I was away last week – but back now and catching up on all that is happening on the local music scene.

Today, lunchtime jazz is back at Farnham Maltings. This month features singer, actress and performer Emily Windham.

She studied at RADA and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and since graduating has toured in shows across the UK and Europe and worked in feature and short films.

She will be accompanied by another special guest, Sam Parker on tenor sax.

Sam is a Guildford-based tenor saxophone player who has played regularly at jazz venues across the UK, both in small ensembles and big band formats.

It starts at 1pm and entry is £8.

Tomorrow The Loft, Basingstoke, are back with another evening of live music at Lychpit Hall.

Three acts are featured. The Mark Nelson Blues Band will be playing their brand of bluesy songs, and the mesmerising and avant-garde Eltel are always entertaining – and then there is the reflective music of Celia Barrett and Kate Sharples.

All in all, a great mix of musical genres. Entry is £5 and it starts at 8pm. Take along your own drinks and nibbles.

On Sunday from 5pm to 7.30pm I am delighted that my Vic Cracknell Swing Band will be returning to The Mill, Haslemere. We play a mix of well-known swing, rock’n’roll and Latin tunes from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Michael Buble, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Harry Connick Jr and more. Entry is free and make dining bookings on 01428 643183.

We will also be playing at Gostrey Meadow in Farnham on Sunday, June 5 for the Jubilee Big Lunch.

Looking ahead, the Sound Of The Sirens are at Farnham Maltings on Friday, June 17. They are a singer-songwriting duo based in Exeter, comprising Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood. Honing their craft over the past decade, they have cemented themselves as firm favourites not only on the west country scene, but nationally and internationally too.

Their status, and fast-growing fan base, is not only testament to the pair’s prowess as songwriters and musicians. They wear their hearts very much on their sleeves in terms of their songwriting.

They glide gracefully through laments of past relationships and life experiences, as well as highlighting  important topics of the day, such as mental health awareness and homelessness.

They will be playing songs from their new album Damage Control. For details, see www.farnhammaltings.com

On Sunday, June 19, Jazz At The Abbey returns to Waverley Abbey in Farnham with guest vocalist Debby Bracknell. Tickets are £15 and email [email protected] for details.

Petersfield’s Shine Radio features local acts each Thursday from 9pm on Mandy P’s show (www.shineradio.uk)

Brian Player continues his Folk, Roots and Acoustic music show each Tuesday at 8pm on Wey Valley Radio based in Alton. Wey Valley Radio is on 101.1FM or online at www.weyvalley.uk

GIG GUIDE

(free entry and 8pm unless stated)

Thursday, May 26

Open Mic at The Good Intent, Petersfield

Brodie at The Mulberry, Farnham

Friday, May 27

The Standardz at The Plough, Farnham

Saturday, May 28

The Swarm at The Plough, Farnham

Open Mic at The Mulberry, Farnham

Sunday, May 29

Missy Nelson Band at Music In The Meadow, Farnham (3pm)

Vic Cracknell Swing Band at The Mill, Haslemere (5pm)

Monday, May 30

Acoustic Café at Rose and Crown, Sandhurst

Tuesday, May 31

Vic’s Buskers Open Mic at The Plough, Farnham

Unplug The Wood at the Lion Brewery, Ash

Julie’s Open Mic at Village Inn, Sandhurst

Wednesday, June 1

Jam Night at The Plough, Farnham

GT Live Sessions at The Britannia, Guildford