Spectacular line-up of acts

THRILLING acts and international chart-topping stars have been lined-up to ensure the 2013 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix becomes another memorable entertainment spectacular on and off the track over the weekend.

Formula One fans have the chance to enjoy the sounds of Grammy award-winning R&B vocalist Ne-Yo and superstar electronica DJ Calvin Harris after the main race on April 21.

Along with the Formula 1 track action at Sakhir, families and friends will have a selection of vibrant dance performances on the main stage as well as the chance to experience eclectic entertainment from various artists that will be wandering around Bahrain International Circuit’s (BIC) F1 Village, behind the Main Grandstand.

Performing at the F1 Village’s main stage will be two enthralling ensembles; the Calpulli Mexican Dance Group and the Bhangra Empire dance team.

The Calpulli Mexican performers will express their Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance and music, while Bhangra Empires team will excite the crowds with their Punjab-style dance, which was recently performed for US President Barack Obama.

The circuit will also feature roaming acts such as Scotsman Bagpipe Roy, Mexico’s Mariachi Jalisco, the Chinese Lion Dance troupe, France’s Circo Rum Ba Ba theatre show and Egypt’s Menoufia of Folk Art troupe.

While the bagpipes are an instantly recognisable symbol of Scotland, the instrument originated in the Middle East before it spread across Europe. With more than 30 years of bagpiping experience to his credit, Bagpipe Roy’s performances are sure to delight fans of all ages.

Mariachi Jalisco has earned a reputation for its use of a broad range of instruments to present a fusion of several styles of Mexican music. The group, dressed in its nation’s traditional garb, will serenade the crowd with the famed Mariachi music of Mexico.

The Chinese Lion Dance group will showcase their visually spectacular routines that have made them a highly sought-after unit for the past seven years. Lion dances are traditionally performed to bring luck and to ward off evil spirits.

The Circo Rum Ba Ba, an all-women’s group, will fuse theatre with a diverse range of circus skills. It is well known for its elaborate, colourful costumes and painstaking detail to characterisation. The group creates wonderfully bizarre, offbeat walkabout characters and images, designed specifically for festivals and events.

Egypt’s Tannoura, Fellaha, Saidi, Zaffa, Iskandrani and Noupa dance forms will come to the fore when the Menoufia of Folk Art group performs. The dancers will don colourful costumes that reflect Egypt’s varied regions and highlight each province’s unique music, rhythms and dance movements.

Other acts aiming to thrill the fans include the Swiss dance troupe Angelo and the Crazy Feet, Portugal’s Pauliteiros de Palaçoulo dancers, Brazilian Hang drummer Pedro, Japanese Taiko drummers, the Jokers stilt-walker crew from the UK as well as the Talija dancers from Serbia and Russia.

The Crazy Feet Dancers have appeared on numerous television shows and their internationally-renowned act will surely delight the young and old alike when they present their production at the BIC.

Meanwhile, the colour and buoyant energy of Portugal’s Miranda Highlands will come under focus with the Pauliteiros de Palaçoulo dance routines. The beautiful ‘fighting dance’ is enhanced by the dancers’ traditional costumes and the combination of drum and pipe music.

Latino energy will be served up in style when Brazilian Hang drummer Pedro Collares brings his percussive talents to the BIC. The energetic drummer aims to transmit peace and harmony through his beats.

The Hang drum, pronounced ‘hung,’ is a relatively new instrument which consists of two hemispherical shells of Nitride Ion Steel. It resulted from a collaboration between scientists, engineers and drum makers.

As for the Mugenko music company, they have gone through a rigorous two years of training in Japan, cementing their reputation as the UK’s longest established Taiko ensemble and Europe’s only professional touring company. They have an impressive list of more than 1,000 performances spanning Asia and Europe over the last decade.

The Joker’s will bring lots of laughter to race fans at the circuit with their wacky costumes including a Native American, a Queen’s Guard and a cowboy.

Representing both Serbian and Russian folkloric tradition, the Talija dance group will showcase traditional dance known for being energetic, passionate and engaging.

Adding to the mix will be a Jungle Kids Tent that will house colourful entertainers from around the world. These include South Africa’s Marimba Band, England’s Jungle Jim, the Jungle Theatre Show, the African Maska stilt walkers, Kenya’s Black Angels, the Mangoma African Band, Pop the Balloon Man, the Cherry Faces face painters, the Camel Explorers and the African Comedy Show. Meanwhile, the Rainforest Maze Adventure promises a path to loads of fun.

All three-day ticket holders get exclusive bonuses, including access to the Pit Lane Walk activity on April 18, entry to supporting races during the Bahrain GP, access to the F1 Village and entry to the Ne-Yo and Calvin Harris performances, which start from 6pm.

A Friday roaming ticket can also be purchased for those looking to experience all the vantage points of the track. Tickets can also be bought for the Gulf Air Club lounge where you can watch the race in a luxury tent.

For more information visit www.bahraingp.com or contact the BIC Hotline on 17450000.