* THERE’S no party like a Rabbit Foot party. Yes, that dapper seven-piece jump-blues rhythm beast The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band is back in action tomorrow with what will surely be the best gig of the weekend.

They’ve played everywhere from Glastonbury and Bestival to the Royal Albert Hall, but there’s always something special about a hometown gig – and none more so than at the Jericho Tavern. Stuart Macbeth’s bunch of hedonistic tearaways, pictured, play their Summer Party at the Walton Street venue, armed with a new album’s-worth of new songs, as well as all their self-penned classics.

Doors open at 8.30pm with the Rabbits on at 10pm. Support comes from Reading’s self-styled ‘sci-fi voodoo’ heroes Vienna Ditto. Tickets are a bargain £7 from rabbitjazz.co.uk.

* WHILE the Rabbit Feet like to whip up a frenzy, rock legend Brian May these days prefers to keep things low-key. The Queen star is among the best guitarists in the world and can pack out arenas at the drop of a plectrum. On Monday, however, he plays a delightfully intimate show at St John the Evangelist Church, in Iffley Road. The frizzy haired-one is joined by hot West End star Kerry Ellis, pictured, with whom he has been working since she starred in his Queen musical We Will Rock You.

Expect a mixed bag of Queen classics and other favourites – including Brian’s new Kissing Me Song. Tickets are £39 from ticketzone.co.uk or call 0844 758 758.

* OXFORD-born Hugh Laurie is a modern renaissance man. Famous as a comedian, director and actor, he has recently added a new string to his bow - that of musician.

The release of his debut Let Them Talk saw the Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster and House star establish his credentials as a blues and jazz artist with a gritty collection of Louisiana classics. An appearance at last summer’s Cornbury Festival cemented the former Dragon School pupil’s reputation as a polymath.

Now he is back with another trawl through the vaults, Didn’t it Rain, and a live tour which reaches Oxford’s New Theatre on Saturday night. Tickets are £32.50-£35 from livenation.co.uk.