The global entertainment company has a reputation for conceptualising and organising world class live concerts and festivals.

Next January, Blue Jar will embark on a month-long tour of India, sponsored by MTV, with internationally acclaimed singer/performer Alison Woods, World Band Cloud 9 and The Goa Funk Project.

The three members were in great form on Wednesday as they mingled with guests at the John Hewitt pub, in Belfast, for the launch of the Big River Blues and Jazz Festival. The Guinness-sponsored event takes place from the August 24-26 in the Black Box Theatre and surrounding venues.

Among those who attended the launch were comedienne Nuala McKeever, BBC's Ralph McLean, Alan Simpson, Walter Love, Linley Hamilton, CityBeat's Robin Elliott, Belfast Rose of Tralee Lauren McCann and Miss Belfast Rebecca Hughes and her agent Tracey Hall from the Style Academy as well as the SDLP's Cathal Mullaghan.

The line-up for the Big River Blues and Jazz Festival includes Phil Guy from Chicago (Buddy Guy's Brother), Rev Doc and the Congregation from Scotland, Pat McManus (ex Mama's Boys), Henry McCullough (who has played with Joe Cocker, and Paul McCartney and Wings) and the brainchild behind the festival, Blues Legend Rab McCullough. The guitar genius has played with a host of greats including Jimi Hendrix (he was actually at Hendrix's 25th birthday party at the Royal Avenue Hotel in Belfast), Van Morrison, Gary Moore, The Small Faces and he was a personal friend of Rory Gallagher.

Downtown Radio broadcaster and producer and accomplished Blues musician Jackie Flavelle, who has recorded with Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart and Rory Gallagher to name but a few, was genuinely thrilled that Belfast is finally hosting its first blues and jazz festival.

He said the line-up was " the marriage of the world's best musicians and the world's best drink".

Patrol team on track for top award

Grouse Lodge Studios in Westmeath has been nominated for a prestigious technical award for its contribution to Snow Patrol's biggest hit single, Chasing Cars.

The team behind the track, which gave the band their highest chart position and also earned them a Grammy nomination, are up for a 2007 Technical Excellence & Creativity Award in the category of Outstanding Creative Achievement, Record Production/Single or Track.

The band recorded Chasing Cars in three different locations, including Grouse Lodge, with producer Garret 'Jacknife' Lee.

Grouse Lodge Studios was set up in 2002 and in recent years has played host to the likes of Muse and Manic Street Preachers.

Beverley is de-knighted at Queen

Soul queen Beverley Knight, who plays Belfast tonight, has recalled her meeting with the Queen earlier this year, when she was awarded the MBE.

The pint-sized Wolverhampton lass was "shocked" to learn she was being honoured for her music and charity work but said when it came to her face-to-face meeting with the head of the royal family, she wasn't in the least bit nervous.

"I was surprised because I always thought MBEs were for people more famous than me," she said.

"But the Queen was lovely, very cute. She was just like a little old lady that you'd see at bingo, with sparkly blue eyes."

Beverley said she didn't think the Queen was a fan of her music, adding though, that Prince William was.

"I met her grandson Prince William before and he told me he liked my music."

Beverley will play 7 Live at the Odyssey Pavilion tonight.

The lucky winner of two tickets to see her show was Eileen Dornan of Belfast.

Liberty x check out

Liberty X have been forced to cancel a show at 7 Live in the Odyssey Pavilion next week due to technical problems.

The pop band had been due to play a farewell show at the venue to raise money for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

However, they will still go ahead with a show at Union Street in Belfast as part of Kremlin Pride.

And to make up for the disappointment of cancelling the Odyssey Show, they'll be taking time out of their schedule to meet children supported by the charity.

Rory McIlroy can still go about his business

He may be the latest young golf sensation to come out of northern ireland, but it seems Rory McIlroy can still go about his business these days without being recognised too much. The 18-year-old was spotted walking down Royal Avenue, Belfast, earlier this week, arm in arm with his 16-year-old sweetheart, Holly Sweeny. And according to my spies, not one passer-by batted an eyelid as the couple strolled through the city centre. Enjoy that freedom Rory - it won't last. Also spotted out and about this week was Ulster actor Jimmy Nesbitt at the London premiere of The Simpsons Movie, with his two daughters, Mary and Peggy.