Birmingham-based Rebecca Downes has won a loyal following of fans who can’t get enough of her bluesy/rock, and she’ll be bringing the fire when she plays Stockton this early April.

Rebecca Downes’ stuff feels authentic to its very core, like it’s been steeped in huge oak barrels marked ‘The Rootin’ Tootin’ Real Deal’. She’s a star of the UK blues/rock scene and it’s little wonder that she’s built up quite the following. She was voted Female Vocalist and Emerging Artist of the Year at the British Blues Awards in 2016, and Female Blues Vocalist of the Year in the FORM UK Blues Awards in 2018. She’s also released a clutch of well received studio albums including 2022’s ‘The Space Between Us’, which really showcases her ability to move through the gears. From a muscular, heavy guitar sound to down-tempo rock; from Hendrix-like riffs to Rolling Stones-like melodies, it’s an electric release that comes at your from all angles, and a release that wins you over from the very first crackle. The album also includes a top take of Free’s supremely melodic ‘A Little Bit of Love’ – just for good measure. She’s an absolute star in the live arena and her show at The Georgian Theatre is sure to be another memorable one. GM

Rebecca Downes, Friday 4 April, The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, 7.30pm, £15, georgiantheatre.co.uk