Stars tune up for children's charity

Fine Midland musicians are teaming up for a special acoustic concert at Bilston's Robin 2 to boost a Cannock-based charity for disabled children.

Up Close and Acoustic features star of the moment Scott Matthews, star of five decades Steve Gibbons, star blues guitarist Ian Parker, and folk and blues duo Lucy And The Rambler.

The show, on Thursday, February 17, is in aid of the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, which provides practical help for disabled and terminally-ill children and their families throughout the UK.

Launched in Cannock, the charity will celebrate its 20th birthday in March, and when Ian Parker's wife Axelle, who works for the charity, mentioned the anniversary to her husband he offered to play a fundraiser.

The idea snowballed and a superb line-up of musicians has been assembled. Quickly on board was Scott Matthews, Wolverhampton-born singer/songwriter who has toured with The Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Rufus Wainwright, Tori Amos and Robert Plant, among others. His innovative and plaintive first single, Elusive, from 2006, was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for "Best Song Musically and Lyrically" the following year. His third album is due out soon.

Steve Gibbons, of Birmingham, is a rock and roll legend whose charisma and song-writing ability have kept him at the forefront of Midlands music since the early 1960s, while Ian Parker's emotive and brilliant guitar playing and singing has seen him release four albums and do numerous tours of America and Europe.

Completing the bill are Lucy And The Rambler from Kidderminster, alias Lucy May Gill and Danny J.Gauden, a couple tipped for stardom.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are priced at £15. All money raised will benefit the West Midlands area dealt with by the charity.