Lovers of interesting sounds should be thrilled to hear about a new season of concerts being cooked up by the Alliance Française Dubai.
With an eclectic booking policy, and using venues throughout the emirate, the cultural haven will showcase inimitable French jazz, soul and hip-hop with three regular gigs which open the 2015/16 season.
Things begin on October 21 with a previously announced concert from jazz singer Laïka Fatien, who will perform at Madinat Jumeirah restaurant Frioul. The Paris-based talent burst onto the scene in 2008 with debut album Misery, A Tribute to Billie Holiday, backed by stars including pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist David EL-Malek, bassist Daryl Hall and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.
Next up pianist/composer Laurent de Wilde will stop off on his Asian tour, leading a trio in a concert on November 21, at a venue yet to be confirmed. Grounded in the jazz tradition but known for his restless creative spirit, de Wilde has worked with artists including Diane Tell, Abd Al Malik and Jacques Gamblin.
The year wraps in spectacular style with a show from sassy neo-soul/hip-hop talent Laetitia Dana. Mixing influences traditional and contemporary, from classic jazz to the Parisian underground, distinctly danceable Dana will perform in December at a venue and date to be confirmed.
Each of these three concerts offer a one-off chance to hear a singular musical talent live in Dubai – so diaries at the ready, people.
See www.afdubai.org for more.
