THE Plough and Harrow pub in Leytonstone is hoping to reinvent itself as a music venue.


The High Road watering hole is currently being fitted with a new sound system and is appealing for bands and promoters to get in touch if they are interested in future gigs there.


Email spoon@soundeventsolutions.co.uk for more information.
 

Toronto trio Elliott BROOD are set to cook up a storm at the Birkbeck Tavern in Leytonstone this Friday night (November 23).


They play death-folk influenced by the likes of Johnny Cash and Scott Walker.
Support comes from raucous country rockers Deer Park.


Then on Saturday (November 24) the pub hosts Soviet rockers The Ted Army. This group have a pretty incredible bio, which you can read about in more detail at myspace.com/thetedarmy
 

But the short version is they grew up in north-west Ukraine listing to a smuggled cassette called 'Rockin' Hits of the 70s'. It inspired them to form a band and they never looked back.
 

Support comes from Les Tosseurs.
 

The Birkbeck is in Langthorne Road and entry to both gigs is free, although donations encouraged for the acts.


Expect the music to begin from 8.30pm.


Meanwhile in Essex, Paula Ryan headlines Loughton Folk Club on Thursday (November 22).


She plays entertaining original songs accompanied with a variety of instruments including marimba and guitar.


Support comes from the melodic and rootsy singer songwriter Rick Hayter.
 

Entrance is £3 and it's in Station Road from 8pm.


Duck Soup play Walthamstow Folk Club on Sunday (November 25).


Fronted by Dan Quinn, this group bring together a wide variety of influences to make what's described as 'classic English music'.
 

Admission is £7, or £5 for concessions.


It's at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub in Hoe Street from 7.30pm.
 

Tenor and flute player Benn Clatworthy and friends perform at the East Side Jazz Club in Leytonstone next Tuesday (November 27).


It's at the Lord Rookwood pub in Cann Hall Road and costs £5. Doors at 8.30pm.


Waltham Abbey Folk Club, in Brooker Road, has a singaround jam night on Monday (November 26) from 8.30pm. It costs £2.


Got a gig? Email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk and let Sound Advice know!