THERE’S a terrific mixture of acoustic music across the region in the week ahead, starting tonight way up in Northumberland, where Rothbury Roots at The Queens Head has the popular duo Hicks and Goulburn, who also appear at The Clef and cask in Cramlington next Tuesday.

Tomorrow night Gateshead’s Sage has the stylish duo of singer-songwriters Chris While and Julie Matthews, making an all-too rare appearance in the area. Also tomorrow, at Tanfield Working Men’s Club, there’s an evening devoted to the songs of the pitman poet Tommy Armstrong, with Johnny Handle and Tom Gilfellon leading the proceedings.

Bob Fox returns to his roots at Washington’s Davy Lamp on Saturday, and on Sunday we can choose between Ken Wilson at South Shields Customs House and Bram Taylor and Roly Hindmarch at Guisborough Rugby Club.

On Monday Dave McCracken is at Newcastle’s Bridge, while across the river that same night at The Sage, former Byrds frontman Roger McGuinn will be delivering his very entertaining brand of American folk, showcasing his influences and achievements. Finally, on Wednesday, at Birtley Catholic Club, the very popular lass from Lancashire, Marie Little will be centrestage at their weekly gathering.

Meanwhile, folk people from far and near are saying a fond farewell to Ron Angel, who died last week. Ron was the archetypal folk all-rounder: singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, club organiser, band member, and mentor to many of us who frequented Stockton’s Sun Inn folk club, which he ran for so many years. As a member of the Teesside Fettlers, he was a favourite with audiences all across the country, and his most famous composition, The Chemical Worker’s Song remains a staple of many repertoires right around the globe. The North-East music scene has a lot to thank him for.