THE musical world of Leytonstone is having a bit of a bad time of it recently.

First the Loaded Dog ended its run of gigs, and now the Sheepwalk is under threat.

The busy pub, in the High Road, was recently threatened with closure amid police allegations of underage drinking and drug dealing on the premises.

The landlords have been given three months to turn the place around or face restrictions on its opening hours, or even the axe.

In the meantime, local promoters What's Cookin' are steaming on with their jam-packed schedule of country and folk gigs, and crossing their fingers the venue will see the year through.

This Saturday (August 1) they host an 'end of summer term bluegrass special'.

The show, which will kick off around 9pm and is free to get in, is headlined by bluegrass masters The Maybelles, supported by the country music trio The Water Tower Bucket Boys.

Then next Wednesday (August 5) alt-country punk rockers The Evangenitals headline, with blues-rock duo She Keeps Bees providing support.

And that's it for What's Cookin's summer season, as everyone goes off and enjoys a break. But don't worry the tunes will resume in September - hopefully.

Another venue that's taking some holiday time off is the Standard in Walthamstow.

Unsigned band night continues every Thursday throughout August, but the diet of tribute bands and golden oldies is off for the next few weeks, returning on Friday August 28 with a gig from Slam.

But this Thursday (August 30) Club Bus Wind presents 5 Minute Fame, In Equinox, Moment of Madness and Bite Tunes. Tickets are £6 or £5 with a band flyer, and doors open around 8.30pm.

Now over to the Plough Inn in Walthamstow, where promoters there are looking for an acoustic act to play a packed-out gig later this month.

The occasion? Welsh rockers Blue Gillespie are coming over on Friday August 21 to celebrate the launch of their second CD. More than 50 tickets have already been sold, so it's going to be a big one.

But the pub needs a spiffing acoustic act to come along and support the group. Think you fit the bill? Then call Dave Hughes on 8509 2635.

Meanwhile this Sunday (August 2) the venue hosts 'The Beatles Live' – presumably that does mean the real biggest-band-in-the-world-ever will be playing, although there are rumours it might be some talented guy on the piano doing those covers you know and kind of like.

Entry is £1 and it kicks off at 8.30pm.