LEGENDARY American songwriter, guitarist and pianist Nils Lofgren returns to the Alban Arena next Wednesday evening, June 8, following a successful 2010 tour.

Famed for his appearance on Neil Young’s seminal album After the Goldrush and a long-time member of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street band, he is known for the calibre of his guitar playing and his on-stage acrobatics.

Nils is also a frontman in his own right and is currently in the studio working on his next solo album.

Multi-instrumentalist Greg Varlotta will join him for an acoustic set at the Arena where Nils will perform such classic tunes as Cry Tough, I Came to Dance and Keith Don’t Go.

Tickets for the performance, which starts at 8pm, are �28.50, available from the box office on 01727 844488 or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk

The music theme continues the following night, Thursday, June 9, with brand-new show Rock’n’Roll Paradise.

With no plot or storyline, it simply brings to life the spirit of the rock’n’roll era with Jerry Lee ripping into Great Balls of Fire, Roy Orbison soaring through his classic songs and Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly exploding on to the stage.

A celebration of rock’n’roll music, the show invites audience participation as it takes a step back in time.

It begins at 7.30pm and tickets are �17.50 with concessions �1 off.

There are two chances to see Dylan Moran at the Arena next week – he is putting on shows at 8pm next Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11.

The star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Run Fat Boy Run brings his new tour to St Albans, combining ageing, religion, kids, relationships with the general absurdities of life – all delivered with his renowned shambolic charm.

Tickets are �23.

n Auditions for RARE Productions summer workshop production of The Last Daze of St Swithuns are being held from 1.30pm to 3.30pm next Saturday, June 11, at the Arena.

The show will be performed at the Arena on Saturday, August 27, following a workshop taking place every day during the week beginning August 22.

RARE Productions is the largest amateur dramatic company in the UK, putting on over 25 shows a year in major theatres throughout four counties including Herts and featuring young people between eight and 18.

The Last Daze will be its first production at the Arena and director Andrew Burton explained: “The story concerns the unruly pupils of St Swithuns school for girls and any resemblance to the girls of that other well-known wild establishment is, of course, entirely deliberate.”

The show features many well-known songs from the sixties – Great Balls of Fire, At the Hop, Shake a Tail Feather and Shout to name but a few.

The auditions are open to all young people in the eight to 18 age group and no advance booking is necessary.