DENNIS, the folk-rock-indie-brass outfit, are bringing an exciting year to a close with a special concert at The Sage Gateshead on Friday.

And the eight-piece band from Hetton-le-Hole are bringing youngsters from the Houghton Area Brass Band along with them for what they are calling an evening of local heritage music.

Programmed to celebrate their home town’s pit and brass heritage, the concert will feature a collaborative performance between Dennis and the young musicians (who are partial to winning prizes for their art), with the Houghton band also contributing an opening selection of music and visuals to get things going.

Dan Gibson, lead singer of Dennis, says: “Most of the guys in Dennis once played in the Houghton Area Youth Brass Band so it’s a great connection to have between the two bands, keeping the heritage of brass bands going.

“We’ll be playing a few songs together at the end of the night, which will be very special.

“The brass band members play at Durham Big Meeting each year so this is something different for them and the brass-loving public to enjoy.”

The concert will also serve as a celebration of what Dennis have achieved during 2012.

Having released their debut EP, Colliery Welfare, in September, their distinctive sound has caught the ear of the industry, receiving airplay on Bliss and The Box TV music channels and BBC Radio6, courtesy of Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson.

Dan adds: “The night is a culmination of a year’s hard work. We’ve developed the sound and set over this time and are proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short space of time.

“We’re really looking forward to the gig. It’s a fantastic end to a great year for us, playing at such a prestigious venue.”

Dennis and the Houghton Area Brass Band play Hall Two, The Sage Gateshead, on Friday at 8pm. Visit www.thesagegateshead.org or call 0191 443 4661 to buy tickets.