THE current financial turbulence that is affecting us all in the UK presents one more worry for promoters and organisers of music events across the region.

The folk circuit, resilient though it is, could soon be feeling the pinch. I hope not, given the great music on offer.

This week's highlights include a visit by Anglo-Greek singer-songwriter George Papageris, who appears at Skelton's Duke William tonight and Washington's Davy Lamp on Saturday.

Also tonight, the great Allan Taylor is back at Darlington Arts Centre, while Saturday's other choices are my favourite Scottish singer Ian Bruce, making a rare visit south to appear at the Nine King's Bistro in Barnard Castle, and some high-energy countrytinged folk from American band Crooked Still at Newcastle's Cluny.

Sunday brings Raillon to Westoe Club in South Shields. And then local hero Benny Graham is at the local scene's spiritual home, Newcastle's Bridge, on Monday night.

Monday also sees North Yorkshire lassie Wendy Arrowsmith at Stockton's Sun Inn, and on Tuesday Ian McKone is at Croxdale's Daleside Arms.

I'm at Jezfolk@aol. com for all your scams, whams and flim-flams, so please keep me in the loop.