West Midland mid-westerners

Bluegrass band The Toy Hearts to play at Arlington Arts

A BIRMINGHAM based bluegrass/Americana group will be performing at the Arlington Arts, Snelsmore, next month.

Since cutting their first record in 2006, The Toy Hearts have emerged out of the burgeoning acoustic scene.

The band is fronted by sisters Hannah and Sophia Johnson, who bring both a feminine, and British perspective, to an essentially American music sound.

However, they keep one foot in the traditional camp by employing their father Stewart on banjo and dobro, while non-family members on double bass and fiddle complete the five-piece line up.

The Toy Hearts have toured through the UK, the US and Europe and can count new rockabilly queen Imelda May and broadcaster Bob Harris among their fans.

Their second single, The Captain, will be released in May. The band will play at The Forge, at The Anvil, Basingstoke, on May 4 (7.45pm) and Arlington Arts on May 12(8pm).