DON'T miss the chance to catch up with some true song craft this week when the legendary Tom Paxton plays in the Cardiff Coal Exchange on Thursday.

The urban folksinger/songwriter comes straight from that most famous tradition pioneered by the likes of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

This is a great chance to see one of the century's great singer/songwriters whose magic is stamped all over the reviving 60s folk scene.

Expect such classics as "Ramblin' Boy", "The Last Thing On My Mind", "Bottle of Wine", and "The Marvellous Toy".

And following humbly in the acoustic singer/songwriter mould steps Teflon Monkey who plays with the Afternoons, Amy Wadge and Monkey Tennis.

The line up will show off some of South Wales most promising talent, from the Monkey's fleet fingered acoustic ramblings to the easy on the ear tunes of The Afternoons and the Joni-esque, friendly vibes of Amy Wadge (pictured).

The gig is in Clwb Ifor Bach on Saturday night, and if any of these names are unfamiliar then it will be well worth checking out.

TJ's plays host to a couple of low-key gigs on Monday and Tuesday with Zeke opening a quiet week for the venue followed by Cardiff based synth-warriors, the Vanities. But the best gig of the week takes place on Saturday in Cardiff, courtesy of the Stateside funk rockers Actual Size.

This Portland quartet are flirting around the edge of a mainstream breakthrough and sound a bit like John Popper's Blues Traveller.

But their seemingly impromptu jam sessions and depth of feeling on tracks such as the apocalyptic Porcelain take on issues without an ounce of pretension which is no mean feat.

Actual Size are actually very good, and a breath of fresh air for anyone wanting some sanctuary from the bland old world of contemporary pop.

A band in love with the idea of making music, rather than being pop/rock stars is a rare commodity these days, so Barfly on Saturday night should bring some welcome respite. And if it is the offbeat or obscure that you are looking for to satisfy your live musical thirst then Chapter Arts Centre has the excellent Dolly Varden playing with support from Bill Mallonee on Sunday night.

Named after a species of hard to tickle trout, Dolly Varden are fronted by the husband and wife singing-songwriting team of Stephen Dawson and Diane Christiansen. They are seven years and three albums old, but their effortless blend of rock, country and soul is timeless.

This is a rare Welsh gig from a band who prove be a perfect antidote to those post Monday morning blues.