The ever reliable Darlington Rock & Blues club are bringing Alice Armstrong our way this October—a woman who is creating a huge stir among in-the-know punters on the scene.

It isn’t hard to see why Alice Armstrong has set tongues a-clacking, because this multi-award-winning singer-songwriter has rapidly cemented her reputation as one of the most compelling and formidable talents in modern British blues and R&B. Armed with a vocal range that sweeps effortlessly from velvety, soul-drenched intimacy to raw, roof-raising power, Armstrong possesses the rare ability to command a room the second she steps up to the mic. Her original material—a sharp, high-octane blend of blues, funk, soul, and contemporary R&B—is matched only by her captivating stage presence and famously acerbic wit. Live, she balances sheer musical brilliance with an easy, infectious charm, treating audiences to emotionally charged storytelling one minute and playful banter the next. Fresh off the back of a string of UK Blues Awards and major festival appearances across the UK and Europe, Armstrong arrives in Darlington backed by a stellar band of top-tier musicians. For anyone who appreciates world-class vocals, razor-sharp grooves, and authentic blues grit, her gig at The Forum should be a complete and utter doozy. GM

Alice Armstrong Band, Friday 9 October, The Forum, Darlington, 7.30pm, £18, theforumonline.co.uk