MUSIC comes to the streets and various venues next week as part of an annual celebration in the St Albans district. St Albans Musiccity 2010 runs from Saturday until Sunday, March 14 and will encompass everything from swing to big rock legends, from clas

MUSIC comes to the streets and various venues next week as part of an annual celebration in the St Albans district.

St Albans Musiccity 2010 runs from Saturday until Sunday, March 14 and will encompass everything from swing to big rock legends, from classic blues and jazz to hardcore metal and alternative rock, folk and acoustic balladeers to DJs and even karaoke.

The music festival, which is provided by St Albans council and managed by the arts team of St Albans Arts, Sport and Health is combining a plethora of regular music events and a number of special events.

The week kicks off at St Albans Clock Tower at 2pm on Saturday with Ricky Lopez delivering the sounds of the Rat Pack. Ricky said: "It is great to be a part of MusicCity which promotes live music.

"There is a lot of great raw talent out there which needs to be showcased and to be the opening act is a great honour and I'm really looking forward to it."

On Thursday, March 11, the Acoustic Lounge will be presenting a Celebrating MusicCity special event at the Maltings Arts Theatre featuring songs and reminiscences from local favourites including Mac MacLeod and Nick Stephenson.

Hosted by Bill Johnson, the event is free but tickets are limited and need to be reserved from the theatre box office on 01727 844222. On the night there will be a collection for Grove House.

As well as plenty of acts to go and see, there will also be two workshops at St Albans Town Hall. At 2pm on Saturday, Jonny Cope will be leading a didgeridoo workshop which is open to both beginners and those looking to develop their skills. Anyone aged 12 and over is welcome to go along and didgeridoos will be provided.

The following Saturday, March 13, there will be a chance to try out junk percussion with Sam from DrumUnlimited.

The workshop, which starts at 2pm and is open to anyone aged eight or over, will demonstrate how to create samba rhythms utilising old bins, plastic barrels and other waste materials.

Both workshops are free and anyone interested in attending can turn up on the day or book a place in advance by emailing grae.wall@leisureconnection.co.uk

The week is crammed with big names like Jethro Tull, Dennis Locorriere and Andy Fairweather Low who are all appearing at the Alban Arena and local favourites including The Runaway Boys and Deaf Shepherd.

In addition drum and bass legend Shim appears at On The Level night at The Horn next Friday, March 12, and the Woodmansterne Collection is putting on Bach's St Matthew Passion at the Abbey this Saturday night.

For those who prefer jumping up on stage there are floorspots at The Horn's Blue Angel Acoustic Caf� and Redbourn Folk Club.

The closing party will be hosted by the Blue Angel Acoustic Caf� at The Horn and feature rising local stars such as Ground Dust and Katie Masson. Entry is free with a collection for Grove House.

Full details of all the gigs and events can be found at www.lemonrock.com/musiccity and www.myspace.com/saasharts

Flyers and limited edition badges can be picked up at all participating venues as well as the Tourist Information Office.