THERE’S something of a US invasion happening across the region’s folk venues in the coming week.

Gateshead’s Sage seems to be the principal target, with concerts by Americana fiddle queen Alison Kraus on Saturday, fiddler and singer Bruce Molsky on Monday, and legendary singer and songwriter Tom Paxton on Tuesday.

Kraus has been a star of the US bluegrass scene since she was a mere babe in arms, but she shot to mainstream fame following her contribution to the soundtrack of the film Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, ten years ago.

That film is actually credited with playing a significant part in the surge of popularity in country and folk music in the USA in recent years, as well as being something of a cinema cult classic. Bruce is also an amazing player, and was part of Andy Irvine’s supergroup Mosaic a few years ago.

Mr Paxton needs little introduction, but suffice to say that his recent songs certainly match up to his classics from the Sixties, and he always delivers a fine performance. Meanwhile, Saturday night also gives us the chance to hear one my own favourite American singers, Kristina Olsen, at Washington’s Davy Lamp. Kristina’s mix of folk, blues and earthy humour is always a crowd pleaser, so make sure you get there early.

There’s a rare visit from traditional singer and guitarist Chris Foster to the region on Tuesday, with an appearance at Cramlington’s Hind and tonight there’s a final chance to catch the Pitmen Poets, featuring Billy Mitchell, Benny Graham, Bob Fox and myself at Hexham’s Queen’s Hall, before we put the show on ice for the foreseeable future. Thanks to everyone who has given us full houses and rousing receptions over the last few months, and hopefully we’ll return to the project at a later date.