Our pick of events to help you make the most out of your weekend...

Epping Forest Guardian:

Steven Lamacq

Shining a spotlight on small indie music venues across the UK, Steve Lamacq is set to take his BBC Radio 6 Music show on an epic journey. Across one week, he’ll be finding out what makes some of the smallest music venues in the country the most important. Steve and the team will be on tour to raise awareness of the grassroots music scene, which is the life blood of today’s British music.

Harlow Square, Fourth Avenue, Harlow, Thursday, January 26. Details: 01279 305000 thesquareharlow.com

Perspectives of Destruction

The London Blitz beginning in 1940 has been described as the second Great Fire of London. The British government recognized that ‘a war so epic in its scope by land, sea and air’ should be recorded and interpreted by artists. These official War Artists were tasked with depicting events and experiences both on the field of battle and on the home front. Focusing around nine recently acquired drawings by painter Graham Sutherland, this exhibition explores the way artists and photographers responded to the bombing of London during the Second World War.

Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, Friday, January 27, to Monday, May 8. Details: 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk

Love, Loss and What I Wore

A funny, poignant look at women, their relationships, their mothers, childhood, significant moments such as marriage, buying your first bra, dealing with loss, dealing with love, being a teenager and why your mother never approved of what you’re wearing.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, until Saturday, January 28, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Helen Keating

A soothing afternoon of jazz and swing standards. Helen Keating and Friends singing hits from the 20s through to the 40s, from the likes of Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Dizzy Gillespie, Cole Porter and more.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Friday, January 27, 2.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

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Sinful Primates?

Join comparative psychologist and primate expert Zanna Clay as she explores the seven deadly sins in the world of chimpanzees and other primates. Observing these animals, our closest evolutionary cousins, can help us to understand the roots of our own complex behaviours and communication.

The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, Friday, January 27, 7pm and 8.30pm. Details: nhm.ac.uk

Isobel Tacher

Isobel is a singer-songwriter whose voice has been compared to artists such as KT Tunstall and Bonnie Raitt. Isobel accompanies her soulful singing with tuneful acoustic guitar, with strong chord patterns and catchy tunes. Expect a combination of blues, pop, indie and soul.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Friday, January 27, 7pm. Details: 07904 525639 lunalounge.info

PG Wodehouse: A Musical Celebration

Had Wodehouse died in the early 1920s he would not have been remembered as an author, but as the first great lyricist of the American musical. In fact, exactly 100 years ago Wodehouse had five shows running simultaneously on Broadway. Sir Edward Cazalet, Wodehouse’s grandson and closest living relative, shares some memories as an introduction to a discussion of Wodehouse’s life, lyricism and wit. This discussion is accompanied by live performances of Wodehouse’s songs.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Saturday, January 28, 2.30pm. Details: 01937 546546 bl.uk

Epping Forest Guardian: Comedy double bill in Ilminster

Matthew Shepherd and Greg Huff

Hailed as one of the most exciting new singer-songwriters on the acoustic music scene, Matthew Shepherd is a 22 year-old singer-songwriter who has been delighting audiences with his collection of self-penned songs. His songs cover the happiness and heartbreak of love, with his warm, intimate and delicate style.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Saturday, January 28, 7.30pm. Details: 07904 525639 lunalounge.info

Karen Carpenter – Voice of the Heart

Enjoy Carole Gordon as Karen Carpenter as you relive the Carpenters’ smash hits from yesteryear. All your favourites are here from Mr Postman and Ticket to Ride to Top of the World and Jambalaya.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, January 28, 4pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Traditional Cypriot Music & Dance

A celebration of Cyprus’ rich and diverse culture can be enjoyed in this first of its kind concert. The 16-piece Cyprus based ensemble will be showcasing an array of Cypriot songs and dances accompanied by traditional instruments and costumes.

Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ, Sunday, January 29. Details: 020 8807 6680 enfield.gov/millfield

Reggae Roast

Reggae Roast favourites, Vibration Lab, are throwing a wicked party over in Stratford this month showcasing their new project, Digital Messiahs, featuring Brother Culture, Donovan Kingjay, Colourman and Dark Angel.

The Refreshment Room, 27 Broadway, Stratford, E15 4BQ, Sunday, January 29. Details: 020 3105 7082

The Vintage Furniture Flea

Covering furniture and homewares, textiles and electricals, this affordable and popular event now visits London once a month plus Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Oxford at regular intervals.

Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre, The Broadway, N89JJ, Sunday, January 29, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Details: judysvintagefair.co.uk