Thursday 25 July

Karakeeb at Street Beats Music Concerts at 4pm

Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria is set to host Karakeeb band on its streets. Karakeeb use humour to tackle social issues through musical arrangements. They will be joined by ABC crew performing in Fouad Street, in front of Cinema Amir. Street Beats Music Concerts host concerts in public spaces to introduce passersby who have no access to independent culture spaces to new bands. Karakeeb's concert will be their second with a promise to hold a concert every week to 10 days.

Fouad Street, in front of Amir Cinema, El-Raml Station, Alexandria

Nawal Ben Kareim (Tunisia) at El-Geneina Theatre at 9pm

In Hayy Festival's second performance, Tunisian musician Nawal Ben Kareim takes the stage presenting her compositions in multiple languages (Arabic, French and English). Her music is influenced by pop, electronic and tribal genres. Ben Kareim also acted in Indignados, a movie by famed French filmmaker Tony Gatlif. She is currently working on her first album. Her performance is part of El-Geneina's annual Hayy Festival in Ramadan bringing several female musicians from around the Arab world to Cairo. Check out the festival's complete programme here.

El-Geneina Theatre, Al-Azhar Park, Salah Salem Road, Cairo, Egypt

Massar Egbari band at Beit El-Raseef at 9pm

The band, which has played together for years in Alexandria and Cairo, boasts a unique sound, fusing rock and funk with oriental beats and melodies. Their lyrics tackle social issues, while their concerts — especially in Alexandria — often prompt audiences to chant anti-establishment slogans. Massar Egbari was the main band featured in Ahmed Abdallah's 2010 film "Microphone," which portrayed Alexandria's independent music scene. Their first album, "Ekra El-Khabar," after years of live performances, was released earlier this year and achieved high sales.

Street 151, off Street 9, next to Midan El-Horreya, after El-Ezaby Pharmacy and in front of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Maadi, Cairo

Amr Haha live at Shababeek Culture Centre at 9pm

A pioneer of the Mahraganat genre of Egyptian music, sometimes referred to as Shaabi (popular) music, Amr Haha performs live his electronic songs in Moqattam. Along with musicians Sadat, Figo, Islam Chipsy, Okka and Ortega and other young men, Haha made Mahragat popular in Egypt across most social classes and geographical areas and has been gaining recognition abroad. Read more here.

20 Main Street of Moqattam, El-Nafoura Street, Moqattam

 

Friday 26 July

Iftar then Inshad by Sheikh Zein at Beit El-Raseef at 7pm

Sheikh Zein from Minya governorate was originally a praiser (the one who sings in praise of the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him), a position inherited from his father and grandfather. However, he wanted to get more involved in Sufi arts. After initial issues with his family, he managed to convert to Sufi singing and moved to Cairo to study under Sayed El-Dawy, one of the most iconic Sufi singers. He also worked with Arghoul musician Mostafa Abdel-Aziz before he moved to France, from which he toured most of Europe and produced his first album. The event will also feature an Iftar (breaking of the Ramadan fast) at 7pm.

Street 151, off Street 9, next to Midan El-Horreya, after El-Ezaby Pharmacy and in front of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Maadi, Cairo

Seminar on Culture Policy in El-Cabina Centre at 9pm

Alexandrian researcher, visual artist and theatre director Ahmed Abu El-Nasr will run a lecture followed by an open discussion on culture policy and the future of arts and culture in Egypt. The artist has two bachelor degrees in visual arts and theatre, along with a Masters degree in culture management. He has worked in several fields during and after his studies.

11 San Saba Street, El-Raml Station, Alexandria

 

Saturday 27 July

El-Ghouri Tanoura Group in Wekalet El-Ghouri, 9.30pm

Expect traditional dance, vibrant music and colourful performances by El-Ghouri Dance Group this Saturday. They perform every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.

3 Mohamed Abdou Street, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo

 

Sunday 28 July

Khadra 2013 Exhibition at Darb 1718

This exhibition brings together female visual artists from Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine and Bahrain curated by Hend Elkolaly who will also be exhibiting her work. A themeless exhibition, the artists include, from Egypt: Asmaa Elkolaly, Nevien Emam, Wesam Quraish, Hala Abou Shady, Marwa Elshazly, Ola Saad, Mona Shams, Samah Nagy, Eman Osama; from Tunisia, Sarra Ben Attia, Houda Ghorbel, Ymene Chetouane; from Bahrain Waheeda Malullah; and from Palestine, Asma Ghanem. The exhibition will run until 17 August.

Qasr Al-Shamee Street, Al-Fakhareen, Old Cairo (Behind the Hanging Church and Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque at Mar Girgis Metro stop)

 

Please note that due to political events it is advised to confirm with the spaces concerned that the event is still taking place before going.

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