Silver Dogs, performing in Blackburn on July 8, are "one stunning live band", in the words of Folk Roots writer Simon Jones.

The five-piece from Chorley is made up of Becky Haslam (lead vocals), Andrew Turner (keyboards, acoustic guitar and backing vocals), Richard Curran (violin and mandolin), Darren Dean (lead guitar) and Neil Aspinall (drums).

They are one of the bands playing at the Evening Of Irish Rock and describe their music as traditional folk songs with a modern rock edge.

And they're certainly from good stock.

Front-woman Becky Haslam is daughter of folkie Ray Haslam of Ray and Colluney fame.

Violinist Richard Curran has performed with a number of international recording artists and regularly does sessions for the BBC.

Acoustic guitar has actually shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix.

Originally formed by keyboardist Andrew Turner and former member Lindsay Davies, Silver Dogs started a mission to break down the final barriers between traditional, contemporary and avant garde music.

Drawing on a range of eclectic and diverse influences, their sound was forged via the addition of like-minded, free-thinking musicians.

The band specialise in twisting and mutating traditional songs and tunes until they become their own, but also play a select number of covers from the likes of Sandy Denny, Lal Waterson and Antje Duvekot, as well as a growing catalogue of self-penned songs.

Earlier in the year they recorded their first album, having been signed to Pendle Hawk Records in Colne.

At the Evening Of Irish Rock, Silver Dogs will be joined by one of the UK's best tribute bands, Chorley-based Renegade.

Renegade recreate the music of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy.

They certainly have the stamina of the band they seek to mimic after being on the road for four years.

They recently performed at The Phil Lynott Dedication Concert in Birmingham in the presence of Philomena Lynott (Phil's mum).

She was so impressed that they have been asked to perform in Dublin at the anniversary of the unveiling of the Phil Lynott statue one year ago.

The two bands performed together earlier in the year at the Garrick Theatre in Stockport to a sell-out audience and have since reunited on a number of occasions.

While both bands are different in their styles, they compliment each other with the Irish music connection running through show.

The show is an absolute must for lovers of Celtic, folk, or rock music.

Indeed, it's a must for all lovers of music irrespective of taste.

An Evening of Irish Rock, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, Saturday, July 8. Call the box office on 01254 680137.