Canadian multi-instrumentalist, and bluegrass folk singer, Darren Eedens, is heading for Swindon’s Old Town the same week as the Town Gardens is turned into a Jamaican jumbo of reggae sounds.

The two very different old school gigs highlight Old Town’s continued support of music from all genres.

Darren is best known for his hauntingly sad lyrics and his obsession with death, - in song. His compositions are achingly beautiful and poignant, telling tragic stories that leave his audience spellbound.

He also has a sense of humour, so to promote his debut album, Owls and Other Birds of Prey, he had porcelain owls standing all around the venues where he was performing.

The singer has worked with a number of known names such as the comedian Louis CK at the Sony Centre in Toronto and singer songwriter Julie Doiron.

This troubadour of folk, while performing heartfelt, heartbreak tracks, still manages to bring a party spirit to the proceedings, by performing up on tables, chairs or anywhere he can swing what he calls his weapons of choice, which are banjos, guitars or mandolins.

He uses the finger-picking style of the old blues giants, and in Swindon he will be playing songs from his newly released album that includes tracks such as Darling, Man of My Word, On The Line (The Laundry Song,) and Please Don’t Call.

He tours non-stop in many parts of Canada, United States, UK and Europe and he will be kicking up a rumpus at The Vic in Victoria Road on Thursday, September 11 from 8pm. He will be supported by Drew Bryant and Andy Burke.

On Saturday, September 6, Earl Sixteen and The Uppercut Band roll into town for the annual Reggae Garden in the Old Town Bowl.

Swindon will get a taste of the Nottinghill Carnival atmosphere as the Saxon Sound International bring their vibe to the Reggae Garden, which kicks off at noon. Saxon annually host a stage the famous carnival.

The youngsters are not forgotten with a bouncy castle, face painting and fun and games throughout the festival.

It will not only be the sounds of the Caribbean that entice the senses, but the smells and taste of authentic cuisine, cooked up by the Moshan Grill, to keep festival-goers refreshed.

Other sets on the bill come from Zion Tree band, Peter Spence, Friendly Fire Band, Jamatone, Terrorist Nuclear Soundsystem, DJ Feva, Messenjah Youth and Swindon’s own reggae legend Zeeks.

Tickets to see Darren Eedens from 8pm are £3 from 01793 535713 and the Reggae Garden tickets are £15 for adults and £5 for under 14s from 07401477765. - Flicky Harrison