iTunes is entering the live music business. Apple Computer’s market-leading digital music store said today (June 12) it is throwing its considerable clout behind the free iTunes Festival concept, which will take place in London throughout July.

Amy Winehouse, Crowded House, Travis, Editors, Stereophonics and Beverley Knight are among the 60-plus artists who are booked to perform during the month-long event at London’s 350-capacity Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) on the Mall. Mika will kick off the festival July 1 with a headline performance.

Tickets will be distributed through competitions on the official iTunes Festival Web site. Throughout the 31-day program, organizers will update the site through a mixture of photographs, blogs, videos, podcasts and artist interviews.

In addition, each concert will be taped and made available for purchase on iTunes.

Billboard