Spirit of Shane is alive and well!

Ray Macfarlane is one such act and he will be playing at The Engineer’s Arms in Henlow on Saturday (February 11).

The aptly-named Tequila, meanwhile will be serving up covers from the last four decades at Potton and District Club, also on Saturday.

Over in Sandy, soul and swing classics will be the order of the day – or should that be night – at The Roundabout Club on Saturday.

Uche Eke is an internationally known singer who has sung lead vocals with 1970s favourites Hot Chocolate and former members of The Drifters.

He has built up a reputation as a very soulful performer who is regularly requested to perform at casinos, weddings, shows and corporate functions.

His set list comprises golden oldies from artists such as Luther Vandross, Barry White, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and George Benson.

Soul, Motown and pop sounds will also be on the agenda at the John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Sandy on the same night.

Solo singer and keyboard player Len Crawley is playing at the club and punters can expect to hear a diverse range of music.

Rhythm and blues and rock and roll will be heard at The Bridge in Shefford on Saturday, meanwhile.

Four-piece Juke describe themselves as being possibly the best rhythm and blues band on the circuit and play covers from a real mix of acts and artists.

The Beatniks will be paying homage to 1960s legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Simon and Garfunkel at The Chequers in Stotfold on Friday (February 10).

The Soul Man will also be bringing some quality soul sounds to The Fox and Duck in Stotfold on Sunday (February 12).

Following the demise of The Pogues in 1994 the band’s legendary frontman Shane MacGowan formed the Popes.

And despite subsequently shedding Shane, the Popes are still around, exciting and still as relevant as ever with new singer Paul (Mad Dog) McGuinness.

The Popes return with their new album New Church in March 2012.

The band’s strongest album to date features a stunning guest slot from Howard Marks on track Throw Down Your Aces.

Simply amazing live, the band will soon be embarking on a tour as main support to The Stranglers, and they have festivals and further dates to follow later in the year.

But before all those shenanigans begin Bedford music lovers have an awesome chance to catch them in more intimate surroundings at none other than Esquires.

The Popes will play at the venue on Wednesday, March 14.

Tickets cost £9 in advance and are available from Danny’s Bar now.

Doors open at 8pm.

Shy Bride, the new single from Bedford songstress Rebecca De-Winter has also been added to the the Three Counties Radio playlist.

The ditty will now be heard by thousands of listeners as part of shows throughout the day.

So when you next tune in to the radio listen out for this Bedford star of the future.

To find out more about Rebecca De-Winter log onto www.rebeccadewintermusic.com