MUSIC-LOVERS have just been given the full line-up for one of Madrid's best-loved festivals – the Noches del Botánico (Botanic Nights), with massive concerts by international stars almost every evening from June 17 to July 29.
Held in the Royal Botanical Gardens in the huge student complex of the Complutense known as 'University City', the shows come at a time when Madrid is starting to empty as workers take their summer breaks and head for coast and country.
This means hotels are likely to be more available and could be cheaper, and regular transport links mean it is not difficult to get there from almost anywhere in the country – even the Costas.
Star of the show in the first month is Dido, whose eccentric, introspective style of electro-pop – often catchy and sometimes trance-like – first appeared on the scene when her Thank You was used as backing music for rapper Eminem's Stan, and who has never stopped churning out albums.
The 48-year-old Londoner born on Christmas Day – whose brother Rollo Armstrong founded the band Faithless – hits the stage on June 18.
Others in the same month are Estrella and Kiki Morente, Zucchero (Patáx as support act), Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Víctor Manuel (supported by Nando Agueros), Andrés Suárez (with Isma Romero-), Wilco, Los Secretos (with Twanguero), and LP.
Bigger names are on the cards for July – starting with Tom Jones on the first day of the month, Belle and Sebastian and Norfolk folk-pop legend Beth Orton on July 4, Crowded House on July 9, Jessie J on July 21, Sénégalese soul singer Youssou N'Dour on July 23, Herbie Hancock on July 27, and the Gypsy Kings on July 29.
Remaining acts in July are Of Monsters and Men, Smith & Thell, Rufus Wainwright, Cat Power, Agnes Obel, John Grant, Cècile McLorin Salvant, Tigran Hamasyan Trio, Laredo, Tomatito with Duquende, Israel Fernández and Antonio Reyes, Álex Conde, Diego El Cigala, Flor Amargo, Woodkid, Awir León, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Vintage Trouble, Carlinhos Brown, Cimafunk, Imelda May, Nikki Hill, Zenet, Javier Ruibal, Vicente García, Tony Succar, Unity, Yann Tierssen, J J Machuca, Little Dragon, The Cinematic Orchestra, Cymande, Asaf Avidan, Mayra Andrade, Quique González, Egon Soda, Graham Nash, Kiko Veneno, Óscar d'León, Eva Ayllón, and La Barbería del Sur.
Last year, its fourth edition, the festival brought in over 90,000 fans to its 34 concerts, many of which were sold out months before.
