Simon ParkinNorwich band Cutback sign to US label. A host of local bands help raise funds for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. And be quick to enter this year's Live and Unsigned.Simon Parkin

Bearsuit will be among the bands playing an all-day event at St Andrew's Hall tomorrow to help raise funds for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. The Help Haiti event will have everything from fire-eating and juggling to Clutter City craft stalls, drum and dance workshops, art installations and a healing zone, alongside a cracking line-up of local music talent. Bearsuit will be previewing new material from their forthcoming album, which they have just finished recording with producer Gareth Parton, who has previously worked with Go Team!, Breeders and Foals. The Norwich band have recently toured the States, played at festivals and supported bands including Crystal Castles, Lightspeed Champion and Hot Chip. Other bands performing on the day include ska/swing outfit The He Hews, Pinky Umbrella and Cuban rhythms from Guateque. The Help Haiti event runs from 11am-8pm. From 11am to 1pm entrance is by voluntary donation. Entry to hear the bands is �5 for adults and donations for children.

www.savethechildren.org.uk

t Live and Unsigned - the UK's biggest original music competition for unsigned bands, will arrive in this region on February 13. Now in its third year, Live and Unsigned, who previously winners have gone on to enjoy chart success, is open to bands, vocal groups and solo artists from any genre. Auditions will this year be held at the Ipswich Regent Theatre. Each act will be asked to audition live in front of a judging panel. Last year's winners were Glaswegian Rock band The Detours. Since winning the band have enjoyed national media attention and are currently working on new material. Register online to enter.

www.liveandunsigned.uk.com

t If you're reading this early and you're quick, you'll be able to catch hip hop star Tinchy Stryder, who appears at a sold-out gig at the UEA, at a special in-store appearances at fashion shop Dogfish, in Bedford Street, who stock his clothing brand Star In The Hood. He will be in store from 3.30pm.

www.dogfishmen.co.uk

t Norwich-based band Cutback has just been signed to dPulse Recordings in Florida, in advance of the release of their debut single.

The three-piece rock outfit - made up of Chris Sammacicci (vocals/guitar), Simon Taylor (bass) and Karl Jagger (drums/vocals) - have been busy recording their debut album over the past 18 months at Ashwood Studios in Norwich. Their reputation as an outstanding live act has not only caught the imagination of audiences across the UK, but also recording executives in America. Their debut single, Audio Suicide, was released internationally this week. They've also attracted the attention of television producers, with songs used on Channel 4 and Sky Sports. Lead vocalist Chris Sammacicci said: 'We've been hard at work on our debut album and are delighted by the interest dPulse. Our plan is to quickly follow up Audio Suicide by launching the completed album this spring.'

www.cutback.co.uk

t Local band, music and gig news can be emailed to goingout@archant.co.uk