THE SOUND of New Orleans comes to Silsden Town Hall on March 28 at 7.30pm with pianist Dale Storr.

Dale, who was inspired to become a musician by his parent’s collection of early rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll records, was described by Jazz Journal as the “piano man’s piano man”.

The magazine added: “Storr’s music is authentic barrelhouse pianism and singing and should be on the play list of all broad-minded jazz lovers.”

As a child Storr immersed himself into the styles of heroes like Dr John, James Booker, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino and Huey ‘Piano’ Smith to, studying in Sheffield, then went on to perform with top blues stars from the UK and USA.

In 2008 Dale went solo with his Sounds of New Orleans show, promising intoxicating piano mastery and vocals.

With an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Crescent City, he tells his audiences the rich history behind the music with often-risqué stories of his piano heroes.

Storr has reached the finals of the British Blues Awards seven years in succession and also won the 2015 Best Musical Performance award at the Buxton Fringe Festival.

Playing support in Silsden will be Pontefract soloist Jilly Riley, renowned for individualism and passion in her soul performances.

She has opened shows for progressive rock legend Martin Barr of Jethro Tull, 1973 chart toppers The Strawbs, and British Blues Award winner Rebecca Downes.

Jilly competed in The Voice UK in 2018, and headlined Limetree Festival in 2011 as a vocalist for funk soul band The Limetree Family Affair.

Visit ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-silsden-town-hall or Twiggs Newsagents of Silsden to buy tickets.

Other upcoming gigs include blues-rocker Mike Ross on Saturday 18th April, an evening of modern folk with Ranagri and Plumhall on Saturday 9th May, the Kai Strauss Band on Sunday 24th May.

And over the Easter Weekend is the first ever Silsden Art Show, featuring exhibits, workshops and demonstrations by over 30 local artists.