NEW Orleans-based Bart Ramsey and Neti Vaan are joined by Texan guitarist Rob Halverson in a welcome return to Devon when they play at Ashwater and Winkleigh.

Their dates here are sandwiched between jazz festivals in Brittany, a regular booking at the Marlborough Jazz Festival and a weekend festival in Italy.

Bart?s beautifully-crafted lyrics and swing keyboard playing are perfectly complemented by Neti?s soaring fiddle harmonies and Rob?s solid bass work. Neti is a delight to watch in her own sets of traditional and original fiddle tunes and cajun songs.

What better time to see this sparkling US trio than Independence Day. Beaford Arts have placed this 4th of July gig in the latest community to join their Village Voice scheme ? Ashwater.

They will also play in the popular, monthly music event at Winkleigh. The audience there have been eagerly awaiting their return since their performance started the monthly events in September 2002.

l Ashwater Village Hall: Sunday July 4, 7pm: tel 01409 211222.

l Winkleigh Village Hall: Tuesday July 6, 7.30pm: tel 01837 83209.

For more information contact Beaford Arts on 01805 603201.