Crafty

The Bull theatre, 68 High Street, Barnet

Sunday 7.30pm

Crafty, the one-time winners of NME's Battle of the Bands from Mill Hill, have a Gallagher brothers-style talent for falling out and then making up again.

They comprise bassist Damon Thomas, who changed his name from Damien (he's a big Blur fan), vocalist Dean Fenton, drummer Dave Guy and lead guitarist Tom Donnelly.

"We've had bad troubles with Tom and Dean sometimes," said Damon, 24. "People don't turn up to rehearsals. It's rock and roll but you've just got to hear them out. In the end it brings us closer together."

At one time they all shared a flat in Friern Barnet. Dean and Dave both grew up in Mill Hill with Damon. Then Damon met Tom at Barnet College.

"We mostly write about break-ups," Damon explained. It's clearly not an unfamiliar subject, since Damon described Dean's relationship as "on-and-off at the moment".

"We've seen a lot of adversity and it helps being mates and knowing each other's qualities," said Damon.

Damon's sister Nicki was a contestant on ITV's PopIdol and even sings on a couple of Crafty's tracks.

The band has attracted interest from the Britney Spears and *NSync label Dry Records, which has had an impact on the band's rock and roll lifestyle.

"Last weekend there was a party and loads of twelve-year-old girls came up and asked me: Are you Damon out of Crafty?'. It was really embarrassing. Getting recognised was strange, though."

Damon isn't putting all his eggs in one basket and currently studies sports science at the University of Hertfordshire.

Unsurprisingly, he finds it difficult to marry both commitments: "When I come back from a gig at one or two in the morning and I have to do project work, I think Oh God what am I doing?'"

Crafty are playing The Bull to raise money for the centre's new roof. Tickets cost £7 and £5 concessions on 020 8449 0048.

Sweet Home Chicago

Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar

February 15, 8pm

"Everybody, needs somebody to love." It's a choice refrain to sing at the time of year when love is in the air.

OK, so the Blues Brothers aren't up there with the Carpenters in my all-time romantic favourites, but the rock and roll duo pay a thumping tribute to the most famous silhouettes in the western world.

Backed by a six-piece band, Eddie Stacy and Pete Tobit will recreate the mood of the 1980 Blues Brothers film. Tickets cost £11 on 01707 827007.

Big Joe Turner's Memphis Blues Caravan

The Torrington, 4 Lodge Lane, North Finchley

February 17, doors open 7.30pm

Few can emulate the presence of jazz icons like BB King and Al Green, but Big Joe Turner comes close and he's here in North Finchley. Tickets are £7 on 020 8568 0612.

David Thomas and Two Pale Boys

The Bull theatre

Saturday 8pm

The trumpeter from Manchester indie band James accompanies this experimental "avant-folk" group.

The band has been playing around with radio receivers, echo machines and delays to create its own distinctive sound since 1994. Turn up, tune in, or drop out. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions), on 020 8449 0048.