Get ready to go crawling in Camden

By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 16.04.08

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Camden Crawl
April 18 - 19
Various venues
www.thecamdencrawl.com

Camden will be thriving with DJs, bands and 15,000 music lovers this weekend for the annual Crawl festival. The event kicks off at noon on Friday along the mile-long stretch from Chalk Farm to Mornington Crescent. This strip of pavement will play host to 130 artists performing across 25 venues over the two days into the early hours of the morning.

KEEPING IT SECRET
Upon arrival, Crawlers will be presented with an all-access wristband and music programme featuring a guide map and timetable for each day's proceedings. But the full line-ups and stage times remain a closely guarded secret until the night. Surprise guests may appear at any time or venue, so make sure you get there early.

ONES TO WATCH
With at least 40 bands on the bill it is hard to keep track of who to check out. Make sure you don't miss the following though…

The Fratellis, Koko, Friday:
The Scottish band hit the big time after the release of Chelsea Dagger. Their quirky and energetic performances are great fun to watch.

Los Campesinos!, both days:
These seven 'youngsters' teamed up to form Los Campesinos! at Cardiff University. They are one of the most talked about bands on the indie scene at the moment. You! Me! Dancing! is a must see live.

Sam Isaac, both days:
The Sam Isaac show frequently resembles an indie cottage industry. Friends make artwork, do recording, direct music videos and carry clipboards. Get involved.

Acoustic Ladyland, Saturday:Acoustic Ladyland have been dubbed an electric jazz group that plays dirty rock'n'roll.' It's hard to resist that mix.

Does It Offend You Yeah?, both days:
This four piece electro-rock band from Reading have been compared to the likes of Muse when it comes to live gigs.

Noisettes, Friday:
They have toured Europe and the US extensively, supporting a range of bands from Babyshambles to Bloc Party. The experience has paid off.

Johnny Foreigner, both days:
Birmingham trio Alexei, Junior and Kelly are noisy popsters Johnny Foreigner, who released their highly regarded EP (stroke-mini-album) Arcs Across The City' late last year.

Hadouken!, both days:
Hadouken formed after meeting at Leeds University and setting up their own label, Surface Noise Records. Their name comes from a special move in the Street Fighter game.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE MUSIC
As well as hosting hotly-tipped artists alongside special guests and seminal greats each evening, this year's festival will include an extensive daytime arts programme. Here are some of the highlights…

Indie Idle Rounds 1 & 2: Demo clash featuring 10 shortlisted acts from the online knock out competition for the best unsigned indie band in Britain followed by the live final to win a headline slot at the festival. www.gigwise.com/indieidle

Evolving Styles: Guerilla art installations, live street art auction and DJ's with special guest celebrity artists. Additional works to be auctioned online for The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Bloody Awful Poetry: After bouncing around London for the past year spreading their obsession with the best new music everywhere, BAD hosts two days of new music alongside the poetry wall, confession booth, and the Bloody Awful Poetry Competition.

Camden crawl Unplugged: Acoustic sessions on the hour every hour from 1pm each day.

Red Bull Jam: This is the only venue that will be open to under 18's. Expect to see some of the UK's most talented young bands. The outdoor venue, to be located behind Zensai on Inverness Street will feature 6 acts per day.

Future Shorts Rescore: Future Shorts is the largest short film festival in the world, being screened alongside a live soundtrack.

Laughter In Odd Places: The best comedians in unusual places. Charity shops, libraries, churches, record shops, book shops, the museum of London and even the Evening Standard comedy critic Bruce Dessau's living room at a gallery at The Camden Crawl.

Moshi Poshi Pop Quiz followed by the I Predict A Pop quiz featuring prizes for all plus the Free Beer and hotly contested Free Crisps Rounds.

TICKETS
Two day pass: £49.20
Single day pass: £29.70 (including £1 donation to Teenage Cancer Trust)
Available from: 24 HR CC Hotline 0871 2200 260 / See tickets 020 7403 3331
Or buy online www.thecamdencrawl.com / www.gigsandtours.com
Tickets are to be exchanged for wristbands which allow free entry to each of the participating venues. Passes give you access to all Crawl venues, after show parties and daytime activities. The price also includes the music programme.

TIMES
*Full daytime programme available from 1pm
*Evening doors open at 5.20pm
*Doors close at 4am

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