Lazy summer days are, sadly, over - and, frankly, there weren't enough of them in the first place - but there is a plethora of events happening locally over the next month or so to tempt you out of the house and stave off the autumn blues.

The Auld Shillelagh's garden is now covered and heated for the forthcoming winter months. October attractions include The Other Brothers, who play traditional Irish every second Friday of the month (next gig, 22 October), and make sure you don't miss the splendid Johnny Cash evenings (on 28 October and 25 November). The next Shillelagh extravaganza is from the Musicals, including old favourites such as Oklahoma, West Side Story, Singing in the Rain, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music. the list goes on. The pub will be showing clips from the movies and actors will be mingling in the crowd, singing your favourite songs. 'Doh, a deer.'. Join in the fun. Date not yet finalized, but probably early November. Phone the bar for details (105 Church Street, 020 7249 5951).

The Eye has an eclectic series of events this October. Regular events include the Luddy Samms Jamboree every Monday night (free), Tuesday night Rockabillies dance classes (free) and Balls Out juggling exhibitions on Wednesdays. Other scheduled events include The Incredibly Strange Film Band on the 16th (£4), The Ron Alexander Paranormal Show on the 24th (£4) and The Witchdoktors on the 30th (£4). For more information and fuller details email eyeartsvenue@yahoo.co.uk. (79 Stoke Newington High Street, 0207 923 7781). 

In addition to the regular Sunday night DJ Tattoo John and his offerings of insurgent country from 6pm, Ryan's has some loud rock from XR5 on 16 October (8pm £4) and Flim Flam jazz nights on 20 and 27 October. The pub presents blues and rock from The Frontline from 8pm on Friday 5 November and the Hightown Crows and the Dead Plants, again with support from the Hangdog DJs, playing on 6 November (8pm £5 / £4 with flyer). For further information and a full listing, contact Ryan's, 181 Church Street, 0207 275 7807.

Blush has regular, free Sunday night gigs planned for the whole of October and beyond. On 17 October, a Brazilian duo will be appearing playing some traditional music. Ally from Trybyrd is appearing with special guests Tetrapak on the 31st. Well-known rock duo Dirty Birdies are playing on 14 November, and 21 November sees old Vortex favourite Martha Lewis and Diane McLoughlin playing jazz and easy-listening (free entry, 7pm). Blush is also now holding a regular comedy night once a month. For further details contact Blush, 8 Cazenove Road, 0207 923 9202

Every Thursday from 9pm midnight Motiv and Friends will be playing a blend of jazz, funk, hip-hop and Afrobeat live downstairs at Cafe Z Bar (58 Stoke Newington High Street).
An intriguing residency begins downstairs at Bodrum (61, Stoke Newington High Street) every Saturday in November. La Brasserie de Martyrs offers contemporary cabaret, burlesque and vaudeville for musicians, singers, poets, dancers and comedians - 'both entertaining and challenging'. For info, phone 020 7241 3743 or email peterbeverley@blueyonder.co.uk. 

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The Lion continues to present Open Mic - all welcome - every Wednesday, with a 'best of' evening on the last Thursday of every month (132 Church Street, 0207 249 1318). Meanwhile, Johnny Miller continues his Friday night residency at Barracuda (125 Church Street, 020 7275 8659).

Bar Lorca presents an up and-coming US boys' band - Intense - on 4 November. 
The bar's famous open Jam Night continues on Sundays (9pm-midnight), Origin Blue world is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (9pm-1am), Friday is Salsa Night (9pm-2am) and Saturday is Area 52, live R&B (9pm-2am) (176 Stoke Newington High Street, 020 7275 8659). Other in the area (notably Londesborough and Bird Cage) have DJs on a regular basis. Phone for details.

Finally, as we go to press, reaches N16 of a new jazz venue in Church Street. Ex-Vortex regulars Blow The Fuse have started a new regular evening Upstairs at the Lion. Doors open at 8pm screening jazz DVDs, with the beginning at 9pm. Acts booked to date include Annie Whitehead (12 November), Carol Grimes (19 November), Barb Jungr (26 November) and John Etheridge (3 December). Admission £8-£10 (£6 conc). Good luck to everyone involved in this exciting venture. 132 Stoke Newington Church Street, 020 7254 8935, info@blowthefuse.com, www.blowthefuse.com.
By Helen Griffths

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