YORK band Aynt Skynyrd pay tribute to the Deep Southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Grand Opera House, York, on May 29.

While the band members may not be carbon copies of the originals, musically they serve up “Southern fried, smokey Bourbon, Florida-distilled rock’n’roll” when they play Sweet Home Alabama, Simple Man, Free Bird et al. Tickets cost £17 on 0844 847 2322.

Ayny Skynyrd sponsored last Friday’s Best Of The Bands schools competition at the Grand Opera House – and they have invited the winners, Hot Fudge, to play the opening at next week’s concert.

“We have a simple ethos that we wanted to share with the contestants: don’t play it, feel it,” says Mick Sawyer, Aynt Skynyrd founder and music promoter.

“This applies to all music, whether playing covers or original material. This has been born out of years of seeing many bands play songs quite adequately and in some instances very skilfully, but with no soul or feeling.

“So Aynt Skynyrd wanted to show their support to the wealth of talent from local bands within York’s schools, and work closely with the bands to share knowledge and advice, and hopefully get them on the right track.”

Mick was joined on the judging panel by fellow Aynt Skynyrd founder Tivvy Gomersall, York singer-songwriter Holly Taymar and Discerning Images photographer Rob Scott.

Fourteen bands had eight minutes each to make an impression in the quick-moving contest that culminated in Hot Fudge celebrating the sweet taste of success.