MUSIC-lovers will be spoiled for choice as this month sees four of the UK’s most gifted groups perform at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake to kick-start the spring season.

The wealth of talent heading to the Lakes includes classic blues, velvet vocals, foot-stomping folk and sublime Indian sitar.

Musical mavericks, The Blues Band, are taking over the Main House on February 11 with their original compositions and a selection of some country, jazz and electric blues classics by the likes of Memphis Minnie, Robert Johnson and Mississippi Fred McDowell.

Held in admiration by their loyal fan base and acknowledged as some of Britain's most skilled artists, they will pull out all the stops for an evening of spectacular rhythm and blues licks.

In the Studio on the same night and back by popular demand is folk legend, Tom McConville, a fiddle genius with great vocals who cut his teeth in the thriving Newcastle folk scene in the late 60s and early 70s.

Blending fast rhythmic dance tunes with beautiful soul-searching ballads, Tom's technique and sensational skill has seen him receive immense respect and praise from musicians and public alike.

On February 12 Elkie Brooks, otherwise known as the British Queen of Blues, brings an evening of mesmerising music to the Main House with her husky emotionally-loaded vocals.

The celebrated songstress will perform an array of her classic hits spanning five decades of an incredible solo career as part of her new UK tour.

The last of the four acts are classical Indian music maestros, Khoj, a sitar and tabla duo led by Roopa Panesar, considered one of the finest sitarists in the world.

Accompanied by Kousic Sen on the tabla, Khoj will perform their soulful and unique style of classic melodic ragas as well as music from their debut album of the same name in an intimate performance on February 12.

This rare opportunity to hear the rhythmic mastery of the tabla performed alongside the enchanting tones of the sitar will delight world music fans.

To find out more go to www.theatrebythelake.com or call the Box Office on 017687 74411.