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29 March 2024

Weekend buzz: Please don’t stop the music

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai

This celebration of Mexican heritage that came with the victory of its forces over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 is now a historical day of pride and festivities, which has made its way to our sunny shores.

A fun-filled family weekend is perfectly complemented with a night of R&B and hip-hop madness with Sean Kingston and the amazing Snoop Dogg, both performing a day apart.

We say reach for those flip-flops by day and trade them in for some party shoes as the weekend spectacle comes knocking on our doors.

The Comedy Social featuring Omid Djalili

May 6 at Souk Madinat Jumeirah

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For those of you who missed this hilarious comedian/actor during his last outing in Dubai in 2009, Britain’s Omid Djalili makes a comeback this Friday to rib-tickle you with his cutting humour and boundless energy.

Organised by The Comedy Social, Djalili has gained praise for his award-winning role as Mahmud Nasir in the cult hit, “The Infidel”, and has also starred alongside international talent in the blockbuster “Sex And The City 2” and UK-hit “Mr Nice”.

Further successes include two series of his BBC One hit, “The Omid Djalili Show”, and the release of highly acclaimed DVDs, “No Agenda” and “Live in London”.

The stand-up comedy act is strictly for people above 21 years, with the event taking place at the Amphitheatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah from 7.30pm until 11.30pm. Tickets cost Dh200.

Sean Kingston Live in Dubai

May 5 at Chi@The Lodge

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I’m not big into the tween spectrum of stars, be it Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers or Justin Beiber. But here’s an artist who hit the big leagues at the tender age of 15 and managed to catch my attention.

Sean Kingston, now 19, has emerged as one the most popular  &B/Reggae artists of his era and will be performing live in Dubai for the first time on Thursday.

Presented by Chi and Atelier Live, the singer burst on to the scene in July 2007 with his cult hit, “Beautiful Girls”, and made history as one of the fastest ascents up the charts ever.

Following that, the singer has scored three more top 10 hits including “Me Love,” “Take You There” and “There’s Nothin’.”

Selling more than six million digital single and 4.5 million ringtones. Kingston has toured with artists like Gwen Stefani and Chris Brown.

With a musical bloodline that includes Jamaican legendary producer Jack Ruby as his grandfather, it’s no wonder Kingston, who is finishing up his sophomore album, “Tomorrow” (out in August) for Epic Records was able to introduce a new genre where rap, reggae, pop and doo-wop has a successful marriage.

Catch the young blood live at Chi Garden, where DJs Dany Neville and Mister Outlaw also spin.

Doors open at 9pm, with tickets cost Dh175 and Dh250; the latter also gets you a welcome drink and access to the Sean Kingston Lounge to meet the star personally.
Call: 050 565 5427

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 2011

May 6 and 7 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

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So even though Cinco De Mayo literally translates to May 5, when the Mexican army beat the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, our weekend dictates that we celebrate this day of pride and heritage over the May 6 and 7 weekend.

Simon and Nicholas Event Management present the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 2011, which kicks off at 2pm on Friday, all the way to midnight on Saturday.

This cultural Mexican festival of ethnic pride, will be accompanied by delicious fare food, beverages and traditions that promise fun and frolic for the whole family.

Tickets cost Dh25 for adults and Dh10 for children, with 10 per cent of the proceeds being donated to the Dubai Autism Centre, Children’s Hope Foundation and Sharjah Old People’s Home. Call: 055 552 3507

Snoop Dogg in Abu Dhabi

May 6 at Yas Arena, Yas Island

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Flash Abu Dhabi brings you yet another international artist, hot on the heels of the hit duo, Shakira and Amr Diab. Snoop Dogg is sure to rock the house down with his trademark mellow flow and his chart topping numbers.

Long Beach, California-based rapper Snoop Dogg rose to fame when he collaborated with one of rap music’s greatest producers Dr Dre on the multi-platinum album, “The Chronic”. Snoop went on to even greater solo-heights with his album “Doggystyle” in 1993.

Ten albums, several movies, an MTV show, and a few court cases later, Snoop will be making his first appearance in the UAE with his newly released 11th Studio album “Doggumentary”.

Not to be missed, this Flash forum concert at Yas Arena, Yas Island will kick off at 6pm with support acts until 8.30pm. Snoop will hit the stage from 8.30pm until 10:00pm.

Support acts include DJ Dany Neville, Desert Heat, Fredwreck, Khalifa and Abdullah, DJ Lobito and many more.

Tickets cost between Dh250 and Dh12,500 for a VIP table booking for 15 people, Call: 800 FLASH (35274)

Mohamed Mounir in Dubai

May 6 at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai

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Sundance Events presents Egyptian legend, musician/actor Mohamed Mounir live in concert in Dubai for the first time. He’ll be playing at the Burj Park on Friday, which we are sure will be a packed house.

With more than three decades of wowing audiences with his music, which incorporates various genres including classical Arabic Music, Nubian, blues, jazz and reggae, Mounir’s lyrics are noted both for their philosophical content and for their passionate social and political commentary.

His thousands of fans call him “The King” in reference to his album and play “El Malek Howa El Malek” (The King is The King).

To date, Mounir has released a total 20 official albums and featured on six soundtrack albums under a number of different record labels.

If you want to catch this legend live, tickets cost are Dh150 per person with doors opening at 6pm, at the concert commencing at 6.30pm.

Abu Dhabi Classics: Last Night of the Season, from Broadway to Hollywood

May 7 at Emirates Palace

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BBC Last Night of the Season: From Broadway to Hollywood is one gala  concert that will have you at the edge of your seats.

Marlon Brando, Robert Redford, Grace Kelly and many others: they all performed at New York’s Broadway before becoming famous Hollywood icons.

The final concert of the third Abu Dhabi Classics season follows the journey of these great actors through the world of music. The BBC Concert Orchestra returns with Keith Lockhart, appointed Chief Conductor of the splendid London-based orchestra that moved the Abu Dhabi audience last May. They will be joined by the Abu Dhabi Community Choir.

Famous songs like “So in love” from Cole Porter’s “Kiss me Kate”, Sondheim’s “Loosing My Mind” from “Follies” and “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music”, Bernstein’s “Balcony Scene” and “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story” and many more make part of the great classics of Broadway  and film music. For sure: these songs have never been performed live in Abu Dhabi in such an authentic and glamourous quality.

Tickets for the show range between Dh120 and Dh650, with students and kids paying only Dh30. The show starts at 8pm at the Emirates Palace auditorium.