The Guide offers a critical view of what's hot for the following week.

Roachford, Komedia, Brighton, Friday, March 31
- British soul man Andrew Roachford was discovered by Terence Trent DArby in the Eighties and still commands a huge following particularly in Germany, curiously, where he can play to crowds of 10,000. Best known for hits like Cuddly Toy and Family Man, he was the first artist to sign a seven-album deal with Columbia Records. His singers first taste of fame came touring with his uncle who taught the great Ronnie Scott to play sax. Although not a household name like some of his contemporaries, hes had four gold albums and has also written for Michael Jackson and Chaka Khan. He is now touring with a new album, Word Of Mouth. Starts 8pm, tickets £12.50. Call 01273 647100.

Los Palmos 6, Darling Olives and K2, Club East, Worthing, Saturday, April 1
- Ska, indie, funk and house in one venue, on one night? People of Worthing rejoice. Three bands and six DJs will be taking over Club East, opposite Worthing station. In the main room are K2, wholl be playing original tracks, Darling Olives, a popular covers band, and a Madness tribute act Los Palmos 6. Playing indie, with sprinklings of ska and soul, will be the Fraggle Rock DJs and Geoffrey Funk. Funky house DJs do their thing in room two, with a headline set from Honeyclub resident Mis Judged, plus Pahska and Rocketman. This is promoters Simmons And Staffords third event of the year. The previous two have been complete sell-outs. Starts 9pm, tickets £7.50 on the door. Call 01903 201153.

The Slackers, Concorde 2, Brighton, Sunday, April 2
- The Slackers have been tearing up the New York ska scene for 15 years now. In that time the six-piece have honed an unmistakable sound which has made them one of the most notable ska bands to emerge from America and a staple of the worldwide ska scene. While they have been influenced, and even personally taught by Jamaican originators like the Skatalites and the Upsetters, the band see their music through an American lens and are equally appreciative of old blues, Sixties soul, rock and R n B, as they are of reggae, rocksteady, dub and ska. Sussex ska-sters Ettin support. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £8. Call 01273 673311.