In these pages you will hopefully find interesting tips on how to take advantage of Cairo's many cultural opportunities, with particular attention to live events. Cairo Live Events Guide does not pretend to be exhaustive but will try to cover main events open to the public.

This is a private, independent, nonprofit endeavour. This blog was started in August 2008 by Cairowanderer who has been running it solo up to May 2011. Since then Cairene Beat contributes as well to the blog. If you have any comment, tip, or information you think might be relevant for the blog, please write to cairowanderer@gmail.com or cairenebeat@gmail.com.

Read about Cairo Live Events Guide on The Daily News Egypt

Thursday, May 31, 2012

June at the Cairo Jazz Club


The Cairo Jazz Club June concert calendar starts on Saturday 2 with a concert of City Band, ... a really good rock live gig, trust me.

Other concerts highlights of the month include the captivating Michelle Rounds on Sunday June 10, Yehya Khalil on Sunday 17, Salalem on Saturday 23, Italian latin jazz singer Eleonora Iannotta on Sunday 24, and Massar Egbari on Saturday 30.

And of course many DJ evenings, starting with DJ Migo on Friday, June 1.

For the complete June schedule of the Cairo Jazz Club, click here.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC, May 26-Jun 1, 2012

And we're back. Enjoy the week ahead - may there be music, even if they be the blues. 

Saturday, May 26, 2012

- Cairo Symphony Orchestra in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- 22nd National Day of Republic of Yemen in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Nagham Masry in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM- Massar Egbari (Oriental jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at Geneina Theater at the Azhar Park, 8:30 PM

Sunday, May 27, 2012

- Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Music and Arab Singing in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Amr Emam (Clarinet and Piano recital) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Kolthoumiat (music of Om Kolthoum) at the Arab Music Institute, 8:00 PM
- Monib Band  in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Eleonora Iannotta (jazz vocals) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Bashir (Nubian Fusion)  at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Monday, May 28, 2012

- Medhat Saleh in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM- Red Beats Semi Finals, 9:30 PM

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

- Hany Must followed by Buzzz (Debut) at Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- DJ Dina Ghareeb at After Eight, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

- Omar Khairat (Piano) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM- Cairo Opera String Quartet in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Cairo Opera Company presents the opera "The Medium" at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Ali El Haggar (Arabic music)  in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Samba and DJ Misty & Hafez at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00


Thursday, May 31, 2012

- Omar Khairat (Piano) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Cairo Symphony Orchestra presents Gala concert in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Cairo Opera Company presents the opera "The Medium" at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Noha Taha and Wust El Balad (Egyptian Rock) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 8:00 PM- Event at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM

Friday, June 1, 2012

- Moushira Issa (musical evening) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Yehia Khalil (jazz, percussions) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Music and Arab Singing at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- DJ Migo at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Friday, May 25, 2012

ENTRE CINEASTAS, 5th Arab-Hispanic Women Film Festival


The 5th edition of "ENTRE CINEASTAS", the Arab-Hispanic Women Film Festival, with movies from Spain, Egypt, Peru, Argentina, Lebanon, Chile, Morocco, Syria, Venezuela, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Cuba kicks off on Sunday May 27 and will run until Thursday May 31, 2012 at the Creativity Center in the Cairo Opera Grounds and at the Cervantes Institute (Boulos Hanna, 20 - Dokki).

Movies in Arabic will be subtitled in Spanish and movies in Spanish .... in Arabic, of course.
For a full programme of the event, click here.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

ALIQUID from France at El Sawi Cultural Centre


And continuing with Cairo Contemporary Days, a festival of extremely original music, on Friday May 25, 2012 at 8:00 PM El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek will host a performance of improvised music from the French duo ALIQUID.

What is the relationship between a saxophone and a VCS3 analog synthesizer coughing and spluttering?
The sound of Jean-Marc Foussat has the thickness of the reality of chaos and explosions in the furnace of Paris' banlieu. That of Sylvain Guerineau is a clear river. Their music is like a melted snowflake metamorphosing into a destructive avalanche. It is a wonderful nightmare that you will leave with regret.


