3 Daft Monkeys Whether it's Celtic, Balkan, Gypsy, Spanish, Cornish or other World Music you are drawn to, you will hear its influences.  With backgrounds from Dance, Ska, Reggae and Traditional Folk it's quirky, groovy and fun — we dare you not to dance!   www.3daftmonkeys.co.uk

3 Degrees Playing R 'n' B & Ragga.  Super Raggo Crew.

Aaron Clarke Singer/songwriter delivering energetically on acoustic guitar and performing his own songs with a range of other music genres and covers.  Well known locally for his powerful gritty hard rock voice and performance, so expect to be taken on a roller coaster of music from Blues to Rock.  

Agent M Ambient Electronica from Agent M and special guest J from the Acid Shiffle Crew.

Alahaima Flamenco A vibrant company of five musicians and dancers.  Alahaima represent flamenco's multi-cultural roots and its enigmatic individuality, fusing elements from the Golden age with New Flamenco.

Alan Cowley Guitar-slinging troubadour from Welwyn with observational lyrics and powerful vocals delivered with venom.

Alternation DJ's Punk, Indie, Dance & Stuff! From The Clash to the Stone Roses via The Chemical Brothers!

Arun Ghosh   www.camoci.co.uk/arunghosh

Bamboozle Throwing, occasionally catching, you could call it Juggling: staves, devil styx and diablos, all done with Pois.  Pan da moany …  Erm ?

Beenie Don "Upper-class" reggae tunes.

Bemji Dance hall and R&B.  Baron Studio Sound.

Black Eye A 5 member accessible metal band, with influences from all genres of metal, with impressive stage presence and an original approach.   www.myspace.com/blackeye

Blues Agents A swing blues band who will take you from Texas to Laurel Canyon (via Ittabena Mississippi!).  Over 2,000 performances worldwide over 14 years.  "The only thing that will stop you dancing is your jaw as it hits the deck when guitarist Ben Smith baffles you with his fingertip wizardry."   www.bluesagents.com

Bone Idle BoNeIdLe punkers from London, if u like ur punk in ur face they are well worth a visit! Straight ahead good songs with excellent vocals.   www.boneidleuk.com

Buddhist Monks Karaniya Metta Sutta — 2540 year old verses for all sentient beings will be chanted by Venerable Samitha, Sri Lankan Theravadan Buddhist monk resident in Letchworth.   www.letchworthbuddhism.com

Cello Man The 'Celloman' sound is a blend of Middle Eastern and African rhythms, Eastern and Western classically inspired melodies, hypnotic harmonies and driving funky Bass & Drums.  The five-piece Celloman band has been forging quite a reputation.  After their performance at WOMAD 2003, Listeners of Late Junction on Radio 3 called it their favourite WOMAD moment.  The band — Electric cello, Electric violin, percussion, bass and drums — is made of up of musicians who have literally been around the world performing classical, rock, new wave, pop and reggae.  Ivan Hussey AKA Celloman describes the project as 'his life so far'.  After working extensively as a cellist at the Guildhall School of Music, Ivan crossed over to other forms.  Having joined the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra he then toured in 1993 with Duran Duran on an eight-month world tour, followed by a tour with Gabrielle.  Shortly after, Ivan spent two years working as a cellist in Tel Aviv, absorbing the music of the Middle East.  He has worked regularly with a host of big names (Mick Jagger, Incognito, D'influence, Shola Ama, Da Lata, E17, Take That, David Lynden Hall, The Lighthouse Family) as well as arranging and scoring for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  Ivan and the Celloman band are a musical treat not to be missed!   www.celloman.co.uk

Chakardar the London A group of the best young tabla players in the UK followed by an Indo-European rhythmic fusion.

Chordblind Cathy and James provide the solid rhythmic under-pinning for Lorenzo’s ever imaginative guitar playing and Natasha’s warm vocal.  Top tunes, hypnotic grooves.

Chris & Joy Chris Ripple and Joy Chance are hosts for ROTW at the Willow Stage, along with other members of Parnassus.  Named after the mountain in Greece where the Gods went to muse, Parnassus Performance was started by the late Margaret "Betty" Pickersgill at Bowes Lyon House Stevenage in the 1980's as a poetry and performing arts group.  All members write and perform their own material but have been known to throw in an appropriate cover when suitable. 

