Simon ParkinElectronic music duo Andy Turner and Ed Handley - aka Plaid - were old school friends and have been recording together since 1988, remixing everyone from Bjork to Goldfrapp. Plus: Joee Ferrera, The Wailing Souls, Erik Truffaz.Simon Parkin

PLAID

Norwich Arts Centre, May 28

Electronic music duo Andy Turner and Ed Handley were old school friends and have been recording together since 1988. Their work has been released under various guises over the years - Atypic, Balil, Repeat, Tura amongst others.

Most of their early recording years were with The Black Dog, a group and recording label they had started with Ken Downie. However in 1993 they were signed by Warp Records and have continued to work with them since.

As well as their own material, they have remixed and collaborated with many artists, including Bj�rk, Goldfrapp, The London Sinfonietta, Nicolette and Unkle.

Unusually for an electronic project they tour extensively, often with the video artist Bob Jaroc, whose work has often accompanied their music during their live performances. They arrive in Norwich as the latest headliners of the Arts Centre's new electronic night, Spectro. Also on the bill are techno/funk outfit Luke's Anger and Norwich ambient folkie types sonofsam.

t Further listening: www.myspace.com/plaid4thepeople

JOSE FERRERA & GUATEQUE

Norwich Arts Centre, May 29

Jose Ferrera is an accomplished bata and conga percussionist from Guantanamo, Cuba.

For 12 years before coming to England, he worked with Danza Libre, an international dance company, teaching and performing daily all over Cuba. However 10 years ago Jose came to the UK with the band, teaching and performing all over the country, and appearing on television and radio, and he has been a frequent visitor ever since.

In 2001 he returned independently and continued his musical career, including making notable appearances at The Royal Festival Hall and at the Womad festival.

His music is a unique blend of old Cuban rhythms and new ideas. Played by a multinational group of musicians all sharing the passion for Latin music, Guateque's fresh approach makes it instantly likable and is guaranteed to get everyone going on the dancefloor with its uplifting and groove-laden songs.

t Further listening: www.myspace.com/theguatequeband

THE WAILING SOULS

Norwich Arts Centre, May 31

Norfolk's reggae champions Foundation Sound this year celebrate their 30th anniversary and this appearance by roots reggae superstars The Wailing Souls will surely be one of the highlights of their year-long celebrations. Fusing the harmonies of Motown with the roots sounds of reggae, the trio have ridden the crest of Jamaica's music for more than four decades.

Formed in Trench Town, Kingston, in the late-1960s, the band have experienced numerous transformations. Their discography - over 26 albums to date - has seen them nominated for Grammy Awards three times. The group scored hits with classic 1970s roots reggae tunes before riding the dancehall period and later re-emerging as roots revivalists in the 1990s with albums like All Over The World.

Vocally trained by Bob Marley and the Wailers' teacher, Joe Higgs, the trio have worked with all the legendary reggae producers including Coxsone Dodd, Henry 'Junjo' Lawes and Lloyd 'King' Jammy's, as well as recording several early tunes at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Studio. As ever Foundation Sound will be providing soundsystem vibrations.

t Further listening: www.thewailingsouls.net

ERIK TRUFFAZ & SLY JOHNSON PARIS PROJECT

Norwich Arts Centre, June 1

This collaboration between the great French jazz trumpeter and the extraordinary funk/soul/blues beat-box stylings of Sa�an Supa Crew's vocalist promises a fascinating evening.

Fusion and pop-jazz trumpeter Truffaz, who is actually Swiss-born, is a major force on the European improvisational scene. Signed to Blue Note Records, he is seen as a pioneer for his dynamic hip hop and dubstep influenced electro-acoustic sound. This is his latest project. He is joined by the incredible Sly Johnson also known as The Mic Buddah and The Beatboxologist and powerhouse Philippe Garcia on drums.

It promises a mesmerising show highlighting a prefect relationship between Erik's jazz routes and the underground sound of the immensely talented Sly Johnson stretching the boundaries of contemporary jazz.

t Further listening: www.myspace.com/truffaz

SOUNDS IN THE CITY

t May 28

City Collage Battle of the Bands (local) - UEA

Eclectic & Acoustic: feat. The Dim Goddess (folk/indie) - Olives Elm Hill

Emma Hall Band (soul/funk) - Brickmakers

Abandon All Hope (metal/rock) - B2

The Umbrella Folk (folk) - Cider Shed

WWHRD Promo (punk) - Marquee

Karmacoustics (acoustic) - Karma Kafe

Mister Pink (rock/funk) - King Edward VII

Pout At The Devil (glam rock) - The Stanley

Outathablues (blues) - Silver Road Cottage

t May 29

Bad Touch (rock) - King Edward VII

Crazy Arm (punk) - Marquee

Norwich Rocks: feat. Old School Tie + more (local) - Henry's

Whole Lotta DC (tribute) - Brickmakers

Sounds of New Beginnings (world) - King of Hearts

Honeydripper (R&B) - Eaton Cottage

Polaris (60s/70s) - Lakenham Cock

t May 30

Lucy Winter (singer) - Boundary

Mickey Flynn (rock) - Coach & Horses (Union St)

Lee Vasey Big Band (12pm) - Brickmakers

Pete 'Kiwi' Keegan (skiffle) - Silver Road Cottage

Honeydripper (R&B) - The Spread Eagle

t May 31

Bank Holiday Charity Day (12 local bands) - Brickmakers

Voodoo Glow Skulls (ska/punk) - Marquee

Tea (rock) - King Edward VII

Live Lounge (local) - The Langtry

Jazz N Jam (open mic) - Blueberry

t June 1

Aladdinsane (Bowie tribute) - Maddermarket

Folk Night (folk) - Micawber's Tavern

t June 2

Ben McDonnell Trio (jazz) - Arts Centre

Keen Kid Promo (indie) - B2

Kidney Punch Promo (punk) - Marquee

Pure Acoustic (open mic) - Brickmakers

t June 3

Neil Cowley Trio (jazz) - Arts Centre

Beyond Duplication (rock) - Brickmakers

Underline The Sky (pop-punk) - B2

Girls Last Chance - Marquee

Uprising (rock) - Blueberry

Jon Treadwell (jazz) - Stracey Hotel