With the temperatures slowing dropping, the entertainment season is heating up. The UAE show calendar is full of eclectic experiences, ranging from pop, soul and retro-music festivals to concerts by pioneers and legends. There is also some good humour on its way with top notch comics. Here is our pick of 17 events until the end of the year.
Until October 28: Justin Kauflin
The prodigiously talented United States pianist is the latest artist-in-residence in the fancy jazz establishment Q’s Bar and Lounge at the Palazzo Versace Dubai. Trained under the late jazz great Clark Terry and super-producer Quincy Jones, Kauflin and his trio perform three varied hour-long sets a night, with material ranging from swing and bebop to reworkings of modern pop staples. Tuesdays to Saturdays, doors are open from 7pm. For reservations, call 04 556 8888 or email qs@palazzoversace.ae
October 5: Soul Jam
An interesting festival at the Irish Village featuring a bevy of artists at the crossroads of soul, jazz and R&B. The big ticket is Alexander O'Neal, the US crooner who got us grooving 30 years ago with his dance floor filler Criticize. He will be joined by a trio of UK artists including soul pioneer Omar, Mica Paris and Jaki Graham. Tickets start from Dh175, from www.theirishvillage.com
October 6: Dream Theater
A gig by Dream Theater is as thrilling as it is academic. The Grammy-nominated band are renowned for an energetic live show full of guitar heroics and frenzied piano solos. With the band making their maiden Middle Eastern tour, expect an expansive set spanning their near three-decade career and 13 albums. Look out for the epic closer A Change of Seasons, a suite of seven songs clocking up to 23 minutes. The Dome at Dubai Sports City. Tickets start from Dh295, at www.plantinumlist.net
October 12 and 13: Lucerne Symphony Orchestra
Abu Dhabi Classics launches its latest season with two performances by the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra. Making its UAE debut, the acclaimed Swiss ensemble of up to 70 musicians will perform at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain on October 12, with a programme of works from Wagner and Beethoven's 4th Symphony. The following night they will be at Emirates Palace with a repertoire that will include Rossini, Rachmaninoff and Brahms. Details and bookings for both shows can be found at www.ticketmaster.ae
October 20: Remix 92
If you are a '90's pop music fan, then this will be your dream gig. The music festival Remix 92, at the Irish Village, is hosting a string of nostalgic acts guaranteed to keep the hits and good times flowing. The retro-tastic line-up includes 5ive (Everybody Get Up), Snap! (Rhythm is a Dancer), Dr Alban (It's My Life), Robin S (Show Me Love), Rozalla (Everybody's Free), Sonique (It Feels So Good), N-Trance (Set You Free), C+C Music Factory (Gonna Make You Sweat). Tickets start from Dh195, from www.theirishvillage.com
October 27: Status Quo
The classic rockers are coming to play their hits at Dubai Opera. Breathe easy, however, this is not going to be some 'Quo with strings' concept, but a traditional rock show by an act who perfected the form. Expect the seats to be removed on the ground floor of the opera house, thus allowing fans to stand up close to the rockers at they belt out the anthems Whatever You Want and Rockin' All Over the World. Tickets start from Dh195, from www.dubaiopera.com
October 27: Fiesta de los Muertos
The second edition of the Halloween-themed music festival has an intriguing line-up of headliners. Led by sonic adventurers Gorillaz, grime star of the moment Stormzy and Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen have also joined the bill. With a mariachi band (The Mariachis) flying in from Mexico, wacky crowd costumes and a host of other onsite activities, this should be a party for all the senses. Tickets start from Dh350, from www.117live.com
November 2: Toshi Reagon
The enigmatic US singer-songwriter returns to Abu Dhabi as part of the new NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre performance season. Backed by her band BigLovely, expect a stirring set of bare-bones rock, blues and R&B, with a tinge of gospel. She will be joined by US guests including vocalist Tariq Al Sabir and singer-songwriter Morley, the latter who is set to release her sixth album this year. Tickets are free upon online registration at www.nyuad-artscenter.org
November 9: Russell Kane
