For many years the acoustic/open mic/folk night scene has been restricted to a few pubs on the odd evening in the far flung reaches of the county. The exception in Ledbury of course being the excellent Wednesday night bash at the`Prince`.

However, these days within a short distance of town it is possible to listen to live music virtually every night of the week. It was suggested to me that it might be of interest to portal readers to list every evening, but there are now so many to list that I fear I may omit some by mistake thereby running the risk of disembowelment when innocently turning up to play at the venue in question.

Instead I thought it may be helpful to players and punters alike to give a brief description of `the modus operandi` of each music night as and when I played them.

The Courtyard in Hereford is the first choice as I played there last week. The first Tuesday of each month is the given night, although this is surely under review by the powers that be as recent performances have been rammed so I am to understand.

Players need to contact the box office and find out who is organising the night, as a different person or group are given the task each month; you can of course just turn up but you run the risk of not finding space even if you get there early.

First performance kicks off at eight and continues through to closing time. Players are asked to do three numbers or fifteen minutes, but the arrangement is pretty flexible so there is no fear of being`sheep crooked` off at the end of your thang!

Marcus Morris (mandolin) and myself (guitar) went over last week and having delved for change in the dark nether regions of my motor to feed the car park meter (£1.50!) we were met at the door by the lovely Deidre wielding a clip board and taking charge on behalf of the performing arts students of Hereford Art College - this month's allotted organisers.

We started off the night and were well received by an audience of some 100 to 150 - probably a bit intimidating for first time performers! The audience swelled with the arrival (during their interval) of the string quartet recital crowd from the main audatorium. Now the foyer was packed and the evening continued with glimpses of music across the spectrum from performing students and other musicians.

P.A. and microphones are provided with an engineer for performers but you won`t get a free beer or butty at the interval. Live music fans should be aware that getting in early and near the front is advised as the acoustic nature of the huge glass walled space doesn't help with sound amplification at distance.

I really enjoy playing at this venue, audiences have been warm and I`ve heard some really excellent talent on my few visits.

Enquiries www.courtyard.org.uk or Box Office: 01432 340555.