MUSIC fans look set to take 'Shelter From The Storm' in Worcester's Marr's Bar this month as the venue hosts a Bob Dylan night.

The event is now in its third year and sees members of Worcestershire groups The George Cowley Experience, Diego Garcia and The Aliens coming together to tackle a selection of the legendary singer/songwriter's timeless tunes.

Going under the name Big Jim and the Diamond Miners, the band comprises "Big Jim" Willis on lead guitar, Chris Houghton on drums, Tommy "The Pope" on lead guitar, Helen Davies on fiddle, Madeiros Badham on rhythm guitar and Pete Unwin on vocals and guitar.

Pete Unwin of the George Cowley Experience said the event had come about as his band used to play at a Dylan night in a Birmingham pub.

"We just approached the Marr's Bar to see if we could do a night in celebration of his music and they said yes as they had always been big fans so it just went from there really," he added.

Jewish singer Bob Dylan -

born Robert Allen Zimmerman on 24th May 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota - was an unlikely star with his gravely voice - which music fans either loved or hated - but soon became the voice of the generation in the 60s.

He has gone on to be one of the most prolific songwriters in musical history with a plethora of critically acclaimed albums - most notably 1966's Blonde on Blonde and 1975's Blood on the Tracks - both of which regularly feature in top 100 album lists.

In turn he has spawned scores of memorable tunes including Like A Rolling Stone, I'll Be Your Baby Tonight, Blowin' In The Wind and Lay Lady Lay.

And the evening in the Marr's Bar will see the band take on some of the classics, as well as a blues version of Don't Think Twice It's Alright and rarities such as Tight Connection to my Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love) and Seven Days - which is not on any official Dylan album.

The evening will kick off with an electric set by Big Jim and the Diamond Miners - the name of which is taken from a line on Blood on the Tracks - with a number of acoustic slots in between before the band return to conclude the night.

Among the galaxy of artists supporting for the acoustic slots will be Dave the Book Guy, Hardshoulder, Andy Green, Poor Bob and Vince Russell.

Mr Unwin said the fact the age range of the audience in previous years was so varied only went to show his ability to appeal to all generations.

"The previous gigs have been packed out for a Sunday and attracted punters of all ages - whether they are teenagers or folks in their 60s," he said.

"People say 'I don't like Dylan' but then you say 'what don't you like - his Christian period, his country, his blues?' and so on because he covered so much and I think most people can relate to some of his music somewhere.

"Every time we've made a pact not to repeat the same song and we've managed so far because he's got such a massive back catalogue."

During the evening a number of Bob Dylan items including CDs, books, posters and shirts will be auctioned off to raise funds for the tsunami disaster appeal.

And there will also be a Dylan biblical readings contest, with people being asked to come up on stage and do the best rendition of religious excerpts from Dylan's songs - the prize being a bible.

"It's just a bit of fun but also to get across to people that he has some strong religious references in his work," said Mr Unwin.

Tickets for the gig are £5 on the door. Anyone who has items to contribute to the auction can drop them into the Marr's Bar, in Pierpoint Street from today or ring Pete on 07769 826238 to arrange collection.