VISITORS to the Darwen Music Live Festival over the Bank Holiday are in for a rare treat with dozens of local and regional bands and singers being given the chance to air their talents across the entire musical spectrum.

One particular combo, which will be of special interest to jazz enthusiasts, is that led by guitarist John Wheatcroft, who created such a favourable impression when they performed on the acoustic stage last year.

The organisers of the festival were sufficiently impressed to invite back John and his fellow musicians Gerry Harrison (flute, alto sax), Pete Newton (double bass) and Ritchie McGrath (percussion).

However, this time they will appear on the main stage on the Leisure Centre car park at 4pm on Monday. Wheatcroft's playing is very much in the style of the great Django Reinhardt and lovers of gentle jazz should make an effort to catch this set.

Gary Ward, of the Darwen Music Project, the organisation responsible for programming the event, said: "We are very much looking forward to hearing John Wheatcroft. His performance last year was first-class and we are fortunate to have such an outstandingly-talented guitarist on the bill again this year."

My personal wish for the festival is that it is blessed with decent weather. The organisers are to be congratulated for their continued attempts to boost local talent.

Any those of you who appreciate jazz played by experts of the genre should try and make it to the Rhythm Station next Tuesday night when three of the UK's top players appear together on stage.

Bruce Adams (trumpet), Alan Barnes (saxes and clarinet) and Roy Williams (trombone) are no strangers to East Lancs as they have appeared individually at the Rhythm Station on a number of previous occasions.

To have them together is indeed a rare treat and Tommy Melville, who leads the resident quartet and is responsible for booking the various musicians and singers at this venue, is anticipating a packed house.

The show starts at 8.30 and admission is £8.

Finally some news of a well-known East Lancashire musician who will celebrate his 60th birthday with a musical bash at his local hostelry.

Drummer Chas Hooper, whose shop in Belthorn is an Aladdin's Cave for drummers, will lead his band, the Chas Hooper Swing Six, at the Dog Inn, directly opposite his shop, on Sunday, June 9.

He has asked me to pass on a general invitation to friends and anyone else interested in having a good night out to the sounds of an excellent jazz band. Admission is free and all you are asked to do is leave your cares at home!!!