Your Local Bahraini Guide!
HalaBahrain Magazine
Lifestyle - Technology Entertainment - Events
Magazine Oct 2008 - Volume 1 - Issue 4
Local Talent Discovering the hidden gems around Bahrain!
Places to Go
Events & Parties
Things to Do Restaurants Fashion
We cover the best of the Ramadan & Eid happenings!
And much more! HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Editorial
A new Look! Dear Readers,
HalaBahrain Magazine Lifestyle - Technology Entertainment - Events
©
The Team
What a month it’s been! Ramadan came and went with many, many events and happenings around the country, and then Eid came along with a few very special shows (which we’ve covered in the events section, take a look). It’s been a great month, but thankfully now we can all go back to eating a good breakfast and lunch.
Editor-in-Chief Ammar Al-Aradi Creative Director Fardan Raffi Public Relations Amal Fareed
Copyright Information
We’ve been looking at different ways to make an our online publication more reader-friendly, and hopefully the new design is the solution; we’ve redesigned the magazine to better fit your computer screens, and changed the layout to make it easy to read without having to constantly zoom in and out. We hope this works better, do let us know your feedback!
© All Rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Liability: While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising it.
Again, we would love to hear from you about anything; send us your emails with thoughts about the magazine, letters, ideas, and let us know what you’re thinking!
HalaBahrain is a fully registered online publication with the Bahrain Ministry of Information, under registration number EQHBH210 HalaBahrain is published monthly; to view the magazine, for a free subscription, or to download a copy, please visit www.halabahrain.com. For advertising and all enquiries, please contact admin@halabahrain.com
Have a great one!
Ammar Al-Aradi Editor In Chief
www.HalaBahrain.com admin@halabahrain.com
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Upcoming
News, Events & Happenings
With Ramadan over and done, people again have the energy to do more during the day; which means they want more to do to relax during the nights! This has been catered for with a few live performances this month, as we have two hit-making classics performing in October; Arrested Development (Everyday People), and The Wailers (from Bob Marley fame), on the 18th and 30th of October, respectively. Looking for a more modern sound? Tara Mcdonald will be performing at the Marina Club on the 9th.
10 October National Sprint / 2000cc Location: Bahrain Int’l Circuit Timing: 10:00am - 4:00pm 9 October
On the more artistic side of things, visit Art Lounge 2, an event to host paintings, sculptures and photos by 8 local artists. Art Lounge 1 was a great success in February, and so they are back with another installment of the showcasing of local arts; it will run from the 23rd of October until the 1st of November, at the Banyan Tree, Al Areen. Also on the art side, Elham will have their 14th gathering at Cocoon, as an exhibit for poetry, photography and music on 28 October. Motorsport fans? Head over early to the Bahrain International Circuit on the 10th of the month, as practice sessions for the National Sprint are in place, and the Batelco 2000cc races go on!
Tara Mcdonald Concert Location: Marina Club Timing: 8:00pm Entrance: BD12, BD35 18 October Arrested Development Location: Coral Beach Club Timing: 4:00pm Entrance: BD14 23 October - 1 November Art Lounge 2 Location: Banyan Tree Al-Areen 7:00pm Timing: Contact: +973 - 39212060 28 October Elham’s 14th Gathering Location: Cocoon Lounge Timing: 7:00pm Contact: +973 - 39623381 www.elhambahrain.net 30 October The Wailers Location: Coral Beach Club Timing: 7:00pm Entrance: BD14
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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HalaBahrain Mail Got something to say? Anything specific you’d like to see in the magazine? Or maybe you just love our magazine? Hate it? Or just need someone to talk to? Whatever it is, let us know, email us on: admin@halabahrain.com ————
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FROM: Jane SUBJECT: Topics
FROM: Khaldoun SUBJECT: TV’s
Hello; interesting magazine you have here, a little bit of everything, and a nice guide to the country! We would love if you could put more light on the traditional side of things, such as your gergaoon articles, as we don’t get to see much of that around here. Keep up the great work!
Kudos on the electronics & gadgets section! How about something on TV’s? I want to buy a new one but can’t get my head around all the different LCD and Plasma types, HD vs regular models, and other functions?
