A HEALTHY mixture of the old and new for us local folk fans this week, reflecting the way that the music continues to inspire those of us who have been around for a while, as well as those who are drawn to it afresh.

Tonight it's the ladies who take the reins, with songwriter Kirsty Magee, along with partner Matt Martin, at Darlington Arts Centre, while up at Gateshead's Sage, the darling of the hippy age, Melanie Safka, will be dusting off her hits like Ruby Tuesday and Brand New Key for a concert that also features the woman that some might label her 21st Century counterpart, songwriter Kathryn Williams as support.

Tomorrow one of the folk club circuit's most outstanding songwriters, Harvey Andrews will be at Hartlepool's Studio, and on Saturday Richmond's Swaledale Outdoor Club has a "Dales Night" with local lads Mick Sheehan and John Wilson.

Australian multiinstrumental duo Cloudstreet are at Westoe Sports Club on Sunday, the same night that one of Scotland's finest groups of recent years, The Emily Smith Band will be at Gateshead's Sage.

Monday night's choice is between the sea songs of Four n' Aft at Stockton's Sun Inn and the guitar expertise of Eddie Walker at Heighington's Locomotion.

Finally, advance notice of a series of shows entitled A Song For Geordie, that will be happening in the area in November, featuring myself and The Bad Pennies, plus our special guests singer Benny Graham and fiddler Shona Mooney.

Venues include Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Peterlee College Theatre, Reeth Memorial Hall, Cramlington's Concordia Centre, Berwick Maltings and Whitby Coliseum.

More details at www.jezlowe.com and plenty of folk action between now and then as all the regular clubs and concerts continue to go from strength to strength.