Meet the "spiv" who hopes to bring new life to the Keighley music scene and help local bands hit the big time.

Haworth man and former professional musician Chris Bray has set up Spiv Promotions to run a series of live concerts in Keighley.

The jazz, blues and folk fan also hopes to produce a sampler CD featuring songs by Keighley bands.

Chris says: "I want to encourage more live music in the area and want to do something positive about it."

The first act booked by Chris is the Essex-based R&B band Two Timers, who will perform on March 10 at the Victoria Hotel.

In the future he hopes other out-of-town bands will play with support by up-and-coming local bands.

Chris worked during the 70s as a roadie and saxophonist with Liverpool band The Accelerators.

Growing unhappy with the deals offered by record companies at the time, he set up Spiv Records to release the band's recordings.

He then went on to release further records by other Liverpool bands such as Surface Tension and The Adams Family.

Chris went on to work in the film industry as a video director with performers like Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Lena Lovich and Wreckless Eric.

He was involved in more than 100 film productions, including one which was selected for the 1995 London Film Festival.

Chris has also lectured in media studies and marketed a community productions company on Mersey-side, and spent four years as chairman of Liverpool's Open Eye Gallery.

Chris reckons his CD project will take up to a year to complete.

Anyone interested in taking part in the project, or playing at Chris's gigs, should telephone him on 01535 648019.

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