A SOULFUL blues singer from Teeside is preparing to wow music fans in Otley.

Emma Wilson and her band are set to take the stage at Otley Courthouse on Saturday, July 13.

The singer made waves on the British blues scene in 2018 when she performed at a number of festivals including Darlington Blues Festival, The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival and The Crawdaddy Club Riverside Festival.

She was also a featured artist in November, 2018 issue of the Blues in Britain magazine while her single Today I sing the Blues - a cover of an early Aretha Franklin track - has been played across the UK blues radio stations and was chosen as a ‘pick of 2018’ by several DJs.

Described as a ‘blues siren’, Emma’s big voice and accomplished band are known for delivering powerful, emotional live performances. Her influences include Aretha, Ann Peebles, Muddy Waters and Etta James and she has also written a number of original tracks.

The Emma Wilson Band will be supported on the night - the entertainment starts at 8pm - by Dr Bob and the Bluesmakers, who hail from the Wharfe Valley.

Since recording The Workshop Sessions a couple of years ago the band has received acclaim from around the UK and abroad.

In November, 2018 the album, recorded completely live at their rehearsal room, reached number 3 in the Most Played album charts of the IBBA (Independent Blues Broadcasters Association).

Their line-up has recently changed and the band will be showcasing a batch of new material, a combination of original songs and cover versions, at their Otley show.

Tickets for the Emma Wilson Band, supported by Dr Bob and the Bluesmakers, cost £7 and can be booked by visiting www.otleycourthouse.org.uk, calling (01943) 467466 or popping into the Courthouse, on Courthouse Street.

Food lovers can look forward to seeing The Chef Show at the Courthouse on Saturday, June 22.

The event, which starts at 7.30pm and costs £12, involves two actors playing multiple characters as they recount backstage tales about working in ‘the local curry house’. The actors will be joined by a guest chef who will give a cookery demonstration.

A new adaptation of Treasure Island, meanwhile, will be performed outdoors, at Wharfemeadows Park, on Thursday, June 27. The Chapter House Theatre production starts at 7pm and tickets cost £16, £15 for Courthouse Friends or £11 for children aged five to 16 and students. Under fives are free.