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

Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Corn Exchange, Brighton, Saturday, October 29
- Any risk of legendary folkies Kate and Anna McGarrigle becoming better known for who they are rather than what they do should be scuppered after their latest tour. Kate is the former wife of Loudon Wainwright and mother of Rufus and Martha Wainwright; Anna is her sister. Three decades worth of music has proved they are, above all, true musical matriarchs. Expect a blend of acoustic earthiness and elegant vocal harmonies, sung in both English and French. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £20. Call 01273 709709.

The Fall, Concorde2, Brighton, Sunday, October 30
- "We are the Fall, Northern white c*** who talk back," says the ever-honest Mark E. Smith. Mark has always made it known that he hates to wallow in the past, preferring to grab you from an angle you would never have expected. Notoriously temperamental but highly influential, he has been at the forefront of The Fall through many line-ups since they formed in 1976. John Peel loved them so much he invited them to record a whopping 24 Peel Sessions. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £14. Call 01273 673311.

Chris Difford, Sussex Arts Club, Brighton, Monday, October 31
- That Ivor Novello Award you've had your eye on might be closer than you think thanks to Chris Difford of Squeeze fame. The Brighton-based musician is heading up Carousel, a festival of songwriting to take place next spring. To promote it, a series of intimate, Monday night gigs have been organised, featuring well-known artists along with the best local talent. Chris himself headlines the next one, along with Matt Deighton, who worked with acid-jazzers Mother Earth. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £5/£4. Call 01273 727371.

Her Majesty's Clockwork Army and Easy Sister, The Toad, Chapel Road, Worthing, Tuesday, November 1
- A brand new live music night has been launched in Worthing, bringing a touch of the alternative to the party-tune saturated main drag. This week, two Brighton bands are on the bill the night have only been running a few weeks but there is already a waiting list of bands wanting to play. Eventually the organisers hope to run acoustic showcases, open mics, covers nights and add video projections to the music. Starts 9pm, free. Email tompople@gmail.com .

The Ordinary Boys, Winter Garden, Eastbourne, Tuesday, November 1
- Their second album didn't do as well as their debut (which went gold) but The Ordinary Boys' fanbase The Ordinary Army are still going strong and much of this tour has sold out. When the world was invaded a couple of years ago by new British bands, the Worthing lads were among the first to go into battle. Chart-wise, things have waned, but live they are still a force to be reckoned with. Indie pop sprinkled with ska, reggae and soul influences. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £12.50. Call 01323 412000.

Mariza, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, Thursday, November 3
- Traditional Portuguese folk music might not spring to mind when thinking of popular musical genres but Mariza has helped secure a dedicated fado audience in Brighton. She has performed at the Dome several times and now has a devoted fanbase. Fado is a emotional, raw music style developed by Lisbon's working class in the early 19th Century. Mariza is seen as its torch-bearer, leading the way for a new generation of performers and fans. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £17.50/£22. Call 01273 709709.