PAUL Jones and Dave Kelly's visit to the Shire Hall in Howden on Wednesday is "one of Howden Live's most ambitious events to date".

This is a rare mid-week gig for the Howden concert promoters, who are charging £12.50 for tickets, on sale at Touchwood Homecare, Market Place, Howden, and on 01430 431535, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or 01430 431488 at other times.

Last year was the 25th anniversary of Jones and Kelly first performing together in The Blues Band, but they are comparative newcomers at the duo format: only the ten years so far.

The two blues men will be playing a mildly electric but mostly acoustic set, performing favourite blues standards as well as their own compositions, including a few made famous by The Blues Band.

Jones, vocalist and harmonica player, made his name in Manfred Mann, singing all their hits from 1964 to 1966, when he left to pursue a solo career in music and acting. Later he added presenting to that list, and now hosts a rhythm and blues show on Radio 2 on Thursday and a Saturday blues programme on Jazz FM.

Kelly, vocals and slide guitar, shares lead-singing duties with Jones in The Blues Band. He began his professional career in 1966, following his sister Jo Ann Kelly into playing folk clubs, and he has played and recorded with blues legends Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Son House, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters. Such is his guitar prowess that he has been voted Best Acoustic Artist in the BBC polls for 1992, '94, '96, '97 and '98.

Doors open at 7.30pm on Wednesday for the 8pm start (no entry after 8.15pm).

Updated: 16:05 Thursday, January 20, 2005