WIZZ Jones brings his battered old guitar cases to York for the seventh time on Thursday in an early highlight of the Winter Warmers season at the Black Swan Folk Club.

This pioneer of the British acoustic guitar scene in the 1960s turned 65 this year but shows no inclination to retire.

"He's still an outstanding player with a repertoire of contemporary songs, classic blues and self-penned numbers, and later this month he'll be joining his old mate Ralph McTell for Ralph's 60th birthday bash in London," says club promoter Roland Walls.

At the other end of the age scale, vocal harmony duo Rachel & Becky Unthank make their Black Swan debut on December 2. "Combining youthful energy with assured experience, Rachel, 26, and Becky, 19, specialise in traditional songs, often from their home area of the north east, usually unaccompanied but sometimes with Rachel playing her cello or Becky displaying her clog-dancing skills," Roland says.

The chance to contrast English and American traditional songs comes with bookings for Keith Kendrick on December 9 and Dana & Susan Robinson on January 27 next year.

Kendrick specialises in English traditional folk music, usually accompanied on the concertina, and his Black Swan set is sure to include a selection of Christmas numbers from his new album of seasonal songs.

American troubadour Robinson returns to the Black Swan for a third time with his wife and musical partner, Susan, for a night of American folk standards and his own compositions.

The early New Year has a singer-songwriter theme: Allan Taylor on January 6, Kirsty McGee on January 20 and HowdenJones on February 3.

"Taylor is an internationally successful writer and performer with a career spanning 35 years, admirably matching the Black Swan's policy of having a truly world-class act on the first Thursday of the year," says Roland. "He's one of Europe's most sophisticated, literate songwriters, crafting beautiful, worldly-wise songs with beguiling, precision-built guitar arrangements."

McGee plays guitar and flute, accompanied by Mat Martin on mandolin and high-string guitar.

"There's quite a buzz about this young songwriter. She's just starting her career but she's already being critically acclaimed for her hauntingly emotional songs and seductive voice," Roland says.

Acoustic guitarists Kate Howden and Paul Jones will be joined by fiddler Sarah Cheffins for their Black Swan gig. "Over the past few years, Kate and Paul have built up a healthy following with their sensitive songs, stylish musicianship and warm personalities," says Roland.

As ever, the Black Swan calendar accommodates a singers and musicians' night each month when all acoustic performers are made welcome. These nights are always varied, and the September event, for example, drew a record 18 different acts in a mix of locals and visitors. Can that figure be beaten on November 25, December 23 (the annual Christmas party), January 13 or February 10?

Tickets go on sale on January 6 for the return of Black Swan favourite Vin Garbutt on February 17 next year. "A legend in his own lifetime, Garbutt is one of the heroes of the folk scene, combining off-the-wall humour with searing, heartfelt songwriting and singing," Roland says.

Away from the regular venue of the Black Swan Inn, in Peasholme Green, the folk club presents the veteran Scottish traditional musicians The Tannahill Weavers at the National Centre for Early Music, in Walmgate, on December 6 at 7.30pm.

"As tight and versatile as any acoustic group on the Celtic music scene, the Tannahills can summon rock'n'roll intensity or haunting introspection," says Roland.

Doors open at 8pm for the 8.30pm start each Thursday at the Black Swan, and tickets are sold on the door. Ring 01904 658338 to book for The Tannahill Weavers.

Updated: 15:47 Thursday, November 11, 2004