The Nye Bevans

The Nye Bevans are playing The Shoulder of Mutton on Sunday 18 October, from 5.00pm to 7.30pm. It's an afternoon session rather than a late one, so you're in and out while it's still light.

They describe what they do as "BalkanISH" — uptempo originals and traditionals, with jigs thrown in as well. The Balkan side of that points towards the odd time signatures and the driving, dancey rhythms of Eastern Europe, while the jigs bring it back to something more familiar. It's a set built for movement, and the "uptempo" part isn't just a description; it's the whole point. Between the originals they've written and the traditionals they've taken on, the energy stays high throughout.

The sound comes from a full band: double bass, harmonica, a skiffle drum kit, acoustic guitar, and vocals. It's an acoustic-leaning line-up, but with the double bass and the skiffle kit, there's plenty of low end and a steady beat to hold it all together. The harmonica adds a melodic line on top, and the vocals tie it together. It's a proper band on stage, not a solo act with a backing track, so you'll hear the different parts working against and with each other.

If you're heading out, The Shoulder of Mutton is at 9 Norwich Rd, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4NT. The music runs from 5.00pm to 7.30pm, so it's a good one if you fancy a Sunday afternoon with a bit of a dance rather than a late night.