The Sandy Times Crowd Test — First Art And Music Festival

by Alexandra Mansilla

The Sandy Times Crowd Test — First Art And Music Festival

10 Oct 2024

First, we are launching Sandy Times Radio — STR (remember the name) — a 24/7 online radio station where local music meets global trends in a niche, handpicked, and curated way. STR will be a platform for discovering music you won’t find anywhere else. And it is not just about the music — we will also feature groundbreaking artists through interviews and thought-provoking discussions about cultural trends.

This launch means a lot to us, and we decided it is something worth celebrating with all our friends, and their friends too. That is why we came up with an idea...

To throw a festival. Crowd Test Festival.

Save the date: November 16, 2024, from 5 pm to 3 am, at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

Tickets are available here

So, what is happening at the Crowd Test Festival?

Music

At the festival, we are bringing the global music scene right alongside our incredible local talent. Expect a unique blend of artists from all over the world.

So, here is our music lineup:

— Eden Burns, a DJ and producer from New Zealand, is shaking up the scene with his playful fusion of house and disco. His sets are both unpredictable and full of energy, blending respect for classic grooves with a fresh, curious approach that makes each performance wildly fun

— Mainline Magic Orchestra, a house music live band from Barcelona. Their performances are always a mix of music, art, and fashion, with a hint of irony and absurdity. You can’t miss them: members of this collective take the stage wearing incredible makeup and costumes.

— Lipelis, a DJ and producer with over 20 years of experience. Ever since, he has become a true legend of the Russian dance scene, explored the globe, and now is bringing his best picks from the world of underground vinyl to Dubai.

— Kito Jempere, a world-renowned DJ and producer, who has been experimented with a variety of sounds for more than two decades. What else? Kito is working on The Sandy Times radio project, further expanding musical horizons and uniting the UAE’s music community.

— Parvané Barret, French Iranian DJ and digital creator. Parvané is curating Joon Collective project, that celebrates people, music and art through curated parties and experiences.

— Martina, a sought-after DJ known for her genre-bending sets and unique approach to sound. Originally from Cairo, Martina’s musical journey has been shaped by her love for eclectic instruments and a desire to push the boundaries of electronic music.

— Bazzzuk, an incredible DJ with pure and refined energy that electrifies dance floors in Dubai (she played at Analog Room Parties and Dancewerk), as well as in Yerevan and Amsterdam.

— Hani J, a music collector and DJ, who holds residencies at Gallery and Boogie Box, bringing his refined yet casual style to both local and international audiences. He also co-hosts the online radio show Palitronics and collaborates with The Flip Side on Astral Travelling, exploring the more eclectic sides of electronic music.

— Shadi Megallaa, a DJ with a career spanning over 25 years. Yet, Shadi Megalla’s influence extends far beyond the DJ booth. Through his record label, Ark to Ashes, and the intimate, vinyl-filled space of Flipside, he has been a driving force in the UAE’s underground scene, creating a cultural hub where music comes first.

— Hassan Alwan, has sparked a revolution in the party life of Abu Dhabi, by bringing Boogie Box in collaboration with Shadi. His music is breath of fresh air to the local scene — something entirely new that no one else is doing.

— Chico Serio, a DJ who suggests a blend of seriousness and playfulness, mirroring the diverse tones in his music. With over a decade of experience, Chico maintains a contemporary edge and eclectic musical palette.

Mainline Magic Orchestra

Art Lab by CIFRA

Taking place in ROOM #3, we are teaming up with CIFRA, a digital art streaming platform that connects artists, art lovers, curators, and industry experts from around the world.

Expect an incredible audio-visual live show from:

— Amir B. Ash & Safeya Alblooshi, a creative powerhouse known for their unique fusion of music and visual art. Amir is a DJ and producer who leans into house, techno, and experimental beats, while Safeya brings her expertise in visual and performance art to the mix. They are teaming up especially for the Crowd Test Festival, putting together a special show just for this event.

— After 12 Collective, a boundary-pushing group of artists and musicians that kicked off in Oman, founded by a local crew of passionate audiophiles. They thrive on live improvisation, constantly exploring and blurring the lines of genre-free electronic music. Their music is raw, spontaneous, and completely in the moment — each set is a one-of-a-kind experience, built from the ground up every time they hit the stage.

Amir B. Ash & Safeya Alblooshi. Source: amir-ash.com

Public Talk

We are collaborating with THE KARAK — a Dubai-based project known for spotlighting creatives through engaging, thought-provoking conversations. At the festival, the key theme will be "Creativity and Community" — it perfectly sums up what Crowd Test Festival is all about. These aren’t just words; they capture the essence of everything happening here, from the art and performances to the conversations and connections being made. It is all about celebrating the creative spirit and the power of coming together.

What is more?

As long as we are all about music, our friends at TONE are all about true style. TONE, an online footwear store based in Dubai with a sustainable mission, is now our partner at Crowd Test. Why? Because we value the same things — self-expression, individuality, art, and, of course, sustainability. TONE’s collection goes way beyond just shoes; it is about making a statement and stepping lightly on the planet.

How to join us?

First, save the date (worth repeating!): Crowd Test Festival, November 16, 2024, from 5 pm to 3 am, at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

Entry Details:

— Ticket Price: 150 AED if purchased online, 200 AED if purchased at the door. Includes: two complimentary mixed drinks. Tickets are already available here!

And also, check out our Instagram — we will be giving away 10 tickets there.

Crowd Test Festival's schedule

Check the schedule below — and join us at the first Crowd Test by The Sandy Times!

by Alexandra Mansilla