Release Festival | Athens | May 31, June 1 & 17

Former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft is the headline act of Day 1 at this year’s Release festival at Plateia Nerou (Water Square) in Palaio Faliro on Athens’s southern coast. Ashcroft will perform tracks from his latest release, “These People,” as well as Verve classics like “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” “The Drugs Don't Work” and “Lucky Man.” Also headlining on the night is the “gentle giant” of soul pop, Rag’n’Bone Man, of “Human” fame. The opening act is LA-based Greek musician and actress Kid Moxie. On June 1, Day 2, American electronic duo Thievery Corporation and British reggae pop legends UB40 will be topping the bill, and will be preceded by Romania’s Golan, and Angelika Dusk and Magenta Flaws from Greece. The final day of the festival is a couple of weeks away, on June 17, and features headliners Jamiroquai and Parov Stelar. Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are available at www.viva.gr or by calling 11876.