STOURBRIDGE blues and roots star Ian Parker will be celebrating 20 years in the music business with a lunchtime gig at his spiritual home - the Robin 2.

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Ian will be playing at the Bilston venue this Sunday December 16 to mark two decades since he first unleashed his musical talents on the Black Country stage.

The popular performer, who turns 36 today (Thursday), said: “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I started playing in public.

"I was very lucky to grow up on the doorstep of the original Robin Hood R’n’B Club in Brierley Hill, where I was able to see and hear world class musicians playing live on a regular basis, which was a fantastic learning experience for me.

“It would be a shame not to mark this 20-year anniversary in some way, and where better than at Robin 2?”

Ian made his stage debut at the original Robin Hood R’n’B Club in Brierley Hill with his band Strange Brew 20 years ago when he was just 15.

He became a regular performer at pubs across the West Midlands playing tracks influenced by the likes of blues-rock luminaries such as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Fleetwood Mac.

His popular follow-up outfit Parker’s Alibi built up a strong fan base in the area and further afield, earning rave reviews and showcasing Ian’s rising star.

Finally in summer 2003 - while performing with The Ian Parker Band, - he signed a deal with Ruf Records after being introduced to internationally renowned record producer David Z (Prince, Jonny Lang).

Several albums and two live DVDs followed, plus numerous appearances on national and international TV and radio and extensive tours of the UK, Europe and the USA - establishing Ian as one of the UK’s leading blues/roots stars.

The forthcoming Robin 2 show will be Ian’s first full band outing for two years and it will feature songs from various periods throughout his successful career.

It will also see Ian joined by his old bandmates Dave Jenkins on bass and Chris Finn on drums and Ian’s long-time collaborator Morg Morgan on keys.

Ian said: “I used to do Sunday lunchtime gigs at Robin 1 with Parker’s Alibi, and the atmosphere was always superb, so we decided to do it as a special lunchtime gig again this time.

“I’m having a lot of fun revisiting material from the past and rehearsing songs I haven’t played in years, for what will I hope, be an enjoyable show.”

The gig starts at 1pm and doors open at noon. Tickets are available in advance from the box office (01902 401211) or online (www.therobin.co.uk), priced £10, or £12 on the door on the day.

For more details about Ian and his music visit www.ianparkermusic.com