THERE have been some excellent concerts in January at The Potteries Club, where David Campbell was the guest, at The Cuckoo's Nest in Leek which saw the return of Phil Cool and Ken Nicol putting on a great show, and at Biddulph Up in Arms Concerts where Steve Tilston played to a good crowd.

Added to this, last Thursday saw The New Vic Theatre in Basford promoting an outstanding concert with Spiers and Boden playing to a packed auditorium.

This week, however, there appears to be a bit of a lull in concerts with the scene switching to the local singers nights, singarounds and musicians sessions.

Sandbach Folk Club, which meets at The Market Tavern every Tuesday, has a Singers' Night this week. I am told by organiser Winston Baldwin that anyone wishing to perform should arrive early to avoid disappointment, remembering that it has a 8.45pm start, (07815 721933).

Eccleshall Folk Club, which meets at The King's Arms, also has a singers night on this week, when they alternate between the second Thursday of the month being a guest night and the fourth Thursday a singers' night. Details from organiser Derek Aldred (01785 851964).

Crewe Roots Club, which meets on Wednesday at Square One, have the lead singer from the alternative rock band of the '80s and '90s, The Wonder Stuff, as their special guest, in the form of Miles Hunt. Apparently Miles enjoyed himself so much after going to his local pub near his home in Shropshire where they had an open mic evening, that he started to perform as an acoustic duo with violinist Erica Nockalls. He is returning to the Crewe club after a successful and very entertaining gig there last year where he plays a mixture of his latest acoustic material, interspersed with some of his previous hits and coupled with some great chat about his experiences in the music industry. Contact organiser Russell Jones (01270 589893).

Dave Rhead, who runs the Cuckoo's Nest in Leek, started a smaller folk night at The Red Lion in Cheddleton last September featuring the resident band The Herbs and Leekies. Dave has just contacted me to say he has had to rearrange the date of the next meeting which is now Saturday January 30 still at The Red Lion.