Gigs and giggles line-up weekend diary

After a cracker of a semi-final between arch rivals India and Pakistan on Wednesday, this weekend marks the final swan song of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Simply put: it’s time to start planning for the weekend now because post April 2, any excuse to catch the game at your local pub is not going to work at home anymore.

So rather than grappling around in the dark, Emirates 24|7 gets you into the groove as early as this week with a packed calendar of gigs and giggles.

The latter is our tribute to April Fool’s Day, what else.
 
Just for laughs with SNL Dean Edwards and Komic Sutra with Nitin Mirani

April 1

 
All fool’s day is finally upon us so why not share a laugh or five with two stand-up comedy shows that promise to tickle your funny bone.

Dubomedy is turning three years old and to celebrate this ticklefest, organisers Viva Arts are fly down American comedian, Dean Edwards, from the legendary Saturday Night Live show that has launched the careers of many a great Hollywood celeb.

Joining Edwards on stage will be OSN producer and local comedian Ali Al Sayed, with Omar Ismail and Simone Heng lending support. Mina Liccione is hosting the show.

The mega event is being held at the Centrepoint Theatre, Mall of the Emirates. Doors open at 6.30pm, and show starts 7pm. Tickets range between Dh175 and Dh250. Call: 050 440 0994

Komic Sutra is the next comic line-up featuring local boy Nitin Mirani.

After sold out shows in the Middle East, India, Hong Kong and Maldives, Mirani ‘The Glocal Comedian’, as he calls himself, brings Komic Sutra back to the Middle East starting with Dubai on April 1 featuring Rehman Akhtar.

The event is organised by Nine Hopes Production and will be held at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, with doors opening at 8pm, and show starting at 9.30pm. Tickets start at Dh70. Call: 050 635 6380
 
Titi Robin on tour with world's Ethnic Rhythm at Qasr Al Sarb

April 1

The ongoing Abu Dhabi Festival now takes you on a journey of ethnic sounds across the desert dunes of the Empty Quarter with Titi Robin band at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in collaboration with the French Alliance Abu Dhabi and supported by the French Embassy in the UAE.

This musical odyssey will mesmerise you in the magical surroundings of the Rub Al Khali, as the desert moon beams down and transports you into a tale set right in the Arabian Nights.

Tickets for the event start at Dh125 and go on to Dh450, inclusive of dinner. Doors open at 7pm.

Call: 02 886 2086
 
Ballet Gala: Max & Irina present Stars of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky at Emirates Palace

April 1

Culture vultures are spoilt for choice in the capital this weekend as the Abu Dhabi Festival brings another musical delight with this ballet gala at Emirates Palace.

An independent production created by Maxim Beloserkovsky and Irina Dvorovenko, principal dancers from the American Ballet Theatre, in a unique collaboration starring the world's finest ballet soloists from the world's greatest ballet companies.

Online tickets for the event are already sold out so take your chances at the venue itself. Doors open at 7pm, with show starting at 8pm. Tickets priced at Dh295 and Dh495.

The Bride Show at Dubai International Exhibition Centre

March 30-April 2

 
Hopeful brides and their respective mothers need to make their way to The Bride Show as over 30 designers showcase their wares, with wedding planners, event organisers and hotels will showcase their services and offer loads of discounts. This is one not to be missed.

The show kicks off Thursday, at 2.30pm and ends Saturday. Tickets cost Dh10.
 
Emirates Airlines Twenty20 at the 7evens

April 1

 
Catch the legendary former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly who will be joined by Monty Panesar in the Emirates Twenty20 tournament at 7evens on Friday.

This match provides perfect fodder for the ICC Cricket World Cup Final on Saturday that will see the Indians take on Sri Lanka in what promises to be a cracker of a match.

We are sure Ganguly will take the time to give his two-bit on what he thinks of India’s chances in the grand finale in Mumbai.

Match starts at 8pm. Tickets cost Dh25.
 
Faithless and Goldfish at Nasimi Beach

April 1

 
Faithless are on their farewell tour, so if you want to catch perhaps the biggest dance band on the planet, then you need to cut a ticket for Naisimi Beach at Atlantis The Palm on Friday.

The electronica duo already have six albums and 12 million record sales to their credit with a history of hosting unforgettable live shows.

Joining the duo will be South African talents Goldfish, Space Ibiza’s Jonathan Ulysses and local legends.

Event kicks off at 3pm, with tickets starting at Dh200.

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