TWO POPULAR music nights return to the Worth Valley next month.

Blues & Roots nights organised by singer-songwriter Ben Blue Waters have found a new home at the Bay Horse in Oxenhope on December 9 and January 19.

The Groovy Happening will be at the Parkside Social Club, Butt Lane, on Saturday December 1 with leading AC/DC tribute band Highway to Hull, newly-reformed harmony trio Reubik, and piano vocalist Ruth Nielsen.

Ben previously hosted his popular acoustic Blues and Roots nights at pubs in Haworth and Ingrow, and is reviving them with two trial gigs at the Bay Horse in the hope they will become a monthly event. The first session will be on Sunday December 9 from 4pm, and will feature well-known Yorkshire bluesman Diamond Dac and York singer-songwriter Stan Smith.

Ben said: “Stan takes his inspiration from the great singer-songwriters of 60s/70s America, offering his own take on acoustic Americana with well-crafted and bittersweet songs.”

Stan, previously half of local duo Mulholland, will be accompanied in Oxenhope by bassist Steve Collington.

Diamond Dac, from Huddersfield, grew up on a Pennine Hiil farm listening to American roots music on an old crystal set radio. He learned from old masters including Louisiana Red, Philadelphia Jerry Ricks and John Cephas.”

The second Blues & Roots night at the Bay Horse will be on January 19 with Joe Kemp and The High Hollers. Ben Blue Waters we’ll start both nights with his foot-stomping slide guitar blues.

Ben said: “We’re very happy to have secured these dates at The Bay Horse. The pub has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and a well-deserved reputation as a hub of grassroots music events. We hope people will support live music and come out to see these talented acts.”

Over at the Groovy Happening, Highway to Hull boasts powerful drums, bass and rhythm guitar, providing a solid base for screaming lead guitar and vocals, playing songs from the golden era of heavy metal band AC/DC.

Reubik are reforming for one night only, with Haworth musicians Reuben, Ian and Ruth once again playing and 1970s classics – “songs we all know to get us dancing” – with three-part harmonies. Also performing is Ruth Nielsen, a professional piano vocalist and private music teacher, presenting songs including seasonal favourites.

The Groovy Happening is at the Parkside Social Club, Butt Lane, from 7.30pm. Admission £3, with proceeds to Manorlands.