THE great folklorist and songwriter Ewan MacColl died 20 years ago this month, and last week I was among a handful of singers, including local lad Bob Fox, to be invited by Ewan’s partner Peggy Seeger to appear at a tribute concert in Salford, the town of his birth.

It was a memorable night, with lots of memories, songs and anecdotes being shared among performers and audience alike.

It also saw the launch of a new edition of MaColl’s autobiography, Journeyman.

The concert’s producer, Peter Cox, has also recently published a book about MacColl’s BBC Radio Ballads series of the Fifties and Sixties, entitled Set In Song, and it was, of course, due to the involvement of Bob and myself in the 2006 BBC Radio Ballads series that we were included in the show.

Both books are well worth reading, and Peggy Seeger herself is playing in the area later this month, so watch out for that.

Highlights of the week ahead, meanwhile, start tonight with Chris Foster at Blaydon’s Black Bull, and Loose Connections at Darlington Arts Centre, where they’ll be launching their debut CD Sing Your Song.

Tomorrow’s choice is between Jack Burness at Croxdale Community Centre, Jim Bainbridge at Guisborough Golf Club, Robin Williamson at Durham’s Dunelm House and a double bill of Acoustica and Tri at Coundon’s Park Head. Saturday brings Dick Gaughan to Washington’s Davy Lamp and The Blethermen and Ray Storr to The Swaledale Outward Bound club in Richmond.

Sunday boasts the highly-recommended Marian Bradfield at Guisborough Rugby Club, and Mary Humphries and Anahata at Westoe Club in South Shields.

Finally, Tuesday sees a welcome return for Mike Silver at Cramlington’s Hind.

I’m now off to Holland for a week with my Bad Pennies, but can be reached at jez@jezlowe.com at all hours of the day and night for all your news and views.