this is Brighton offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week

Alice Cooper, Brighton Centre, Brighton, Saturday, November 5
- Lock up your daughters - Alice Cooper is coming to town. On his first full UK tour since 2002, he'll be performing such hits as School's Out, Poison and No More Mr Nice Guy, as well as material from new album Dirty Diamonds. But Cooper's shows have always been as much about the spectacle as about the music: Stage props can include anything from a guillotine to an electric chair and a boa constrictor. Expect a stage show that'll take your breath away, plus a chance to play some serious air guitar as Mr Shock Rock himself churns out one rock classic after another. And, as usual, there'll be just a touch of humour in there too. Starts 7pm, tickets cost £29.50. Call 0870 900 9100.

The Proclaimers, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, Wednesday, November 9
- Forever known for standing side by side like a mirror image, and belting out I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) in thick Scottish accents, identical twins Charlie and Craig Reid return with their sixth album. It's not that impressive a work-rate - it's 18 years since they made their legendary TV debut on The Tube - but what they lack in quantity they've made up for with the consistent quality of their post-punk melodic rock. As well as 500 Miles, fans will be hoping for other hits such as Letter From America, Let's Get Married and King Of The Road, as well as a chance to hear the new material live. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £18.50. Call 01273 709709.

Kate Rusby, Hawth Theatre, Crawley, Thursday, November 10
- For a music that's meant to belong to the people, the English folk scene is surprisingly small and self-contained. Kate Rusby, however, has managed that rare feat of appealing to mainstream audiences whilw remaining sufficiently true to the tradition to maintain a loyal folk following too. From joining the family ceilidh band at the age of 12 she's gone on to produce six solo albums, not to mention her work with allfemale band The Poozies. Nominated for a Mercury Prize in 1999, she's also won three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and is regarded as one of the leading English folk musicians of her generation. The chance to hear her voice live is not to be missed. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £15. Call 01293 553636.