TRADITIONAL Texan singer songwriter Darden Smith headlines Leytonstone’s North Star pub this Thursday (May 5).

Mr Smith, who has released 12 albums and toured the world, is known for his tunes inspired by the sweeping barren landscapes of his home state.

Support comes from Hans Chew and Deer Park.

The music starts around 8pm and entry is free, although donations for the acts are welcome.

Punk band Johnny Throttle plays the Square in Harlow on Friday (May 6).

The Computers provide support.

It costs £5, with a £1 discount for members, and doors are at 9pm.

Entry is over 16s only.

Deep Purple tribute act Rainbow Rising headline the Standard Music Venue in Walthamstow on Friday (May 6).

Entry to the gig costs £9 and doors are at 8pm.

Then it’s the turn of The Weller Collective on Saturday (May 7) at the Blackhorse Lane site. Admission is also £9 and is from 8pm.

Alan Francis takes to the stage at Loughton Folk Club at an evening being held to raise some cash for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).

Alan’s varied repertoire includes ballads and blues.

Entry is £3 to the show, which is at the Loughton Club in Station Road. Doors are at 8pm.

Skilled saxophonist Martin Speake plays the East Side Jazz Club next Tuesday (May 10).

It’s at the Lord Rookwood pub in Cann Hall Road, Leytonstone.

Entry to the club is usually around £5 or £6. Doors are at 8.30pm.

Energetic bluegrass band The Wagon Tales perform at Walthamstow Folk Club this Sunday (May 8).

These up tempo guys pride themselves on their rich harmonies and raw blues sound.

The show is at Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, from 7.30pm.

Entry is £6, or £5 for concessions.

Waltham Abbey Folk Club, in Brooker Road, has a Singaround jam night on Monday (May 9).

Entry is £1.50p and doors are at 8.30pm.

Got a gig coming up? Let Sound Advice know! Email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here