Blur frontman Damon Albarn is one of a series of famous musicians getting involved in a series of four concerts planned to coincide with the England Vs West Indies npower cricket Test Series.

The concerts take place at four different venues around London (the Hackney Empire, Somerset House, Hammersmith Palais and the Neighbourhood club) and have been arranged by Channel 4 to celebrate this summer’s England Vs West Indies npower Test Series.

Chosen to celebrate the influence of West Indian culture on contemporary Britain, the line up of artists includes Roots Manuva, Asian Dub Foundation, Roni Size, Big Youth, Jon Carter and a Damon Albarn-hosted night that will feature performances by Denise Belfon, Maximus Dan, Massive Gosein and the fantastically monikered Dawg E Slaughter.

Honest Jons, the West London record label and record shop co-owned by Albarn, are also issuing a compilation of new soca music, entitled ‘Lif Up Yuh Leg An Trample’ to coincide with the gig on July 22.

The full gig, line up and venue dates are:
Tuesday July 20
Somerset House
Tickets are £10 available on 0871 230 2636
Roots Manuva, Asian Dub Foundation

Wednesday July 20
Hammersmith Palais
Tickets are £7 available on 0871 230 2636
Roni Size, Big Youth, Jon Carter, Patra, Howie B, Ward 21, General Dgree

Thursday July 22
Neighbourhood, W10
Tickets are £7 available on 0871 230 2636
Soca Dancehall MCs feat Denise Belfon, Maximus Dan, Massive Gosein, Dawg E Slaughter and hosted by Damon Albarn.

Saturday July 24
Hackney Empire
Tickets are £10 available on 0871 230 2636
Soul II Soul Sundsystem presents Back To Life feat Norman Jay MBE

Xfm