Heroes: Head to Heroes where, four nights a week, the very cool group known as The International Playboys tear the folks away from their televised sports and force them to listen to covers of seminal indie anthems and the odd lighter-in-the-air worthy rock classic. The band work through the set list with tight, note-perfect precision. Got a tune you’d like to hear? Shout it out loud and often enough and they’ll either oblige, or signal to the bouncer to come and introduce himself. Crowne Plaza is now open until 3am so you can party until the wee hours.
Every Tuesday-Friday, from 10pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 616 6132).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi: If you are looking for house bands in Abu Dhabi then head to The Sheraton to find a variety of options that will cover all your bases. First up is the Swing Bongo group all the way from Cali in Colombia. Playing each week in El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, these guys are the perfect accompaniment to your nachos. Guitarist Richar Gimenez plays in Spanish tapas bar Bravo. Hailing from Paraguay, Richard has played in Europe and other places in the Middle East. If you are looking for something more classical, live pianist Yaryna from the Ukraine is a regular at Cloud 9. Head to The Tavern to hear Rain Duo from the UK if you are after a true Brit experience. Rain Dou play popular pop and rock music.
Various days and times, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333).
PJ O’Reilly’s: With precious few outlets in the city tailored to their sweaty sound, it’s hardly surprising to see Abu Dhabi’s rock fans flocking to this grubby venue Thursday after Thursday. That’s when house band Dark White let loose with their rawest, grungiest tunes, playing covers of classic, stadium-filling guitar anthems and whipping the audience into a frenetic mess of soiled denim and whiplash-inducing dance moves. Just a word of warning for those thinking of checking it out – don’t stand too close to the speakers, or else you’ll be cupping your ear to colleagues for weeks to come.
Every Thursday, 9pm-3am. Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
Stars ‘n’ Bars: While the calibre of music at Stars ‘n’ Bars’ new karaoke night can be a bit hit and miss, off-islanders will be pleased to know there’s finally somewhere for them to let off some steam when Reeno and the Gang entertain with a great range of snappy tunes. As with most karaoke nights, the flashy sports bar attracts a mix of genuinely accomplished vocal talent and deluded, tone deaf wannabes. Still, there’s plenty of motivation to get involved – everyone who braves the stage lands themselves a free drink.
Every Sunday, 9pm-11.30pm. Yas Marina & Yacht Club (02 565 0101).
Jazz Bar: For those who can’t stomach bad cheesy tunes, Jazz Bar has long been a sophisticated alternative in the capital. The venue’s latest house band – Oxygen – are one of the most talented acts doing their thing on the city’s stages right now. The six-piece hail from South Africa and specialise in modern and classic jazz tunes, with the occasional R&B and reggae vibe thrown in for good measure. Best of all, though, vocal parts are shared between five of the group, so keep an ear out for those delicious harmonies.
Every Sunday-Friday, from 8.45pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
