SKIPTON musician and promoter Mat Raw is launching a new blues night at Skipton Rugby Club, Sandylands, tomorrow (August 5).

It will mark the first of a series of new events organised by his Phat6strings Promotions company.

Heading the lineup will be The Steve Fulsham band, with the event continuing on the first Friday of every month.

Mat, who has recently finished at Leeds College of Music, says: "I am currently trying to bring a more broad music scene to Skipton."

In addition to the monthly event at Sandylands, there will also be a monthly acoustic night at The Venue, in Cavendish Street, Skipton.

"It will feature a number of Yorkshire's best musicians showcased on the first Thursday of every month," he says.

There will also be an 'open mic' night on the second Thursday of every month at The Red Lion Pub, Silsden.

"I have played with a number of musicians, including the session guitarist, Charlie Barnes, who plays with the well known band Bastille, and I have a comedy single release coming up with my band Phat6strings next month called Chav Love with a music video."

In addition, Mat, who was outside Skipton Tesco at the weekend busking for charity, also teaches guitar and from September, will be teaching guitar at Skipton Academy.

"My overall target is to get more people involved in music as the advantages of playing an instrument is massive," he says.