THERE is a double bill of tribute acts at Witham Public Hall this weekend.

Doobie Dan kick off the action on Friday night with the very best of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.

The band is led by Colchester musician Jack Rownes – a self-taught musician who has performed in a number of bands around Essex, including the Blues Brothers Experience and Up2Eleven, as well as teaching at the Rock Project in Colchester.

The show draws from the expansive catalogues of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers – from the gritty early 70s power of Reelin’ in the Years, Listen to the Music, Long Train Runnin’ and Do It Again, to the slick and sophisticated grooves of Peg, Minute by Minute, Kid Charlemagne, Hey Nineteen and What a Fool Believes.

Jack and Co are back on Saturday as ELO Encounter, rocketing through the originals' back catalogue of decades-spanning smash hits.

The Electric Light Orchestra was originally formed in Birmingham in 1970.

Set up by songwriters Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, along with the help of drummer Bev Bevan, their music was a unique mix of rock, classical arrangements and futuristic iconography.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Jack lines up with guitarist Martin Donald, drummer Dacre Peck, bassist Simon Rownes, and violinist Jasmine Ali and Ezme on cello.

They will be belting out all the hits, such as Wild West Hero, Turn To Stone, Don't Bring Me Down, Telephone Line, Strange Magic, Rockaria, Hold On Tight, All Over The World and Mr Blue Sky.

A spokesman said: “This is an all-live show featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies and playing all the much loved songs from ELO’s hit-filled library.

Both performances start at 8pm and doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets for Doobie Dan are £14 and £15 for ELO Encounter.

Booking for both will save you a fiver.

Tickets are available from the visitor information centre at Witham Town Hall or on 0345 017 8717.