BANDS TO SEE
The International Playboys
This four-member group is a regular at Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, and is made up of Charles Cutforth, Nicola Warwick, Josef Holmes and newbie Michael Pickstone (who replaces Irish singer Richard Murray, who left this past June). Expect plenty of covers with a rock ’n’ roll twist, alongside some of their very own original material.
Crowne Plaza, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Fri 10.30pm till late. Tel: (02) 6166132. Taxi: Crowne Plaza. ichotelsgroup.com
Sweet Chilli Jam
Hailing from South Africa, this resident covers and tribute band first played under the name White Rabbit here in the UAE. The five-member group performs a variety of genres ranging from 1960s favourites to R&B and rock. They’ve even done tribute shows for Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and Nirvana. If late gigs aren’t your thing, catch them every Friday at PJ O’Reilly’s pool picnic brunch from 1pm to 4pm.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Fri 9pm till late. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
Luna Soul
Regulars at Sofitel Abu Dhabi’s Jazz ’n’ Fizz piano bar, this English/American trio specialises in jazzy and bluesy tunes. With Shannon Leigh on the sax, Harwood Shing on the ivories and Jim Davies on guitar, expect plenty of funky tunes. The band credits Sade, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Hendrix, Norah Jones and John Mayer as their musical inspirations.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 9pm to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 8137777. Taxi: Sofitel. sofitel.com
Sizzle
The newest band to take up residence at the Hilton’s Jazz Bar & Dining comes from America. The seven-piece group is led by bassist/pianist Nathan Machent, who is joined by drummer Nick B Miller, saxophonist Matthew Ehrenreich and electric guitarist Alejandro Lopes. Vocals are handled by Tina Mouzone, Ellis Hall and Kareline Oliver. Expect rock, pop, jazz and Latin sounds.
ilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 8.45pm to 12.30am, Thur and Fri 8.45pm to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 6811900. Taxi: Hilton Corniche. hilton.com
Swing Bongo
For a Latin twist on your next night out, check out the new band at El Sombrero in the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel And Resort. The trio of Colombian artists (Norby Muñoz, Johanna Garces and Adrian Olarte) play a variety of rhythms from salsa, bachata and Latin pop to instrumental jazz and even Mediterranean songs.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Fri 8pm to 11.45pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com