As live music develops and evolves in the capital, the Open Mic night at the B-Lounge continues to host the best of the bunch.
On the first Saturday of every month, Abu Dhabi’s musicians come together for the B-Lounge Open Mic night. The alfresco setting hosts the popular event, with an easy-going ambiance and local acts coming out to showcase their talents. It’s one of only two open mic nights in Abu Dhabi.
Deputy general manager of the Sheraton, Yves Tarabout says, ‘This original concept was introduced to Abu Dhabi by the Sheraton over the last two years based on similar, very popular European events. Having a venue as the B-Lounge with its comfortable couches, impressive amphitheatre with Arabic cushion seating and a dedicated bar, also adds to the ingredients that makes this event a firm favourite of Abu Dhabi’s nightlife.’
DaisyGrim are one such band that performs regularly at the event, their first gig as a full ensemble took place at the B-Lounge. Guitarist, Theo Mahmuti says ‘It’s where we started to get our first gigs – we actually played our first gig as a full band there. It’s a really nice place to start to get noticed, that’s how we got most of our initial gigs.’
Yves says, ‘The lineup is a wonderfully eclectic mix of varied genres – rap, rock, reggae, jazz and anything in between, and different formations from fully equipped bands to unplugged performers and solo signers. Age is not an issue either, at our last event a seven-year-old drummer, Max, completely wowed the audience.’
The evening started small two years ago, and has since grown into a popular evening every month. DaisyGrim vocalist, Greg Brown, says, ‘It’s really taken off since back when we started, it used to just be a few people with a few guitars and it’s gotten increasingly popular and the sound is fantastic.’
Greg continues, ‘The open mic is a good opportunity, it’s a good place to showcase talent – we also use it as a launching ground for other shows because it’s so laid back, it’s really nice. I think Abu Dhabi musicuans needs more events like this, to showcase their talent. Whether it’s music or something else; the spoken word, it’s all taking off in the region. I think it’s also important that there are more events like this for people under 21.’
Not only do original acts come to perform, but many of the popular hotel cover bands make an appearance to participate in the performances.
As it continues to grow in popularity, Yves says so will the night, ‘As more musicians come forward to perform, we would love to make it a more frequent event. So our message is to the musicians of Abu Dhabi: take the first step and drop us a line.’
The best part, it’s free to watch and perform. Yves says, ‘There is absolutely no charge for the musicians to perform and it is also a free event for the audience.’
First Saturday of every month, 7pm-10pm, B-Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, (02 677 3333).
Not a musician but wanna be a star?
Sura at Cristal Salam hotel has karaoke rooms for you and 11 friends. If you want to be a star but need some practice, try these private rooms.
Dhs150 per hour, Cristal Salam 8th Street (02 659 7666).
Stars ‘N’ Bars Open Mic
The newly launched Open Mic night at Stars ‘N’ Bars is also gaining momentum, since its first gig in January. The evening, every Sunday, is hosted by a musician, Adam, and is oh-so-entertaining. The place to go if you just can’t get enough of live music!
From 8pm, Yas Marina, www.starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101).
