By Safira Ali

Last updated 12:10, Friday, 08 August 2008

A west Cumbrian woman will start her bid for stardom with an intimate ‘American style’ gig in Whitehaven tonight.

On song: Singer Judith Jones, of Beckermet, who will be flying out to America in September to perform

Judith Jones, of Beckermet, near Egremont, will be jetting off to the USA in September to perform in front of 20,000 at a charity concert.

She is the lead singer of blues and country rock band, the Judith Jones Band, but will be flying into Chicago and then travelling to Nashville as part of her month-long solo tour.

But before she goes stateside she has arranged a performance with Never The Bride, a popular country rock act for whom internationally renowned vocal instructor Nikki Lamborn is lead singer.

Nikki has worked with The Who and Status Quo and wrote the song, The Living Tree, for Shirley Bassey. More recently she has been coaching UK R&B sensation Beverley Knight.

Judith, who works as interface manager for High Level Wastes Plant, Sellafield, and Nikki will be teaming up to perform at The Vagabond in Whitehaven, from 9pm tonight.

“We aren’t being paid by the pub owner,” Judith said.

“There will be a bucket passed round and those watching will pay whatever they think we are worth. It is how they do things in the USA and should be good fun.

“Nikki is a fantastic singer and I’m sure that if people turn out to hear her they won’t be disappointed.”

Nikki will also lead a Rock Workshop at The Senhouse Centre in Whitehaven tomorrow, (sat) and is offering private lessons over that weekend.

The workshop costs just £30, with individual lessons priced at £65, and a discount for those doing both.

For more details contact Judith on info@judithjonesband.co.uk.