this is brighton offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week.

Nathan Kaye, Sanctuary Cella, Brunswick St East, Hove, Friday, August 26
- An original blend of rootsy folk music, reggae, funk, beatboxing and a trombone-like didgeridoo, the slidedidge - all from one multi-talented man.If you like 12-string acoustic guitar, soulful vocals and conscious lyrics similar to Ben Harper, John Butler and Jack Johnson, you'll love Nathan Kaye. It's eco-friendly music too as this Aussie singer's instruments are made from recycled and sustainably logged timbers. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £5/£4. Call 01273 770002.

100% Dynamite with Boogaloo Investigators, Komedia, Brighton, Saturday, August 27
- Get yourself suited and booted for this mod night, featuring live music and DJs. Known for sharp, soulful rhythms, The Boogaloo Investigators have been shaking the scene since 2003, when their first single, a cover of Let The Groove Move You, featured in a Puma advert. This night is run in association with The New Untouchables, promoters of Mod and Sixties-themed events. Starts 9pm, tickets cost £8. Call 01273 647100.

Red Stripe Band, Joogleberry Playhouse, Brighton, Saturday, August 27
- This seven-piece lineup including a three-piece horn section are back in Brighton playing a mixture of boogie-woogie, jive and rock 'n' roll. Red Stripe himself on piano and vocals leads some wicked big band arrangements all in true foot-stomping boogie-woogie style. There will also be a good sprinkling of jump jive and rock 'n' roll. Watch out Jools Holland! Starts 8pm. Tickets cost £6/7. Call 01273 687171.

Merz, Freebutt, Brighton, Wednesday, August 31
- Signed to Marowak Records, Merz, aka Conrad Lambert, has been tipped by NME as Britain's answer to Beck. Coldplay even said "the world would be all right if it listened to nobody else". Having travelled 48 countries, Merz's music reflects the cultures that he has encountered. Merz will be supported by two other Marowak discoveries, The Sways and The Lonely Soul. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £5 (£4 with NUS or flyer). Call 01273 603974.

Shebang, Komedia, Brighton, Wednesday, August 31
- A night bringing together under one roof the best of Brighton's young, female singer/songwriters for some tantalising folk, jazz and funk. The array lined up for the night include Louise Havell and band, Alice Shaw, Cathryn Stone and Emberhoney. Each act will take the stage in order to showcase their talents, hoping to give our ears a tease and leave us wanting more. Find out what our city ladies have to offer. Starts at 8pm, tickets cost £7/£5. Call 01273 647100.

Mountain Firework Company & The Hat, Komedia, Brighton, Thursday, September 1
- Brighton bands get back to basics for an acoustic night of mellow sounds. The country-influenced Mountain Firework Company perform beautifully-crafted melancholy songs of love won and lost, with the odd drinking moment thrown in for good measure. Making "mini musical movies for the mind, ears and soul" The Hat have a jazz-inspired, literate bohemian vibe. Their twisted tales are set against drums, double bass, guitar, beatbox and lush harmonies. Starts 8.30pm, tickets £5/£7. Call 01273 647100.