The live music season roars back into gear in early July – and Dubai’s top venue The Music Room is weighing in with a typically wide-ranging bill.
Throughout the opening weeks the Majestic Hotel nightspot will host everything from raw Mumbai punk to roots and reggae club nights, 1970s metal revivalists and vintage UK garage.
Read on for The Music Room’s complete July line-up...
Gappy Ranks – July 7
The London-based dancehall artist – whose roots are of Jamaican and Dominican descent – makes his UAE debut off the back of last year's sixth album, Generation, supported by Kenya's The Mighty Rastyle Sounds. Dh100.
Musicians United Maximum Force Edition – July 8
Expect to hear classic 1970s and 80s rock and metal hits from return headliners Sandstorm at this mini headbangers's festival, while melodic doom merchants Angmar and prog metallers Gates of Gomorrah and Cathect complete the bill. Dh70.
UK Takeover – July 14
Two top MCs headline this celebration of the urban-centric UK sound. Taking the mic will be Bushkin – best-known as one-third of early 2000s UK garage breakouts Heartless Crew – and Mobo-winning hip-hop name Lady Marga. Dh50 (ladies free before midnight).
Indie Music Festival 2016 – July 15
Mumbai garage indie act The Lightyears Explode – who describe their style as "masala punk" – headline this celebration of underground sound, with support from UAE rockers Moonshine and Core 304. Dh80
Reggae Roadblock Bashment – July 29
A simmering stew of roots, reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat, hip-hop and, er, trance courtesy of NattyD Vibrations selector JnrB – formally co-host on Kenya's Ghetto Radio 89.5 – and FullBlast Entertainment's DJ Lyta. Dh75.
For more information, see The Music Room's Facebook page.
