INTERNATIONALLY-renowned soul singer Jo Harman will play the first concert of 2020 at Silsden Town Hall.

Fresh from playing to 20,000 people at the O2 Arena last autumn, she will appear in Silsden with her Jo Harman Trio on Saturday January 25.

A spokesman said: "Widely regarded as one of Europe's finest-ever soul/blues fuelled voices, Jo is an international touring and recording artist who remains a genre-defying, independently-minded artist of rare credibility.

"She is an artist who makes sincere and heartfelt music. The Mirror proclaimed her the UK's finest female soul blues voice who, according to Classic Rock, writes lip-biting beautiful songs."

Jo's second studio album People We Become, was praised by critics, the lead single When We Were Young featuring Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.

The song achieved playlists on BBC Radio 2 and across Ireland and Europe, and the album made various 'best of' lists internationally.

Last summer Jo duetted on Reach Out (I'll Be There) with Motown songwriting legend Lamont Dozier, the lead single from his Re-imagination album which also features Gregory Porter, Graham Nash, Todd Rundgren, Rumer and other notable international names.

Jo has headlined prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe, including playing to 300,000 people at Parkpop in the Hague.

She was asked to perform alongside Joan Baez at Amnesty International's prestigious Ambassador of Conscience awards. Last autumn, she opened London's BluesFest at the 20k capacity O2 Arena.

Chart star Rag 'N Bone recently took to social media to proclaim Jo 'one of this country's finest talents' and soul superstar Michael McDonald advised "hearing her cover one of my songs was a spiritual experience".

Visit ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-silsden-town-hall to book tickets, or buy from Twiggs Newsagents in Silsden. The cost is £15 in advance, £17 on the door.

Silsden Town Hall will see the return of Haworth Ukulele Group on Sunday February 16 in aid of Sue Ryder, and rock and soul group Rainbreakers will play on Saturday, February 22.

Also coming up is a Jive Night on February 29, click and a ceilidh on March 14 to raise money for Manorlands Hospice.