The standard of Friday ticket-sales doesn't seem to be waning, despite the biting recession (yes it is still on, ignore the government spin). In short, people still love a bit of live action and I don't mean a discounted evening at Spearmint Rhino or the Chippendales. We're talking music primarily and this week, there are festivals and pop-acts a go-go as well as a few one-offs here and there. So, settle down at your table and allow me to plate up your feast.

Kings Of Leon

Festivals this week first of all and the biggie surely has to be Kings Of Leon's appearance at the Hard Rock Calling event at Hyde Park on June 30th. It's the first KOL gig since last year's testy Reading and triumphant Leeds sets in the summer 2009 and with new material on the horizon, as well as a pile of massive albums behind them, these tickets are like hot bagels. Damn, that's made me hungry.

Jay-Z

Moving on to another large gathering in Hyde Park a few days later, and Jay-Z gets all 'Blueprint' on our ass with a date at this year's Wireless Festival on July 4th. After wowing the crowds at the BRITS this week with his collaboration with Alicia Keys (also appearing in the UK later this year), the successful rapper's album sales will have no doubt shot through the roof by now. 'Blueprint 3', his latest, has been his most successful UK release to date - not a patch on the nine number one albums he's had in the States though.

JLS

Now then pop fans, gather round because have we got a couple of beauties for you (stop giggling at the back). Firstly JLS, who stormed the BRITS by turning up to perform suspended by their nipples and knee-caps (wishful thinking - 'that's enough' - Ed). They have tickets for their Dec 23rd (Wembley Arena) and Jan 4th 2011 up for grabs today, as well as their new single 'One Shot' due for release on Monday (Feb 22nd).

Peter Andre

Fresh from seeing sense and sorting his wife out, Peter Andre will once again hit the road in December for a series of dates promoting his new album 'Unconditional Love Songs', released recently. He starts his jaunt in Bournemouth on the 2nd and continues until the 19th when he will play in Manchester at the MEN arena. His recent UK tour has been pretty much a sell-out in some venues - better be quick then!

CHEW LiPS

Back to reality now and a few extras and one-offs from much-touted and established acts alike. CHEW LiPS have added Sheffield and London dates to their dozen or so gigs already on sale (most are a tenner or under). The electro-pop duo has recently released their debut album, 'Unicorn' to critical acclaim - another success on the eclectic Kitsune label. The new nights are on April 26th at Sheffield's O2 Academy and the 30th at London's Cargo - I warn you now, the latter will sell out very quickly.

The Maccabees

NME Shockwaves darlings, The Maccabees, have announced a lone Liverpool date at the city's O2 Academy venue with tickets priced at £17.50. The lads have had a crazy, successful year since the Top 20 success of the album 'Wall Of Arms' and hit single 'Love You Better' so should be a good date.

Example

Next, we mentioned a certain Elliot Gleave hitting the road during May and four of those dates go on sale on Friday - Bristol (18th), Manchester (19th), London (20th) and Birmingham (21st). Otherwise known as Example, his rise to cross-over status is surely a cough away so this might be a good time to catch him.

Coheed and Cambria

Lastly, one-off of the week has to be Coheed and Cambria's Kentish Town HMV Forum date in June. Ticket prices are reasonable at £17.50 as well. It looks like a busy year for the progressive-rockers from New York - a new album and book, part of the band's ongoing Amory Wars novels, gets released during April. We'll cover this release nearer to the date.

Happy clicking!