This weekend sees a number of acts descending on Lewes, highlights among which include Band of Two, a duo composed of musicians Pete Fyfe and Garry Blakeley, who are playing at the John Harvey Tavern from around 8.30pm this Saturday. Pete (who, alongside Blakely has been a prominent name on the folk circuit for several decades) tells me over the phone that the pair play what they term “good-time Celtic music”, on instruments such as the fiddle, guitar, tenor banjo and mandolin. Together for over 16 years, they’ve received rave reviews from artists and audiences alike, with Simon Nicol of influential folk-rock group Fairport Convention singing their praises, as well as famous comedy couple Dawn French and Lenny Henry, for whom Band of Two played a private party. French herself claimed that the pair “had everyone on the floor unashamedly shakin' their booty and doseying their doh”. Not to be missed, in other words.

Also playing on Saturday at The Royal Oak are Jacquie Young and her band, with support from country-blues outfit 'Boogie' Bob Mount and co. Young spent many formative years living in the southern states of the US, first attempting to make it as an actress before turning her hand to music. Influenced by artists such as Billie Holiday and Bonnie Raitt, the band have developed a sound which reflects the “woodland festivals, Bluegrass, fish fries, dark corner bars, black blues ballads and roadside gospel churches” which dotted the landscape of her former Alabama home. Just as we were about to go to press, we received news that Jonathan Kalb would be playing at The Lansdown. We’re told he’s an extremely talented blues, jazz, soul, and rock & roll artist. You’re spoilt for choice. RL