MELINDA Messenger will be at Swindon bar The Apartment tonight to help promote a new night showcasing the best in live music.

And Showcase, as the weekly night will be called, is being hailed as a rival of the renowned and world famous Ronnie Scott's and Jazz Cafe venues in Lon-don.

Protect the Beat, a musical outfit featuring Massive Attack's Winston Blissett, entertained revellers last week and on May 29, original jazz funk pioneers James Taylor Quartet appear for a performance.

The Apartment's track record in booking the best in live music has been vindicated and is attracting the attention of national promoters after they championed jazz singer and pianist Jamie Cullum to play there before he signed a deal with Universal Records worth more than £1m.

The Apartment's joint owner, Richard James, 32, said: "The plan is to create a night where we attract musicians and bands of real calibre a showcase of world renowned artists and the best up and coming bands.

"The Apartment is an intimate venue and people are starting to catch on to that.

"Before there was no-where to come and see quality live music in the town and I for one got sick of people moaning about how little Swindon had to offer in the way of live entertainment."

The Havelock Square club is now offering two sittings for diners on Thursday nights.

Diners can book tables in advance for the later sitting at 9.15pm, which enables them to get the best seats in the house for the entire evening at no extra cost.

Events such as the New Year's Eve black tie ball and the recent Rat Pak Ball have strengthen the club's reputation as one of the classiest in the South West.

For more information call Swindon 490202 or visit www.theapartmentuk.com