Jean–Marc Foussat: VCS3 Synthesizer, Electronics, and Voice
Sylvain Guérineau: Tenor Saxophone

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Thierry Pecou and the Egyptian Contemporary Music Ensemble at the Amir Taz Palace


On Thursday May 24, 2012 (tomorrow when I write, but probably today when you'll read this) at 8:00 PM the French pianist Thierry Pecou and the Egyptian Contemporary Music Ensemble present Olivier Messiaen's wonderful "Quartet for the End of Time" at the Amir Taz Palace in Sharia Suyufiya (click here for directions)

Messiaen composed the Quartet for the End of Time during his captivity during World War II, while cold and hunger gave him visions of colors and rainbows in the sky. This is one of the few works of chamber music he had composed.
Inspired by the Apocalypse of St. John and written as a tribute to the angel heralding the end of time, this spiritual work is strong by its "poetic quality, his modesty in the expression and refinement in the sound.

 On the program:

- Olivier Messiaen - Quartet for the End of Time (1940)
- Gerard Pesson - Nocturnes in Quartet (2000)

Sunday, May 20, 2012

RED BEATS DJ Competition Semi-Finals


Electrum Records in cooperation with CJC brings you Red Beats, the hottest DJ competition yet. Only two weeks of semi finals remain before the grand finale of this electrifying extravaganza taking place every Monday night at Cairo Jazz Club. The next two weeks witness the beginning of the end with two intense semi-final match ups. Two of the DJs which have been voted through will be bringing their best game to the table each week, spinning for the glory of being crowned Egypt's next big thing! The two finalists will then go head to head at the grand finale of Red Beats, winning the chance to perform alongside an internationally acclaimed DJ.
Live voting will take place during the events so if you like what you see and feel what you hear, get your vote on!

First Semi-Final Monday May 21, 2012 led by the popular DJ Amr Hosny, spinning his best dance enticing mixes to get the audience warmed up for this week's competitors from 10:00 PM
Batawi - http://alturl.com/7b5sz
Ahmed Aroussi - http://alturl.com/uug9a

Second Semi-Final Monday May 28, 2012 led by the dual sensations DJ Samba and DJ Fahmy, setting the standards sky-high for the following eager competitors from 10:00 PM
Baher Eid - http://alturl.com/ja3z6
Moneim Hafez - http://alturl.com/zwujz



For reservations please contact 010 6880 4767
Reservation lines open daily from 5:00 PM
Cairo Jazz Club LLC |197, 26th July St., Agouza (Sphinx Sq)
www.cairojazzclub.com/location.htm

Thursday, May 17, 2012

CAIRO CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DAYS Opening Ceremony and Concert with LINÉA ENSEMBLE from France


The Opening Ceremony of the Cairo Contemporary Music Days will take place on Saturday May 19, 2012 in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House at 6:00 PM. Guest artists will present a foretaste of the festival musical programme and the European Egyptian Contemporary Music Society will give the audience an update about its upcoming projects and the latest developments.
A reception will follow and gently lead to the beginning of the concert by the French ENSEMBLE LINÉA at 8:00 PM.

Beyond any schools and trends, the artistic project of LINÉA covers quite diverse aesthetic perspectives, from musical theatre to electronic music, from Western music to the rich Asian repertoires. Based in Alsace (eastern France, bordering on Germany and Switzerland), at the crossroads of several cultures, LINÉA naturally approaches the repertoires in their multicultural dimension. The Ensemble advocates an engaged music which is anchored in modernity and favours works which question the mutations and complexities of our era.

Programme of the evening:

- Pierre Boulez: Dérive (1984)
- Gérard Pesson: Ne pas oublier coq rouge dans jour craquelé (2010)
- Nahla Mattar: Three (2008)
- Philippe Hurel: Step (2007)
- Gérard Grisey: Talea (1986)
- Wael Samy - Crescendo II (World Premiere)

FREE ADMISSION

The same programme will also be presented at the Alexandria Opera House on Sunday, May 20 at 8:00 PM.


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

NubaNour at El Tanbura Hall


El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music invites you to enjoy a night with the black pearls NubaNour on Thursday May 17, 2012 at El Tanbura Hall.

The ticket price is 30 EGP at the entrance, but you can save 10 EGP and get it for 20 EGP if you reserve in advance at info@elmastaba.org or by calling 0223926768
Note: The reservation will be canceled at 9:00 PM. Door open at 8:30 PM, concert starts 9:00 PM.

For more information visit www.elmastaba.org

Sunday, May 13, 2012

CAIRO MEDITERRANEAN LITERARY FESTIVAL


Thursday May 17, 2012 at 7:00 PM the 3rd edition of the Cairo Mediterranean Literary Festival will kick off at the Italian Cultural Institute in Zamalek.

