THERE are a number of concerts this week with something for everyone.

On Wednesday, The New Vic, in Basford, has another terrific night in store when traditional Irish band Dervish are playing in concert.

The band, which consists of Brian McDonagh (mandola), Liam Kelly (flute and whistles), Tom Morrow (fiddle), Shane Mitchell (accordion), Cathy Jordan (Vocals, bodhrán and bones), Michael Holmes (bouzouki) are noted for their fast and furious tunes. Get your tickets as soon as possible (01782 717962).

Thursday is a busy night, with Steve Knightley, singer/songwriter and half of leading duo Show Of Hands, playing at Swythamley and Heaton Community Centre near to Rushton Spencer. Steve has a great voice and writes some of the best contemporary acoustic songs around (01260 226269).

Thursday also sees The Cuckoo's Nest, which meets at The Swan in Leek, back in action with The Old Dance School plus Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys. The Old Dance School has its origins in Joe Broughton's Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, which features a number of young and very talented folk musicians. This off-shoot sees Samantha Norman and Helen Lancaster's dual fiddles, propelled by Tom Chapman's driving world percussion, the dynamic fret-work of Robin Beatty, Laura Carter's evocative woodwind and Aaron Diaz's liquid brass harmonies which make for a rip-roaring high energy evening.

Also appearing on the same bill are BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalists Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys (01538 385260).

Eccleshall Folk Club, at The King's Arms, has a guest night on Thursday when Driftwood are appearing. Driftwood, a six-piece Shropshire/West Midlands acoustic band specialising in acoustic folk and roots music with a dollop of soul, feature Diane Drummond (vocals), Alister McDonald (keyboards), Dave Rolfe (guitar), Dave Sutherland (bass), Reuben Alldridge (trombone), and Rhiannon Lewis (flute) (01785 851964).

Sandbach Folk Club, which meets every Tuesday at The Market Tavern have a singers' night on this week. Contact organiser Winston Baldwin to reserve a spot (07815721933).

The week proceedings end in fine style next Friday when Derek Gifford plays at The Potteries Folk Club, which meets once a month at Foxfield Railway station near Blythe Bridge (01782 813401).