Apparently there is some sort of soccer tournament on (right, that’s another local demographic alienated) but whilst a few of the regular musical haunts have given themselves over to big screen TV coverage and people shouting “go on my son” …I assume, I’m not an expert, there is still plenty of live music to catch around and about.

One of the more interesting musical visitors to these parts can be found at The Tuppenny tonight. Grant Sharkey is on a one man mission to record and release forty albums in twenty years and he is out and about playing songs from album number eleven, Thoughts and Prayers. He not only does strange things to an upright bass but threads social commentary, environmentalism, avant-garde view points, wit, wisdom, warmth and humour through his songs. Support is from Kitchen Sink Dramas who come from a very similar place and I don’t mean Southampton.

If something a bit more familiar is your preference, those fun and fabulous Toxic Girls will be breaking out the two-piece version of the band and playing all the songs you know and love, everything from 50’s classics to modern favourites at The Queen’s Tap.

Hip Route can be found at The Beehive on Friday, purveyors of funky blues, groovesome rhythms and addictive beats rounded off with exquisite slide guitar and wrapped up in infectious songmanship. On a good day you won’t find a better live band for love nor money and it always seems to be a good day.

What would it sound like if Lonnie Donegan and Bob Dylan had teamed up to form a working musical duo? You may well ask. Or you could head down to The Queen’s Tap and catch The Dylegans. Taking influence from US coffee house folk revivalists and the UK Skiffle movement they blend the two styles seamlessly into their own tribute to rootsy, retro Americana. And if retrospective styles are your thing you may also want to consider checking out Young Vintage at The Village Inn. They funk up modern songs, pick out the groovy classics of yesteryear and generally soundtrack an upbeat party atmosphere.

The Police were one of the leading lights of new wave, blending punk, reggae and jazz into a soaring, chart friendly sound and fans of their work can find everything they need at The Victoria as The Secret Police pay tribute to them. Fans of a heavier rock sound should note that Down and Dirty can be found with a bag of cool and classy rock covers at The Baker’s Arms.

Plenty of eras and scenes are being paid a tribute to on Saturday too. The Castle is hosting a 70’s night, specifically a glam rock night with music from Glam Resurrection and a request that all punters come in suitable attire. So get your stack heels, glitter and satin shirts ready for action and spend a night revelling in the high camp and bubble-gum pop meets theatrical rock that drove this outrageous musical movement. And in the “if you like that you’ll like this” department, Fab 208 also deal in glam rock hits and tunes that you didn’t realise that you knew all the words to at The Queen’s Tap.

The Locarno Beat will be paying tribute to the music of the 60’s and 70’s at The Haydon Wick Club, everything from The Beatles to The Eagles and even the likes of the much underrated Steve Gibbon’s Band, not an outfit that you find getting the recognition they deserve often enough.

And if Brit Pop is your thing, the aptly named Brit-Pop Boys will be bringing all your favourite Cool Britannia era music to The Victoria. Pulp, Blur, James and of course Oasis all delivered with the requisite swagger and attitude by one of the most popular bands on the local circuit.

And talking of that era, Alfie Simm can be found at The Tap and Barrel playing familiar tunes old and new and he is supported by Andy Bennett, a name best associated with Ocean Colour Scene but now forging a solo career.

And finally, on Sunday after last month’s cancelled show, Tin Spirits are back to gig fitness and are playing The Victoria. Those who like their music proggy, guitar driven and intricate, yet accessible and edgy should definitely check them out. Prog covers and originals and always the possibility of a song from Dave Gregory’s illustrious past with that band.