HARPER Steph West and her new band, the Tunesmiths are appearing at First Fridays at the Maltings in St Albans tomorrow night (Friday).

In the Tunesmiths, Steph is joined by Emily Spiers and Colman Connolly and their first CD is due to be released this autumn. Steph and the Tunesmiths explore a love of Irish dance tunes, song and funk and their music lies somewhere between Nina Simone and Lunasa. Steph, now based in Oxford, has had a busy summer as she also plays in the 20-strong British Paraorchestra. After giving a concert in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, supported by star drummer Evelyn Glennie, the ensemble went on to play in the closing ceremony of the Paralympics. Steph also plays solo and in a number of other ensembles including a ceilidh band, Swinging Molly.

The concert will open with New Roots 2012 finalist Katherine Hurdley and her singing partner, Alex Percy, who was too old to take part in the annual events for young musicians under the age of 25.

The duo play a wide variety of music in a traditional style, with an emphasis on reviving traditional tunes and songs from their home counties of Leicestershire and Dorset and adding their own influence to them.

Tickets cost �10, with concessions for students, children and unwaged people at �8, available on the door or in advance, by booking online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo, by phone on 0844 870 0887 or in person at St Albans Tourist & Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place on 01727 864511.

For further information see www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk