Double dose of desert blues

Fans of North African desert blues should look out for two gigs in south Wales this week.

On Friday 23 October Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara appear at the Pontardawe Arts Centre. Guitarist Justin was a member of Saladin's Orchestra and has worked on Robert Plant's world music projects, while Juldeh is a griot (storyteller) from Gambia and a master of the riti, a single-stringed fiddle. Tickets cost £10 (£9 concessions) - call the box office on 01792 863722.

On Saturday 24 October desert blues legends Tinarwen play Cardiff University Students Union Great Hall. The band of Tuareg rebels from Mali famously swapped guns for guitars to make music not war. Tickets cost £18 - call the students union on 029 2078 1400.

See www.myspace.com/justinadamsproducer and www.tinariwen.com for a taste of what to expect.