The guide offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week.

Carlo Sandblow & The Whiskeycats, The Freebutt, Phoenix Place, Brighton, Sat, June 24
- It's the season of sunshine and smiles and Carlo Sandblow will be providing us with the perfect soundtrack. Juice FM favourites and winners of last year's Brighton's Most Wanted competition, their ska-reggae-surf tunes sound a bit like The Coral, The Specials and The Police. Last month the band finished as runners-up in the Jack Daniel's Soundcheck competition and their EP was produced by Ordinary Boys' collaborator King Glover. Support comes from the Whiskeycats. All the way from Manchester, they have a reputation for putting on a great show with elements of Latin, disco, funk, and jazz. Current Whiskeycats fans include Phil Jupitus on 6 Music and Kerrang's Ugly Phil. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £5. Call 01273 605789.

Elton John, Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove, Sunday, June 25
- Hold on to your hair weaves: The legendary Rocket Man is coming to Hove. This much talked-about open-air concert promises to be performed in true lavish style. A temperamental rotter he may be at times (we hear), but you can't deny old Elton has been responsible for some of the most commercially successful tunes of the last few decades. Expect to hear big numbers such as Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Nikita and Are You Ready For Love. The veteran star has done a huge amount of charity work over the years, which might go some way to softening the blow of the ticket price. Starts 2pm, tickets £40-£100. Call 08712 302612. (SOLD OUT).

Art Garfunkel, Dome Concert Hall, Monday, June 26
- It's been 30 years since Bridge Over Troubled Water but Art Garfunkel's voice remains instantly recognisable. Between 1964 and 1970 Simon and Garfunkel were the most famous recording duo on the planet, producing classic hits such as Homeward Bound, I Am A Rock, Kathy's Song and Mrs Robinson. Having parted company with Simon in 1970, Art went on to release solo hits Bright Eyes and I Only Have Eyes for You. With five Grammies to his name, he is currently collaborating with Richard Perry, producer of his platinum-selling Breakway album, on a new studio recording. At £35, it's another pricey one but for fans of the curly-haired legend, it's probably worth it. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £35. Call 01273 709709.