PIANIST Paul Vincent is one half of the popular Torbay-based duo Manhattan, and he has just secured a year-long double residency at Torquay's Grand Hotel.

Born in Birmingham, Paul studied under Professor Thomas Hudd and gained his music degree at the age of 18.

His first professional engagement was with the Leslie Douglas Orchestra at Bridlington in Yorkshire, where he met his wife and Manhattan stage partner Patsy Maclean, who had just joined the Leslie Douglas outfit as vocalist.

Paul went on to become a pivotal member of the Eric Delaney Band, touring Britain and supporting such big name acts as Morecambe and Wise.

Later, he was invited by the Bernard Delfont Agency to become the musical director at the Bristol Hippodrome — a position he held for two years. It was then he was appointed as musical director to comedian Harry Worth, and he spent the next five years touring with the Here's Harry Show. Patsy was also involved in the Harry Worth Show, singing and performing sketches with the popular TV and variety star.

When Patsy was engaged to perform on the maiden cruises of the ocean liner QEII, Paul joined her as musical director. Following that, they worked extensively for Cunard, P&O and Fred Olsen, with Paul also writing and arranging many of the cruise lines' shows.

In his career to date, Paul Vincent has also worked in London's West End, and appeared on three Royal Variety Shows.

Another noteworthy credit saw Paul and his own quartet performing on an episode of the popular TV series Lovejoy, shot at Devon's famous Burgh Island Hotel.

As for his latest engagement, Paul Vincent can be seen in action at the Grand Hotel in Torquay every Sunday lunchtime and Wednesday evening for the rest of the year.

I'M SAD to report the death of South Devon impresario Billie George, the wife of Trevor George who, together, launched and ran the iconic Trevor George Entertainments Agency from their offices in Torquay.

Billie's funeral service will be held tomorrow at 2.15pm at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Church Road, St Marychurch. Billie's daughter Anne, who now runs the Trevor George Agency, has extended an invitation to all local showbusiness people known to Billie and Trevor who wish to attend the funeral service. Watch next Thursday's LoweDown column for a tribute to one of South Devon's legendary showbiz people.

BANDLEADER Alfie Romeo called me last week with news of tomorrow night's appearance by the Alfie Romeo Band at the Manor Inn in Galmpton.

Alfie said: "We had a busy 2009 that included numerous garden parties and other outdoor events. And 2010 is shaping up to be a similarly successful year.

"In fact, in June we'll be releasing our latest album entitled Dead Man's Shoes. It's a double CD collection featuring covers on one disc and self-penned numbers on the other. Profits from the sale of the CD will be donated to Devon Air Ambulance.

"In the meantime, admission to Friday's appearance by the band at the Manor Inn will be free, and the music starts at 8.30pm."

SOUTH Devon musician Steve Thompson contacted me earlier this week with details of a charity Valentine's bash he is organising in Newton Abbot.

Steve said: "I'm putting on a Valentine's dance in aid of the British Heart Foundation at the Keyberry Hotel, Newton Abbot, on Saturday. "Admission is free and everybody is welcome to attend. The live music comes from my own covers band Sidetract."

FROM 8.30pm tonight the Carlton Theatre in Teignmouth is to be the setting for the latest Teignmouth Sessions event.

Sessions organiser John Perkins said: "More and more people are now starting to talk about the excellent quality music being played and the wonderful opportunity the Teignmouth Sessions brings to local people.

"These sessions are aimed at local musicians, young and old, to come and play to an appreciative and supportive audience. Thanks to the Carlton Theatre, the evening is free admission for everyone and an excellent way for up and coming performers to showcase what they can do.

"We have been very encouraged by the numbers of people who come and play, as well as those who just come for a wonderful night of live music. It's fantastic to see so many young musicians and the quality of some of the new young bands has been excellent."

Anyone wishing to take part tonight is asked to contact John Perkins via email at theteignmouthsessions@googlemail.com or text him on 07919 354426.

RICKY TATE, the manager and spokesman for the Devon-based outfit Juju, called me a few days ago with news of a Valentine's weekend gig for the band.

Ricky said: "After a resoundingly successful gig at The Saddlers Arms in Lympstone near Exmouth last year, Juju are back at the same venue by popular demand this Friday evening from 9pm. Be sure to get there early. And, as it's Valentine's weekend, why not spoil your loved one with a meal beforehand, cooked for you by Gary and his staff?" Check out Juju's website for details of all the band's local gigs at www.jujumusic.co.uk