BLUES fans left pining for more after this year's marvellous Burnley Blues Festival can stop their crying as Colne gets ready for a series of sizzling summer shows.

Some of the top names in blues will appear at Colne Municipal Hall over the summer to whet music fans' appetites for the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival over August Bank Holiday weekend.

Buddy Guy, arguably the greatest new blues talent of the last decade, is almost certain to sell out the Municipal Hall when he visits on Monday, June 29.

Louisiana-born Guy's fierce determination, passionate voice and blistering guitar attack have won him three consecutive Grammy awards.

Even Eric Clapton, who was once embarrassed by fans who hailed him as "God", has described Guy as the greatest guitar player alive. Guy, who says he does not let such praise go to his head, will be supported by the Aynsley Lister Band.

The next helping of blues in the town comes on Thursday, July 23, with the visit of 28-year-old African-influenced acoustic guitarist Corey Harris, supported by the Frank White Band.

Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges, the BB King-influenced bluesman who stormed the final night of Burnley Blues Festival with a wonderfully expressive performance, makes a return to East Lancashire.

Eugene comes to town on Monday, July 27, supporting Taj Mahal, a man with a 40-year musical career who can play no less than 20 different instruments.

Taj blends Caribbean and West African sounds with the blues traditions of America, and has performed alongside artists including John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

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