YEEHAW! - Stroud Americana Festival returns this weekend, with a sizzling selection of Stateside sounds.

“But please put out of your head all images of stetsons, rhinestones, fringed jackets, cowboy boots and Dolly Parton,” says Sub Rooms’ manager Paul McLaughlin.

“Americana is, at its roots, American folk music. It encompasses folk, blues, blue grass, R&B, country and has influenced many, many artists over the years: The Eagles, Mumford and Sons, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, The Grateful Dead all owe all or some of their sound and influences to Americana.

“Stroud has a small but perfectly-formed community of ex-pat Americans among its rich artistic mix. Heather Bristow, originally from North Carolina, is hosting Mr Twitchett’s stage on Friday, before she plays on the George Room Stage on Saturday, and the festival wouldn’t exist without Stroud’s very own gal from the Motor City, Sarana VerLin, who will be performing on Friday and Saturday.

Heather and Sarana are joined by fellow Statesiders Alva Leigh (Mississippi) with her Welsh partner Al Lewis, Brooks Williams (Statesboro, Georgia) and Dana and Susan Robinson (Vermont).

The festival opens on Friday night in Mr Twitchett’s and will also take to the Fireplace and George Room stages on Saturday. Sunday sees a move uptown, with sessions in Black Book Cafe in the afternoon and a final gig in The Prince Albert in the evening. Visit stroudamericanafestival.co.uk for details.