The last time we checked it was pretty strong in Memphis and St. Louis too. But Black Sheep can say with certainty that the blues is alive and well in London. It's all happening at the  logically-named Charlotte Street Blues, a stones throw from the West End, where legendary names like John Mayall and John Lee Hooker Jr. have already performed, despite the venue only opening in mid-June.

CSB is a three-floored affair, comprising two bars, a restaurant, a DJ area, and the all-important stage, where live blues acts work out seven nights a week. The likes of Bex Marshall, Tommy Ludgate, JC Moody and Sam Hare are all lined up to perform in the coming weeks. It all adds up to the capital's largest dedicated blues venue, with a great line in Bourbon-laced mint juleps from the bar.

As a useful promotional tool, meanwhile, the venue recently commandeered a London taxi cab, currently residing in a garage, but soon to be seen cruising the city to pick up any discerning punter who fancies a full-on blues experience. The twist, however, is that the livery will have been designed by an upcoming new artist - CSB is running a competition to be judged by artist-in-residence Goldie, who currently has an exhibition in Charlotte St’s Bourbon Bar. Artists are being invited to submit their suggested designs by e-mail, with full details on the website address below. The winning artist must then be able to paint their design on the black bodywork by a specified date. The only criteria for entries is that they must be inspired by and contain the three words 'Charlotte St Blues'. The closing date for entries is 31st August.

For more info. and full line-ups, check out www.charlottestblues.com