I come to you this week from the land of windmills and tulips, as The Bad Pennies and I this time venture out on tour across Europe, a long-time stomping ground for British Folk Music in all its shapes and forms.

Meanwhile, I'm trying hard to keep tabs on what's happening at home, where the local scene will be jumping to a wide variety of folk favourites in the next seven days.

The legendary Julie Felix will be passing through, with concerts at Frosterly Village Hall tomorrow, and Wolsingham Town Hall on Saturday. The amazing Michael Marra will be packing them in at Washington's Davy Lamp on Saturday, while Sunday's choices are Vin Garbutt at Stokesley Town Hall, Pegleg Ferret at Westoe Rugby Club and Graham and Marie Walker at Guisborough Rugby Club.

Newcastle's Bridge hosts the intriguing Emma and The Professor on Monday, while my old friend Dick Miles will be on top form at Darlington's Britannia on Tuesday.

Wednesday brings Marie Little to Birtley RAOB Club, the same night as another two legendary figures, John Renbourne and Robin Williamson, join forces for a show at Gateshead's Sage, a venue with unbelievable folk treats in store over the next few months, details of which I'll be highlighting here every week, along with all other information and news sent to me at Jezfolk@aol. com