It is bitterly cold and snowing as I write this, but let us be optimistic and presume that soon everyone will be gadding about full of the proverbial joys of Spring and skittishly frequenting all the lovely N16 pubs and bars. The eclectic mix of gigs at The Eye is a sad omission from the listings page this time, but here's a guide to the best the area has to offer in terms of live events over the coming couple of months.

For honest, earthy good fun, and exceptional Guinness, visit the Auld Shillelagh in April and May. With summer fast approaching, the Mediterranean garden is again open and the Ska Bar will be making its regular, welcome appearance. Other featured events include evenings with Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Tom Waits and a young David Bowie (1970-75), and watch out for the return of Frank. The Other Brothers play their own brand of Irish folk music every second Friday. The pub is also featured in a forthcoming rockumentary on drinking, music and sex, to be screened by Channel 4 later this Spring. For details, visit the website www.theauldshillelagh.co.uk   or phone 020 7249 5951. 105 Church Street.

Bagabon (previously Bar Lorca) is continuing to host 100% Funki, the weekly jam session for both musicians and vocalists on Sundays (9pm-12am, free).
Free salsa lessons with Rodolfo on Mondays are probably good preparation for the salsa night on Fridays (9pm-2am,£2), which promises Nu Latin and Salsa Disco. Origin Blue on Wednesdays showcases new bands, and Saturday's popular R&B night - Pure Talent - continues (9pm-2am, £4) (176 Stoke Newington High Street, 0207 275 8659).

Blush continue to host free gigs on Sunday nights with confirmed line ups at present including regular act The Lonesomes on 27 March.The successful club night Bedroom is still on the calendar for the first Saturday of every month with DJs Sadie Lee and Lea Andrews promising lots of pop for daft dancing (£3 before 9pm, £5 after). A new open mic and comedy night is scheduled on Thursdays from 8pm. Other regular events include the Wednesday night quiz and Friday night karaoke extravaganzas.
For further details contact Blush, 8 Cazenove Road, 0207 923 9202.

Ryan's are hosting The Acoustic Jukebox every Monday night from 8.30pm. Entry is free and it's an open mic night with all performers welcome. The Flim-Flam Jazz Night is programmed for the third, fourth and fifth Wednesday of the month, doors open at 9pm and there's a small cover charge each week. 

The Corn Rocket Club continue their fortnightly residency on Thursdays at Ryan's. Regular DJs Eric Ulcer, Victor Torpedo and guests regularly showcase local and touring punk rock acts for a £4 entry fee. The current line-up includes a special programme of Neurotic Swingers and the Ulcers on 22 March, the Parkinsons on 7 April & Corn Rocket Nasties and Shaking Nasties on 5 May. Friday and Saturday night DJs at Ryan's will be offering a selection of funk, northern soul, rock reggae andhip-hop. Comedy seems all the rage in N16 at the moment and you can catch the Throat Comedy Club (£4 entry) in the downstairs bar from every Sunday following Tattoo John's usual selection of insurgent country.

La Brasserie de Martyrs continue their regular slot at Bodrum at 61 Stoke Newington High Street. Performers ranging from poets to dancers to comedians use the space as a chance to appear in an environment which prides itself on innovation and experimentation. More information can be obtained from peterbeverley@blueyonder.co.uk or 0207 241 3743.

The Lion has a great range of events planned for Spring, including Wednesday's open mic night run by Contour Buzz. Doors open at 8pm and entry is free for all acts and the audience. Comedy Candy is scheduled every Thursday from 8pm (£5 entrance either in advance or on the door) with headline acts linked to the infamous Comedy Store in Piccadilly Circus. Keep an eye on the website for updates of other gigs. The Brick Lane BoogieBoys have a new residency on the last Friday of every month from the end of March offering their brilliant live 50s rockabilly from 7pm (£5 on the door). On the first and third Fridays of the month Blow the Fuse Jazz continue to host different talented headline jazz acts ranging from sax players to vocalists. For further details check out www.blowthefuse.com .
132 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 254 8935.

Z Bar continues to put on live jazz downstairs on the first Friday of each month. Get details from 58 Stoke Newington High Street, 020 7275 7523.