Here's a look at the best gigs happening across the country this weekend. We know it's the weekend before Electric Picnic, and those attending will want to be saving their strength and pennies - but these may well tempt you... and don't forget that the Festival of World Cultures kicks off in Dun Laoghaire today, too (gigs marked with an asterisk). Check out our dedicated Summer Festival page for more info.
Friday
Duke Special with the RTE Concert Orchestra - National Concert Hall, 8pm (€37/€39 - Sold Out, Returns Only)
Éthiopiques* - Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, 8pm (SOLD OUT)
Orchestra National des Barbes* - The Purty Kitchen, Dun Laoghaire, 9.30pm (€27)
Maximo Park - Savoy, Cork, 8pm (€27)
Aslan - The Quays, Galway, 8pm (€18)
Saturday
Lovebox (feat. N*E*R*D, Gorillaz Soundsystem, Maximo Park, Plain White Ts, Paolo Nutini and more..) - Marlay Park, 2pm (€49.20)
Liam Ó Maonlaí* - Kingston Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, 7pm (€7)
Damien Dempsey - National Concert Hall, 8pm (€35/€20)
Heathers - Roisin Dubh, Galway, 8pm
Sunday
Lisa Hannigan* - Kingston Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, 8pm
Amusement Parks on Fire - Whelan's, 8pm (€14)
