TONIGHT, The Cutty Wren Folk Club celebrates its 45th anniversary at the Duke William in Skelton, and who better to have as special guest on such an auspicious occasion, than Vin Garbutt.

I remember once seeing a list of the Cutty Wren’s guest performers over the years, and they really have had some legendary names, especially in the early days, when even American blues legend Jesse Fuller was booked to come and play. Several changes of venues later, and it’s still one of the best clubs in the country.

Congratulations to organiser John Taylor and all the regulars, and here’s to another 45 years! There’s more action tonight with Bob Fox and Billy Mitchell at the Queens Head in Rothbury, and Ewan Carruthers at Darlington Arts Centre, and then tomorrow, Mr Garbutt is at Moorsholm Village Hall and The John Wrightson band are at Guisborough Golf Club. Bob and Billy are at Gateshead’s Sage on Saturday, and on Sunday our choice is between Mike Gardiner at Guisborough Rugby Club, and top duo and Teesside exiles Megson at The Sage. Bram Taylor and Roly Hindmarch have a double whammy this week, with gigs at Newcastle’s Bridge on Monday and The Candlelight Club in Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday. Monday also brings Lancashire’s top folk export Geoff Higginbottom to Stockton’s Sun Inn, and I should also mention this weekend’s Otley Folk festival, which may be somewhat beyond our usual boundaries, but has always attracted a sizeable North-East audience as well as many of our local musicians and singers. This year I’ll be there with my Bad Pennies, along with Vin Garbutt and Flossie Malavialle, plus Clive Gregson, Maggie Boyle, Pete Morton, Martha Tilston, Les Barker and many more. That’s definitely worth venturing into the deep south for, in my humble opinion.