POPULAR local musical favourite Sonya Smith opens the new season at Newtown’s Hafren theatre with the first of the Acoustica nights on Tuesday, September 4, at 7.30pm.

Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, Sonya also includes her own songs influenced by the traditions of blues, roots, rock and country music and lyrical word driven song writers like Bonnie Raitt, Beth Hart, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, to name a few.

Her songs have been described as evocative, passionate, heartfelt and intimate. Her voice has been compared to artists as diverse as Tracy Chapman and Joni Mitchell, being variously described as dark and blue, powerful and enthralling, the crystal clear “voice of an angel,” and “soulful and sublime.”

Tickets for the Acoustica night are just £2 and can be booked with the box office on 01686 614555 or via boxoffice@thehafren.co.uk.

Sonya will also be appearing tonight (Friday), at the Cann Offis Hotel as part of Blue Ivory playing jazz with Richard on keyboards.

Meanwhile, the new season at The Hafren continues on Friday, September 14, with Cornish comedian Jethro and his 'Count of Cornwall' show, following 60 sold out shows last year, with his unique style of comedy.

People love his hilarious country style and he is considered by many as the greatest comedy storyteller that ever lived with some old favourites and many new tales told in a way only a count could.

There’s more music on Saturday afternoon, September 22, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in concert. with popular BBC broadcaster Lynn Bowles presenting a fantastic varied and colourful experience introducing each piece of music, the stories they tell and what to listen out for.

Hearing the 80-strong BBC National Orchestra of Wales at full throttle in music from Stravinsky’s ballet 'The Firebird' or 'Star Wars' will pin you to the back of your seat and you will never be nervous of classical music again.