THERE’S nowhere else blues singer Connie Lush would rather be on August 28 than on stage at Colne Muni belting out her trademark ballads.

The Liverpool artist is opening the annual Great British R&B Festival — the largest blues festival in the country — which marks its 20th anniversary this year with acts performing throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

“I adore the Colne Blues Festival,” said Connie, who has been singing with choirs since the tender age of three. “Everytime I’m asked I drop everything to do it. I’m opening this year’s and I’m honoured.

“They have said 'let's do something special' but I told them I’m not doing it naked,” she joked.

The five times best female blues vocalist winner spends most weeks of the year on the road as she tours the world with her band Blues Shouter.

But unlike most artists, Connie doesn’t need to worry about rushing back to see her nearest and dearest because her husband Terry Harris is in the band, too.

“We decided not to have kids. We chose music and we love our life,” said Connie, who has won awards for her singing all across Europe. “We travel everywhere together so it’s great. The only thing is we do have to have our rows in public, in front of the rest of the band. There’s not much privacy, but we’re used to it.”

It was her husband who convinced Connie she was good enough to sing professionally. Although she had previously sung on television theme tunes in the ‘80s and been known for her ability to sniff out a karaoke bar from 100 paces, Connie never believed she had what it takes to sing for a living.

“I just never wanted to be in the business,” she admitted. “I didn’t think I was good enough. Terry was already in the band and one day he just talked me into it. I’ve loved singing forever — I just didn't think I was anywhere near the standard to make money from it.”

It was 1993 when she joined Blues Shouter alongside her husband Terry on bass, guitarist John Lewis and drummer Carl Woodward.

“We don’t make loads of money now, but we get by. We love travelling to all the different countries to perform. We did 14 last year and we have a great time.

“I love festivals. They are the best bit of this job. Everyone is the festival mood. if I could do just festivals all year I would.

“Last night I did a gig in Liverpool as part of the Waterside Festival and we just had a ball. I was wearing a top hat and this morning it looks a bit sad. I think someone sat on it.”

Connie has spent the last three weeks at home, the longest period she has been in one place for so long in the last 12 months, and while she’s enjoying the break, she just can’t wait to get back on the road again.

After just 10 minutes chatting to Connie you get the impression she walks everywhere fast and never really sits still.

Almost as proof that living life in the fast lane is just the way she likes it, she said: “I’m just standing outside the bank now. You’ve caught me sorting my life out.

“I’m gonna have a muffin now — skinny of course, mind. Got to watch the figure. See you at Colne. I can’t wait.”

l See Connie Lush at The Great British R&B Festival on August 28. Tickets 01282 661234.