Where: Café René, Southgate Street, Gloucester

Friday, January 19, 11pm

The Long Bees have a sound that is reminiscent of Ron Sexsmith, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Wilco.

For the last year or so, multi-instrumentalist George Moorey and drummer Shane Young have shared production duties, recording a collection of songs that songwriter Colin Murphy has hauled up from his deep well of life experiences.

Together with guests and friends (including Charlotte Ayrton and Gary Minerson on guitars) the band are now just about ready for their debut public performance.

They've all been around the block as relative youngsters in their previous bands (Big Blue Sun, The Things, Earnest Cox, Eden Burning), but these days it's all about mutual and gentle appreciation of each other with music as the common interest.

Entry is free before 11pm, £3 after.