What Lancaster's music scene really needs is some kind of democratic balance built into the weekly exchange. And lo! It's already here…

Tony and Nonie are two local music nuts who love nothing better that going out to see bands then writing about their experiences on their Bands in Lancaster website www.bandsinlancaster.co.uk.

This exhaustive listings site is fast becoming the cement holding the entire scene together.

OK, that might be stretching it a bit – music has existed in Lancaster for a millennia before the internet came along.

But I know for sure that this column would be far scantier without Tony and Nonie attending the sort of establishments that have become out-of-bounds for a father who rarely strays beyond bum-wiping distance of the baby changing station.

And it's for this reason that I salute them!

This week's entertainment kicks off at The Yorkshire House on Friday night with some fast and furious metal from Eliminator, Dark Forest and Without Motive.

Meanwhile, post-punk legend John Otway shows up once again in Morecambe.

A self-confessed unsuccessful singer-songwriter, who built a large cult audience through unrelenting touring, a surreal sense of humour and a winning underdog personality, Otway is an unsung national treasure.

Tickets cost £12 adults, £11 concessions, and are available from the Box Office on 01524 582803.

Elsewhere in town, The Hoodoo perform at The Pub and Super Cuba play the Stonewell Tavern.

Jazz vocalist Sue Parish performs at the Sun Café in Lancaster on Saturday night with Robin Joiner on piano.

Unfortunately, you have to be dining there to be in on the show (call 845599 for reservations).

However, Sue is back at the Jo'G on Tuesday night with respected pianist Vinny Parker and inspirational bassist Dave Turner.

Sue will showcase a range of new material, recently premiered at her sell-out Chill gig in Morecambe. Music starts at 9pm and admission is free.

Also on Saturday, Free Spirit are on at The Pub, while Blues de Ville occupy the Golden Lion's diary, The Karma provide a pleasant and reciprocal atmosphere at The Wagon and Horses down on the quay, and Dujune & Fortune Feller are on stage at The Yorkshire House.
On Sunday, latter-day mods Natural Thing perform at the Jo'G, while The Convulsions perform at The Pub on China Street.

Things calm down a little until Thursday when Baksheesh play live at the Britannia in Freehold.

Comprised of Stuart Lewthwaite, Nick Reay and Andy Whitfield, this trio specialise in Middle European and Balkan music on accordion, fiddle, tuba and dulcimer.

Across town WMD play live blues the very same night at the Robert Gillow.

Featuring Rex (guitar, vocals) and Robin (blues harp, washboard, percussion) their sets represent a mixture of pre-war blues along the lines of Robert Johnson and Big Bill Broonzy, plus foot-stompin' Memphis jugband music by the likes of Terry/McGee and Jimmy Reed.