This year the festival explores the long-standing but inexhaustible relationship between "Literature and the Body". Both sides of the Mediterranean Sea will be brought together to share their unique cultural and artistic insight in an exchange of ideas.
The variety of events, held in different venues, include lectures, readings, movie screenings, music and more.

For the detailed program of the event please visit www.cairomedliteraryfestival.org.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Iranian/British band AJAM at the Genaina Theatre


AJAM is a London based band that was formed formally in early 2010 as an off-shoot project from the 'Simorgh' group. Despite their recent formation, the main members of the group have been playing music together since 2004. Ajam is a cultural experience. In addition to the raw energy of tribal and ritual music that inspires their sound, elements of the dance and movement is incorporated into live shows. Ajam try to bring the epic, energetic, and often aggressive spirit of the regional music of Iran to this generation. In many ways they reintroduce Iranians to native cultures that are often neglected in representations of Iran as well as creating a platform for an international audience to hear the less standardized and 'untamed' music of Iran.

AJAM will be performing on Saturday May 12, 2012 at 8:00 PM at the Genaina Theatre in Al Azhar Park (Salah Salem Rd., Darassa). Tel: 23625057. Ticket price: 10 EGP.
A second performance will take place in the city of Assiut on Monday May 14 at 8:00 PM at El Nile Hall, University of Assiut. Tel: 088235790. Free Admission.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

AFRI-CAIRO night with SENET and ASIA at the Cairo Jazz Club


Saturday May 12, 2012, starting at 10:00 PM, the stage of the Cairo Jazz Club will host two very special performances from visiting African bands SENET and ASIA.

SENET (bonding) presents traditional and folkloric songs and music representing all the tribes in Eritrea and Ethiopia. They play both traditional and modern instruments, keeping their roots in folklore, but musically wandering without boundaries.
The group ASIA  presents authentic Sudanese songs.

CAIRO JAZZ CLUB
Open from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
197, 26th of July St., Agouza
Tel: 33459939 or 010 68804764


DANCE BRIGADE from the USA at the Falaki Theatre


The ensemble DANCE BRIGADE from the United States will bring to Cairo "Cavewomen: The Next Incarnation" on Friday May 11, 2012 (see details below).

CaveWomen . . . THE NEXT INCARNATION! is a primal feast of movement, theater, martial arts, and taiko drumming, delivered with passion and biting intellectual wit. The CaveWomen series is Dance Brigade's antidote to war and the present state of affairs in the world - a stunning evocation of female power, a good dose of humor, black leather, and gutsy social commentary.

Dance Brigade
Since 1975, Artistic Director Krissy Keefer has refined a form of political dance theater that rivals other contemporary artists. Keefer's signature style combines bold political content, cutting-edge movement, and stunning theater, and for this creation, Keefer deftly "steers her fellow dancers and choreographers through the myriad strands of her richly conceived material with an unfailing sense of direction." (SF Bay Guardian) The Dance Brigade dancers include , Lena Gatchalian, Sarah Bush, Tina Banchero, Debby Kajiyama, Kimberly B. Valmore,Fredrik Keefer, Jill Hibbert all known for their ability to deliver Keefer's work with power and panache..

Friday 11 May
Falaki Theatre, Cairo
Free Admission - 08:00 PM
Address: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Cairo

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

EL WAZEIRY GROUP at El Tanbura Hall


El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music presents a concert of "El Wazeiry" group on Thursday May 10, 2012 at El Tanbura Hall. El Wazeiry is the band that carries along with the spirit of the departed El Wazeiry, the undisputed king of simsimiya. Click here for more information.

Doors open at 8:30 PM
Tickets: 20 EGP for pre reservation, 30 EGP at the door
PS: Reservations are cancelled at 9:00 PM if tickets are not collected by then.
For reservations and to get in touch with El Mastaba call 011 50 99 5354.
info@elmastaba.org
www.elmastaba.org


CAIRO CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DAYS 2012


After its introduction in 2010, the CAIRO CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DAYS, probably one of the most innovative and daring festivals Cairo has ever seen, is back this year.
Don't miss it!

The opening Ceremony featuring a concert of Ensemble Linéa from France will take place on Saturday May 19, 2012 at 6:00 PM in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House.

