Simon ParkinAcoustic and Eclectic celebrates its first birthday, while another music night, Specto, launches with a return to the city of electronica whizzkid Nathan Fake. Elsewhere pop oddball John Otway pays a visit.Simon Parkin

The first birthday of the Acoustic and Eclectic nights, at Olives Cafe, Elm Hill, Norwich, is the perfect excuse for another packed evening of music on January 29.

Rory McVicar (pictured), a former winner of Radio One's Unsigned act of the year award and who is about to release his second album, Another Sleepless Night, headlines. Joining him will be former lead singer with The Incidentals, Maria Uzor, who performs solo minimalist Latino blues under the name Girl in a Thunderbolt, and talented local songwriter Chad Mason, who writes hauntingly beautiful folk and country influenced songs, and favours a fluent finger-picking approach to playing guitar.

As always, highlights will be broadcast on organiser Richard Penguin's Acoustic and Eclectic Future Radio show on Sunday afternoons from 2-3pm. Entry �1.50 on door

www.futureradio.co.uk/acousticandeclectic

t All-round likeable pop oddball John Otway - one of music's genuine one-offs - is back in the region for an unusual one-off gig at Tivetshall St Margaret's The Railway on January 24. The singer-songwriter scored a hit with first single, Really Free (with Wild Willy Barrett) in 1976 and shook off the stigma of 'one-hit wonder' with a top 10 hit with Bunsen Burner, built round a sample of Disco Inferno, in 2002. More details: 07780 537884.

www.johnotway.com

t Music fanzine Gravy blends music and visuals to launch The Norwich Music Identity exhibition at Stew in Fishergate tonight (7-10pm). Bearsuit, Fever Fever and My Boy/My Girl will all be playing sets for the preview evening.

The exhibition aims to reflect the wide range of styles and themes found on the city's music scene.

It features work by Jamie John Chopping, Rosie Arnold, Felicity Kitson, Maxie Gedge, Dan Tombs, Mark Jennings, Andi Sapey, Iain Ross, Nathan Pounds and more, plus posters and zines from Norwich music life past and present.

The exhibition continues at the venue until January 31. Free entry.

www.stew.org.uk

t Norwich Arts Centre's new electronica night presented by Spectro will launch on January 29 with a headline appearance from Norfolk-raised Nathan Fake (pictured).

The Border Community star, who left Norwich aged 18 and now calls a bedroom studio in Hackney home, has been delivering fuzzy-edged synths and maximal acidic techno beats since he was still in his teens.

Dividing his time between writing music, touring and remixing - previous recipients of the Nathan Fake computer-edit funk treatment include DFA's Shocking Pinks, Steve Lawler and DJ Remy - his style ranges from next-wave computer rock techno to ambient pilgrimage.

Last year he released Hard Islands, the follow up to his debut album Drowning In a Sea of Love. Recent support slots for Squarepusher and Kieran Hebden have placed him centre stage in the live arena and their heir to the UK electronica throne. Visuals will be provided by Dan Tombs.

www.nathanfake.co.uk