YORK musician Steve Cassidy is going back to school for his May 17 concert at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

Away from the concert platform, Steve was head teacher at St George's RC Primary School, under his real name of Norman Fowler, until retirement.

For several weeks now, he has returned to the school in Fishergate, where the school choir has been rehearsing with "Mr Fowler" for their participation in the 7.30pm event.

"It's wonderful to be back in school and to enjoy the enthusiasm and joie de vivre of these talented children. They'll be singing three songs at the concert which I wrote especially for children," says Steve.

He will be joined at his Steve Cassidy Band & Friends concert by his regular band members, Steve Flanagan on guitar, Brian Thompson on drums and Mick Hull on bass, augmented by Dave Kemp on keyboards, saxophone and accordion.

The Happy Mondays Ukulele Band will make their third appearance at a Steve Cassidy Band concert with their infectious take on well-known tunes. They have been tutored by the aforementioned Mick Hull, who is a much-in-demand ukulele player in his own right, performing as Micky Ramsbottom around the northern circuit.

"Mick's musical items are a regular and popular part of the ukulele band's repertoire and they'll be a feature of the show on May 17," says Steve, whose niece, Megan Fowler, will be on the Friends bill too.

"She's a fresh face on the music scene; a singer and guitarist with her finger on the pulse of today's popular music."

Tickets for the 7.30pm concert cost £10, concessions £9, on 01904 623568, 870737 or 639117.