After a few of weeks with lots of great music covering a diverse range of genres to chose from, things have inevitably quietened down this week.

Maybe it’s a December thing when people turn their attention to saving money for Christmas, work parties and family celebrations.

Then again I never know which of the following is true. Some say that it is harder to get good crowds out for gigs in winter, as people are preoccupied for the reasons I have just given.

But in the summer the perception is that people are not going to gigs because it is the season of barbecues and back garden gatherings.

I guess that whatever the season if you book the right bands people will make the effort. Recent weeks have shown this to be true so here’s to this week being more of the same.

And we are off to a great start at The Victoria tonight with a wonderful array of energetic acoustic music. If you think that acoustic music is the domain of folk club balladry, Arran sweaters and pastoral songs with medieval themes, then this is the show to put the genre firmly on the modern map.

Headliners The Wires mix high-energy grooves with forays into more bluesy, old school traditions. Also on the bill is Ben Maggs a man who makes engaging, accessible, chart friendly music and Jimmy Moore whose recent album release has seen his musical stock transformed from a good circuit singer-songwriter into a brilliant world-roots act.

At the other end of the spectrum, 1000 Planets will be laying out a stall of both original material and covers by the likes of Sisters of Mercy, Killing Joke and Bauhaus. Definitely one for all the old school goths. (I used to be a goth but was thrown out for laughing!) Friday really does have something for everyone, unless of course you think Nikki Minaj is the height of musical eloquence in which case you are beyond help.

For everyone else there is the following to choose from. The Victoria is the place to be for something a bit funky as Felix and The Funk play a range of soul, disco, pop, dance and reggae from the last six decades.

The Rolleston has Metalgods, who, as their name might suggest, are a tribute to 80s and 90s rock and metal but apparently steer clear of the standard fare offered by their competitors.

At the Riffs Bar Acoustic Session you can find Sam Eason, a hirsute, flame haired, singer-songwriter with a touch of James Taylor, Damian Rice and His Bobness injected into his beautiful and original creations.

Those of a more dance orientated persuasion should note that MECA are hosting Live Music, a night of hip-hop, R‘n’B, house and club anthems from a range of artists such as DJ Longplaya, DJ Eclipse, DJ Mosco and live performances from SN Dubstation, Benji Clements and Hibbz, Young Wilson and more.

The Victoria on Saturday has a very special show, paying tribute to the late great Ian ‘Jock’ Kerr. Not only was Jock a brilliant musician and regular live performer he was also a keen supporter of local music, a regular fixture either side of The Victoria’s bar and someone who brought laughter and no small amount of bemusement to all who came into contact with him. As a tribute to his untimely passing and to raise money for both a headstone and to help support his daughter, I urge anyone who knew him to gather in celebration of ‘Yer Auld Pal’. The music, like the man himself, will range from genially boisterous to just plain silly thanks to The Racket, British Harlem and Kova Me Badd.

Rock music is also on offer at The Queens Tap with Shepherds Pie who play the best of classic rock from the past 40 years, and Lewis Creaven will be offering up blues, retro and southern rock standards at The Rolleston. Those looking for a beautiful noise could do a lot worse than head out to Riffs Bar for a night with Ruff Diamond playing tribute to namesake Neil.

Please note that the Peloton gig recently advertised at The Royal Oak is cancelled due to the recent closure of the venue.

Two offerings to round the week off are acoustic and electric blends of bluegrass, Cajun and Americana from Sons of The Delta at The Beehive on Sunday and a solo show from David Marx at The Roaring Donkey on Wednesday.