Described in Mojo magazine as "a fire hazard" and as "superb" in the Times, Lister is "one of the world's leading contemporary blues artists," according to Mark Horsley, voluntary promoter of the new Scarborough Blues Club.

"He is the first of several international stars due to appear at the club," says Mark. "He is coming to support the opening of the club and has reduced his normal fee and waived other expenses to make the gig affordable.

"Aynsley Lister must now rank among the top 10 contemporary blues artists in the world and certainly the most popular in the UK," Mark says.

"He tours widely in the UK, Europe and America. He is so highly thought of in the States that in 2007 he was the only British artist to feature in Classic Rock magazine's list of the top 10 contemporary blues artists, alongside the White Stripes, the Black Keys, John Mayer, John Spencer, Jonny Lang and Kenny Shepherd). He really is that good.

"When I was deciding upon the first few guest bands for the club, the first name that came to mind was Aynsley Lister. Initially I thought there would be no chance, that we simply wouldn't be able to afford him, but when I contacted his agent and explained the circumstances they were unbelievably friendly and cooperative. He is clearly an artist who is determined to help keep the blues alive and quite literally put his money were his mouth is," Mark says.

Aynsley will be accompanied by Jo Nichols on bass guitar and Richard Spooner on drums.

Tickets cost £8 in advance, from Mojo's, or £10 on the door.

Mark says: "I would encourage anyone interested in this gig to buy their tickets early and arrive early. The venue is limited to 120 people and we already have people coming from as far away as Newcastle and Cumbria."

The gig is due to start at 9pm.

Website: www.scarboroughbluesclub.co.uk