EIGHT artists, both local and international, will take to the stage this weekend for the Bahrain Jazz Festival.
Visiting Bahrain for the event on Friday is Greek swing jazz sensations, the Speakeasies Swing Band, electro swing-dance band Swing Zazou from the UK, The Ska Vengers and the six-piece UK band, The Electric Swing Circus.
“Crowds can expect to witness an adrenaline charged full-on dance set with some unexpected twists,” said Ska Vengers producer and keyboardist Stefan Kaye.
“Our style is largely rooted in Jamaican music styles but owes a big debt to the 70s punk, Cuban, jazz and Afro styles with a dose of psychedelia.
“We all have our own quite distinct influences but what comes out in the mix we’d like to think is quite unique.”
A member of Speakeasies Swing Band told the GDN that crowds can look forward to “the energy of our performances, Caterina’s beautiful voice and the chance to listen to our music live”.
Popular Bahrain-based talent will also feature at the festival which will take place at the Royal Golf Club, which can be contacted for more information.
Local artists include AQ’s Jazz Experience, Mohammed Rashid Trio featuring Banah, Captain Tea and Dihann Moore and the SheGroove Band.
Ahmed Al Qasim, one of Bahrain’s celebrated musicians, will sing and play his seven-string bass guitar together with two Bahraini musicians, saxophonist Abdulla Haji and percussionist Noor Al Awadhi.
Bahrain’s well-known guitarist Mohammed Rashid promises to showcase the revolutionary playing style of Gypsy Jazz along with singer-songwriter Banah who recently opened for Tom Jones when he performed here earlier this year. Doors will open at noon.
Free shuttles are available to and from Bahrain Jazz Festival. Station locations are Dome Cafe in Juffair, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, Seef, Malja Amwaj Islands and Dilmun Club in Saar.
Pickups will be made at 10am, midday, 2pm, 4pm and 5pm, with departures from the festival at 5pm, 7pm and 10pm.