So In The City 2006 kicks off on Sunday. It normally runs from Friday to Sunday (sensible) but this year it’s Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. I’m sure there’s some valid reason for this but I don’t know it.

Anyway, here are a few ITC gig picks - including some tonight and tomorrow night:

Friday:
Tiny Dancers - Sheffield alt.folk generating a buzz at Manchester’s newest music venue, 235 Live. 7pm, free
Castanets - San Diego downbeat popsters. Three quality support bands. The Phoenix, 7pm, �6
Petty Thief - Opening the Club Fandango event at Night & Day Cafe. 8pm, �6

Saturday:
Green Bohemia - A quality all-dayer at Green Room, including Denis Jones, Gideon Conn and Jenny McCormick. 1pm, free
The Second Floor - Sharing the bill with Cardiff’s Hot Club de Paris, among others. Dry Bar, 2pm, �6
The Search Map - Local electronic indie pop. Satan’s Hollow, 7pm, �3

Sunday:
Make Doherty History - No idea about this night but it’s got the best name of the weekend. Font, 8pm �3

Monday:
Lucy & The Caterpillar - Joanna Newsom-like singing, low down the bill at Night & Day Cafe. Free, 1pm
The Answering Machine - Strokes-y drummer-less trio. Night & Day, 8pm, �6

Tuesday:
The Whip - New Order-influenced locals. Night & Day, 8pm, �6

Post-ITC on Wednesday I highly recommend both Jeremy Walmsley (Night & Day, 8pm, �8) and the Bella Union tour featuring Fionn Regan (Academy 3, 7pm, �7.50).