The live music season in Dubai is in full swing, with Sandance and Alicia Keys setting the tone. But if more intimate events are more your thing, we have the pick of the bunch around the city this week.

EUROPE
Before Europe got a record deal, label bosses told them to cut their hair and sing in their native language. Fortunately for rock history and a legion of head bangers around the world, they refused. With great respect to the people of Sweden, we’re just not sure that the classic rock lyric “It’s the final countdown…” would have sounded so catchy in Swedish. More than 25 years after their monster 1986 hit, the lads are on the reunion trail and landing in the UAE.

Here’s a breakdown of their career.
– 9: studio albums released by Europe since 1979
– 7 million: copies of The Final Countdown album sold around the world
– 600,000: copies of comeback album Start From The Dark (2004) sold worldwide
– 5: pairs of tight jeans on stage at every Europe gig
– 400,000: likes on Europe’s Facebook page
– 3: live albums released
– 2: top ten singles that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in America
– 25: countries where The Final Countdown single topped the charts
– 10: years apart before 2003 reunion

November 22
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai
Tel: (04) 4473863. Metro: GGICO.
8pm, Dhs200. 
mpremiere.com

OUTDOOR CLASSICS
Take an evening stroll along Jumeirah Beach this winter and you may just hear the strains of classical music floating over the surf. Music Under The Stars Of Dubai has returned for a second season, with Thursday nights once again devoted to al fresco concerts featuring a host of international classical artists. Performances will take place at 8.30pm every Thursday until December 26. The concerts are free to attend and no booking is necessary.

November 21
Music Under The Stars Of Dubai, Villa 1, Street 43a, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Tel: (050) 4761237.
8.30pm, Free.
musicunderthestarsofdubai.com

Classical Music under the stars

ADELE TRIBUTE ACT
If you love swaying along to tear-jerking power ballads while weeping into a hankie and thinking about an ex who broke your heart, an Adele tribute act coming to Dubai this month will be your perfect night out. Considered one of the best Adele tribute acts on the international circuit, Natalie Anne looks the part too. Expect soulful renditions of Hometown Glory, Rolling In The Deep, Chasing Pavements, and the modern anthem of the heartbroken, Someone Like You, at a show marking the seventh birthday of The Music Room.

November 20
The Music Room, Majestic Hotel Tower, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai
Tel: (050) 2484054. Metro: Al Fahidi.
10pm, Dhs80.
themusicroomdubai.com

MARY BLACK
Traditional singer Mary Black will bring a touch of authenticity to McGettigan’s third birthday party. She’ll take to the stage with her band, performing classic tracks like No Frontiers and Only A Woman’s Heart. Supporting her will be her daughter, who performs as Roisin O. The celebrations at McGettigan’s will continue with a weekend of live music.

November 22
Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Tel: (04) 3560560.
8pm, Dhs120. 
mcgettigansdubai.com

Mary Black

PICNIC WITH PUCCINI
Listening to live opera in the cool night air, munching on a picnic and drinking something cold. Close your eyes at Opera In The Park and you could be at the famous British opera festival Glyndebourne. Open-air opera nights return this month to Pyramids Rooftop Gardens in Wafi, with performances from pop opera trio, brothers John and Moray Innes and Rosaria Crolla. Expect a broad repertoire from Andrew Lloyd Webber show tunes, to arias from La Bohème and La Traviata. With the ticket price, each couple receives a picnic basket with goodies inside such as Scottish smoked salmon, prawn cocktail, farmhouse sandwiches and homemade chutney. All in all, this looks to be a thoroughly civilised evening, and, unlike Glyndebourne, you won’t be hiding under an umbrella while rain fills your glass.

November 21 and 22
Pyramids Rooftop Gardens, Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3244100. Metro: Dubai Healthcare City.
8pm, Dhs195. 
pyramidsrestaurantsatwafi.com