THE Milton Rooms Studio offers two nights of haunting harmonies and breathtaking music-making next week.

Village Records and the Milton Rooms present singer-songwriter Cara Mellor as the second in their joint programme of high quality Studio music events on Thursday, March 9.

Cara’s haunting voice entices and captures. Her raw vocals are layered with beautiful harmonies and simple structures, with a delicate, lingering effect. As a keen traveller, the wild outdoors inspires much of her music - elemental, dark and ethereal, but with a distinct commercial edge. Cara’s compositions have the ability to draw the audience in close, inviting them to become part of the moment.

For this special evening, Cara will be accompanied by a trio of talented local musicians: Tom Townsend on percussion and vocals, Rowan Oliver (viola) and Francesca McDonald (cello). The night promises to touch the soul and take you far away.

The Crocker Brothers, one of the UK's premier acoustic bluegrass bands and sell-out annual favourites at the Milton Rooms, return to the Studio again on Friday, March 10.

The trio, including brothers John and David Crocker, combine virtuoso instrumental work with haunting close harmony vocals to capture the authentic 'brother duet' sound and pathos of early country music. Songs range from traditional standards to more contemporary originals featuring banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass.

John and David Crocker have been playing and singing bluegrass music for more than 40 years. They have travelled a long way in their varied careers but still have their roots around York and East Yorkshire where they grew up. Many fans say you would have to travel across the Atlantic to hear such authentic bluegrass as the Crockers.

Both performances begin at 7.30pm with tickets priced £10. Advance tickets are available online at wegottickets.com or telephone the box office on 01653 696240.