Whether they are Proust-reading arts aficionados or action movie and lads' mag obsessives, we will discover the truth behind their cultural preferences as they reveal a few of their favourite things.

This week we talk to Gerard Homan, who runs the Shakedown series of blues jams at Castor Village Hall.

Since 2005, this non-profit making experiment has brought more from 40 artists in from the United States for exclusive Shakedown shows to rapturous acclaim by some of Britain's most discerning blues critics.

For future concerts, visit www.shakedownblues.co.uk.

Is there a film star/pop star/rock star/artist/writer you admire? And why...

Paul Newman and Robert Redford, who on film and in real life are proof that you don't have to act like a spoilt, foul-mouthed teenager to be successful.

Is there a TV programme you couldn't live without?

There seems to be ever more channels serving out reality TV and soap operas whose mindless pap has tainted producers' perception of good viewing.

I enjoy watching re-runs of Frost, but having seen them for the nth time I can't say that I would miss it. If we all stopped watching, perhaps the BBC would get the message and ITV would go bust.

Do you remember the first record you bought – what was it, and where did you buy it?

Hound Dog by Elvis Presley, which I bought at Campkins Record Shop in Peterborough centre. I remember playing the B side, Heartbreak Hotel, for the first time and not flipping the record over again for about three months.

Tell us about a recent discovery in music, film, etc...something you've seen or heard recently that you would recommend...

I went to see Leonard Cohen at the O2 on his recent tour – I seem to have known his name forever, but couldn't remember anything he

had done. Watching this old Canadian singing reminded me of the time when I collected French chansons. His voice was smoky and lived in, and his songs relevant.

I was mesmerised for the whole concert, and rushed out to buy his old CDs.

Unfortunately, they turned out to be by a young second class Dylan, and have ended up in the bin. Fantastic concert though, and he returns in the autumn.

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections – something you know is a bit naff but you can't help yourself.

Blues Brothers – a truly dreadful film in terms of storyline and cinematography, but has some great music and I enjoy it.

Favourite film...and why

In The Heat Of The Night – excellent storyline, great acting, lots of tension and a wonderful title song by Ray Charles. Rod Stieger picking up the phone and saying "talk to me" is magic.

Favourite album...and why

Charlie Mingus – Blues Roots, on Atlantic. He mixes blues, gospel and jazz into an amazingly disciplined cacophony of sound.

It seemed so strange and wild when I first bought it, but over the years it has mellowed and become more mainstream.