Brit Awards Nominee heads for the Apollo

• 17th Jan 2007

With Leona Lewis still warbling uncontrollably at the top of the charts and the media frenzy that has accompanied Kylie's latest cancellation at the MEN, it might seem to some as though there's nothing terribly exciting to listen to so far in 2007.

Thankfully though, all is not lost as February will see arguably two of the most dynamic artists around today heading for Manchester. Firstly, Ray Lamontagne will bring his inescapably fantastic brand of folky blues to the Apollo. Now revealed as a contender for International Breakthrough Act at the Brits alongside the likes of Orson and Gnarls Barkley, the grizzly faced singer/songwriter is treading the boards in support of his spectacular and understated sophmore effort Till The Sun Turns Black.

Not long after, chunky funky rawk duo The Black Keys hit Academy 1 on February 23rd following the release of their fourth long player, Magic Potion, late last year.

Both gigs promise to give 2007 a much needed shot in the arm. Ray Lamontagne is unfortunately sold out, but tickets for The Black Keys are still available at the time of writing – get 'em while they're hot!!