UNTIL a few years ago, vocalist Matt Curtis was one of the busiest performers on South Devon's live music circuit.

In fact, hardly a week would go by without his name appearing several times in the LoweDown Gig Guide.

Over time, as Matt's popularity grew, he became renowned locally for his faithful interpretations of a wide variety of popular songs, not least of which was his cover version of the 1978 Bill Withers classic Lovely Day. Remarkably, Matt was able to hold the last note on that song even longer than Bill Withers himself.

Another extraordinary feat achieved by Matt Curtis was when he shattered a wine glass with his voice at the Inn on the Green in Paignton. A lady sitting at a table with her husband some 20 feet from the stage where Matt was performing, reached out for her nearly empty glass, and jumped with fright as it disintegrated in front of her. Later, Matt joked that he would try not to make a habit of it.

Since those far off days in the late 1990s, Matt Curtis has moved to Spain and changed his stage name to Matthew Mason.

This weekend, however, he's back in the Bay for a short holiday, and he can be seen in action at two local venues.

Matt said: "Things are going well over in Spain considering the present economic climate. So I can't complain. I've been performing at lots of different types of venues from big outdoor events and festivals to some exclusive restaurants, and these gigs seem to be the way forward over there. People like to enjoy good food, great ambience and quality entertainment, so long may that continue.

"In the meantime, while I'm back in Torbay, I'll be performing at the Prince of Orange in Barton, Torquay, on Saturday evening and, on Sunday afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.30pm I'm in action at Brixham Conservative Club. I hope to see some old friends at both the engagements."

TOMORROW night, Ryan's Bar on Abbey Road in Torquay will be the setting for a special guest appearance by a band from Israel called The Field People. Support comes from local outfit Little Black Number.

In contrast, Saturday evening's live music line-up at Ryan's Bar is a triple header featuring the bands This is Human Disease, plus In the Absence of Light and Last Resort. As usual, Tuesday is Acoustic Night at Ryan's and Wednesday is the venue's weekly Blues Night.

RICKY TATE, the manager and spokesman for the Exmouth-based outfit The Lateshift contacted me earlier this week with details of some of the band's forthcoming activities.

Ricky said: "The Lateshift is a very popular band with a big following. This funky five piece have live music fans dancing the night away to popular covers from all eras, wherever they appear.

"The Lateshift is playing at The Beach Pub in Exmouth this coming Saturday from 9pm. And then they'll be appearing at the Spinning Wheel in Paignton on Thursday, January 21.

"When you finish work The Lateshift will entertain you for free. Don't miss this cool band. Check out the website at www.thelateshift.co.uk for details of all Lateshift gigs."

AS TRAILED in last Thursday's LoweDown column, the latest Teignmouth Sessions event takes place at the town's Carlton Theatre tonight, starting at 8.30pm.

The sessions provide an opportunity for rock, blues and rhythm 'n' blues musicians and singers to showcase their talents and jam together.

Admission is free and all inquiries about the event are being handled by organiser John Perkins on 07919 354426 or via email at theteignmouthsessions@googlemail.com

FAST approaching its 23rd anniversary, the LoweDown column has traditionally provided a link between the South Devon music and entertainment scene and the public.

So, if you're a musician or part of a band or a solo or speciality act, and you'd like to tell South Devon about an up-coming local gig, the LoweDown column and its associated Gig Guide can do the job for you.

Similarly, if you're a venue proprietor, hotelier, booker or event organiser and you need some exposure for a public access live music or variety entertainment event you're staging, the LoweDown column is here to help.

You can contact me direct via email at davidlowecolumn@aol.com or by telephone during office hours on 01803 292354. It really is as simple as that. What's more, any exposure you and your event gets in print in the LoweDown column comes completely free of charge.