But that's where Dean Friedman will launch a hectic schedule of almost 50 dates between now and the end of October, including 10 gigs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

It's 30 years since his duet Lucky Stars, with Denise Marsa, soared to no. 3 in the UK charts and notched up a gold disc, but rave reviews for his Edinburgh appearances last year suggest the audience at Rustington's Coastal Coffee venue are in for a rare treat.

Lucky Stars saw Friedman break through in the UK, but he had already enjoyed chart success back home in the US a few months earlier with Ariel, a catchy, quirky song about a free-spirited, music-loving,
vegetarian Jewish girl in a peasant blouse.

He followed up Lucky Stars with well-crafted, numbers such as Lydia, Rocking Chair and Woman of Mine, earning a reputation as a witty and creative songwriter, and a loyal following internationally.

Friedman also composes and produces music soundtracks for film and television, including the music for the Central TV series Boon.

He has courted controversy along the way, almost seeing a UK tour cancelled a few years ago in a row over free cannabis seeds being handed out by his sponsors at venues, and attracting notoriety for his CD of comedy songs for adults, "Squirrels in the Attic", which carried a sticker warning of its obscene language, gratuitous depictions of violence and coarse references to sex acts.

So, is Rustington ready for Dean Friedman? Judge for yourself on Thursday, July 2 — tickets, price £15, are available by telephone on 01903 775755, or on the door.

The concert starts at 8pm.


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