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Summer of gigs at Somerset House
By Louise Jury, Evening Standard 17.04.07
In the House: Singer Amy Winehouse is in the line-up
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Some of the biggest names in pop have been lined up to appear at this summer's concerts in the courtyard of Somerset House.
Lily Allen, Kasabian, Guillemots and Amy Winehouse are among the performers who will be taking the stage for what has become one of the most popular ways of spending a sunny evening in the capital.
Scottish post-rockers Mogwai kick off proceedings on 12 July, with other highlights including appearances by Scottish folk legend and founder member of Pentangle Bert Jansch, Norfolk-born folk singer Beth Orton and former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler.
Mika, the much-hyped Beirut-born, London-based singer, Philadelphia hip-hop act The Roots and American rockers Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are also in the line-up, which concludes on 21 July with electropopsters Hot Chip.
Support acts and special guests are still to be announced but tickets go on general sale at 10am this Thursday.
This summer Somerset House will also play host to events including a long weekend of family activities at the end of July and 10 nights of open-air film screenings in August.
Raye Cosbert, the programmer for the summer series, said: "The courtyard at Somerset House has shown itself to be one of the best venues in the country for live music of all persuasions. It seems to bring out the best in every artist that plays there. This year's promises to be very special."
Among the acts to have appeared in previous summer concerts at the venue are Basement Jaxx, singer PJ Harvey, Goldfrapp, dance duo Orbital and psychedelic Welsh rockers Super Furry Animals.
Somerset House is an 18th century Neoclassical palace that stands between the Strand and the River Thames. It was once home to the Royal Navy and Royal Academy but now houses the Courtauld Institute of Art, the Gilbert Collection of decorative arts and the Russian Hermitage Rooms.
The courtyard is increasingly used for public events, including an ice rink at Christmas.
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Reader views (1)
Chris Isaak - Hammersmith Appollo - Friday 20/4/07
This show left you with a real big smile on your face. Chris Isaak took to the stage in a shocking pink suit and immediately lit the whole venue up. He and his band are so tight-nit in their playing they were as slick as anything I have seen. Their infectious enthuisiasm for what they were playing caught on to the audience and it was a real joy to see great musicians do what they can do best.
Chris Isaak has a very dry sense of humour and he really interacted with the crowd which left you wanting more at the end. Will definietly be booking tickets the next time he and his band are in town!
- Stephen Askew, Benfleet, Essex
