nancy Kerr, Dr Feelgood, Lonnie Donegan and Mary Coughlan.

Book £5 tickets for tomorrow's 8pm concert at the Parkside Social Club, Butt Lane, by phoning 07799 275323.

nGary Kaye (right) spent much of the Eighties fronting Keighley rock bands like Chaos, the Big Bang and Hollow Horse.

He returns to the stage on Monday, at the New Roscoe in Leeds, to make his debut as a solo artist.

He is part of the line-up for the Springboard night for unsigned bands and artists, run by leading Northern promoter John Keenan.

Gary describes his music as a cross between Paul Weller, Tom McRae and Elvis Costello.

He added: "During a busy year I am aiming to record a CD single over the summer before taking an MA in writing in Sheffield.

"I'm also writing a book about the adventures, exploits and characters I've met over the years whilst playing in local bands."

nEast meets west in a fusion-music performance on June 21 as part of Bradford international Festival.

Taal Sangam -- Meeting Rhythms features London-based tabla maestro Pandit Sanju Sahai and Huddersfield percussionist Damion Harron.

Kala Sangam, the Bradford-based South Asian Arts company, is presenting the show in Peel Park.

Phone 01274 223212.

nSteve Harley, the Cockney Rebel from the 70s, plays an acoustic gig at Leeds City Varieties on Sunday.

The Blues Band plays on Thursday while American roots music master Kelly Joe Phelps performs next Saturday.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre or telephone 08456 441881.

nMotown groups The Four Tops and The Temptations perform their hits at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield on November 21.

MeatLoaf plays a third gig on December 13, and pop-punk public schoolboys Busted performs on March 7 next year.

Christina Aguilera performs on November 8. Book on 0114 256 5656.

nCerys Matthews promotes her debut solo album Cockahoop with a gig at Manchester University on June 26.