The lowdown on the best live music in London this weekend...

Whether you prefer a geek chic band, acoustic set or carnival-style concert there is a selection of great gigs to choose from this weekend.

THE COURTEENERS
Where: Astoria
When: Saturday, April 26
Tickets: £11.50
www.thecourteeners.com
The Courteeners hail from Manchester and have known each other since they were ten years old. They are one of the hottest acts on the indie radar at the moment. Previously playing alongside the likes of The Coral, the time has come for the four-piece to headline their own tour.

WE ARE SCIENTISTS
Where: Shepherds Bush Empire
When: Friday, April 25
Tickets: £16
www.wearescientists.com
Keith Murray and Chris Cain are the epitome of geek chic. Not taking themselves too seriously, We Are Scientists' gigs are a promising start to a fun night out. The music is pretty impressive too. Despite drummer Michael Tapper 'relinquishing his duties' last year, the band is still going strong and released third album, Brain Thrust Mastery, in March.

WAS (NOT WAS)
Where: Islington Academy
When: Saturday, April 26
Tickets: £22.50
www.worldwidewas.com
For 80s and 90s music fans, the news of WAS (NOT WAS) playing a UK date will be well-received. The Detroit funk collective came back on the scene with their album BOO! earlier this year. It seems that Jools Holland is a bit of a fan, inviting them to perform on his Later show this week.

LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM CARNIVAL
Where: Victoria Park
When: Sunday, April 27
Tickets: Free
www.lmhrcarnival.com
www.thisislondon.co.uk/events
Top acts, including Hard-Fi, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly and Patrick Wolf are on the bill for this year's Love Music, Hate Racism Carnival. The event will be celebrating multicultural London and urging people to use their vote just four days ahead of the mayoral election.

GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS
Where: Scala
When: Sunday, April 27
Tickets: £14
www.grantleephillips.com
After being voted best male vocalist of '95 by Rolling Stone magazine, Grant-Lee Phillips was labeled one of the most significant songwriters of his generation. Based in Los Angeles, the singer will play an acoustic set for his only performance in England.