AN AWARD-winning blues performer will lead an evening of free live music for the Stourbridge News Well of Life Appeal.

The News has teamed up with Katie Fitzgerald’s to host the gig at the Wollaston pub on Friday (July 17).

BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award nominee Sunjay Brayne will lead those performing in the venue’s Cellar Bar from 9pm.

Sunjay will be joined on the bill by artists including Jen Robins, Ian Marrey, Eddy Morton, plus more yet to be confirmed.

Fronting a show of top-class local musicians, Brierley Hill’s Sunjay brings a relaxed but confident manner to his performances; with audiences being forgiven for thinking the singer/guitarist is older than his 21 years.

A natural performer and master of his instrument, he has supported the likes of Steeleye Span, Martin Simpson, Passenger, and Terry Reid and has already released three albums, including the most recent self-titled ‘Sunjay’ in 2014.

The third album features Sunjay at his finest, collaborating with musicians including producer Eddy Morton (The Bushbury Mountain Daredevils), who will also be performing at Friday’s show.

Entry to the venue on Friday is free, but donations will be collected towards the News appeal, which has recently passed the £10,000 minimum target.

Katie Fitzgerald’s will also be donating 10 per cent of the bar takings to the appeal.

The appeal, in partnership with Ridgewood High School’s Project Gambia initiative, has been raising money for a water pump and irrigation system to serve the drought-stricken village of Sintet.

Even though the appeal has reached the £10,000 target, all the money that is subsequently raised will go towards upgrading the system and covering extra costs.

To make a donation online visit www.justgiving.com/welloflifeappeal