A STRING of musical treats is in store for old school blues fans when a wealth of well-respected names - including those from across the pond - come to play up close and personal in an intimate Leigh bar.

Acclaimed musicians such as singer and guitarist Ben Tyzack, American slide guitarist John Emil, London based Dom Pipkin - famous for his authentic New Orleans piano style - plus homegrown stars such as super harmonica player West Weston and pianist Tim Huskisson, are all set to play at the Monday Blues night at Peggy Sue's.

The weekly sessions are led by renowned blues singer and slide guitarist Martin McNeill.

Martin's most regular guests are harmonica player West and pianist Huskisson, both well known on the Southend scene.

But he says as word of the club spreads, artists from further afield are also being booked in.

Tyzack, who was brought up in the deep south of the United States, will be at Monday Blues on July 18, playing traditional Delta blues and his own material. He is frontman of the Spikedrivers as well as being an accomplished solo artist.

Emil will stop off at the club on August 22 during a UK tour.

Pipkin is at the club on September 5.

They join a long list of artists who have played with Martin at Peggy Sue's, including Mississippi bluesman Leo Bud Welch, jazz trumpeter Digby Fairweather, Jerimiah Marques, Chris Corcoran, Katie Bradley, Paul Milligan, Chris Kibble, Jim Crawford, Ramon Goose, Dexter Shaw and Roy Mette.

Guests are expected to play an impromptu session with Martin as well as sometimes performing solo.

Martin said: "It's relaxed, old-school blues, the way it used to be before heavier blues-rock took hold.

"It is traditional for blues musicians to sit in with each other and play spontaneously. It keep the music fresh and is fun for the artists and the audiences."

Peggy Sue's Music Bar is at 1063 London Road, Leigh.

Monday Blues starts from 8pm.

Forthcoming guests are Katie Bradley and guitarist Chris Corcoran (June 13), Tim Huskisson (June 20), West Weston (June 27), Tim Aves (July 4), West Weston (July 11) and Ben Tyzack (July 18).

For further information and updates visit martinmcneill.co.uk