First Crowd Test By The Sandy Times: How Was It?

Live:STR SELECTIONS

by Dara Morgan

First Crowd Test By The Sandy Times: How Was It?

21 Nov 2024

Photo: Misbah Chowdhury, Nikita Berezhnoy

We had been counting down the months, building the hype, and finally, the moment arrived — Sandy Times Radio (aka STR) made its grand debut! Naturally, we could not let this milestone go by quietly. No, that would be against our very DNA. Instead, we threw a celebration of epic proportions: Crowd Test, our first-ever (and hopefully not last) art and music festival.

November 16, mark it in history. This was the night Dubai came alive in ways that will be talked about for weeks (months? years?). And where better to host such a momentous occasion than at Monkey Bar, our cherished go-to spot? We took over every corner of this vibrant venue — from the relaxed Bar One for a more casual vibe to the spacious terraces with a stunning view of the Museum of the Future. And the cherry on top was Room 3, transformed into a mesmerising art-rave-visual wonderland by CIFRA Art Lab.

Were you not there? That is unfortunate, but we forgive you. Just this once. The good news is we are only getting started. So keep scrolling to see what you missed, and get ready to mark your calendar for the next unforgettable gathering. Yes, you will want to stay tuned.

1: Mohamed Al Banna. Photo: Misbah Chowdhury, Nikita Berezhnoy

The KARAK Conversations: Exploring the creativity

Before the beats dropped, the evening started on an introspective note with KARAK Conversations. Hosted by none other than Faizal Razak, the visionary behind the creative platform, the conversation brought together some truly inspiring minds. Faizal, with his signature charm and wit, sat down with our publisher, Sofia Brontvein, to unpack the Sandy Times core values: art, creativity, people — our holy trinity.

But wait, it got even better. Joining the talk were three artists who know a thing or two about breaking boundaries: Martina, Safeya Alblooshi, and Eden Burns. These creative powerhouses, who later lit up the dance floor, shared candid insights into their artistic journeys, as well as their thoughts on Dubai’s evolving music scene. Pro tip: when creative minds are this open, you listen.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

The workshop: Where the scratching happened

Room 3 was not just a space — it was an experience. Picture this: you step inside, and suddenly, you are no longer in Dubai. It felt like a fast track to Berlin’s underground scene, with its industrial vibe and hypnotic visual installations. It was a feast for the senses, a playground for the imagination, and a much-needed escape from the ordinary.

Need a break? The lounge area offered a moment of chill, almost like a pre-takeoff pause before the night flight. Feeling adventurous? Then the DJ workshop was your calling. Even the least musically inclined among us could not resist giving it a go. Not willing to boast, but I personally managed to nail a few scratches, and while I might not quit my day job just yet, the thought of having my first mix for STR is already in the head.

Photo: Misbah Chowdhury, Nikita Berezhnoy

The music: A sonic journey like no other

Let us not dance around the truth — the music was the heart and soul of Crowd Test. The night kicked off with Chico Serio setting the tone with tracks that quickly turned an empty dance floor into a pulsating epicentre of energy.

From there, the choices became delightfully overwhelming. Do you groove to Bazzzuk’s beats, catch the dynamic vibes of Lipelis x Kito Jempere, or lose yourself in the live magic of Amir B. Ash & Safeya Alblooshi, followed by After 12 Collective? It was a sensation, and no matter where you ended up, you were winning.

1: Chico Serio; 2: Bazzzuk; 3: Lipelis, Kito Jempere. Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

And then came the headliners — the moment we had all been waiting for. Mainline Magic Orchestra, our Barcelona favourites, delivered a performance that redefined what a live show could be. It was a rollercoaster of sound, energy, and pure brilliance that left everyone breathless. And just when we thought it could not get better, Eden Burns stepped up. Playing until 2 am and then catching a morning flight to Melbourne? That is commitment we can all aspire to.

The night was rounded out by incredible sets from Parvané, Hani J (who practically set the terrace on fire), Hassan Alwan, Shadi Megalla, and Martina, who kept the crowd dancing until the early hours.

In case you missed it, let Sandy Times Radio soothe your FOMO. Just press play.

1, 2: Mainline Magic Orchestra. Photo: Misbah Chowdhury

The sneaker mania: Style plus sustainability

Now, let us talk fashion because Crowd Test was not just about the beats — it was also a style showcase. Dubai’s most fashionable crowd showed up in full force, turning Monkey Bar into a veritable runway.

The icing on the cake? The TONE pop-up corner, where guests could preorder some of the most covetable sneakers around. Minimalist tabi sneakers from Tabito stole hearts (mine included), while Flamingos Life wowed with their sustainable, recycled-material creations. It was a masterclass in how to blend fashion with purpose.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

The aftertaste: A night to remember

So, how do you sum up a night like this? Pure magic. Months of meticulous preparation, endless creativity, and a whole lot of heart came together to create something truly special. Crowd Test was not just an event — it was a statement, a celebration of art, music, and the people who make it all possible.

As we recover from the high and start planning what is next, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning. Keep your eyes peeled for our next event, and in the meantime, let Sandy Times Radio keep the vibes alive, 24/7.

Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy

by Dara Morgan