THE two halves of one of England's most successful acoustic roots duos will be showing their individual talents at two Worcester gigs next month.

Show of Hands is made up of singer-songwriter Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer, and they both appeared most recently at the city's Huntingdon Hall in December as part of a 33-date UK tour.

Now Phil will be returning on Friday, March 4, with the Phil Beer Band, comprising Gareth Turner on melodeon; Emily Slade on guitar, banjo and vocals; Steve Crickett on drums; Nick Quarmby on bass and vocals and vocalist Deb Sandland.

Phil is renowned for his instrumental work and has been utilised by countless artists over the years including the Rolling Stones, Mike Oldfield and Steve Harley.

Collectively, the Phil Beer Band play a unique blend of folk and rock quite unlike any other band currently on the circuit.

And, hot on his heels, fellow Show of Hands musician Steve Knightley will be performing at Huntingdon Hall on Saturday, March 19 with singer songwriter Martyn Joseph.

Steve began performing in folk clubs and pubs in his native west country at the age of 14 and moved to London in the early eighties.

Six years later he returned to Dorset, forming Show of Hands in 1992 with Phil, and his credits as a soloist include being invited to work on the recording of legendary Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger's album Goddess in the Doorway.

Martyn has toured with acts including Suzanne Vega and Joan Armatrading and is an accomplished singer-songwriter.

Tickets for the Phil Beer Band are priced £11 (concessions £10), while tickets for Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph are £13 (concessions £12).

Both are available by calling Huntingdon Hall box office on 01905 611427.