VIV HARDWICK highlights some of the top acts arriving on Tyneside over the next two weeks for the Orange Evolution Festival.

ONE of the headliners for this year's Orange Evolution Festival is Reggae superstar Horace Andy who will be performing with his live band and Echoes DJs at the University of Northumbria tomorrow.

Playing live is Horace's first love and for this festival appearance he is bringing a specially selected eight-piece band. Presented by the Jumpin' Hot Club, this event is being touted as one of the hottest tickets of the festival.

Horace is known across the globe for his seminal work with Massive Attack providing vocals for classics, One Love and Spying Glass.

His sublime falsetto vocals saw him proclaimed as the world's greatest singer in an all-time top 100 list. However, Horace's career is now in its third decade and can be traced back to the early 1970s and the legendary Jamaican record label Studio One - where Bob Marley, Delroy Wilson and the Heptones cut their first sides.

Thanks to worldwide touring with Massive Attack, Horace's profile has continued to rise.

Jumpin' Hot Club organiser Graham Anderson says: "Horace is an artist we have been trying to bring to the city for the last ten years, he is probably the world's biggest roots reggae artist at the moment and it is the most eagerly awaited reggae show of the year."

Guests are Echoes DJs Rick Glanvill, Mick Mcoy and John Johnston. For tickets ring 0191-233 0444. Doors open 7.30pm.

Orange Evolution's May Bank Holiday Clubber's Bonanza begins on Saturday, May 1, when legendary US DJ Derrick Carter appears with Scott Bradford & Scooby, & Del at Foundation on Melbourne Street in Newcastle. Times 9pm-3am, tickets £15.

On the same evening, at Newcastle University, Turbulence presents Grooverider, Marcus Intalex and Pendulem. Times: 9pm-3am, tickets £15.

The Shingdig's 12th Birthday Party takes place on Sunday, May 2, Times Square, Newcastle, 6pm-12 am. Tickets: £27.00. Bookings: 0191-230 0333 or Ticketmaster 0870 902 0001 Online: www. ticketmaster. co. uk

Orange Evolution kicks off tonight when hot British jazz singer Amy Winehouse takes to the stage at the University of Northumbria. The Brit award nominee, a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from London released her debut LP last October. Check out tickets at £12 by ringing the University of Northumbria on 0191227 4757.

On the same evening, Chicago Blues/Soul Sensation Lou Pride and Mood Indigo (nine-piece with brass) play the Cluny in Byker.

Jim Mawsdley, festival co-ordinator, says: "Yet again the festival boasts and promises to show what a wealth of talent is being produced by and brought to the area. We are able to realise our vision of using city centre/urban locations to produce events unparalleled anywhere in the UK."

Maureen Dixon, regional PR Manager for Orange, adds: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the festival again and it is now an established part of Orange's music portfolio."

For a free festival programme call: 0191 2778000 For festival updates click onto: www. orangeevolution. co. uk

Published: 22/04/2004