TWO musicians will be demonstrating their instrumental virtuosity at community venues next week.

Simon Mayor and Hilary James will display their dazzling musicianship to Langley Park and Castleside, near Consett, by performing

a mix of blues, folk, swing and classical show-stoppers, spiced with offbeat humour.

Hilary is renowned for playing bass instruments, including a giant mandobass and semi-acoustic double bass, and her singing ranges from Celtic ballads to blues.

Simon is one of the world's foremost mandolin players and is in demand to play and teach at festivals and conventions.

They have performed throughout Britain and across the world from Vancouver to Singapore.

The duo will be at Wood View Community Centre, Langley Park, at 7.30pm next Tuesday, and at Castleside Village Hall at 7pm next Wednesday as part of the Elements Touring Scheme.

The scheme has been helping volunteers stage arts events in County Durham for more than two years. This is the first time it has had such an unusual performance in direct response to volunteers seeking more diverse work.