THE Carpenter's Arms popular Wednesday night folk / acoustic music nights get an international feel in May.

The month starts with a set from Russian singer/songwriter Daria Kulesh. Now based in Hertfordshire Daria started her singing career performing traditional Celtic songs in The Irish Pub in Moscow.

She still includes some of these in her act, but much of her set is self penned songs, some of which are inspired by her Russian background.

Her song 'The Moon and the Pilot' tells the tragic story of her grandmother and her husband.

He was a red army pilot killed in attempting to deliver supplies to besieged Leningrad and was later recognised as a war hero. His wife faired less well. Stalin declared Ingushetians and Chechens as enemies of the state and they were deported from their homes in the middle of winter.

Next up is some local talent with the recently reformed Gloucester Diamonds. With their new line up of Rod Penlington, Debra Hannis, Paul Carter and Robin Burton they are no longer just a Shanty Crew although songs of the sea are still a large part of their repertoire.

Finally, the month sees a performance from Americana duo Billy Brandt and Serana Verlin.

After many successful years playing together in Michigan, they split up when Serana moved to Stroud, but get together from time to time for short tours in both the US and UK.