Craig Maddox Think a male version of Tori Amos and you have the essence of Craig.  A young singer/songwriter/pianist about to release his debut album.   www.craigmaddox.co.uk

Cross Currents — Decibel ROTW is partnering with the Arts Council, Cross Currents and Decibel programmes to highlight the best of cultural diversity work from across the East of England.  From the Cross Currents collaboration don't miss the Osagyefo Theatre company (Ghanaian dance theatre), Cultureshock performing urban dance and hip-hop theatre and Kadam Dance presenting Synergy — a performance of contemporary Indian dance with dancer Khali and clarinetist Arun Ghosh.  For further info on the Cross Currents and Decibel projects please visit www.artscouncil.org.uk or…   www.diversityprogramme-pace.org.uk/projects/decibel

Crucial The Rock Project Ranging in age from 8-11, Stevenage junior rock school band 'Crucial' open proceedings with a couple of classic Rock numbers, ably assisted by some of the senior rock band players.  Let's see those air guitars! (Hertfordshire Music Service)

Culture Shock An exhilarating mix of Hip-Hop, breakdancing, popping, locking and jazz dance to a thumping Hip-Hop soundtrack.   www.cultureshock.info

Cunning Liz A five-piece 70's classic rock explosion from North Herts, influenced by Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd.   www.cunningelizabeth.com

Dalvinder Singh Dalvinder Singh is only 22, and began his influential career within the bhangra industry in the year 2000.  After the success of his first album 'The First Chapter', Dalvinder received a well-deserved award for 'The Best Newcomer' at the Asian Pop Awards, which was quickly followed by the release of his second album.  Dalvinder has spent a lot of time on the road touring the UK, including performing at the BBC Mega Mela, Zee Asia Live and the Carlton Mela 2002, and supporting Harbhajan Maan on his UK tour in 2000.  With a five-album deal from Moviewbox under his belt, Dalvinder has now formed a band that consists of great musicians.   www.dalvindersingh.com

Danny Cluso Your host for the Portmill Stage.

Danny Spice Hip-Hop and Funk set from Hitchin-based emcee/dj/producer/promoter.   www.outerbound.co.uk

Dead Kids' Song — The Rock Project From John Henry Newman they come.  Including members of the Shard they are an intelligent, thought-provoking new band.  (Hertfordshire Music Service)

Dele Sosimi Dele Sosimi has a faultless pedigree.  Despite being born in Hackney, the young Sosimi was signed up to man the keyboards in the Egypt 80 band of Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, before teaming up with Fela's son Femi to put together the latter's Positive Force outfit.  Dele was both the keyboardist and the musical director for nine years and toured all over the world.  While Nigerian music increasingly looks towards hip-hop for direction, Sosimi and his band keep things defiantly old school, relying on the indestructible Afrobeat values of funk, funk and more funk.  Moving to London in 1995, Dele set about forming a new group reflecting London's multicultural environment, giving a strong influence of jazz and shades of deep funk and Latin music, underpinned by the heavy grooves of Afrobeat's Yoruba rhythms.  The band has performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the South Bank Centre and the Soho Jazz Festival, and is a regular at both the Jazz Cafe and the Shrine night.  'Showcasing out of Africa sounds that are rootsy yet cutting edge, foot stomping, jazzy, progressive and damn funky' — Time Out magazine.  Sponsored by African and Carribbean Music Circuit Ltd.   www.delesosimi.com

DJ Clench etc. DJ Clench & DJ T.N.T.  & MC Sturge & MC Champion & MC Sturge & Trigger Beats Live Act Showcase of MC Champion and MC Riddler

DJ LT Trancecore.

DJ Mystro Playing Garage and R 'n' B.  Super Raggo Crew.

DJ Shawn-E Playing old skool.  Super Raggo Crew.

Dot Hardcore & Bamboozle Progressive psychedelic trance with an acid twist and hard techno influences.   www.dothardcore.da.ru

Doug SAT — Worldwide sounds from Blunt Beats resident Doug.  SUN — Block party hip hop jams from Doug, in a Blunt Beats style.  

