This was an evening which celebrated the art of the songwriter and proved that you can have a whole lot of fun at the same time.

Featuring two very different performers and yet ones who also share a great deal of common ground this was a night to savour.

Opening up, Ian Prowse urged the seated masses huddling at the back of the venue to take to the floor in front of the stage before launching into a dynamic set which persuaded even the most reticent to get up close and personal.

Backed by the ever-excellent Laura McKinlay on fiddle and backing vocals and with the addition of drummer and flute player, Prowse and his small troupe of musicians just made a joyous noise.

Songs from his most recent Companeros album featured heavily with My Name is Dessi Warren and Johnny and Marie being particularly effective.

Songs from the extensive Prowse back catalogue also featured including Fireworks, the title track off his first album with the band Pele and a riotous Storm the Palace which gave hints of how good the full band Amsterdam shows he will be fronting next year will be.

The anthemic Does This Train Stop on Merseyside rounded off all all-too brief support slot.

Then it was time for the main course, Martin Stephenson reunited with the Daintees to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album Boat to Bolivia.

Stephenson is a one-off and should be regarded as a national treasure. At times the evening turned into a night of surreal comedy as he let his imagination take flight between songs, regaling the audience with anecdotes and observations.

Boat to Bolivia may be 30 years old but the songs sound as fresh - and relevant - today as then they were written and with John Steel on guitar, the amazing Kate Stephenson on drums and Chris Mordey on bass, there was a collection of musicians on stage who could fully do them justice.

The contrast in styles of songs ranging from salsa beats to beat poetry, and from rockabilly to reggae, kept the whole experience fresh and uplifting.

On three occasions Stephenson went walkabout, leaving the stage to play among the audience - the final time, leading anyone who would follow to the merchandise stall in the foyer at the close of the show.

Stephenson has called the experience of revisiting an album from his early 20s like time travel. Everyone at the Grand was delighted to share the journey with him.