As part of the Dubai Jazz Festival, a number of Internationally-acclaimed jazz musicians were playing at the OSN Jazz Garden stage. On the fourth night of the Jazz Garden, the stage hosted soul-trumpeter and music composer “Lin Rountree” and vocalist “Barrence Whitfield”.
Both accomplished performers kept the fun-loving crowd entertained as they swayed along to funky jazz tunes. And by the end of the night, the vibe was so right that most of the audience got up from their seats and started dancing and singing along with the artists.
As my blogger friend Pinay Flying High has stated, the Dubai Jazz Festival was so well-organized and I couldn’t agree more. I have enjoyed one of the main gig nights of the festival that hosted One Republic, Guy Manoukian, and Gary Honor so much that I went back for another jazz garden night.
Honestly, another reason that made me go back to the venue was the unbelievably cute and yummy dessert selections offered by The Ivy! The upscale restaurant, bar and jazz lounge served the perfect sweets to compliment the fabulous weather and lively atmosphere at the Jazz Festival. You could choose from the ever-popular red velvet cup cake with a creamy vanilla ice-cream, the warm and rich sticky toffee pudding, the classic yet delighting cappuccino crème brûlée, or a mint chocolate flavored ice-cream sandwich. Whatever you decide to indulge in from the charming mini gourmet treats, rest assured that you will enjoy your pick till the last bite 🙂
Red Velvet Cup Cake with Vanilla Ice creammini dessert delights from The Ivy Dubai
When I heard that American pop rock band OneRepublic are playing in Dubai as part of the Dubai Jazz Festival main gigs, I was so excited as I am a big fan of their music and more specifically the deep and meaningful lyrics they use in most of their songs.
The concert also happened to be on Valentine’s day, which gives us all a great excuse to go out and attend a show and sing along to some famous hits by a world-famous band.
Having passed on a chance to get free VIP tickets courtesy of Emirates Airlines after I had already purchased my own regular tickets about two hours before I got a call from a friend offering me the VIP tickets only meant that I would get to enjoy the real experience of the Dubai Jazz Fest. Or at least that’s what I kept saying to myself and my companion joining me at the standing area as a form of consolation. But as you might expect, it wasn’t a very effective reason.
However, we did have a great time at the venue! We missed the first act: Gary Honor. But when we arrived, we were enchanted by the ultra hip beats of the highly talented Guy Manoukian. I was actually watching a TV interview with him earlier today. And was impressed to know that the successful pianist and composer is from my generation and had already made it big in the music scene. In addition to his global success.Guy explained that the unique sounds he makes are a blend between oriental music from the region (Persian, Middle-Eastern, North-African) and modern house rhythms. Mostly I liked his inspirational words that said how being successful and realizing your dream has nothing to do with your nationality or ethnic background or culture. But all to do with your talent and efforts in following your dream and never giving up.
I was being carried away with the miniature dessert delights from The Ivy and enjoying my deliciously warm sticky toffee pudding, when OneRepublic had got on stage. Luckily, I managed to get back to our secured spot at the grass on time just as the show had started.
I was glad that they performed their famous hit singles such as “Stop and Stare”, “Apologize” and “Good Life”. While at the same time being disappointed that they didn’t sing the wonderfully composed and written “Say”. Which I think would have been a great song for a Valentine’s day concert more so since it is a very sentimental and emotional song.
Another down side was the fact that the show ended at around 11:43 while we all expected it to last until 12 as it was mentioned in the program booklet.
Nevertheless, we had a remarkable night at the festival park. The weather was amazing (as OneRepublic have declared that too), the snacks at the venue were exceptional, the event was well-organized, and the performance was brilliant.
As the night came to an end, most of us were still walking around wrapped in our soft and warm red blankets as we made our way to take the big bus tour shuttle bus back to the mall. Indeed, it was an enjoyable night characterized with a wonderful ambiance, great music and most importantly: love was in the air!
If you missed OneRepublic’s show last night, don’t worry. As they announced that they are having a world tour in April and are 100 % coming back to Dubai! (those were their words, I am just quoting them).
For now, enjoy listening to one of my favorite tracks by the sensational band:
