Critic's choice: Top 5 gigs

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Astoria, WC2
Brazilian electropop livewires whose fabulous debut album Cansei De Ser Sexy is being reissued at the start of next month and given a major marketing push in a bid to convince even more people of its brilliance. Judging by the size of these two shows, they're doing all right without the extra promotion. (020 8963 0940). Sun 22, Mon 23 Apr, 7pm.

Musiq Soulchild
Shepherd's Bush Empire, W12
Hailing from the same Philadelphia soul scene that brought us Jill Scott and the Roots, Taalib Johnson is now on his third album as Musiq Soulchild and is finally cracking the American mainstream. Luvanmusiq has hit the Billboard number one spot, and while his stature is more minor over here, at least that means a relatively intimate setting in which to watch a quality artist. (0870 771 2000). Tonight, 7pm.

Our Technicolour Dream
ICA, SW1
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 14-Hour Technicolour Dream, a huge psychedelic happening at Alexandra Palace, some old hippies reunite to play beneath the swirling oil wheel. There'll be live sets from the Amazing World of Arthur Brown, the Pretty Things, Circulus and Mick Farren. (020 7930 3647). Sat 21 Apr, 12.30pm-1am.

A Fistful of Twisted Folk II
Arts Depot, N12
Second mini-festival on three stages organised by gig promoters Twisted Folk, which promises a quiet evening of mainly acoustic music from headliners Adem and the Earlies, plus lesser known singer-songwriters including Tom Brosseau, Emma Tricca and Alela Diane. (020 8369 5454). Sat 21 Apr, 5.30pm.

Bestival London Launch Party
Bloomsbury Ballroom, WC1
The most eccentric festival of the season prepares to take over the Isle of Wight in September with a launch featuring four of the most promising acts on the line-up - retro singer Candie Payne, novelty electro duo Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, reggae singer Natty and Planning to Rock. It's also fancy dress, as past Bestival attendees would expect. Come as a flapper or a pirate. (0870 534 4444). Tonight, 7.30pm