Latest from the Folk scene, with Jez Lowe

GREETINGS from Ontario, Canada, where I'm about to start a month-long tour of folk venues across the country, as well as down in the United States, with my long-time pal, songwriter James Keelaghan.

I'll be reporting back on our adventures and on the current activities on the music scene here, as the tour progresses.

Meanwhile, there's plenty to keep you entertained back home, I'm sure, starting tonight at the Duke of Wellington in Wolviston, where the very impressive Dovetail Trio will be joining The Wilsons at their regular weekly club. Also tonight, the great Scots singer Emily Smith is at The Arc in Stockton with her multi-instrumentalist partner Jamie McClennan, while up at Rotherbury's Queens Head, songwriter Chris Cleverley is the main attraction.

You can also catch Emily Smith at Reeth Memorial Hall tomorrow. Then before you know it, it's October, and next Wednesday there's a rare chance to see ace Scots guitarist Sandy Stanage and his singing partner Pauline Alexander at The Benedictine Social Club in Cramlington.

October also looks like being a great month at Gatedhead's Sage, with concerts by Peggy Seeger, Lankum, Richard Thompson, John Smith and Talisk all coming up later in the month.

Finally, thanks to everyone who came along to my gig last week at The Bluebell in Sunderland. It has certainly developed into a great night out for local folk fans. Their special guest next month is the incomparable Marie Little, with Pipedream and resident singers in support.