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Weekend gig guide
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 01.05.08
Ooh la la: The Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard will play with his band
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The Lowdown on the best live music in London this weekend...
THE KOOKS
Where: Carling Academy Brixton
When: Friday, May 2
Tickets: £20
www.thekooks.co.uk
It's not surprising that the majority of The Kooks' tour dates have sold out. Their latest release, Konk, went straight to Number 1 in the UK Album chart despite receiving mixed reviews. The songs off their debut record should set the tone for a good old singalong though – cue Naïve, She Moves In Her Own Way and Ooh La.
THE WOMBATS
Where: Carling Academy Brixton
When: Saturday, May 3
Tickets: £14.50
www.thewombats.co.uk
They were one of the most popular bands on the Camden Crawl this year. If you didn't get a chance to see them at the Electric Ballroom this may make up for it. But don't be shocked if you find yourself surrounded by an abundance of over-excited teenage indie kids.
BANDSTAND/ ANNIE MAC
Where: Old Billingsgate Market
When: Saturday, May 3
Tickets: £25
www.bandstandevents.co.uk
Bandstand is a series of intimate indoor festival events set up by BBC Radio 1's Rob da Bank and the organisers of Sunday Best and Bestival. This weekend will see DJ Annie Mac take the lead at Old Billingsgate Market.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
Where: Hammersmith Apollo
When: Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4
Tickets: £18-£27.50
www.myspace.com/buenavistasocialclub
The Grammy Award winning 12-piece big band led by Guajiro Mirabal, Cachaito Lopez, Manuel Galban and Aguaje Ramos are top of the league, as far as Cuban music is concerned. Guaranteed to put on an upbeat, energetic show.
KATIE MELUA
Where: Royal Albert Hall
When: Sunday, May 4
Tickets: £32.50-£45
www.katiemelua.com
With three albums under her belt, including the biggest selling female record of 2006, Katie Melua has crammed an impressive amount into her 24 years. It also means she has a fair-sized set list. Her somewhat soothing vocals should resound through the Albert Hall beautifully.
