Over the last 18 months, Cathouse Blues Promotions has been synonymous with bringing some of the world's top R n' B bands to Pembrokeshire with their monthly residency at the Queen's Hall, Narberth.

Names like Georgie Fame, Eugene Bridges and The Yardbirds, among others, have played to packed houses, as Cathouse Blues Promotions brought to Pembrokeshire a succession of bands who would not normally tour further west than Cardiff.

After the summer break, Cathouse Blues Promotions return with a bang this September, kicking off their new season with Nine Below Zero, but this time at the bigger venue of Tenby's De Valence Pavilion.

Milford Haven's Todd Sharpville, frontman of Cathouse Blues, told the Observer this week that there were several reasons for the change of venue.

"We have been promoting monthly events at the Queen's Hall for over a year-and-a-half and packing the place out," he said. "Much of that was down to Queen's Hall manager Declan Connelly, who has been a great ally to all of us at Cathouse."

Unfortunately, Declan has since resigned his post.

"Having firmly established Cathouse Blues in Narberth, we were looking towards finding a venue with the size and capacity to allow us to do bigger things on occasions," continued Todd. "As a result, we contacted De Valence business manager David Rosendale, with a view to using the pavilion.

"Everybody at Tenby has been as sweet as can be, and they have done everything in their power to help smooth the way," he added.

Todd explained that he was also planning a three-day Pembrokeshire Blues Festival along the lines of Dublin's Guinness Festival for next year, which would be top-lined by the legendary B.B. King.

"We are looking at utilising all the local amenities, like hotels, restaurants and such like for the festival," Todd explained. "Tenby was the first place to step out and say 'We want it here', so it only seems fitting that Cathouse Blues' monthly shows should also be held in the town."

A former guitarist with Van Morrison, Robbie Williams and Geri Halliwell, Todd explained that the whole ethos of Cathouse Blues Promotions was to bring the type of band to the area normally only seen in and around London or at festivals, and to help enhance the local music scene by "introducing a bit of competition."

All profits are used to help attract bigger names, and Todd is also grateful to Tenby's Fourcroft Hotel who, as semi-sponsors, are helping to alleviate some of the costs incurred in continually striving to bring the county some of the best in rhythm and blues.

First Cathouse Blues night at the De Valence will be on September 29, with the arrival in Pembrokeshire of Dennis Greaves and Nine Below Zero.

One of the pioneers of the early Eighties 'Mod' revival, Nine Below Zero - the first band to play 'in the kitchen' in the first episode of cult anarchic comedy The Young Ones - have steadily built up a reputation as the UK's premier R n' B band and regularly open for Mr. Slow Hand, Eric Clapton, on tour.

In October, Todd, who famously turned down £12,000 to play at a Millennium concert in Antigua to stay with his pregnant wife in Milford, will be bringing his own band, Todd Sharpville and the Blues Barons, to the pavilion.

After their sell-out at the Queen's Hall in April, Todd and co. have been in the studio working on their latest album, and this could be the last chance for local audiences to hear them before their promotional tour of the USA.

November sees the return to Pembrokeshire of Big Joe Turner and his Memphis Blues Caravan, while in December former Rolling Stones lead guitarist Mick Taylor takes the stage of the De Valence with his own band.

Other Cathouse Blues Promotions planned for next year include Mark Knopfler, Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

"A lot of these bands are used to playing far bigger venues," said Todd. "However, they love playing here because of the more relaxed, intimate environment.

"Cathouse Blues has always aimed to promote the area as a zippy and attractive environment for live music and we're looking forward to a long relationship with the De Valence."