The program will continue as follows:
- Sunday May 20, 2012 at 8:00 PM: Concert by Ensemble Linéa (France) at the Alexandria Opera House
- Sunday May 20, 2012 at 8:00 PM: Piano recital by Francesco Tristano (Luxembourg) at Prince Taz Palace
- Monday May 21, 2012 at 8:00 PM: Concert by Ayman Fanous (Egypt/Guitar and Bouzouki) and Frances-Marie Uitti (Netherlands/Violoncello) at El Sawy Culturewheel
- Wednesday May 23, 2012 at 8:00 PM: Concert by the Egyptian Contemporary Music Ensemble, On-25 action at the Malak Gabr Auditorium in AUC New Cairo Campus
- Thursday May 24, 2012 at 8:00 PM: Concert by Thierry Pécou (France) and the Egyptian Contemporary Music Ensemble at the Prince Taz Palace
- Friday May 25, 2012 at 8:00 PM: Concert by Aliquid (France/Progressive Jazz) at El Sawy Culturewheel

Workshops
- Composition by Thierry Pécou (France) on Monday May 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Cairo Creative Centre
- Contemporary Music Aesthetic and Analysis by Dr. Jörg Stenzl (Switzerland) on Monday May 21, 2012 at 5:00 PM at the Cairo Creative Centre


For up-to-date information about artists and evening programs, click here.
To be redirected to the website of the European-Egyptian Contemporary Music Society, click here.

The event is held under the auspices of the Foreign Cultural Relations, Cairo Opera House, Culture Development Fund, and the Institut Français d'Egypte, and in cooperation with the American University in Cairo and El Sawy Culturewheel.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Jadal and other bands at Darb on Friday May 11, 2012


On Friday May 11, 2012, the Darb1718 Contemporary Art & Culture Centre is hosting a special night of live music concerts starting 7:00 PM.

Famous Jordanian rock band Jadal performs for the first time in Egypt


 alongside local bands and artists:

- BarakA Band (Oriental Rock)
- Maurice Louca (Experimental)
- Azraq Samawy (Progressive Arabic, Instrumental Rock)
- Darwasha (Arabic, Progressive Rock/Metal, Electronic)

Ticket Price: LE 20.00

For reservations and inquiries please contact Darb 1718 at: (0)/23610511  from 10 AM - 8:00 PM
This event is in cooperation with indie production label eka3.

OTAAK BAND at El Tanbura Hall - Tonight!


Sudanese/American Otaak Band will be performing tonight, Tuesday May 8, 2012 in a special night of traditional masankop music, at the Tanbura Hall.

Otaak Band is the collaboration of Miguel Merino, from Indiana, USA, and Ahmed Said Abuamna from Eastern Sudan, who met in 2009 in Cairo.
Ahmed Said is from the Beja, a tribe indigenous to the area between the Nile and the Red Sea, and a master of the Beja's traditional instrument, the masankop, also called tambur, played since the time of the Pharaohs. Upon meeting him, Miguel took an immediate interest in the tambur, had one built, and started playing with Ahmed Said's guidance.
Now two years later they have produced an album "Bejawiya" with a unique mix of American blues and Beja music, showcasing the entire history and evolution of this instrument, from the oldest traditional songs to brand new compositions using acoustic and electric bass, guitar, and drums, and original lyrics by Ahmed Said.

The concert starts at 9.00 PM. Tickets are available at the entrance for 30 EGP
For more information get in touch with El Mastaba: 01150995354
info@elmastaba.org
www.elmastaba.org

 

Cairene Beat on a break

Dear Readers,
Apologies for the missing weekly agenda! Expect one soon! Wanted to let you know that Cairenebeat will be leaving on a jet plane soon and knows she will be back late May. Will try to keep you updated as much as possible!
Cairenebeat

Monday, May 7, 2012

Jan Wouter Oostenrijk's "Sharqi Blues" Egypt tour


The Dutch band "Sharqi Blues" will bring their oriental belly dance music infused with blues, rock, and jazz to Egypt this month with a six dates tour.
Their Cairo debut will take place at the Cairo Jazz Club tomorrow, Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 10:00 PM. This specific concert will be followed by an energetic jamming session with members of El Dor El Awal band.

