Another tempting week for all you folk and acoustic music fans out there, but how about we start with some Western Swing or Cosmic Country Blues, two epithets attached to The Raven Folk Club's next guest band on Sunday (September 8) at 8.30pm.

Over the years there have been many weird and wonderful names taken by groups, ensembles and bands, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band immediately springs to mind, but the guest trio at the club's Bear & Billet home, Lower Bridge Street, Chester, rejoicing under the banner of The Goat Roper Rodeo Band, is certainly up there with the best of them.

However, the only problem with memorable names is that you really must have memorable music to go with it but, The Goat Ropers, (as their fans know them) match a great name with some great music.

With publicity photos that would not look out of place in the heyday of Americana 1970's style, they have caused quite a stir on the folk/acoustic scene over the last eight years, although humble beginnings initially saw them busking outside W.H. Smiths in Chester before "graduating" to play at Rhyl, Conwy and Chester Folk Clubs.

Since those days, and after releasing their debut album, Hail the Remedy, in 2012, they have played Cambridge Folk Festival, been voted "best live act in the UK" by Spiral Earth and their second album, Cosmic Country Blue on Avoline records.

Brothers Tom and John Davies and their friend Sam Roberts create a sound with just two acoustic guitars and double bass that has to be heard to be believed and it is no coincidence that their stunning harmonies have seen them compared to The Everly Brothers and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Fans of the Wrexham band Heal the Last Stand will love this one, along with every genuine music fan both sides of the border.

Even better news is that we in the Principality can lay claim to them as they all live in Rhuddlan. Admission, at just £8, is by ticket so please phone Nick or Chris now on 01244 677212 or 01244 343788 to book yours. Go along and enjoy the best North Wales country blues you are ever likely to hear.

This Saturday (September 7) there is another highly recommended gig at St Mary's Church, Northop.

It is one of the events run by the Among the People organisers and the headline act is The Foxglove Trio.

This extremely talented trio of musicians and singers have brought a breath of fresh air to the folk scene since forming in 2010.

Ffion Mair, Cathy Mason and Patrick Dean are all gifted musicians and their music, based on Patrick's bold melodeon playing, Cathy's intricate cello lines and Fion Mair's soaring vocals has gained them many admirers.

Their debut album, These Gathered Branches (29012), was received with critical acclaim and their follow up album, Distant Havens (2017) was 14 tracks of pure joy with precise instrumentation and vocal harmonies that would outshine the angels.

Mind you, when you realise that Ffion Mair was voted Best Celtic Folk Singer at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod (2011) and Cathy, a brilliant multi-instrumentalist holds the post of Assistant Musical Director at St George's, Ascot in addition to Patrick having played for many years in Ceilidh bands, Including The Spring-Heeled Jacks, the rest just seems to fall into place naturally.

Another bonus is that the support act on the night is the Welsh language singer songwriter, Tegid Rhys. Tickets, at £12, can be bought in advance from the Top Monkey pub, Northop for a discounted £10, or the full amount can be paid on the door on the night.

Moving into next week, The Dragon's Breath Folk Club, Treuddyn Village Hall, near Mold hold their session on Tuesday (September 10) with the band Final Nails. Despite extensive searching on the web I have been unable to discover a great deal about the latter who, unlike ant of their fellow musicians, seem content to "hide their light under a bushel". No doubt someone pout there can enlighten me (email courtesy of the Leader please) and put me out of my misery!!! Suffice it to say that, I assume, they will be hammering out the usual two entertaining sets for the 'Dragon' faithful! Admission is payable on the door.

Apart from the plethora of Open Mic nights that continue to abound in the area there is a forward date for your diary worthy of noting down.

It is the latest Soundbox promotion next Friday (September 13) at 7.30pm at The Lock Keeper, Canalside, Frodsham Street, Chester where the Chris Cleverley Trio will be the guest band.

Chris has built up quite a reputation as one of the finest songwriters of his generation and his unique fingerstyle guitar playing puts many in mind of icons such as Nic Jones, John Martyn and John Renbourn.

On this occasion Chris will be accompanied by two of the most talented people on the music scene, Kim Lowings and Kathy Pilkinton.

Tickets can be booked through the Soundbox website at £12. Support will be provided, as usual by local singer and musicians.

Finally, congratulations to North Wales singer and songwriter, Gary Edward Jones who has just completed a marathon stint at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his phenomenally successful show, Something About Simon.

He has already toured several UK venues with the show and, together with his very relented wife Elizabeth Anne Jones (aka Elfin Bow) we, in North Wales are blessed indeed to have two of the best musicians, singers and writers of their generation on our doorstep. May it long continue to be so.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention this year's Well Inn Free Music and Fun Day in Holywell High Street, Holywell this Saturday (September 7) from noon to 6pm.The music genre may be anything but folk but, on this occasion, the words fun and free make up for that. Go along, take the family, and enjoy.

Time to go again so, whatever you do and wherever you go, enjoy your music.

By D.C.M.