THE Wharf in Tavistock has a packed programme of live acts scheduled for August ? and the line-up kicks off today (Thursday) blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa. New York-born Joe Bonamassa was playing a small-scale guitar at the age of four. Three years later, he had graduated to a full-size model and was tackling blues numbers with the confidence of a veteran. At ten years of age, Joe began performing at local venues ? his father was a guitar dealer and player in up state New York ? and when he was only 12, he was asked to open a show with BB King. Joe has become famous for his powerful fusion of the big rock sound and ?swampy blues?. He has gained inspiration from such stars as Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Jeff Beck. He is also a talented song writer whose hobby ? started when he was 13 ? is collecting guitars. At present, he has more than 150. Joe Bonamassa has been labelled as ?the best guitarist of his generation? and takes to the Wharf stage at 8pm. And in a complete change of style, glam-rock explodes onto the stage the following week, when T-Rextasy offer the ultimate tribute to the trend-setting T-Rex of the 70s and 80s. The T.Rextasy musicians, who made their debut 15 years ago in Hackney, East London, quickly became acclaimed for their startling similarity to the original group. This is all the more remarkable because they perform without the use of wigs, backing tapes or other aids commonly featured in tribute shows. Lead guitarist and singer, Danielz, who fronts T-Rextasy, is a mirror image of Marc Bolan in both appearance and voice. Critics have described his performance as ?uncanny? and ?amazing?. To enjoy a replica of the T.Rex experience and to hear again wonderful hits, such as ?Ride a White Swan? and ?Children of the Revolution?, you need to book early for this electrifying show. T.Rextasy will be performing at The Wharf on August 10 at 8pm. Tickets will cost £10 in advance and £12 at the door. A barbecue and late bar will be available from 7pm. More details from the box office on 01822 611166.
