Just twelve months ago Scarborough music fan Mark Horsley decided to bite the bullet and launch a blues club, based at Sigma at the Cask. In its first year the club has put on an astonishing 70 gigs featuring a fascinating array of international and national musicians, as well as showcasing Scarborough musicians.

The club has built a reputation, as Mark says: ‘We now have a very healthy core audience, especially those who come to our Thursday night gigs featuring Tom Townsend and his band.’ The jam sessions, where guests roll up and join Tom on stage, are especially popular. (High Tide went along one night – we were mightily impressed by the excellent music, and the extremely friendly atmosphere, on and off stage. Just a lovely evening.)

The Tuesday night slots have featured bands from America and across Britain, with big audiences for the likes of Aynsley Lister and Oli Brown, and growing business for less well-known acts. As Mark says, ‘Word is gradually getting round that we only book the best in the business, not necessarily the most well known’.

Appreciative music fans come to the club from across the region. Get along to the birthday bash on the 17 September, or to any of the blues club gigs; you will not be disappointed.

Home page pic: Mike Jackson