Threes.

There's a saying that everything happens in threes and this week would seem to be a case in point.

Take tomorrow night at The Sage, Gateshead, where we have the Three B's - Kenny Ball, Chris Barber and Acker Bilk. Tickets are reported to be going very fast for this trad extravaganza. So, if you were one of those who looked for an alternative to The Beatles back in the 1960's this is the place for you.

Later on - Friday to be exact - another triple trad bill takes place at The Saville Exchange, North Shields. This one is both joyous and sad. Happy jazz from the Vieux Carré Jazzmen, West Jesmond Rhythm Kings and Rae Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band but sadness also inasmuch as it is the final Mike Durham promotion at the venue.

Big Bands too are out in triplicate with the Customs House Big Band at Cleadon All Saints Church Hall on Tuesday (Dec 7) whilst at the City Hall, Newcastle, on Friday (Dec 10) Jason Isaacs does it his way in front of the Dave Connelly Big Band and on Sunday night, if you happen to be in Hong Kong, there is a big band bash at Ned Kelly's Last Stand.

However, if Kowloon is a too far away then the City of Sunderland Youth Jazz Orchestraare at Washington Arts Centre on Thursday and Friday evenings from 7:00pm.

Lance.