This area has always been into bands in a big way and anyone who remembers the great days of Seven Miles Out at Brierley Gap, The Kinsley Farmers and The Soldiers Club in Hemsworth will appreciate the way today's band venues are so well patronised.
Last week saw a return to the area for Hemsworth comedian Simon Ashley.
Simon has been working and living down in the Midlands, as well as travelling regularly for work in the Canary Islands.
I'm delighted to report that this great entertainer has moved back into the area and is living near Pontefract. Last Thursday evening Simon reminded everyone just what a great entertainer he is with a great spot on a charity show, which I organised for Wakefield Hospice, staged at Westgate Common Club in Wakefield.
Hopefully we will now see Simon working in our local clubs once again.
Ryhill family band The Hit Men and Her won't be spending too much on diesel for their booking on Saturday, July 12.
This popular trio will be appearing at their own local club, Ryhill Liberal, and I'm sure that lots of their pals will be going along to show their support.
Also featuring as forthcoming attractions at the club are top singers like Shirley Ann Scott and Paul Stewart, so it seems that things are set for some good nights out at 'The Lib'.
Singer/guitarist Ashley Jackman has managed to attract plenty of attention by bringing along his best mate along to some of his gigs.
Ashley's mate is known to one and all as 'Big G' and I'm told that he is a very unusual budding comedian. Something different is always welcome in our clubs and Big G is certainly different!
The Wakefield and Pontefract Concert Secretaries Federation will stage its monthly showcase evening over in the Pontefract area at Ladybalk Social Club on Wednesday, July 23.
Among those appearing are Cat Lee and Jimmy Echo, who I worked with only last Friday.
Jimmy is old school, but his act is as fresh and well-presented as any I have seen lately.
Jimmy loves to sing and play the guitar and he does both superbly, but he is also a very funny and effective stand-up comedian too.
He is probably one of the most versatile and enduringly popular entertainers in clubland. If you have any news or views on club entertainment in this area I would like to hear from you. Just drop me a line at the Express or call my office number on 01924 370400 and leave a message.
Those with internet access can e-mail mark-Ritchie@btconnect.com