EXCITING duos are heading to the next Penarth Acoustic Club on Friday, November 20.

The club, which now operates out of the Penarth Conservative Club, opened its doors in November 2014, in the previous venue of the British Legion, and is celebrating its first year of bringing exceptional quality acoustic music and poetry to the people of Penarth.

Re-united at the club last January for the first time in 20 years, Tony Thompson and John Lewis, two maestros of foot stomping blues/rockabilly riffs and licks, return with another shuddering set to lift the spirits and the roof.

This year has seen John celebrate 30 years in the business and to mark this milestone he has recorded his 15th studio album, His Other Side, an album which focuses more on his acoustic playing than his previous releases.

Described as “one of Wales’ best kept secrets”, he has completed two extensive tours of Europe this year and recently returned from Japan after headlining at the Rough House Yokohama festival. Together with the mind blowing virtuosity of blues harpist Tony Thompson, the duo create a toe tapping sound sure to thrill.

Making their debut appearance at the club will be Isabella (Bella) Collins and Gareth Evans. This dynamic guitar duo features the richly mature and easy flowing vocals of Bella supported by the slick improvised guitar work of Gareth.

With influences from the great jazz era artists such as Joe Pass, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, the duo also have taken inspiration from more contemporary artists such as Amy Winehouse and Prince.

Currently writing new material for an EP to be released in early 2016, the duo play a mix of acoustic “ska” (Caribbean/American Jazz) and gypsy jazz to an ever growing appreciative fan base.

Providing a selection of poetry will be Stephen Payne, whose work has been published in many UK literary magazines including The Poetry Review. He will be reading from his first full collection, Pattern Beyond Chance, which follows his successful Probabilities of Balance published in 2010.

Club hosts Adrian Lewis, Phil Nedin and Nick Treharne will provide the supporting entertainment in what has proved, since its inception a year ago, to be one of Penarth’s most popular live acoustic events.

“We are so pleased to be celebrating our first anniversary showcasing superb acoustic music”, said Nick Treharne, “and are delighted that through our efforts and the support of all our patrons, in our first year we have been able to donate around £700 worth of musical instruments to the charities MIND and Community Music Wales to enable less advantaged people enjoy making their own music”.

The atmosphere and surroundings that have been created have proved very popular with the audience and musicians alike ensuring that each night has been extremely well supported so it is advisable to purchase a ticket in advance.

Doors will open at 7.30pm for performances to begin at 8.15pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Pencerdd Music, Station Approach and Griffin Books, Windsor Road, Penarth.

For more information contact Pencerdd Music on 02920 709982. Bar facilities will be available.