LEGENDARY funk/pop band The Average White Band are to play Cambridge, in a concert organised by the team behind Rockinbeerfest. Over the past 30 years, the Average White Band (AWB) has performed sold-out shows around the world, confirming the timeless ap

LEGENDARY funk/pop band The Average White Band are to play Cambridge, in a concert organised by the team behind Rockinbeerfest.

Over the past 30 years, the Average White Band (AWB) has performed sold-out shows around the world, confirming the timeless appeal of their infectiously danceable funky soul. Formed in 1972, their roots may have been Scottish, but the collective heart of the band belonged to the soulful sounds coming out of Memphis, Detroit, and Philadelphia in the 1960s.

In 1975, Average White Band's breakout single Pick Up the Pieces and the album AWB reached the top of the pop and R&B charts. For the remainder of the decade, the group took their killer groove around the world, leaving in their wake a trail of hits such as Person to Person, Cut the Cake, Schoolboy Crush, A Love of Your Own and Queen of My Soul. In 1980, the dance single Let's Go Round Again enjoyed the longest chart run of the year in the United Kingdom.

The band play at the Junction, Clifton Road, Cambridge, on Tuesday, May 23, and tickets are £15 advance, £16 on the door. Box office, 01223 357851.

WIN TICKETS: We have two pairs of tickets up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning just tell us the roots of The Average White Band. Email your answer to:theboyrichard@googlemail.com with your full name, address and a daytime telephone number. The tickets will be on the door. Closing date, Sunday, May 21. Usual Archant competition rules apply.

RICHARD PAUL