Departure Lounge 6th Birthday @ The Caves, 24 July

The institution known as the Departure Lounge meets again in July for a self-congratulatory knees up; worthy, as six years in the club business is no mean feat. Keeping to Departure precedence, the birthday festivities are offering up local acts as headliners: Astroboy, Jiminez and Mr Zimbabwe will sprinkle afrobeat, breaks, summer time soul and funk all over your awaiting Latin inspired feet (salsa dancing optional). Plus, after-party music is sorted as the boys will be handing out their annual mix CD titled Departure Sounds Vol. 5, for free. They have also invited Geordie eight-piece Diddley Squat. They may give the impression of a band of gypsy rascals, ready to pillage your milk bottles straight off the doorstep. But the paradox is noticed when they take to the stage. One step away from a hick inspired ‘hootinanni’, their gregarious vibe radiates in abundance. Expect a blend of ska, dub and reggae. And drawls of drunken pleasure. [Nicol J. Craig]