MUSIC takes centre stage at The Anvil in Basingstoke in April with performances by experimentalists Trevor Watts and Jamie Harris, country specialists The Arlenes, acoustic guitarist Martin Simpson, four-piece Dr Faustus and rising singer-songwriter Amy Wadge.

Trevor Watts and Jamie Harris will be at The Anvil on April 2. Veteran of the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Moire Music and the Celebration Band, saxophonist Trevor Watts has been successfully marrying jazz and African rhythms for 40 years. He has been a mainstay of the British jazz scene since the 1960s.

His latest duo with vocalist/percussionist Jamie Harris is the distillation of a lifetime's experience and is a freewheeling exploration of folk forms and improvisation. Tickets are £12.50.

Big Steve Arlene is joined by the sensational Emily Barker for an evening of country music on April 2.

The release of The Arlenes' self-titled EP established them as Britain's finest country band. Tickets are £13.50.

One-quarter of guitar band Martins 4, one-time member of The Albion Band and musical partner of singer June Tabor for almost a decade, Martin Simpson is one of the finest acoustic guitarists Britain has produced. He will be at The Anvil on April 14. Tickets are priced £11.

Dr Faustus brings together four of England's most accomplished musicians and singers in a band which truly flies the flag for English music. And you can see them at The Anvil on April 20. Tickets are £12.50.

Cardiff-based Amy Wadge is a singer-songwriter with a growing reputation. Since 2001, she has played alongside a whole host of top names including Stereophonics, Embrace and Lenny Kravitz.

She performs live at The Anvil on April 29. Tickets are £10.

For tickets to all of the above shows, contact The Anvil on 01256 844244.