As the weather cools down, live music events are trickling back into the UAE, from regional acts to international tributes. Whether you’re a rocker or a reggae fan, here’s what you can look forward to in the coming weeks.
January 26: Danny Aridi at H Hotel
Regional singer-songwriter Danny Aridi brings his warm, warbling timbre to H Hotel’s Play Restaurant & Lounge. Lebanese-Canadian Aridi recently won Ya Salam’s Emerging Talent Competition; he opened for both Katy Perry and P!nk in Abu Dhabi. He is currently working on his debut album. Play, located on the 36 floor of H Hotel, is known for its Mediterranean cuisine and intimate atmosphere.
January 26: Cairo Sound Music Festival
Cairo Sound Music Festival is back for a second round in the UAE, at du Arena in Yas Island. This time, dreamy crooner Aida Al Ayoubi, The Voice contestant Mohammad Hamaki, and viral sensation Abu will perform. Plus, DJ Khalid Hussain will be joined by oud player Mustafa Gazzal and percussionist Mustafa Bakkar for a fusion sound. Tickets for those 13+ start from Dh205; children between 6 and 12 years old enter for Dh90.
February 2: Live on the Lake REMIX 92
B*Witched (C’est la vie), S Club 3 (Reach), 2 Unlimited (No Limit), Corona (Rhythm of the Night), Black Box (Ride On Time), Urban Cookie Collective (The Key, The Secret) and Liberty X (Just A Little) will perform at the Irish Village in Dubai as part of a 21+ retro concert. Tickets start from Dh225.
February 9: Bob Marley Festival
Celebrate the late Bob Marley’s 73rd birthday on Yas Beach. The annual tribute festival is now in its fifth edition, featuring a performance from Marley’s son, Ky-Mani, who said in a statement: “The number of followers my father has in the UAE is impressive. I did not expect reggae to be big in the country. Because of that, I have prepared an even better line up along with my band Konfrontation.” Early bird tickets are Dh125; tickets at the gate are Dh160.
February 17: ACDC UK at Hard Rock Cafe
Tribute band ACDC UK will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe Dubai in memory of Malcolm Young, original ACDC co-founder and guitarist who died last year. They’re set to perform early hits such as Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be, Sin City, High Voltage and TNT. But they will also delve into the band’s later catalogue, with songs such as Thunderstruck, Back In Black, You Shook Me and Shoot To Thrill. The event is free to attend, but is open only to 15+ audiences.
Now until February 17: Clark Beckham at Q’s Bar and Lounge (Palazzo Versace)
Clark Beckham, the 2015 American Idol runner up, performs four nights a week at Q’s Bar and Lounge in Dubai until February 17. His blues-infused vocals earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination for Music’s Next Big Thing. He performs Tuesday to Friday, from 9pm until 1am, breaking for two intervals, and on Saturdays from 8pm until 12pm. Minimum spend at Q’s Bar is Dh250 per person and the age restriction is 21+.
