This weekend marks the return of Blended – an eclectic two-day musical pick 'n' mix of rock, funk, soul, jazz and more at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. We set the scene for the last big outdoor festival before summer by talking to Sergio Pizzorno from Kasabian and Kool & the Gang's Robert 'Kool' Bell. We also checked in with the ever-charming Craig David, and preview the other acts on the bill.
Robin Thicke
Thicke’s career was in the doldrums before he scored one of the biggest hits ever – clocking 14.8 million sales of 2013’s Blurred Lines. That song was mired in controversy long before Thicke and co-writer Pharrell Williams were forced to cough up US$7.3 million [Dh26.8m] in royalties after a jury last month ruled that the pair had plagiarised Marvin Gaye’s 1977 funk staple Got to Give It Up. Presumably he’ll play it this weekend anyway, though it might now feel more bittersweet. Also on the setlist will be choice cuts from his seven albums, including last year’s Paula, a heart-on-sleeve tribute to his estranged wife, the actress Paula Patton.
• Friday at 8.15pm
Jessie Ware
Soulful singer Ware began her working life as a journalist before finding inspiration from musician friends Adele, Jack Peñate and Florence Welch. Expect smart, mature, minimalist R&B grooves, and look out for hits Wildest Moments and Say You Love Me.
• Thursday at 9.15pm
Nico & Vinz
The Norwegian duo, of Vinz Dery (left) and Nico Sereba, serve up pleasant groovy pop that mixes folk, house, hip-hop and Afrobeat influences. Expect things to kick off for their breakout hit Am I Wrong?
• Friday at 7pm
Red Emperor
This unsigned British indie band landed an early Thursday slot. Check them out on Soundcloud.
• Thursday at 6.10pm
Abri & Funk Radius
The UAE’s funkiest band, led by Hamdan Al Abri, gets the crowd warmed up on Friday.
• Friday at 5.10pm
Montells Jazz Gala
A seven-piece jazz and soul outfit from Denmark, led by the crooner Maria Montell.
• Friday at 6pm
Jazz@Pizza Express Garden
Away from the main stage, live-music stalwart Jazz@Pizza Express will be hosting a 50-capacity pop-up restaurant, with performances from top local acts, including Uptown, Rachael Calladine, Paul O’Conner and McMahon.
• Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 1am
Tickets and location
Blended is at Dubia Media City Amphitheatre Thursday and Friday. Tickets from Dh395 per day or Dh650 for the weekend. For more information, visit www.blended.ae
