Features

Television personality Jimmy Doherty has certainly made his mark since his move to Wherstead on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Jimmy Doherty

He's one of Jamie Oliver's best friends and not surprisingly the Essex-based chef is lending his support to Harvest At Jimmy's, a music and food festival which takes place this month.

As my wife will testify my culinary skills leave a lot to be desired so rather than pretend to know what I'm talking about on that score I'll concentrate on the music on the menu on 12 and 13 September.

At the time of writing there are very few tickets left so if all this lights your candle then keep your fingers crossed you're not too late.

I'll be presenting a special radio programme from Jimmy's Farm on the Sunday morning so even if you're not going along you can still get a flavour of this unique event and you can find out more about the festival by clicking here:

Ipswich has got the Blues

THE blues is alright and is about to return to The Staff Club in Ipswich.

The Ipswich Rhythm and Blues Club is now firmly established on the national blues circuit and quite rightly took a break for the summer.

I know from past experience as a blues co-promoter that getting people through the door during July and August is a risky business so it makes sense to have a couple of months off and come back with a bang in September.

Guy Tortora

The IRBC is doing just that with the visit of American blues man Guy Tortora on Saturday 26 September.

Guy is a fine guitarist who's been based in London for many years and whether playing electric or acoustic Guy is grounded in the blues and all the styles that form part of the genre. His first appearance in Ipswich will be well worth catching.

Ipswich Rhythm and Blues Club

The following month Norfolk blues sensation Oli Brown is back in town.

This time last year the teenage guitar hero packed The Staff Club out to provide the IRBC with their most successful night to date.

Oli and his rhythm section will be returning to one of their favourite venues on Saturday 8 October and if you haven't been converted yet then stick this date in your diary and get there nice and early.

Also returning in October will be The Keno Kings who're also from Norfolk.

I've been waxing lyrical about this impressive quartet for well over a decade now. Suffice to say they come highly recommended and should pull in a good crowd on Halloween night.

November's IRBC gigs feature the Jamie Williams Band on 14 November and Earl Green and The Right Time on 28 November.

Earl Green

Earl Green has one of the best soul/blues voices this side of the pond and is really at home fronting The Right Time.

He made his name as Otis Grand's lead singer in the 1990s then linked up with Paul Lamb and The King Snakes.

Earl's first IRBC gig last year was somewhat marred by technical problems but he still impressed me greatly.