British funny man Kane will perform at what is tipped to be a sell-out show at Madinat Theatre. A highly sought-after comic, Kane cemented his reputation after winning the Best Comedy Show award at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He also introduced himself to millions of viewers in the UK with his hilarious travel series Stupid Man, Smart Phone. Prices start from Dh195, at tickets.virginmegastore.me
November 10: Party in the Park
There is genuine excitement regarding this year's edition of the pseudo-British rock festival. A lot is down to news that former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher will be headlining the event. The UAE will be one of the first stops on his world tour, promoting his anticipated solo debut release As You Were, which is out on October 6. Joining him will be the electronic duo The Chemical Brothers, with more artist to be announced. Tickets start from Dh395, from www.platinumlist.net
November 10: Sensation
With Abu Dhabi's Creamfields in hiatus, Sensation has swiftly established itself as the biggest EDM celebration in the region. Held at Meydan Racecourse, the UAE leg of the global dance party series returns for its fourth edition with big names including Swedish House Mafia's Steve Angello and rising Dutch sensation Sam Feldt. Tickets start from Dh390, from dubai.platinumlist.net. For details go to www.sensation.com/cities/dubai
November 17: Jennifer Lopez
After selling out her Dubai Media City Amphitheatre show back in 2012, the music and screen siren returns to the UAE to perform at Dubai's Autism Rocks Arena. A singer, dancer and actress, JLo is known to deliver an energetic and dynamic hit-laden show served with charm. Tickets start from Dh345, at www.117live.com
November 23 to 26: Abu Dhabi Formula 1 after-race concerts
Undoubtedly the biggest shows of the year, the four consecutive shows at the du Arena normally feature some of the biggest names in the pop, rock and R&B world. What we know so far is that Scottish DJ Calvin Harris will kick off the series on November 23, with US pop singer Pink to close it off at the prestigious race day concert on November 26. The remaining two shows, on November 24 and 25, are set to be revealed this week. Whoever the acts will be, expect them to be big names with a hefty catalogue. Access to the shows is only available for those purchasing tickets for the corresponding race day. For race tickets and more details, go to ticketsyasmarinacircuit.com
November 30: Take That
It's more a 'Take Three' that will be returning to the UAE. The vintage UK boy band, now down to a trio, will once again take us down memory lane with hits Back for Good, Up All Night, and The Flood. There will also be some new tunes from this year's solid album Wonderland. Tickets start from Dh299 for early-birds, from takethatdxb.com
December 8: Elton John
Third time is always a charm. Elton John's latest date at the Autism Rocks Arena comes after pop's elder statesman rescheduled twice. No matter, with up to 50 years of classic pop hits to sing along to, including Rocket Man, Daniel and Can't You Feel the Love Tonight, the big crowd will be more than forgiving. Tickets start from Dh295, at www.platinumlist.net
December 11: Hugh Masekela
A real opportunity for fans of world music and jazz. South African jazz virtuoso Hugh Masekela's music has played such an integral part of his homeland's struggle against apartheid that he has already cemented himself in the history books. As for his jazz pedigree, the 83-year-old trumpeter developed his technique under the guidance of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong. Tickets start from Dh195, at www.dubaiopera.com
December 15: Trevor Noah
More than other regions, UAE fans have seen the South African comic grow from becoming an up-and-coming talent to a superstar comic and Hollywood celebrity. After a successful third season as the host of The Daily Show, Noah will come to Abu Dhabi for his biggest UAE show yet at the du Forum. Better get a moving though, as three of the four seat categories are already sold out. Tickets start from Dh480, at www.ticketmaster.ae
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Read more:
[ What can we expect from Calvin Harris at his Abu Dhabi F1 show? ]
[ Exclusive: Pop star Carly Rae Jepsen's joy at UAE concert debut ]
The Chemical Brothers join Party in the Park line-up
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