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Critic's choice: Top five gigs

Athlete
Small virtues: Athlete follow Mika and Paul McCartney with a performance at the intimate ICA

By David Smyth
13 Jul 2007


Athlete and Dirty Pretty Things are among those in action in the weekend's top gigs.

iTunes Festival
ICA, SW1

The world's most popular digital music store proves its influence by persuading a month's worth of big acts to perform in the 350-capacity ICA. We're now halfway through, and highlights have included Paul McCartney, Mika, Crowded House and Editors. This weekend sees jolly guitar group Athlete (tonight), doeeyed Scot Paolo Nutini (tomorrow) and Italian veteran Gianna Nannini (Sun) playing intimate sets. Tickets free from www.itunesfestival.com. Until Tue 31 Jul.

Somerset House Summer Series
Somerset House, WC2

If the weather ever lets up, the courtyard of Somerset House is one of the greatest places to watch live music in London. The Neoclassical palace's regular summer season of bands is attracting as many impressive names as ever this year, including dance-rock louts Kasabian (tonight), folk hero Bert Jansch (tomorrow) and charming eccentrics Guillemots (Sun). (0870 145 1120). 7pm, Until Sat 21 Jul. Tower Music Festival.

Tower of London, EC3
The fortnight-long season of concerts for the more mature music fan, beside one of our most familiar landmarks, draws to a close this weekend with sets from gravel-voiced Brit-winner James Morrison (tonight) and Dave Stewart (tomorrow), who will perform Eurythmics material and much more with the help of a 30-piece orchestra. (0870 169 687) 6pm, Fri 13, Sat 14 Jul.

Rise: London United
Finsbury Park, N4

Ken Livingstone's free anti-racismfestival always has the feel of being thrown together at the last minute, with bands being announced very late on, which can make for a confused, disappointing line-up. He's done all right this time, though, pulling in a decentsized US star in the shape of Kelis, plus Jamelia, Saint Etienne and the Holloways. Free, noon-8.30pm, Sun 15 Jul.

Dirty Pretty Things
Hackney Empire, E8

The Hackney Spice Festival's musical highlight is this set from Libertines spinoff Dirty Pretty Things, with support from the Paddingtons and Glas Vegas. The last time Carl Bar‚t appeared on this stage he was reunited with old sparring partner Pete Doherty, so keep your eyes peeled for tall, confused-looking men in silly hats. (020 8985 2424). 7pm, Sat 14 Jul.

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

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