The 50 Hottest Tickets This Summer! Part 2: 35-21

Part 2 in my countdown of the Hottest Tickets of the summer. Numbers 35-21 today, the top 20 will be published tomorrow so check back!

35. Jay-Z
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th-11th.
Why? It's fair to say that Jay-Z is at the peak of his powers now. Arguably the most powerful black man in the world (Aside from a certain Mr. Obama), and in terms of chart success he has never been so prolific on this side of the Atlantic.

34. Castlepalooza Music Festival
Where? Tullamore, Co. Offaly on July 31st and August 1st.
Why? With a line-up that includes Fionn Regan, Mercury Rev, James Vincent McMorrow, Codes, The Cast of Cheers, O Emperor and many more what's not to love at one of Ireland's best festivals.

33. The Beach Boys
Where? The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on June 26th.
Why? It's the Beach Boys. THE BEACH BOYS!? Couldn't find a more summery band. Just perfect.

32. Band of Horses
Where? The Tripod in Dublin on June 4th.
Why? Because their new record Infinite Arms is gorgeous. A really fantastic live band in a great venue.

31. Fight Like Apes
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because Fight Like Apes have a reputation as one of Ireland's best bands - their live reputation was a huge factor in this. Certainly gonna be one of the highlights in an already amazing festival line-up.

30. Bob Dylan
Where? Thomond Park, Limerick on 4th July.
Why? Because Bob Dylan simply is a legend. No self-respecting music fan can get through their life without having seen him once and with David Gray and Seasick Steve in support this is a great opportunity.

29. Vampire Weekend
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th
Why? Because in Contra and Vampire Weekend these guys have created two of the best indie albums in the last few years. Their creative afro-beat infused sound makes them really stand out from the indie crowd and are perfect in a festival atmosphere.

28. Blondie
Where? Vicar Street, Dublin on June 22nd and the Marquee, Cork on June 24th.
Why? The legendary Blondie cancelled a scheduled date at the Marquee last year and they come back this year to make up for it. With a set full of hits they are not to be missed.

27. Blink 182
Where? The O2 on August 31st.
Why? America's pop-punk heroes are on their reunion tour. Not everyone's cup of tea (Certainly not mine) but their show at the O2 may be the last time their fans get a chance to see them and will be filled their many hits.

26. The Black Keys
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Because the duo's blues stylings are improving with each album - Brothers is among their best work yet. They only improve in the live arena. In an r&b filled Oxegen line-up, they are a breath of fresh air.

25. Beirut
Where? The Tripod, Dublin on August 24th.
Why? Zach Condon and co. are some of the most creative acts working in the alternative scene at the moment. Gulag Orkestar and The Flying Club Cup are filled with unique sounds and this is the first time they are bringing their live show to Ireland in years. No confirmation yet but rumours of a new album are gathering pace...

24. Adrian Crowley
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th. He also plays a solo show in the Button Factory on June 4th.
Why? The Choice Music Prize winner is one of the best musicians in Ireland at the moment. His latest album was a haunting and beautiful record. Not to be missed.

23. Villagers
Where? Cyprus Avenue on May 20th, The Button Factory on May 23rd, The Marquee on June 25th (with Grizzly Bear, Midlake & Camera Obscura) and Electric Picnic at the summer's end.
Why? Because he's bound to show up somewhere near you. Debut album Becoming A Jackal is set for release in just over a week and is set to be a fantastic album. Live appearances have been stunning so far too - great reviews from SXSW shows and an appearance on Jools Holland.

22. Sea Sessions
Where? Bundoran, Co. Donegal from 25th to 27th June.
Why? Acts already confirmed include James Vincent McMorrow, Fun Lovin' Criminals, FRED, Codes, Dark Room Notes, The Frank & Walters, Director, David Kitt, Cathy Davey, Tom Baxter, O Emperor, Heathers and headline act Paul Weller. This surf & music festival showcases the best in Irish music with a gorgeous relaxed atmosphere. A cheaper alternative for someone who doesn't want to shell out for the 'big 2' festivals.

21. The Antlers
Where? The Academy on May 24th
Why? Hospice is a haunting album. Unique and original in every way, the album tells a harrowing story of love and loss. In the live setting, the album loses some semblance of its intimacy but it gains so much too. These guys are one of the best acts on the alternative scene at the moment and really one to watch for in the next few years.