Local acts take centre stage

The Complete Stone Roses

We are: Brian, Nelly, Andy and Luís.

We have been performing for: Ten years.

We sound: As close to the Stone Roses as a tribute can possibly get.

Tracks to look out for: She Bangs the Drums, Daybreak, and I Am the Resurrection.

We think Dubai's live music scene: Mainly consists of big international acts. However, we've heard of a band called Sandwash, who are good.

With promoters reducing ticket prices due to the credit crunch, we think: If it keeps the venues full then it can only be a good thing.

If we could have one celebrity attendee at Jump Fest to watch us perform, it'd be: John Lennon or Sid Vicious or Alan Wren or any one of the Roses.

Visit: www.stoneroses.net or www.myspace.com/thecompletes


Beat Antenna

We are: A drummer that needs a hair cut, a bassist that needs hair gel, a guitarist that needs a hair brush and a singer that needs hair.

We have been performing for: Over six months.

We sound: Better than a Yorkshire terrier, but worse than a golden retriever.

Tracks to look out for: Caving In.

We think Dubai's live music scene: Doesn't exist yet. But you can complain about it or get on with making one yourself.

With promoters reducing ticket prices due to the credit crunch, we think: It takes a lot of money to get international bands out here, which pushes promoters to increase ticket prices. So the British pound is bad at the moment, but seventy quid to see Fatboy Slim play a record? You pay that to see the Rolling Stones or U2. We don't think Fatboy knows there is a credit crunch on… maybe someone should tell him.

If we could have one celebrity attendee at Jump Fest to watch us perform, it'd be: Cheryl Cole in her swimwear.

Visit: www.beatantenna.com

Dahab

We are: Jedi, Chiko and Sharky.

We have been performing for: More than five years.

We sound: Acoustic ethnic rock.

Tracks to look out for: I Remember When, I Am Gold, No Love Dies and Farewell.

We think Dubai's live music scene: Is very promising.

With promoters reducing ticket prices due to the credit crunch, we think: That promoters and audiences alike should give local bands recognition.

If we could have one celebrity attendee at Jump Fest to watch us perform, it'd be: Jimi Hendrix or Bob Marley or Stevie Ray Vaughn – they're all jammin' somewhere in the sky.

Visit: Our group on Facebook.

The Meerkats

We are: Merely kats!

We have been performing for: Six months.

We sound: Ours are songs that girls can sing to.

Tracks to look out for: On My Mind and Something to Say.

We think Dubai's live music scene: Is growing all the time. There are some good bands about and there are people out there who are giving us the chance to go and show people what we can do so it's all good.

With promoters reducing ticket prices due to the credit crunch, we think: It's a great idea. Music should be about heart and soul and not pounds and pence.

If we could have one celebrity attendee at Jump Fest to watch us perform, it'd be: Liam Gallagher – the after party would be pretty interesting.

Visit: Our fanpage on Facebook.

- Jump Fest 2009. Today from 4.30pm at The Irish Village. Tickets cost Dh80. Call: 04 347 3943