Van Morrison and Dolly Parton rock Brum

Dolly Parton, LG Arena, Birmingham

Van Morrison, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

The finest in country music and the blues came to Birmingham last night as Dolly Parton and Van Morrison hit the city.

While the Queen of Country performed to thousands at the city's LG Arena, Van Morrison made a rare appearance at Symphony Hall.

Thousands of fans, many decked out in sparkling stetsons and gingham shirts, saw Dolly reveal what a versatile musician she really is.

Using a mind-boggling array of musical instruments she delivered an eclectic mix of music styles – including a spoof rap.

From the first moment she appeared playing a white violin wearing a glittering skin-tight green dress her fans were literally "Walking on Sunshine" with her as she sashayed across the stage.

And at 65, the showbiz legend has a figure most women half her age would envy.

She belted out hits including Jolene, Islands in the Stream and 9 to 5, in between bluegrass, gospel and covers, plus tracks from her new Better Day album after which the tour is named.

Meanwhile at Symphony Hall Van the Man effortlessly performed almost two hours of mellow music infused with jazz, soul, R&B and blues.

Kicking off with a warmly embraced Moondance the Belfast Cowboy worked his way through his considerable back catalogue of songs with a highlight being his most famous hit Brown Eyed Girl.

Have I Told You Lately and Georgia were stand-out tracks from Van Morrison, while one surprising addition was a moving rendition of Unchained Melody.

With no trite between-song banter or vacuous small talk Van was content to let the music do the talking at last night's concert, where top end ticket prices pushed £100.

His dexterity displayed on the guitar, saxophone and harp proved his true pedigree as a genuine living legend.