JUICED are to play three dates at Birmingham International Festival next week.

The Worcester band's saxophonist and backing vocalist Carolyn Evans said: "This is our first time playing in Birmingham and at the jazz festival - it's a major breakthrough for us."

Juiced kick off their festival appearances with a gig at Ronnie Scott's on Tuesday, July 10, followed by Itanena the next night and The Acardian on Sunday, July 15.

"These are really important gigs for us and it has taken a lot of pushing," said Carolyn."

The band - including vocalist Sef Henni, guitarist Phil Lee, Simon Plowman on keyboards, bassist Nick Davis, Becky Pearman on percussion and drummer Scott Miles - have a busy summer.

After recording their debut album You Will Be with Massive Attack producer John Waterhouse, they are expected to return to the studio later this summer.

Earlier this year, Wolverhampton Campus Radio show Naked Ambition played Juiced's Lifeline and conducted a band interview.

Juiced are also due to return to the Marr's Bar and play Malvern Girls College summer ball tomorrow.

"For some reason, the guys in the band were all very pleased to be playing that one," added Carolyn.

Juiced will also link up with Malvern's Sons Of Spock for a charity special at the Mason's Arms in Wichenford on Saturday, September 1.

The event intends to raise hundreds of pounds for the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund.

The five-piece, who have created unknown classics such as The Legend That Is David Hasselhoff and The Cult of Shefali, are working on their first album after 14 years together.

Lead singer Toad said the band had been spending weekends recording at Snake Ranch studios in Chelsea, London.

The departure of sax player Professor Julius Blowdaddy, replaced by Mister H, had delayed recordings.

"We keep going back to add bits and re-record, and it just keeps getting better," said Toad.

"We've talked about doing a launch party, but we know that will just be an excuse to drink some beer."