RISING stars of the Americana music scene will help Otley Courthouse enjoy a rousing start to the New Year.

Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, whose sound draws from soul, blues, folk and jazz, are being hailed as one of the most exciting bands to recently emerge from the United States.

The band members found each other while jamming at open mic events and music festivals around Michigan, and have strived to keep the spirit of a good jam in their music by sharing instruments and harmonising over one vocal microphone.

Their latest album, Ionia, was recorded entirely live in a dining room over just four days and, following its release, the group has been touring across Europe and the States.

The dates have included everything from the Shetland Folk Festival to Stagecoach Music Festival in California, which attracted 55,000 people.

Their appearance at the Courthouse from 8pm on Friday, January 27 is part of a tour that will also see them debut at the prestigious Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow.

A Courthouse spokesman said: "With a live show made legendary by infectious, high-energy performances this evening will certainly bring the warmth of Americana music to a cold January evening."

Tickets for the Otley show cost £13 and can be booked by visiting otleycourthouse.org.uk, calling (01943) 467466, or popping into the Courthouse on Courthouse Street, Otley.