THE next Lake District Folk and Acoustic Club gig is at Staveley's Ayland Pavilion on Friday, October 12.

The club's usual venue, Hawkshead Brewery, will not be available for that date.

On stage will be Al Hughes of Fife, who brings his first rate acoustic blues to the pavilion, building on the success of the Blues Cafe event at the Lake District Folk Weekend in August.

Rooted in the blues and soul tradition like so many Scottish singers, Al writes from his own perspective on topics which are very much of today. His music is modern, relevant and gathering praise from a growing number of well respected figures on the British music scene.

Comparisons have already been made, by more than one reviewer, to the acoustic playing of the late, great, Rory Gallagher, and also to Chris Smither, Townes Van Zandt and Martin Simpson. His haunting, smoky voice is complimented by a variety of guitars and his music conjures a variety of moods, from forceful and raucus to gentle and wistful. His playing has been described as "eerily atmospheric," while his voice likened to sounding as if it had been "aged in oak casks."

Al's vocal abilities have led to a busy schedule as a session musician, and he now combines studio work with playing clubs, concerts, and festivals all across the UK and Europe.

Tickets at the door.