It’s ‘Independent Venue Week 2015’ – like Record Store Day but for gigs with 85 venues across the UK taking part. Yeah, I know, every week should be Independent Venue Week… anyway, at least of some of what follows is part of the celebration of all things subterranean and sticky-floored.

First, in Aberdeen, Kathryn Joseph continues her tour in support of album ‘bones you have thrown me and blood I’ve spilled‘. She’s Downstairs in Aberdeen on Monday before moving across to Inverness on Tuesday to Hootenanys.

So, a flurry of Independent Venue Week shows in the capital this weekend – Sneaky Pete’s gets into the action with The Amazing Snakeheads / Man of Moon on Wednesday 28th.
Then The Sexual Objects / Snide Rhythms / Miracle Strip are on Thursday (check the merch stall for the new album by the headliners).
And on Friday, a cracking double bill with Withered Hand (a solo show) plus Adam Stafford.
On Saturday 31st Bwani (Junction) and The Monty Hall Problem.
Sunday 1st has Honeyblood, Tuff Love, and C Duncan.

Oddly it’s all about the east coast pretty much, with Dave Arcari at the Voodoo Rooms on Friday, doubtless regaling us with the news that he’s set to play at SXSW this year. Same night, ROCK! from Gareeda at Bannermans. And The Electric Circus also gets into the act with a DJ set by Bombay Bicycle Club.

But the star attractions are Half Man Half Biscuit playing tunes from new #29 chart hit album ‘Urge For Offal’, at the Liquid Room on Saturday.

Up the coast a tad, still on Friday 30th, is at PJ Molloys in Dunfermline for the Fools Gold Clubnight (not too sure if he’s DJing or just shaking stuff). The same night and also in Fife – at Jordan’s in Cupar, apparently – Party at the Palace sensations Jamie & Shoony.

As I say, Glasgow seems overrun by Americana at the moment but on Friday 30th we celebrate the Auld Alliance, as Francois & the Alas Mountains are at Glasgow’s Arches – a hometown show, or as close as they’ll get, for singer Gerard Black. Same night, a comeback show for step-daughter of Don and sister of Eagle-Eye, former Rip Rig and Panic singer, Yossou N’Dour collaborator and 90s hitmaker Neneh Cherry, who’s at is at SWG3.

Also on Saturday but in Glasgow, a Celtic Connections gig for Lambchop at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket… and the same venue following night it’s Calexico.

And last but not least, Fiona Soe Paing is in Dumfries on Friday doing her electronica/animation gig Alien Lullabies as part of the Big Burns Supper.