ONE of the world's top harmonica players and teachers joined local musicians for a night of acoustic blues and roots music in Onchan on Sunday.

Grant Dermody, who has been visiting the Isle of Man on holiday, played a few numbers and jammed with other musicians.

Everyone on the night - including Grant - played free of charge at the special event at the Manx Arms.

Grant, of Seattle, Washington, said he had wanted to visit the Isle of Man for some time and he has had the chance to visit the original Fairy Bridge, the Calf Sound and Peel Castle during his stay.

The weekend gave Grant the chance to catch up with friend Tim 'Papa' Cass, of Onchan. Tim and Grant have known each other for a few years as Grant is a regular harmonica tutor at the Blues Week event at the University of Northampton and Tim is one of his students.

The evening, billed as Blue John and Papa Cass and friends, featured a number of the Island's leading blues and roots musicians including Beastie Dovey, Pete Woodman, Darryl Williams, John Barker and Pete Christian.

'Blue' John Gregory, who co-organised the evening, said: "It was a very special night. We hope Grant has enjoyed his visit to the Isle of Man and we were thrilled he played at this event.

"It turned out to be a night we will never forget and I am grateful to all the musicians who performed and to the Manx Arms for allowing us to take over the lounge on a Sunday evening."

Video clips of the evening are available here

For more on Grant Dermody see www.grantdermody.com