Epoc Live drum n bass trio.  They represent a new breed of musical performance, harnessing the raw elements of the genre and delivering them live.   www.epoclive.co.uk

Erbalist SAT — Rocksteady and roots reggae from the veteran Blunt Beats resident.  SUN — Funk session with the Erbalist.   www.bluntbeats.com

Fabrizia Indian Classical Temple Dance 'Bharatanatyam' performed by Fabrizia and Hitchin Minority Forum students, accompanied by Bansuri flute, Tabla and violin.  

Flying Beartonies Jugglers, Unicyclists and Magicians based in Hitchin.  On the High Street Stage on Saturday and ad hoc appearances throughout the weekend.

Fran Meaby & Matt Whelan A promising and original acoustic duo.  (Hertfordshire Music Service)

Fred & Al A duo from Merseyside living in Hertfordshire, and playing acoustic nonsense, with song subjects ranging from sprouts to clubbing for mums.  "We appeal to most ages and aren't that offensive."   www.fredandal.co.uk

Free Fall A 'working performance' created on the spot in an experiential attempt to fuse emotions with the surrounding environment.

Frog Stupid …have gained many a fan locally with their melodic, horn-fuelled punk rock, cheeky ska and emotive breakdowns coupled with an energetic live show.   www.frogstupid.co.uk

Fruition 5 piece alternative groove rock band with captivating songs and melodies that will get you jumping and leave you swinging from the light fittings.   www.fruitionhq.co.uk

Fuzzy Lumpkins Funky folk-grunge with a sixties feel and uplifiting vibe.   www.fuzzylumpkins.co.uk

Gor Jus Wrex Top local traditional Irish Ceili Band — recorded by EMI.  Vibrant tunes and original songs from this lively five piece — guaranteed to get you jigging and reeling. 

Half-moon Drum Circle An eclectic blend of world rhythms featuring djembe, djun-djun, talking drums and didges.  Exciting stuff not to be missed.

Harpreet Jandu P-Stylez-K-& Sharan Kang A modern-style dance with the latest bhangra moves to well-known bhangra music.   www.freewebs.com/punjabi-style-kuriya

Hertfordshire Young Songwriter 2004 Finalists Winners, runners-up and commended entrants perform their songs and receive prizes from Hertfordshire Music Service's James Dickinson and Jon Bliss from sponsors Make Music.  Pupils from 6 to 18 years offer imaginative and original songs in a variety of styles.  Get writing for the 2005 competition! (Hertfordshire Music Service)

Hitchin Allstar Choir A capella choir with a fresh and inspirational mix of songs including jazz, soul, pop, African and Irish.  Arrive early to get a good seat.

Jambience Jambience are a band who combine mainstream Western musical instruments with instruments such as didgeridoos, tablas, djembes and darabukas to fuse indigenous musical styles with contemporary Western music.  Coming from diverse musical roots and nationalities the band create music that combines folk traditions such as flamenco, jazz and blues with modern, dance-based genres.  Predominamtly instrumental, Jambience's music brings an appreciation and respect for the traditions of cultural origins of other music to "help build bridges which will close the gaps that separate cultures".  As The Insight wrote, "Needs to be heard by anyone with an ear for original and interesting music".   www.jambience.com

James Holland Young Hertfordshire-based singer songwriter.  A fusion of guitar, piano and thoughtful lyrics for a gritty folk pop sound.  Accompanied by John Tobin. 

Jas Money Hip-hop DJ who played a blinding set at Club 85.

Jo Chojin & host LI the MC DJ set to warm your ears to the hip-hop before the acts jump on stage.  Jo will be joined by LI the MC to fill the gaps between the other acts.

Kadam Dance Kadam is a lively and thriving dance development agency based in Bedford, the eastern region of the UK.  The company promotes and develops South Asian dance and related art forms by providing intensive dance training and workshops, creating resources and promoting performances regionally, nationally and internationally.  A spell-binding display of contemporary Indian dance and music.  CrossCurrents/DECIBEL.   www.kadam.org.uk

Katie Brayben Band Influences ranging from Joni Mitchell to Ani DiFranco, now performing with a great band.  Make way for an original soulful sound, with thoughtful, sincere lyrics.   www.katiebrayben.tk

Katie Buckhaven Katie Buckhaven's unique voice combines the warmth of Norah Jones, the fragility of Beth Gibbon and the heart-breaking passion of Eva Cassidy.   www.katiebuckhaven.com

Kimberley Devonshire Big voice, great songs at the keyboard from Royston's finest.

