FOLLOWING her highly successful solo albums Hourglass, Sleepless and her latest release, Little Lights, Kate Rusby and her band are back on the road and will be in the Midlands later this month,.

Fans of top class Celtic roots music will be able to see them on stage at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on Friday, September 26, or at the Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on October 5.

The band features John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Brian Finnegan, Ian Carr and Andy Seward - all of whom play on the albums)

Kate, who was awarded BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2000 and Best Original Song 2002, has established an excellent reputation as a solo performer, consistently plays to 'sell-out' audiences and gets rave reviews for her live gigs.

At the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award, held in February 2000, Kate's album, Sleepless was awarded Best Folk Album of the year. Sleepless also won a Mercury Music Prize in 1999. - www.katerusby.com

John McCusker, who produced and played on Hourglass, Sleepless, and Little Lights is an incredible musician from Scotland. He became a member of Scotland's 'Battlefield Band' on leaving school at 16 and toured the world with them for 10 years. He has a wealth of experience, knowledge and empathy for his music. John was awarded the Spirit of Scotland award for music in 1999.

"Not only content with playing some of the sweetest fiddle you'll hear, with that strong tone you associate with Scottish players, he also plays piano, whistle, accordion, keyboards and cittern". John released his second solo album of mainly self-composed material, Yella Hoose in 2000 - "Superlatives can barely do his playing - or writing - justice" Hot Press.

Having now left the Battlefield Band, John is pursuing the next phase of his career. He is touring with his band 'John McCusker and friends', is undertaking work with the Kate Rusby Band and Trio and is in much demand these days as a producer and session musician having worked with Eliza Carthy, Cathie Ryan, Linda Thompson, Blazing Fiddles and Teenage Fanclub.

John still finds time to write and has just finished as Scorewriter for the film 'Heartlands' Director - Damien O'Donnell

(East is East) John and Kate both appear in the film.

Andy Cutting, is an absolute wizard on the Diatonic Accordion. Andy's sensitive accompaniments on Kate's albums have added a wonderful breadth to the recordings. He came to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella, and went on to pair up with Chris Wood to produce a much respected duo. Andy's main influences include the Quebecois tradition of music and the English tradition of song and dance. He is a very popular and busy musician also working with June Tabor, Fernhill and the Two Duo's Quartet.

Brian Finnegan, from Armagh, is probably best known for his work with the ground breaking group Flook, with whom he has played for the past 7 years. His background is firmly rooted in Irish Traditional music, but his style of playing is truly unique, drawing influences from music the world over, and combining a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance with a bold, adventurous musical imagination. Brian first came to public attention with the Irish group Upstairs in a Tent, and then in 1993 he recorded a solo album "When the Party's Over". His work with Flook has taken him all over the world and has produced 2 highly acclaimed albums, Flatfish and Rubai.

"....he stands out in a nation of wonderful flute players, as much more than a technical virtuoso, his playing having the freewheeling lightness of touch and inspired musical understanding that flows into improvisation in real time, at real speed" The List, May 2002

"...a thrilling talent....playing of breathtaking suppleness and delicacy" - Scotland on Sunday

Ian Carr is a virtuoso guitarist who, as well as touring with Kate, is a member of the great Anglo-Swedish Group Swap, and plays as a duo with accordionist Karen Tweed. He is also part of the Two Duos Quartet with Karen Tweed, Andy Cutting and Chris Wood.

Ian has played on all three of Kate's albums and is in great demand as a session musician. He can be found on "Yella Hoose" John McCusker, "The Gathering" Kathryn Tickell, "Fyace" Ian Carr and Karen Tweed, "Swap" Swap, "Heepirumbo" Eilidh Shaw, "Sic" Swap and "Half as Happy as we" Two Duos Quartet to name but a few!

Andy Seward is equally at home on the upright double bass or the electric bass. His solid and creative playing style complements the band arrangements and his musical tastes are wide and varied having played Jazz, Rock, Country and Traditional Music. Andy, when not touring with Kate is currently with The John Tams Band and The Angel Brothers. Andy is also known as a producer and recording engineer. He recorded Sleepless and Little Lights.