Saudi rap
Props to the Ministry of Culture for another really interesting showing during the ongoing Summer Festival. There’s a huge rap and hip hop following both here in Bahrain and across the Causeway in Saudi so expect a packed house for this appearance from the first Saudi rapper Qusai (aja Don Legend the Kamelion), we’re intrigued to hear where he got the name. He lists an eclectic bunch of influences from the expected rap to r ‘n’ b and country so expected the unexpected.

We’re anticipating a fairly young audience but don’t be put off, to see him almost on his home turf promises to be quite an experience and certainly something to tell your pals about if rap and hip hop are your bag, or even if they’re not.
Qusai (aka Don Legend the Kamelion), Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, July 3. Tickets BD2,5,10 through the hotline on (80 008 089).

Candee Beach Party
It’s the last Candee Beach before the shutters come down and the air-con’s cranked way, way up for the summer.

Last month’s event was good but this one promises to be even better with more of everything. More international DJs, more bars, a floating lounge, extra seating and the addition of an air-conditioned tent and bar for those who need to escape the heat.

Celebrate the end of the season with eight hours of musical mayhem from DJ Joshua Roberts, who’s worked with the likes of Swedish House Mafia and Ministry of Sound, accompanied by some of your favourite local talent, yet to be announced.
Candy Beach Party, Amwaj Marina Beach, July 6. Pre-sale tickets BD10, buy ten get two free. Tables available from BD150. Call (37 779 936).

Yo Yo Honey Singh
The higest paid music star in Bollywood - he charged megabucks for one film track to earn the title - Yo Yo Honey Singh is making a return trip to the island accompanied by Mafia Mundeer and guest appearances from Money Aujla, J -Star, Alfaaz and DJ Andy.

Singh’s a Punjabi rapper, music producer, singer and actor who started as a session and recording artist, and became a Bhangra producer. He has received the ETC award for the Best sound in 2006 for his song Glassi and the PTC award for the Best Folk Pop Award 2009 for Rebirth and PTC PUNJABI Best Music Director 2011. All in all a pretty impressive pedigree so this performance promises to be a good one.
Yo Yo Honey Singh Returns with Mafia Mundeer, Elite Seef Residence, July 6. Tickets pre-sale BD10,20 and on the door BD15,25 from (36 768 429/36 380 838/33 169 109/33 465 377).

Lucky 13
Whoo hoo, JJ’s is celebrating a big birthday and there’s a whole three-day fun fest involved.

Starting on Wednesday, it’s Rock Stars night - dress the part and join DJ Mick and JJ’s resident band ‘The Noise’ on a night of classic rock.

Thursday on JJ’s main stage it’s the return of School Disco - always a whopping favourite. What is it about adults who spent their school lives desperately seeking ways to get round the dreary uniform rules and now quite happy to revisit those days fancy dress (admittedly not what the house mistress would’ve ordered), and old school tunes.

In the Music Hall side, though ArtHaus has moved on, there’s still disco and techno music all night with Stereo, which will run each Thursday up to Ramadan with something new likely to be launched afterwards.

And on Friday they’ll be celebrating in style with an after-brunch ‘red carpet event’. Sounds a bit like the Oscars, the invitation says ‘gents get suited and booted and ladies dress to impress, listen to the best songs from your favorite movies as JJ’s celebrates 13 years of being the best night out in Bahrain’. We would say expect some surprises but then, of course, they wouldn’t be surprises.

Be lucky on Friday, July 13, and pick up your JJ’s promotion cards to be stamped with every purchase for your chance to win a special birthday gift.
JJ’s, Adliya, July 11,12 & 13, noon-2am. For more information and table reservations call (39 329 083).

Comedy at Elite
All the way from Los Angeles, USA, where he’s a regular on Showtime, Comedy Central and the Laugh Factory among others, ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and offer up a warm Bahrain welcome to funny man Paul Ogata. If you haven’t caught Paul on the small screen, you may well have spotted him at the movies in Behind the Smile with Damon Wayans or heard him in something we can’t mention with lots of naughty dogs.

Now, for one night only, the guys at Luxury Events Bahrain are bringing in the star who’s expected be joined on stage by another four or five comics, some local, others possibly not, for an evening of humour, sarcasm, cheeky asides and who knows what else.
Comedy Night, July 12, Elite Seef Residence. Tickets BD30,20,10 on sale at Elite and Cinnbon and also from (33 126 616).