Leavse Springs Hello and welcome 2 the Leaves Spring experience.  We aim 4 u 2 listen, experience and share simplicity of recorded live instruments fused with break beats and modern jazz mixed with unique environmental sounds from across the world.

Left Engine Formed in January 2004, a four piece band that play edgy guitar music.  Their first gig was at Club 85 and was well received by a big audience.

Letchworth MajorettesVoluntary group aiming to teach children from 5 upwards baton twirling, pom poms and mace work for displays in the summer season.

Lewis-R Playing freestyle.  Super Raggo Crew.

Lionheart Lionheart are a 6 piece band formed in July 2003.  All are experienced musicians from different musical backgrounds, having individually played in such bands as Shiloh, Promise Land, Expression and the Dave Ellis Blues Band.  Between them the band members bring writing, production and technical skills as well as musical influences ranging across reggae, soul, calypso, blues, jazz, funk and classical influences al brought together into a musical fusion that get’s your feet tapping and your heart pounding. 

Lionheart have played both ROTW and the Luton Carnival in the past couple of years and are guaranteed to get you smiling. 
www.lionheart.uk.com

Malika's Kitchen A writing community run by Malika Booker, Roger Robinson and Jacob Sam-La Rose.  The group is committed to the craft of writing as well as the passion and skill of performance.  (CrossCurrents/DECIBEL)

Manboob Local alternative rock band who blend catchy, sing-along choruses with hard-edged riffs and thought-provoking time swings.  Think the Lemonheads, Thin Lizzy and a bizarre sense of humour.   www.manboob.co.uk

Marcus G Hurley Funk and Soul grooves fron Marcus G Hurley for Blunt Beats.   www.bluntbeats.com

Mark Astronauts & Rico Two blokes from the Astronauts attempting to be the new Simon & Garfunkel or at least nearly as good as Zager & Evans.   www.astronauts.org.uk

Marsada The Batak are people indigenous to Indonesia with a strong musical talent.  Marsada are a group of young musicians from Sumatra who, for the first time, are bringing Batak music to the world stage.  Their music brings together traditional and modern influences, combining infectious rhythms with close harmony vocals.  Taking inspiration from their native home of Samosir Island in Lake Toba, Marsada have developed their own arrangements for local ceremonial and Batak folksongs, using traditional instruments mixed with acoustic guitars.  Over the past few years the group have built up a strong reputation in Indonesia, and they are now undertaking their first tour of the UK.  This therefore is the first chance (well, second to Streatham actually) to hear, first-hand, some very powerful music from a band who create an infectious, high-energy but also deeply soulful sound.  Marsada's appeareance at the Festival has been made possible by support from the Arts Council, Visiting Arts and AMC.  Masada released the album 'Pulo Samsir' in June 04.  (The Arts Council & Visiting Arts)   www.marsada.com

Mashtun Grace Hertford's own rock heavyweights, a seamless stream of testosterone and rock churned out like a big dirty unstoppable machine! A force to be reckoned with.   www.mashtungrace.com

Massed Choirs & Percussion The Church Choirs will be performing together a piece called ESETAYE, which means "the first trading of the Earth", a celebration of the story of creation.  The piece was written to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Dubai College by Robin & Wendy Henderson, and is based on African music and rhythms.

Mganga Jazz/Funk band fuelled with energy and featuring the talents of the trumpet player from Motimba.  The next generation lay down soul, Afro-Latin and jazz funk classics.

Michael Berk Heavy-metal guitarist-turned acoustic instrumentalist, Michael Berk fuses flamenco rhythms, jazz harmony, blues and bluegrass influences into his own style.  Guitar finger-picking virtuosity at its best.  One of the most stunning guitar players you'll see.

Mighty One Love Sound From London, playing the best in revival and culture.

Ministry of Bhangra The Ministry of Bhangra with a tour de force of their own imitable style.

