AMERICAN autoharp player, songwriter and entertainer Bryan Bowers plays the Black Swan Folk Club on Thursday, April 10 in his York debut.

"Bryan has seldom toured Britain in a 30-year career but he's highly regarded on both the folk and bluegrass scenes in the United States," says club organiser Roland Walls. "

Next Thursday, doors open at 8pm at the Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, and admission is £5, concessions £4.

Tickets for veteran Irish troubadour Andy Irvine on April 17 are available in advance at £7, concessions £6, on 01904 632922 or from Cassady's Records, Gillygate. "Andy is to Irish music what Martin Carthy is to English or Dick Gaughan to Scottish," says Roland.

The Black Swan's next two promotions at the National Centre for Early Music, in Walmgate, have sold out. Show Of Hands play on April 11; Waterson: Carthy on April 23, when the support act will be York duo Emily Weygang and Ben Harker. For returns only, ring 01904 658338.

Updated: 10:20 Friday, April 04, 2003