The Amazing Mr Smith, described as Monty Python's answer to John Williams, plays Loughton Folk Club on Thursday (April 5).

The multi-talented Mr S is known for his brilliantly bizarre collection of home-made instruments, including musical shoelaces and cardboard tube double bass. His three-minute version of riverdance is also apparently very special.

Support comes from Kush Qu'on Maz, a trio who play soulful acoustic music.

Tickets are £7. Doors to the venue, in Station Road, are at 8pm.

Melodic rock band Common Purpose, who are pretty good, play The Artisan Music Venue in Chingford Mount on Saturday (April 7).

Support comes from Swinging for Mars and November City.

Doors are at 8pm and it costs £6, with a discount if you have a band flyer.

Country rock act Senor Al and the JJs headline the Birkbeck Tavern in Langthorne Road, Leytonstone, on Saturday night (April 7).

Support at the gig, organised by promoters What's Cookin', comes from folk-punk-everything Essex band Deferred Success.

The tunes start flowing around 8.30pm and it's free, although donations welcome.

The Battered Saucepan Blues Band entertain at Walthamstow Cricket Club on Monday night (April 9).

It's at 48a Greenway Avenue and starts from around 8pm ish. Entry is free.

Then the Tori Freestone Trio play the venue as guests of the fabulous E17 Jazz Club on Wednesday (April 11).

These guys play a mix of original pieces and classic standards.

Entry is £5 and it starts at 8.30pm.

Waltham Abbey Folk Club have a singaround jam night on Monday (April 9).

It's in Brooker Road from 8.30pm and entry is £1.50p.

The East Side Jazz Club and Walthamstow Folk Club are both closed for the Easter holidays.

Day of the Sirens headline the Harlow Square on Friday (April 6).

Support comes from Dying Breeds, The Real Reason and City Lights.

Doors are at 8pm and it costs £5, with a £1 discount for members.

Got a gig? Email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk

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