Moe Foe A four-piece dance band who gig regularly on the London circuit.  Currently featured on Radio 1's Unsigned website.  Be sure to check them out!   www.moefoe.co.uk

Monkey T New and classic alternative tunes from Blunt Beats first layd, Monkey T   www.bluntbeats.com

Mouffetard Musette Accordionist Christian Bassoul and singer/dancer Mylene Launays, from the Latin quarter of Paris, regularly play the Trenet and Piaf classics and party in the Mouffetard market.  Sponsored by Kings Solicitors.

Mr Love & Justice Acoustic guitar-driven music, a very English mix of folk and pop, heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies.  New album, Homeground.   www.vanityrecords.co.uk

Mundo Pequeno Salsa, samba, jazz, world & latino.  Fun, bright sunny music from Mauritius, Brazil, Cuba, Italy.  Horns, percussion, Mauritian and Sri Lankan dancers…   www.mundopequeno.fsworld.co.uk

My Pet Junkie Booked for keeping the rain away for so many years, MPJ play the most hummable of tunes and disguise them with incredible invention and innovation.   www.mypetjunkie.com

Nadeem Local singer songwriter plus band.  Must not be missed: a true talent with a golden voice.  With his new line-up of musicians and material, Nadeem is just pure Hurricane.  Dynamic, rhythmic, sensitive and addictive his music just makes you want to party! Sponsored by OCC Records.   www.occasion.org.uk/recordings_nadeem.html

Naked Angel An unusual band with a sound that defies categorisation.  They play the music of Kat, who sings and plays keyboards.  Wil is on djembes and kit, Brian on six-string fretless bass and Jim on guitars and mandolin.  They record and release their own albums – three so far and one on the way – and are self-managed.  They are a great live act; gigs include the Royal National Theatre Foyer, Jazz Café Camden, Jazz Café Berlin, Gaunts House Summer Gathering, Earth Spirit, Big Green Gathering and Glastonbury.   www.nakedangel.co.uk

New Country, New Voices A rap/dance developed from the reminiscences of Hitchin residents who have moved to Britain.  Performed by year 5 pupils from St Andrews.  (BBC ROOTS/Rock Project)

Newcom Sound Reggae.

Not! From Teplice, Czechia.  Starting in 1996 as punk and hardcore, through time their style became harder.  Now it's brutal hardcore with the elements of grindcore and metal full of energy.   www.rackety.net

Operadagio In recent times, opera has moved beyond its traditional boundaries and entered all our lives through television, radio and cinema.  Opera has always evoked a strong response from audiences and listeners and this is probably because every human emotion can be found in the works of the great opera composers.  Given that the world's greatest composers have, over the centuries, composed many operas, it is not surprising that it was hard to choose what to perform at ROTW 2004.  In the end we decided that we would just like to recall some of the famous and well-loved traditional opera arias in the beautiful church of St.  Mary's.  Operadagio is a new opera company.  All the soloists have recently completed English National Opera's performance skills programme.  This programme, run by ENO Bayliss education team, brings together a range of talented singers, tutors and coaches supporting ENO's aim to offer the best of opera to the widest possible audiences.  Operadagio's soloists have one thing in common — a passion for singing — and although opera is their background they also love musical theatre and contemporary music.  This means they are able to offer everything: a soloist at a wedding, corporate entertainment or even a fully-staged mini-opera for that very special occasion! Operadagio work in association with Occasion Recordings & Publications Ltd, a Hitchin-based company.  Details for booking Operadagio are available on their web site:   www.Operadagio.com

Ormost Ordinary A technical four-piece Power-Pop-Punk-Rock band from Hertfordshire.  "Better then Sex": Joe Henley (Borderline).   www.ormostordinary.com

Osagayefo Dance Ensemble An African arts-in-education company based in Luton focusing mainly on West African Music, Art, Drama, Story telling and Dance in Schools, Colleges, (including Special Needs) and youth centres.  A registered charity formed of professional and experienced artists and teachers who took the festival by storm in 2003 with a riot of colour, rhythm and dance.  CrossCurrents/DECIBEL.

