Weekend columnist Lee Harman has been championing the Warrington music scene for more than two years.

The former Woolston High School pupil blogs about the town's artists and upcoming gigs on his Warrington Music [WAM] website and Facebook.

WELL the Mr Smith's building is well and truly a thing of the past.

There was a lot of talk about turning the former night club and cinema into a youth centre, but the costs involved were significant, and I wondered if it was the right decision.

In the end it didn't matter, but I don't think anybody wanted the building to end up how it did.

May 2 saw me put on my first show in the town for almost a year and I must thank all the bands who played and those who stayed until the end.

There were many familiar faces in the crowd and I must thank the new management team at Dog House in Buttermarket Street for letting the show go ahead.

There was a lot happening that weekend vying for people's attention but it is important we support live music where we live.

So what else is there to look forward to this month?

Well not only has the Orford Hotel been a talking point by appearing in the BBC One drama, Ordinary Lies, but it has been hosting some great artists for the past few months.

They continue to do so with particular highlights being The Electric Mafia playing there on May 23.

The band have been busy working on their debut album and finally after long last released a new song, 'Breakdown', which is available for free download from their Facebook page.

Also playing at the Gorsey Lane venue is contemporary folk band, Vala on May 30.

This Saturday Blast Tyrant will be back at The Albion in Battersby Lane, with a mix of classic rock covers and a few Tyrant hits of course!

They will also play Dog House on June 6, with support from Hardtails and Serratone.

I'd also like to take this chance to welcome new bar, Hernando's Hideaway in Sankey Street to the list of Warrington's music venues.

Having played there previously, Kim Jennett returns to play live this Friday and if any solo or duo acts are interested in playing at Hernando's they should contact the bar for more information.

One of my highlights of May can be found at Dog House on Tuesday when Canadian rock band, Double Experience, return for their yearly tour of the UK.

They were hugely impressive last time and don't be surprised to see the vocalist jump off stage to order shots for the crowd!

This Friday also sees Asylum club night return to Warrington.

I've been waiting a long while for this night to return and I am glad we have been able to bring Deadbolt down to the party.

On top of that there's the chance to bag a pair of weekend tickets to give away for Download Festival.

Asylum has been a great outlet for Warrington bands to play, as well as a chance to bring some big names such as Hacktivist to the town.

For the nights to be successful, and to bring in more big names, we rely on the town supporting the events. Check out facebook.com/asylumwarrington for more details.