Italian blues stars Veronica Sbergia & Max De Bernardi are to make a repeat journey to the island this weekend.

The European masters of good time blues music are to appear at the Laxey Institute tomorrow, Saturday, June 22, from 7.30pm.

The duo are no strangers to the island, having appeared at the former Big Wheel Blues Festival on two occasions, charming the crowds each time with their easy going and infectious blend of 1920s and 30s-era music, which incorporates many different styles, from folk, country and roots through to ragtime and jug band-style blues.

They have toured the world for many years, performing as far afield as Australia, the USA and right across Europe, winning the European Blues award in 2013 and performing in Memphis, Tennessee, for the International blues challenge in 2015.

Concert organiser Pete Christian said that he jumped at the chance to bring them back to the island and that he is looking forward to give Manx music fans the chance to hear the talented duo.

’When Veronica and Max first appeared at the Big Wheel Blues Festival they stole the show, which is why we’re inviting them back,’ said Pete.

’Veronica has one of the sweetest voices you will ever hear, and is no slouch on multiple instruments, while Max is an absolute maestro of finger picking guitar.

’I don’t think there is a more professional and entertaining acoustic duo anywhere in Europe.’

This concert marks a move away from the weekend festival format for the blues fans on the island.

A concert organised for April, featuring Brookes Williams and Rab Noakes, had to be cancelled after the weather prevented the band from reaching the island.

Pete said they are aiming to reschedule that show for later in the year

The final Big Wheel Blues Festival took place last year, and Pete said they are concentrating on putting on individual concerts instead.

’The Big Wheel Blues Club have moved away from festival promoting, and have embarked on a programme of one off gigs by top class international artists,’ he said.

’We have another planned already hopefully for September, full details to be announced later.

’We have held ticket prices down to rock bottom, subsidised by previous fund raising evenings, as a way of saying thank you to our supporters and lovers of excellent blues and roots music.’

Tickets for Veronica Sbergia & Max De Bernardi are £10, available from etickets.im