Paul Watson Singer/songwriter who has toured the UK and USA extensively — first solo album is due for release in October.  Plays guitar and piano-based songs.   www.c-fieldstudios.co.uk

Performance II African Carribbean Dance Theatre performing 'Trilogy-Legend of the Orisas'.  Hip-Hop Ragga, traditional dance and music.  (CrossCurrents/DECIBEL)   www.performance2.co.uk

Pete Johnson Band A scratch 'n' sax outfit.  Jazz piano from 1900's brought up to date with Ollie Glaze, guitar, Pete & Sam Johnson, bass & sax, Stewart Redman, drums.  Jazz Funk.

Peter Amoah Local acoustic guitarist with a very original style of delivery.  Giving loving treatment to some great songs, think Lenny Kravitz meets Bob Marley.

Philip Storey Emotional acoustic rock from ex SOLVENT 27 front-man.   www.smashmusic.co.uk

Psychoyogi Extraordinary time changes, tonal explorations, dazzling arrangements with lyrics addressing contemporary issues.  A breadth of musical vision.  Influences include Zappa and King Crimson.   www.psychoyogi.com

Rangala Punjab Hitchin's own Bhangra band really do get the crowd dancing: the perfect finish for the Market Place Stage for the 2003 festival.  Set up for a one-off ROTW 2003 gig, Rangla Punjab have now performed alongside some very famous artists from India and the UK and are recording their debut album.  Bhangra music is a mix of modern Western and Punjabi folk music.  Punjab is a state in the north of India well known for its rich lands and colourful (Rangla) beauty, hence the reason we call ourselves RANGLA PUNJAB.

Raqs Sharqi Hitchin's own Egyptian Dance troupe demonstrate the ancient art of Raqs Sharqi dance, which eventually developed into modern-day belly dancing.  You cannot fail to enjoy the dynamism, colour and emotion expressed by Raqs Sharqi.  The Egyptian rhythms are highly infectious and are guaranteed to move you emotionally and physically.

Ravin (Raz) Jayasuriya and JP Coutney Local percussionists Raz and JP will perform elements of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian rhythms on Congas, Bata drums, Cajones (boxes) plus a range of other effects and instruments.   www.ovm.co.uk

Reggae Baby Creative singer/songwriter musicians singing songs from their current album 'I'm a Reggaebaby'.  Inspiring vocals and harmonies influenced by singers like Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt.  BBC ROOTS.   www.reggaebaby.com

Rev. Michael Roden & Rev. Charmaine Sabey Your hosts for the festival in St Mary's Church

Roger T & MC Flexy Baron Studio Sound

Roland Chadwick An Australian composer and guitarist who plays 'anything with frets on'.  Internationally renowned.   www.rolandchadwick.com

Sally Clay Accomplished,sensitive singer/pianist with a stunningly broad repertoire of jazz standards, love ballads, soul classics, original material and show tunes.  

Salsa Celtica Salsa Celtica's success is a remarkable story.  They got together in 1995 playing around the bars and clubs of Edinburgh and Glasgow.  After recording their debut album 'Monstruos y Demonios' (Monsters and Demons), they took their music around the village halls of Scotland: from Skye to Mull, Iona to Barra, Lewis to Orkney, Ullapool and almost everywhere else in between.  After this they saved up their pennies and headed off to Cuba to hang out with their favourite 'son' and salsa groups (including Son14 and Sonora La Calle) and soak up Afro-Cuban sounds in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.  Swapping whisky for rum and percussion classes, they acquired new tastes and deepened their skill, returning to Scotland to share them with wild audiences at 'Celtic Connections' and other Festivals.   www.salsaceltica.com

Salsa in the Street Watch demonstrations from experienced dancers and hear the hottest Latin rhythms.  Join in and dance salsa, merenge and cha-cha.  (Lessons every Monday evening at the Town Hall, Hitchin.)   www.and123.co.uk

Samuel OyedjiI Innovative world music artist combining ethnic roots with digital technology in a breathtaking and evocative fusion of African and European, the ancient and the modern.   www.oyediji.com

Section 13 Live set from UK-based Hip Hop crew whose members come from Birmingham, London and Stevenage.  

Sir Walter J. Wallis Your host for the Market Place Stage.

Sniper Melodic rock featuring members of Scene 2 and Flaccid.  5 piece from Hitchin who incorporate elements of punk, indie and rock producing an enigmatic sound.  Plenty of razzmatazz live.

