SOUTH Wales bands play for charity tomorrow at an all-afternoon and early evening gig in TJ's.

Two of Newport and Cardiff's best bands play; Janiero and Nameless, plus a good collection of the latest generation in unsigned bands from Gwent: Mechanical Fish, Wigham, Rejected, Smokestacks, Hitler's Lost Daughter and Idiom.

Newport girl Charly Machin has organised the concert to raise money for Alzheimer's charities. Charly's uncle, John Dart, and her grandmother have both died as a result of the condition.

The concert is open to all over the age of 16 and tickets are just £2.50. The first band on at 2pm and the gig will have finished by 8pm.

Mechanical Fish are first on and will play practically their first gig. Their music has been described as eclectic.

Wigham are next up. Named after the Simpsons' bloated and corrupt police chief, the band plays a similarly American aped sound, like Blink 182.

Rejected are "crazy metal geezers" who play a mad, frantic noise with elements of everything. "We're out to amuse not amaze," said the band's singer and guitarist, Andy, whose primary influences are Green Jelly and Gwar.

lRejected have just booked a night at TJ's, April 27, when they will be joined by Hitler's Lost Daughter and Mayonnaise, among others.

Smokestacks play a foot-tapping, modest version of Nashville Blues with a respectful nod to Paul Weller and the occasional Oasis-like bit of swagger. Buffalo Springfield is a big influence and the band are enjoying a box set of early material. Early blues singers have provided a lot of inspiration, particularly Leadbelly. The band has been quiet of late as the bassist has baby number two on the way. Meanwhile, the band has been writing new material which they liken to old Mowtown in that it is very simple, very soulful stuff. As well as this charity gig they also play TJ's on April 1.

Hitler' Lost Daughter (HLD) are named after the nickname endured by the band's singer, Cath Brewster, when she was at school. The band's drummer, Neil Turford, said the band had been playing too many gigs to have time to write new material but that they were now buckling down. "We had a big bust up over horns," he said. "Half the band wanted more, the others less." HLD also play TJ's on April 28 and 30 with Wildge and The Toe on the former; the latter is a battle of the band's night.

Idiom are a mainstream rock band with loads of panache and a desire to entertain. The band's drummer, Tim Jones, is said to be one of the best in Newport.

Nameless left TJ's dazed and bruised last time they graced the venue, supporting Janiero in February. Fronted by the kilt-wearing Al, the band play searing punk with heavy goth leanings like black PVC trousers and Joy Division-like rhythms. Very good, very loud... be afraid. Signed to Petrified, a Penarth-based label, Nameless have one single available: Read More Books.

Janiero headline the day of fundraising. Heavier with the goth but less with the punk, the band has matured dramatically over the past two years, introducing new members and instruments, resting finally at two guitarists, two keyboard players, drummer and bassist, fronted by Jon Harris, who, according the TJ's message board, is the scariest singer in Newport, along with Dave from Chang! Janiero launch their latest EP, Music Makes Me Feel Dead next month in TJ's.

*TJ's opens its doors for charity on Saturday March 16 from 2pm to 8pm. Tickets are £2.50. Dial (01633) 216608 for more information.

* Pictured: Smokestacks