One of Newfoundland and Labrador's leading bluegrass bands blows into London this week.

St. John's-based Kentucky Tundra plays its own brand of bluegrass, dubbed "tradgrass" for the way it combines musical traditions.

The "tradgrass" label was first applied to Tundra by a knowledgeable fan at the Ship Inn, the nucleus of the St. John's folk scene, says the fivesome's dobro and guitar player John Clarke.

"We do a fair amount of jigs and reels," Clarke says of the group's repertoire. The band also relies on the Celtic undercurrents familiar in much of the music in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Kentucky Tundra plays the Ugly Mug in downtown London tonight and the Landon branch library in Wortley Village tomorrow night. London roots musician James Cummins is an old friend of the band's. Cummins says he is also expecting to perform at the Ugly Mug show, along with singer-songwriter Brenda McMorrow as a duo called the Heartstoppers. Cummins is also likely to sit in with his St. John's friends.

Clarke and Tundra guitar/ bassist/vocalist Sean Murray both say the band's members bring their love for many types of music to the band. Mandolin player/vocalist Caroline Clarke; Peter McGuire, who plays harmonica and bass; and guitarist John Dawe complete the lineup.

"Everybody in the band is coming into it from a different point of view," says Murray, who identifies his background as folk and blues.

IF YOU GO

What: Separate performances at London venues by Newfoundland and Labrador "tradgrass" group Kentucky Tundra

Tonight's show: Ugly Mug Cafe, 256 Dundas St., 8 p.m.; free; 439-7355

Tomorrow night's show: Landon branch library, 167 Wortley Rd.; 7:30 p.m.; $7.50 adults, $5 seniors/students, children under six free; 439-6240