Two city bands are holding fundraising gigs to help them achieve their dream of playing at the prestigious South by Southwest festival in America.

Norwich trio Fever Fever and five-piece Bearsuit are both hoping to travel to Austin, Texas, in March for the festival, which attracts leading figures from the music industry worldwide and has a reputation for getting bands 'discovered'.

Last year, more than 13,000 industry representatives turned out as 2,000 acts from across the globe played across the nine days for South by Southwest (SXSW). Fever Fever, who are Rosie Arnold, 27, James 'Smit' Smith, 28 and Ellie Jones, 23, are hoping their alternative art-punk tunes will get them noticed.

Miss Arnold said: 'It's a worldwide showcase and a well-thought-of international gathering of people in the know.

'The whole city comes alive with music and it sounds like a brilliant experience.

'We are hoping to make some links, meet some good people and meet up with a few independent labels over there, as well as have some fun.'

The band has also secured a slot at Canadian Music Week and will bridge both dates in March with a US tour.

To help fund the trip, for which the biggest expense is the visas at �2,000, the group is holding a fundraising gig at The Marquee, in Cattle Market Street, Norwich, next Friday, February 18.

Supported by Death of Death of Discotheque, Tawny Owl and the Birds of Prey and Brothers, the gig is at 7pm and tickets are �5 in advance, or �6 on the door.

Lisa Horton, a member of Bearsuit, said they were looking forward to crossing the Atlantic and hitting Austin alongside friends and fellow Norwich band Fever Fever. The 34-year-old, from Norwich, said: 'We have been given a really good opportunity by (radio DJ) Huw Stephens to play on the BBC Radio One stage over there. It's a really high profile showcase and we are really looking forward to going.'

Bearsuit, who have an indie-punk album coming out in March, are also hoping to hold a fundraising gig at Norwich Arts Centre on March 7.

To hear Fever Fever's music log on to www.en24.co.uk

Do you have a music story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.