IF you think country music means checked shirts, stetsons, thigh slapping and line dancing, then it’s time to think again.

A new monthly acoustic night showcasing the best of the area’s country-influenced artists will take place on the last Wednesday of every month at The Brit in Parkstone in Poole.

And there’s still time to book tickets for this week’s event on Wednesday April 29 at 7.30pm organised by rising singer-songwriter, Christchurch-based Ben Rose.

Ben told the Echo: “I love modern country music but found it difficult to find venues that were putting on the kind of music that I wanted to play and listen to. Fellow musicians felt the same. So I decided to put one together myself. The Brit is a great venue – good acoustics, lovely stage area, friendly staff, really supportive of live music of all genres – and we’ve some brilliant acts lined up.”

This week’s ‘Evening of Country’ has something of a family-theme. Ben who will open the evening, will introduce his guests including two acts from the same family Paul Evans and his daughter, E-j Evans.

Paul says he was a bit of a late developer as he only started playing the guitar ten years ago, but he is passionate about his music and performing.

His daughter, E-j, is making a real name for herself on the acoustic music scene now with her own original songs and her distinctive take on some classic covers.

Stanford Road is a husband and wife duo with some beautiful harmonies as can be heard on their latest single ‘The Messenger’.

Headliners The Hardcore Troubadours are known for performing a wide mix of country covers and original songs that are always guaranteed to get everyone’s toes tapping and hands clapping by the end of the evening.

So whether you’re a fan of country music or just a good acoustic music set, check out The Brit, 20 Britannia Rd, Lower Parkstone on Wednesday or failing that the last Wednesday of every month from now on.

‘An Evening of Country’ starts at 7.30pm and there is a £3 entry fee which goes to the artists. If you’d like more information, or if you’d be interested in playing at one of the future events, contact Ben Rose on 07790 606966 or you can email BenRoseMusic@outlook.com or find him on Facebook: BenRoseMusic.