Karama Arts Club: Local Matters – The Making of a Music Scene

The intelligent networking session for creative peers is back after its summer break with an extended evening session – a social (with private bar) for members and guests (5.30 to 8.30) followed by the meat of the evening, a panel discussion on the music scene locally. Panellists will “get right back to basics to dissect the current climate and present practical solutions to work towards a thriving local music scene” including “how the relentless pursuit of imported acts has overshadowed the potential of local talent and stunted the growth of a vibrant homegrown music scene”.

The panel:

• Charl Chaka Dubai-based creative, artist, and DJ who’s had a hugely influential role in shaping the local music scene since 2004. He’s responsible for INFUSION magazine, too
• Rima Rached Founder of Third Eye Crew and the Electric Days events (now rebranded as Vibe Series). Rima’s talent for spotting emerging artists has contributed to global dance music’s growth in the Middle East
• Jayesh Veralkar Another of the top movers n shakers in Dubai’s alternate music scene. Part of the Dolby Middle East & Africa team, founder of Vinyl Souk DXB, co-founder of and a resident selector at Honeycomb Hi-Fi
• Karam Toubba A producer at Phenomena Productions, creators of the Last Seen Live platform for local musicians. He’s played in bands since 2004, was Music Director for Decibel DXB, curates MiZa Community Radio, and DJs himself

Tarik Omar moderates. His chops include Bahrain’s FarmFest, establishing community arts space Malja in collaboration with Red Bull, working with MUTEK’s DigiLab in Dubai, and a day job as AV Coordinator at the Sharjah Art Foundation.

That should run from 8.30 to around 9.45pm, and afterwards the private bar is open till 11. Incidentally, KAC has stuck a new label on its panel sessions – the ‘Arts Unfiltered Series’, which better describes the vibe they want to nurture.

Access to the Club’s evenings is free, sort of, but (a) you have to be a member … and membership is free, too, but you have to be nominated by an existing club member since this “ensures the sound, organic growth of a trusted community”; and (b) the venue requires a minimum F&B spend in advance. These packages start at AED 75 for three soft drinks or AED 110 for two alcoholic drinks. But hey you were going to buy a drink anyhow, right?