It's an incredible weekend for grassroots live music in Leicester, writes Dave Davies. First up is the third heat of The Original Band Showcase at the Musician on Friday night.

It features alt-rock trio Junior Fencing Club; Birmingham punk-metal outfit Awaiting Approval and Nottingham's Fat Digester, a music-based collective that at times include dancers, rappers and visual artists. Produkty are veteran songsmith Andy Sharman's latest project, described as "an indie-Abba vibe", so expect intelligent guitar pop with abrasive lyrics; finally, city alt-rockers This Fallen Empire, whose debut album, The World Will Fall, was released last year. Doors open at 7pm.

Also on Friday, Mississippi Chickenhead Lounge take over The Shed, Yeoman Street.

Friday's line-up of the monthly club include the "black-hearted boogie and red-blooded rhythms" of delta blues, bluegrass and country outfit The 44's, plus Mark Kennedy and a juke joint film show.

This weekend sees the last gigs at The Charlotte. Friday night features The Iration Steppers.

If you can't get in there, from 5pm to 11.30pm Firebug, Millstone Lane, features Birmingham's Blackfish, hardcore punk from The James Cleaver Quintet, Buenos Aires, Speaking In Italics and Surrender The Coast.

Wednesday at The Donkey, Welford Road, sees a St Patrick's night special open mic night.

www.themusicianpub.co.uk

www.myspace.com/chickenheadlounge

www.rockfood.co.uk

www.donkeybar.co.uk