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Gigs of the week
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 03.06.08The lowdown on the best live music in London this week...
MARY J BLIGE
Where: O2 Arena
When: Tuesday, June 3
Tickets: £30 - £35
www.mjblige.com
Her latest album, Growing Pains, has brought Mary J Blige back to the music scene with a bang. She has an impressive back catalogue to draw from for live performances too. Having worked with the likes of Curtis Matfield and Aretha Franklin this R 'n'B sensation knows how to put on a great show.
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: Tues & Weds
Tickets: £32.50 - £69.50
www.rufuswainwright.com
Since his debut in 1998 Rufus Wainwright has recorded five albums of original music and several EPs. Showbiz runs in the family – he is the son of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle and brother of Martha Wainwright – so the Brit Award winner is no stranger to the limelight. His Hampton Court Palace festival appearances will no doubt be glamorous.
DUFFY
Where: Shepherds Bush Empire
When: Wednesday, June 4
Tickets: £16
www.iamduffy.com
Welsh star Duffy has had whirlwind success since releasing single Mercy. Her album Rockferry shot to the top of the charts and she has performed at some of the most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall. Not bad for a former TV talent show winner. Her Shepherds Bush gig marks another sold out date.
AVIRL LAVIGNE
Where: O2 Arena
When: Wednesday, June 4
Tickets: £29.50
www.avrillavigne.com
She has sold about 30 million albums worldwide and had a string of big hits so, whether you're a fan of Avril Lavigne or not, there is definitely a market for her. That market mainly consists of teenage pop-punk fans and this is the sort of crowd that will dominate the O2 Arena on Wednesday. The Sk8er Boi singer doesn't play the UK that regularly so if this is your type of thing catch her while you can.
ALPHABEAT
Where: Koko
When: Thursday, June 5
Tickets: £10
www.thisisalphabeat.com
Danish band Alphabeat have started to make their mark on the music scene with single Fascination (you'd know it if you heard it). Their sound is mainly retro 80s melodic pop and good fun to hear live. Give it a few months and this band will be everywhere.
