Ska heroes The Beat bring their unique sound to Luton

One of the biggest bands of the 2-Tone movement, The Beat had a string of hits including ‘Mirror in the Bathroom’, ‘Too Nice To Talk To’, ‘Can’t Get Used To Losing You’, ‘Hands off She’s Mine’ and ‘All Out To Get You’.

Their music fuses ska, pop, reggae and punk rock, and the 2012 line-up features Ranking Roger and Ranking Junior on vocals, Everett on drums plus Andy Pearson, Michael Billingham, Matt Godwin and Steve Harper on sax, keys and guitars.

Tickets cost £12.50, and are available from the Hat Factory on 01582 878100 or at www.lutonculture.com.

Three singer songwriters bring their talents to the venue on July 27 for a ‘Songwriters’ Circle’ event, performing songs individually and together.

Graham Robins promises “rootsy tunes and atmosphere by the spadeful”, playing songs from his recent album, The Shipping News.

Bedford musician Dan Raza, who has toured with Joan Armatrading, will bring folk and country sounds, while Andy Fleet influences include John Cale, Randy Newman and Tom Waits.

Tickets are £10.