Country rock

  • Chuck Ragan’s Revival Tour
  • O2 Academy, Oxford
  • Tuesday, 7.30pm
  • Tickets: £15.75 ticketweb.co.uk

Take an assorted and diverse range of acoustic, folk and country artists – some of whom have previously never met, let alone played together – throw them all together and what have you got? The answer: The Revival Tour.

This thrilling musical spectacle is the brainchild of Chuck Ragan of the band Hot Water Music. But this punk-turned country star is only part of the attraction; the night also features Jay Malinowski from reggae band Bedouin Soundclash, Cory Branan, Texan Rocky Votolato, and Stroud’s resident Aussie songbird Emily Barker.

“In the last five years on the Revival Tour, it’s been nothing but an invigorating breath of fresh air among the sea of live music out there,” says Chuck, adding: “The revolving showcase of real music by real people in a simple grassroots fashion originated in the old days with communities sharing music, and this is the simple spirit we aim to revive.”

Expect the unexpected.

Folk

  • Oxford country folk songwriting circle
  • Port Mahon, Oxford
  • Tomorrow (Friday), 8pm
  • Tickets: £14 on the door

A clutch of hugely talented songwriters convene in the convivial surroundings of the Port Mahon tomorrow. The night is organised by Dava from country-blues rock act Swindlestock, who were among the stars of The Oxford Times Live & Unlocked gig at Oxford Castle.

A stripped-back version of Swindlestock are among the attractions, as are The Epstein’s frontman Olly Wills, Ags Connolly and Ragdoll. All performers will share the stage, taking it in turns to tell the stories behind their songs before playing solo acoustic sets and collaborations. Great things are expected from this amazing night.

Bluegrass

Punch Brothers

  • O2 Academy Oxford
  • Tomorrow (Friday), 7pm
  • Tickets: £16.87 ticketweb.co.uk

Formed in 2006 by mandolinist and singer Chris Thile, Punch Brothers combine elements of indie-rock, folk, jazz, bluegrass, and classical music.

Other band members, fiddler Gabe Witcher, banjo player Noam Pikelny, bassist Paul Kowert, and guitarist Chris Eldridge are virtuosos in their own right, and make a glorious noise together.

New York City has gone mad for them – we expect the UK to follow. Don’t miss seeing a band who have been likened to an acoustic Radiohead.

Pop

THE D.O.T.

  • Bullingdon Arms, Oxford
  • Tomorrow (Friday), 7.30pm
  • Tickets: £15 wegottickets.com

As The Streets, Mike Skinner became a huge star – his Midlands take on hip-hop winning millions of fans with his eye for everyday observation. And many of us were left drying our eyes when he announced he was winding it up. Now he is back, with Rob Harvey from The Music under the guise of The D.O.T. The outfit consists of Mike in an instrumental role while Rob provides the vocals. The show follows the release of debut album And That.

This show at the little old Bully is ridiculously intimate for two giants of the industry. We are curious to see how it goes.