Soul Rider A bunch of great local young musicians have fun playing with tunes ranging from Brand New Heavies and Liquid Soul through to The Average White Band and James Brown.

Steve Dean Haunting guitar loops and songs that take you to faraway places (Some good, some not so good).  Sit back, close your eyes and drift away…  

Steve Forbes Bizarre penguin-balancing musical maestro Steve Forbes plays some of the most ridiculous songs you're ever likely to hear anywhere ever! Not to be missed.

Stig STS tekno needs no introduction in this area.   

Sweet As Classic acoustic numbers from a duo combining the vocal talents of Arlesey-based Dawn Leigh and the intricate guitar work of Hitchin man Bill Lennon.

Table Ensemble Extravaganza.   www.chakardar.com

The Addictive Dholis Anil Toora, Ricky Kooner, Dalbir Gill, Daniel Buttar, Gurdeep Jandu and Hardip Jagpal learnt to play Dhol from Anil Bhagwat at the Ravidassia Community Centre and have participated in many programmes across local venues.   www.addictive-dholis.tk

The Barrie Baker Trio Cool chords and warm voice to shiver your timbers.

The Deed — The Rock Project Pupils from Heathcote, Nobel and Freman prove that Stevenage's rock tradition is alive and kicking with some heavy rock grooves and powerful vocals.  (Hertfordshire Music Service)

The Hertfordshire County Gamelan An orchestra of metal gongs, metallophones and chimes, hand-crafted in Indonesia.  A public workshop followed by a performance by the Stevenage gam group.  The simplicity of the playing technique makes them almost instantly accessible by children and adults of all levels of musical experience.

The Home Wrechers Club Fresh-faced and hailing from Hitchin, four scruffy, skinny, indie kids playing catchy retro rock riffs and indie tunes locally and throughout London.   www.thehomewreckersclub.co.uk

The Influenced — The Rock Project Goldfinger, Red Hot Chilli-Peppers and Sugarcult rub shoulders in this punky and powerful twin-vocal-led combo.  Pupils from John Henry Newman and Nobel kick out the jams.  Excellent original material.  (Hertfordshire Music Service)

The Matzos This five-piece play Klezmer — a fusion of central and eastern European and Ottoman music with the Eastern roots of Jewish religious music.  Soulful melodies and driving dance.   www.jcm.co.uk/matzo.html

The Monsters Do you remember those days before Mozart, when we only had Bill Haley and Eddie Cochran to keep us warm at night? The Monsters do.

The Naked Truth Guitar, vocals and African drums take you on an uplifting melodic journey with soulful sunshine grooves.

The Nang Clan R 'n' B, hip-hop and reggae.

The Otters A musical mixture with a dramatic edge.  Featuring Astronauts, Sell Outs + Dom & Craig.  Be very worried and bring a kazoo.   www.myspace.com/cillablack

The Rock Project The Rock Project is an initiative set up by the Hertfordshire Music Service to support young people to learn and play rock and world music.  Only in its first year, the project has already helped several hundred young people to participate in workshops and live performances in venues from youth clubs to the Albert Hall.  On Saturday the acclaimed rap workshop 'Street Talk', in collaboration with the Roots Project, will be presenting 'New Country, New Voices'.  On Sunday bands from the fast-growing Stevenage Rock school and other areas will be playing at Club 85 before showcasing the winning songs from the Hertfordshire Young Song Writer 2004 competition.

Toque Tambor Hitchin's premier exponents of Brazilian street music.  This 45-strong percussion group play seriously fat grooves from the land of the Latino.  Ask about joining!!!   web.onetel.net.uk/~toquetambor

Varanasi Musicians From one of India's oldest cities, in northeast-central India on the Ganges River, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.  The holy city of Varanasi is world-renowned for its religious and spiritual traditions.  The Varanasi musicians bring a flavour of it to Hitchin.

Virtual Biscuit Original Electro-Acoustic based Folk/Rock and Blues harmony band.  Songs are inspired by life, love, dreams, legends, and social issues.   www.virtualbiscuit.co.uk

Youth Urban Dance Herts dance tutors have helped local young people from Highfields School and the Bancroft Youth Centre develop some Urban Dance routines to perform at this year's ROTW.  (North Herts Council)