BLUEGRASS hero Stompin’ Dave is bringing his band to Weymouth Pavilion for the very first time next week as a taster for a massive summer concert he is planning.

The gig on March 1 promises to be an extravaganza of a show that will showcase all aspects of Stompin’ Dave's music, from acoustic American old-time and bluegrass on banjo and fiddle to guitar-based blues, all delivered in unique style particularly featuring Dave’s red hot boogie woogie piano playing.

Bridport-based Dave said: “I’m not sure why we haven’t played at the Pavilion before, but the concert will be in the Green Room and then this summer we will be staging a larger show with two other bands at the end of the Wessex Folk Festival.

“The second concert will be an American folk night so we are looking at next week’s event as a trial run for the summer.”

Stompin’ Dave’s band will include the vastly experienced Graham Bundy on drums.

Graham has worked with rockabilly luminaries such as Nashville Star’s Jody Evans, Rockabilly Hall Of Fame members Dale Hawkins and Billy Lee Riley.

Graham has also performed with Chuck Berry, recorded at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis and performed at The Grand Ole Opry.

Also in the band will be multi-instrumentalist Prof Oz, Dave’s old stompin’ partner.

Recently described as ‘a master…one of the world’s greatest performers’ by the Daily Telegraph, Dave has appeared at countless big events including Glastonbury Festival, London Remix Festival, The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, The Great Dorset Steam Fair and Southsea Folk & Roots Festival.

Last year he was named winner of the FOAOTMAD (Friends of American Old-Time Music and Dance) old-time banjo competition. As well as being a multi-instrumentalist, Dave is well known for his flat foot dancing skills.

The Pavilion concert on March 1 starts at 8pm and tickets are £12 from the box office on 01305 783225.