Illusionist and musician set to brighten festival

THIS year’s American Festival at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain promises to be magical in more ways than one, with illusionist Javier Saba set to amaze guests as part of a series of three-weekend celebrations.

And jazz music fans are also preparing to be put under a spell with the arrival of Professor Cunningham and his Old School Band who will be flying into the kingdom from New York.

The Muharraq hotel has teamed up with Qatar Airways, CrediMax, Coca Cola, Batelco and Ahmed Zayani & Sons to stage the second annual festival of its kind.

The kick-off event, tomorrow’s Wild Wild West Thursday Night Out will be set outdoors, under Bahrain’s skyline in the hotel’s garden, and will feature bonfires and BBQ grills, as genuine cowboys roam around the venue.

Friday Brunch, on the other hand, will be held indoors. To top off the experience, playful diners can have a go on a mechanical bull ride.

To perform during the following Soulful Jazz weekend of November 5-7, Professor Cunningham and his band, a group of well-travelled and talented artists, will bring a taste of New Orleans to proceedings.

They hope to create links and strike a chord with fellow musicians in the kingdom too.

Bassist Jim Robertson told GulfWeekly: “When we found out that we would be coming to Bahrain, I did a little research and discovered quite a large music scene there. I am excited to check it out and see the local musicians.”

Drummer Rob Garcia added: “I love to experience different cultures and interact with people from different parts of the world. This will be my first trip to an Arabian country. I love to play jazz for the similar reason that it’s always an adventure.

“Much of the music is created ‘in the moment’ so you never know where you may end up and what new delights you may encounter.”

Also, Javier Saba, a 40-year-old multi-lingual Spanish professional close-up magician of Lebanese descent, who was recently featured in GulfWeekly, will make an appearance around the tables during both the Jazz weekend and the following weekend’s Hollywood-themed event.

Call 17460000 for more details or to book a table.

The Red Bull Winning 5 five-a-side football tournament will take place this week. There will be qualifying rounds held tonight at the Budaiya Club and tomorrow at the Winners FC centre in Isa Town. Both begin at 7pm.

The finals will take place from 5pm at Arad Fort on Saturday.