The other concerts of the tour will take place at the Virgin Megastore City Stars outlet on Thursday May 10, at Darb 1718 on Saturday May 12, at the Makan on Monday May 14 where they will jam with members of Nass Makan, and at Al Geneina Theater in Al-Azhar Park on Thursday May 17 where they will jam again with members of El Dor El Awal band.
The band will perform in Alexandria as well, at the Jesuits Centre, on Tuesday May 15.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Book Presentation: MASRIYYANO by Carmine Cartolano


Baad el Bahr Cultural Association and Dar al-‘Ain cordially invite you to attend the presentation of MASRIYYANO, a book by Carmine Cartolano on Wednesday May 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art
8, Champollion st., Downtown Cairo.Phone: 25784494

Participants:
- Gennaro Gervasio (British University in Egypt)
- Mohamed Farag (Journalist Akhbar al-Adab)
- Carmine Cartolano

The discussion will be held in English and Arabic translation will be provided.
 
 

Saturday, May 5, 2012

RED BEATS DJ Competition at the Cairo Jazz Club


Electrum Records in cooperation with CJC brings you Red Beats; a six weeks electrifying extravaganza taking place every Monday night at Cairo Jazz Club. Each Red Beat night will witness three DJs battling it out for a spot in the semi finals. The two finalists will then go head to head at the grand finale of Red Beats, winning the chance to perform alongside an internationally acclaimed DJ.
DJ Batawi make it through Round 1, and DJ Ahmed Aroussi won Round 2, becoming the second semi-finalist.

Live voting will take place during the events so if you like what you see and feel what you hear, get your vote on!
Round Three will take place on Monday May 7, 2012 starting at 10:00 PM with the innovatively versatile DJ Tito taking the lead and setting the mood and expectations for a great night! The competing DJ will be Baher Eid, Joey,  and Minus T


For reservations please contact 010 6880 4767
Reservation lines open daily from 5:00 PM
Cairo Jazz Club LLC |197, 26th July St., Agouza (Sphinx Sq)
www.cairojazzclub.com/location.htm

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

RANGO at El Tanbura Hall


Catch the great band RANGO tomorrow Thursday May 3, 2012.
Enjoy a night of mystical and healing sounds of Zar from Egypt and Sudan at El Tanbura Hall. The concert starts at 9.00 PM.
Tickets are available at the entrance for 20 LE

For more info about RANGO check:
El Mastaba Center - Rango group
30IPS - Rango group


For more information get in touch with El Mastaba:
01150995354
info@elmastaba.org
www.elmastaba.org

Book Presentation: "LIBERATION SQUARE" by Ashraf Khalil


Ashraf Khalil will present his new book "Liberation Square" on Thursday May 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM in Mary Cross Lecture Hall in AUC New Cairo Campus and on Monday May 7, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the AUC Press Tahrir Bookstore in AUC Tahrir Campus (entrance from Mohammed Mahmoud gate). Both events will include a book signing and a question-and-answer session.

The Egyptian Revolution of 2011 was more than a spontaneous uprising. It was the end result of years of mounting tension, brought on by a state that shamelessly abused its authority, rigging elections, silencing opposition, and violently attacking its citizens. When revolution bloomed in the region in January 2011, Egypt was a country whose patience had expired—with a people primed for liberation.
As a journalist based in Cairo, Ashraf Khalil was an eyewitness to the storm that brought down the Mubarak regime. He was subjected to tear gas alongside protesters in Tahrir Square, barely escaped an enraged mob, and watched the day-to-day developments from the frontlines. From the halls of power to the back alleys of Cairo, he offers a one-of-a-kind look at a nation in the throes of an uprising.


Liberation Square is a revealing and dramatic look at the revolution that transformed Egypt’s modern history.



For more about Ashraf Khalil's Liberation Square: Inside the Egyptian Revolution and the Rebirth of a Nation (AUC Press, 2012), click here.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May at the Cairo Jazz Club


The Cairo Jazz Club opens the month of May tonight Tuesday May 1, 2012 with Salalem, one of Cairo's most beloved bands, fresh from the release of their debut CD.
In addition to Wust El Balad, Basheer, The Riff Band, Yehya Khalil, and El Dor El Awal among others, this month CJC will host concerts from the Adam Miller Group on Sunday May 6, Soopar Lox live house music on Friday May 18, and Italian latin jazz singer Eleonora Iannotta on Sunday May 27.

The program will also feature the concert debut of Egyptian rock band Mariam Saleh on Saturday May 19.

For the complete May schedule of the Cairo Jazz Club, click here.