“To hear RaRa live is to feel you've snuck into one of Soul's best-kept secrets” says the blurb. “With her wickedly engaging stage presence and innate vocal gift, RaRa has the ability to break your heart with a song.” She’s [... more]
A really interesting evening of contrasting but complementary music by performers who are all making their UAE debuts. Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko has taken over the mantle of greatest living kora master, with an ability [... more]
Neapolitan folk from a band known for its powerful stage presence and an exuberant party groove. Ars Nova Napoli offers a unique reinterpretation of traditional songs from southern Italy plus their own compositions. Expect skilled harmonies and instrumental interplay; should [... more]
First of two jazz-ish gigs on consecutive nights at Al Noor Island. This one features the Lebanese-American singer-songwriter (and Artistic Director of Berklee Abu Dhabi) Mayssa Karaa (above); fluent in eight languages and with hits in several of them, she [... more]
Second of near-jazz gigs on consecutive nights at Al Noor Island. This one features Ars Nova Napoli (below), the Italian nu-folk funsters (traditional Neapolitan rhythms with a modern twist) who really do know how to throw a party; and the [... more]
A live solo performance by the Lebanese-Armenian neo-classical pianist and composer (and a member of the Jameel team) for his latest album, MO(VE)MENT, which was released at the end of last year. Kurumilian says his music engages with questions of [... more]
The Tasty Biscuits bring three years of soul and living-room setups to the stage, with a soulful, intimate showcase of original music and a guest roster that provides a who's-who of indie music in the UAE – Gaya, Abri, Tac, [... more]
"An avant-garde concept, electrifying soundscapes, and themed masks, bringing together art, architecture, and nightlife for a truly unique after-hours experience ..." Third time out for the Louvre's club night, featuring a DJ set from the Blaze at 10pm with techno [... more]
Filipino indie folk-pop band known for soulful melodies and rich harmonies come to the Main Stage at Global Village. The gig is free with general admission.
Four locally based metal bands – a decade of UAE metal history, from the well-established Verdict and April to relative newcomers Triton and 2024 NYUAD Battle of the Bands winner Stowaways. Says the Fridge: "Metal has always had a way [... more]
A Palestinian-Lebanese singer-songwriter, dancer, life coach and clothing-line owner, Domina has spent nearly a decade writing music about the same territory she works in professionally – mental health, shadow work, and the slow process of becoming yourself. Her sound draws [... more]
The very cool, very classy Cuban artist Sandra Ivette plays bass and sings at the same time, leading her six-piece band through son, trova, danzón, and jazz. She's premiering her debut album Comienzo, never performed live until now ... Advance [... more]
The Dubai-born French-Indonesian singer-songwriter is fluent in several languages, writes much of her own material, has performed for heads of state and royalty, earned praise from Shania Twain at the Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi, and was spotted by [... more]
"A live transmission from Dubai’s alternative underground ... a night dedicated to alternative, rock and experimental sounds shaping a new wave of music and culture in Dubai", taking over Rooted's Warehouse 34 for one night only. Past Alterna.tiv gigs have [... more]
The Emirati singer and his band brings his signature blend of old-school soul and contemporary neo-soul to the TODA stage.
An evening with Zarooni Sound Society, aka indie pop/rock singer-songwriter Mohamed Al Zarooni who may or may not have his band with him
A grunge-ish evening for the opener of the Fridge Concert Series, though headliners PeachPuffs are closer to a UK-style indie band with their sharp songwriting, good melodies and stage presence. They can play, too, and they have a new single [... more]
The UAE really is building a good ecosystem of indie bands. Following PeachPuffs last week, the headliners this time are That’s Julian – a four-piece from the UAE who do a kind of West-Coastish indie-folk with top-notch melodies and good [... more]
Salalem have been part of Egypt’s independent music scene for 20 years; the Fridge says "their music sits somewhere between poetic songwriting and the direct emotional honesty of a conversation with friends". Wetgrass moves between indie, pop and rock ... Advance [... more]
The Fridge Open Mic is back on 22 October – Little Legends (ages 7–14) 6.30 to 7.30pm, then regular Open Mic (ages 15+) from 7.30 to 10pm. One song per performer … No charges for anyone, not even the audience.
This special gig brings Concert Series alumni and fan favourites back to the stage for one-off collaborations and extended jams. The artists will be announced ahead of the night, and "you never know who might walk on next". Food for [... more]
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