One of the world’s great cabaret performers is heading to Pembrokeshire.

New York-based pianist and singer Steve Ross is appearing at Fishguard’s Theatr Gwaun on Tuesday 27 May at the start of a short European visit.

Steve will be presenting his Transatlantic Songbook including music and songs by Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Ivor Novello and Noel Coward - with a special nod to Fred Astaire.

The event is being promoted by local singer and band-leader Tony Jacobs who has enjoyed seeing Steve in concert in New York several times and regards him as his great hero.

“Over the years, since I first saw Steve performing in Manhattan,” says Tony, “I have kept in touch and taken every opportunity to see him when he presents his shows at UK festivals, cabaret venues and theatres. To me, he is The Master of this genre.

“Quite simply, no-one matches him in performing the songs of the great songwriters. He is the personification of sophistication and is rightly known as ‘New York’s Crown Prince of Cabaret’.

“When I saw that he was performing on the QE2 and docking at Southampton in May, I invited him to perform in Fishguard before he flies back to New York via a concert in Venice!”

Steve was happy to accept and Tony was able to attract sponsorship from Stena Line, Conygar and Swansea’s Coach House Pianos plus valuable advice and support from Pembrokeshire music aficionado Alan Caunce.

“Thankfully,” says Tony, “with that kind of support and, hopefully, a great audience, it will be my privilege to introduce Steve on the night.”