WHAT better reason to go out for the night than a Curfew?

More and more people are doing just that as the Southampton band begin to make a name for themselves on the popular pub venue circuit.

Curfew is a seven-piece band that owes much of its success to powerful female vocalist Alison Walton, 37, and an ever-expanding set list of rock, soul and blues covers.

For those of us who stand and admire the skills of musicians most weekends, there is a clear message ... you too can entertain! Several members of Curfew took to their instruments in recent years and they blend extremely well with the more experienced players.

"I have always followed bands and now I'm up there doing what I enjoy," says 47-year-old drummer Gary Golding, from Totton. Rhythm guitarist Ross Merriman, 40, from nearby Marchwood, is also having his first taste of life in a live band and IT consultant John Morgan (lead guitar), 45, from Southampton has five years of playing under his belt and his musical direction is responsible for the group's rapid rise to the stage. Experience comes from Southampton bassist Steve Crump, keyboard player John Morgan from Romsey and university graduate John Cornwall-West who is in control of percussion. Curfew have built up a loyal following and were forced into five encores at their last local gig. They take to the stage next at the White Horse Hotel, Romsey Square on July 28.