THIS WEEK AT THE STABLES: WITH LARRY CARLTON, DA CAPO DUO, PETE LONG, MARTIN SIMPSON & MORE

A four-time Grammy winner kick starts the Wavendon Stables billing for the week ahead.

Playing on Thursday (June 18), Larry Carlton revisits the venue with his quartet.

There is a crossover pop-rock sensibility at play alongside his roots that are set in blues and jazz, and he's an ace at his craft, that's why he is also the recipient of the impressive sounding Titan of Tone award.

Pete Firman will give you a trick-tastic time out if you already have a ticket to see him at work over on Stage 2.

But not even magic will be enough to rustle up a spare seat for the event by the star of BBC1's The Magicians.

They are a long time sold-out.

The Searchers c. Brian Crump 7

If you fancy some sweets for your sweet, and maybe some sugar for your honey to boot, book in for Friday's (June 19) visit by The Searchers (above).

This so-called 'solo' concert also features anecdotes and reminisces alongside all the hits you expect.

Things will get underway as soon as you walk in the room.  So long as it's at 8pm.

On Stage 2, Da Capo Duo (below) will entertain.

Da Capo JPEGW2

They met over a photocopier at their day jobs - Bernardo was charmed by her beautiful soprano voice and 'so very British' computer.

In turn, she was seduced by his virtuosity and Latin charm.  Music soon followed.

Da Capo don't bow at any altar of music in particular.  Instead they flit, from one style to another.  Simply, if they like it, they play it - from the classic French songs of Trent and Aznavour to the  pop playability of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Add in some Bossa Nova, Latin Jazz and Flamenco and you are getting closer to the real deal.  C'est bon!

Da-da-da-da-da-da-da...da-da-da-da-da-da!  Strictly stars Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe deliver a dance showcase on Saturday (June 20), but that's all sold out.

Still booking for Sunday (June 21) evening though, Pete Long with his Echoes of Ellington.

In the 90's they were one of the great powerhouse orchestras, combining historical accuracy with virtuoso playing and perfect performance.

After a 15-year hiatus, Echoes of Ellington are back - and ready to take advantage of the masses of research carried out on Ellington in the intervening period.

'Expect bluer indigos, higher high spots and more exotic moods than ever before,' say those at the helm.

What's better than watching one virtuoso at work?  Watching three, of course!

Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Nancy Kerr arrive on Tuesday (June 23) evening.  

Nancy is a multi-instrumentalist and a truly beautiful singer, while Andy is a master of the diatonic accordion (and most other squeezeboxes).

Together with award-winning musician, singer and songwriter Martin (whose talents have been utilised by artists including Bonnie Raitt, Richard Hawley and Richard Thompson), you have a trio of formidable talent ready to show you what they can do.

It's a tidy week, with some real gems.

Book by calling 01908 280800 or visit www.stables.org