this is brighton offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week

The Drifters, Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, August 25
- The Drifters are the longest running group in pop history still performing live. For 52 years, they've undergone many line-up changes and featured a whopping 57 different singers but they're still pulling the crowds.

The Definitive Drifters greatest hits album has gone platinum in the UK, selling 300,000 copies. For their latest tour they've decided to funk it up, so you can expect fresh renditions of Saturday Night At the Movies, Under The Boardwalk and more. Starts 7.45pm, tickets from £13.50. Call 01903 206206.

Mike Dowling and Big Jim Sullivan, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, August 25
- His finger-picking guitar skills are renowned and honed by ten years in Nashville, where artists such as Emmylou Harris and The Nashville Bluegrass Band recorded his songs this intimate performance by Mike Dowling should be an engaging experience. Sharing the stage will be legendary session guitarist Big Jim Sullivan, who has played with The Kinks, Herman's Hermits, Lulu, Cat Stevens, Olivia Newton-John, Dizzy Gillespie and Tom Jones, among many others. Starts 8.30pm, tickets cost £6/£8. Call 01273 647100.

Make Poverty History Benefit Party, Joogleberry Playhouse, Manchester Street, Brighton, August 25
- Traditionally, the best hip-hop hasn't come out of Oxford, but Big Speakers are making a big impression. The seven-piece are a full live outfit, with DJ, drummer, guitars and five vocalists.

While retaining their hip-hop focus, they incorporate elements of soul, drum 'n' bass and even folk into their set. They will be joined by Subterfuse (live drum 'n' bass) and First Degree Burns (ska/hip-hop crossover). Starts 8pm, tickets cost £4/£5. Call 01273 687171.

Go Lem System, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, August 19
- Not Latin, not reggae but something in between, Go Lem System fuse brass grooves and riffs with skanking ska guitar, programmed beats and anthemic vocals.

The six-piece formed in Buenos Aires in 2000 before emigrating to Barcelona and their debut album was produced by Manu Chao, who also guested on guitar.

Using Spanish culture as influence, they honed an upbeat and mesmerising sound which has made a big impact on the European world/dance music scene.

Starts 9.30pm, tickets cost £8/£10. Call 01273 647100.

Carus & Martin Harley, Joogleberry Playhouse, Manchester Street, August 21
- There is a burgeoning roots-folk scene in Australia and Carus is at its forefront. Proof you don't need a record deal to fill a venue, the independent artist is highly respected in his homeland and his reputation is growing in Europe. He has just released his sixth record, a mixture of rock, reggae, country and folk. Surely something for everyone?

Also on the bill is acoustic blues musician and Joogleberry regular Martin Harley. Starts 9pm, tickets cost £6/£7. Call 01273 687171.

Mr Smith, Pressure Point, Richmond Place, Brighton, August 21
- Having taken the brave step of giving up their day jobs to concentrate on music full time, Worthing band Mr Smith have something to prove. They've been plugging away, gigging, recording and putting themselves about.

And things look promising. Their recent gigs have been sell-outs, they've made several radio appearances and as well reaching the final stages of the Southern FM Battle of the Bands competition, they came second in Worthing's Splash FM battle. Starts, 8pm, tickets cost £6.50. Call 01903 782773.