The new host of the Sun. afternoon open stage at Hirut on Danforth Ave., Harpin’ Norm Lucien, is busy this afternoon and evening attending the Winterfolk XI Festival at Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown TO. But fortunately one of the artists who’s a regular at the 3-6 event is also an accomplished host and will be filling in.

Nicola Vaughan stages a regular weekly open mic at Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth Ave.) Wednesdays and this Thurs. coming also does the co-hosting duties at the Thurs. open stage at Dave’s On St. Clair (730 St Clair Ave. W.) with Fran McCann as Fran’s partner Herb Dale continues to convalesce from a recent surgery. She’s more than up to filling in for Norm!

Pic: Nicola Vaughan -17