POP / Gig Guide

MONSTERS OF ROCK

Donington's doubling up this year - the premier heavy metal festival has two stages for the first time. However, choosing which speaker stack to have your coma next to won't be twice as difficult, since no two acts will be on at the same time. Top of the bill are Aerosmith, preceded by Boston funk rockers Extreme, Brazilian thrashers Sepultura, Texan cowboys from hell Pantera, Northern Ireland's gutsy trio Therapy? and Pride and Glory (1pm). On the Metal Hammer / Carlsberg stage: The Wildhearts (6pm), Terrorvision, Skin, Biohazard, Cry of Love and Headswim. Tickets on sale on the gates, on the day pounds 27. Live broadcast on 1 FM. Doors open 8am.

Sat Derbyshire Castle Donington, Donington Park (info 0602 483456).

INDIGO GIRLS

Top dykerie] The super-unplugged duo from Athens, Georgia (yes, they know Michael) are gathering steam in the UK. Amy's the lesbian one, Emily's straight. Way cool folk - don't miss. The new CD Swampophelia (Epic) is coming out soon. When are you?

Tonight Manchester Academy; Fri Hammersmith Apollo; Sun Bristol Bierkeller; Mon Sheffield Uni; Tue Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall; Wed Cambridge Junction

CROWDED HOUSE

Class Kiwi melodic rockers. Toe-tapping stuff, even for men in black. Plus interesting Irish indies Blink.

Fri Brighton Centre; Sat Bournemouth International; Sun Cardiff International; Mon Manchester G-MEX; Tue Sheffield Arena

THE FARM

They've gone back to being a normal rock band, like on Spartacus.

Fri Windsor Old Trout; Sun Bedford Angel; Mon Chelmsford Army & Navy; Tue Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms

TSUNAMI

Killer rock stars in the making from Arlington, Virginia. Not as grungey as they used to be - now quieter and with improved lyrics. They have emotions, you know. Plus Eggs and Rodan. Recommended.

Tonight London Islington Garage

SHERYL CROW

Californian singer-songwriter, whose debut CD Tuesday Night Music Club (A&M) is the work of a literate, Nineties woman.

Mon Nottingham Rock City; Tue London Shepherd's Bush Empire

CREATION RECORDS 'UNDRUGGED NIGHT'

They're joking of course. The Boo Radleys, Oasis, Ride, Bob Mould, BMX Bandits and fairly impressive secret guests.

Sat London RAH

COUNTRY, JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC

CHEB KHALED

The bad boy of Rai, singing songs about sex and politics. Go.

Sun London Royal Festival Hall

BONNIE RAITT

A country-blues voice made in heaven.

Sun Manchester Palace Theatre; Mon Glasgow Royal Concert Hall; Wed, Thur 9 June London Hammersmith Apollo

(Photograph omitted)