That is definitely one of our priorities; we’re looking to push out quite a bit on the traditional front, and you’ll be seeing that expand over the next few issues!
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You’re in luck! We should be covering that next month!
FROM: Raja SUBJECT: Funny! The style in your magazine is
light and easily readable, and your comments on mail and cars have me laughing! It’s nice to see a light-read compared to some of the boring magazines that have sprung up around Bahrain recently, which are just full of text. I think you could cut down on some of the text in some parts of the magazine though, but overall it’s still a great, enjoyable read. We’re generally funny guys here at the HB offices! We try not to put down the other magazines much, although there recently have been some publications which we feel are tough to swallow. We’ve gone over the and redone out magazine, and
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
hopefully the new design this month makes it more easy to read. We appreciate all feedback, so let us know what you think! ———— FROM: Dani Dani SUBJECT: Arab Entertainment I like how you cover many sections with travel and car and entertainment, but why don’t you have any reviews of Arabic music & movies? We’d love to see more of that. That’s a very interesting point you bring up; something we’ll definitely consider for our upcoming issues; keep an eye out for it!
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Events
AutoX/Drag Racing
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
The month of Ramadan saw the Circuit Racing Club & the Drag Racing Club organize a series of night events; the first was an autocross event, a burnout event, and a drag test & tune, in preparation for the upcoming racing season.
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Events
Elham
Elham opened up their third season by an event at Albareh Gallery on the 23rd of October. The event featured artist recitals, playing instruments, a showing of visuals and music, and a short movie.
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Tradition / Events
Gergaoon Gergaoon happens in the middle of Ramadan; a festival of sorts, where children put on their colorful, traditional clothes, and go from door to door singing songs in return for sweets. We went over to the Heritage Village to catch the festivities
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Events
The 2nd & 3rd of October brought along with it a new form of entertainment for Bahrain: Stand-Up Comedy! Ahmad Ahmad and Maz Jobrani of the Axis of Evil performed
their hilarious comedy acts on stage, but what was interesting to note was the warm-up acts; five local comedians who actually brought the crowds to tears! Overall, a sell-out event that everyone enjoyed!
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
Bahrain Comedy
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Events
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Events
Amr Diab Eid Concert The world famous Amr Diab performed live at the Bahrain Exhibition Center on the 3rd of October, in an Eid concert that had the crowds dancing and singing along to his famous hit songs.
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Events
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HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Eating Out
E
xcited as we were about City Center opening up, there was one specific place we were even more excited about; T.G.I. Fridays! We watched in anticipation over the past few years, as their chain of restaurants opened around the Middle East, long awaiting a local branch to savor their tasty dishes, and now it's finally here!
classy fast-food joint, the taste puts this restaurant on a level of it's own. Try a Tennesee sampler or one of their steaks, and you'll get hit with flavor that puts other restaurants to shame!
Besides the food, the atmosphere is always exciting and fun; colorful surroundings, accompanied by energetic servers who Fridays have an extensive selection of dishes; dance and sing, makes you want to come for though the mental association is usually the food, and stay for the fun! TGI Fridays is made with other steakhouses or your average now open at Bahrain City Center HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Eating Out
A few days before Eid, through the rush of people at the shops and malls, something was brewing. The sweet smell of freshly made doughnuts filled the air, and soon after, Krispy Kreme staff walked around handing out free boxes of doughnuts to everyone, and within seconds people were rushing to try and get a sample of the sweet taste!
Whenever you pass by a Krispy Kreme store, look out for the ‘Hot Light’ in the window; when it’s on, that means the doughnuts are coming out at that exact moment, so make sure to run in and grab some hot and fresh! With a large selection, Krispy Kreme caters to all tastes; you have to start your KK experience by sampling an Original Glazed though - one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why the fuss? Well, a Krispy Kreme isn’t your average doughnut; over 70 years of experience, and a closely guarded Krispy Kreme is now available at Seef secret recipe go into the making of each doughnut, and all you have to do Mall, and Bahrain City Center to get hooked is try one piping hot.
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Local Talent
It’s apparent, if not totally obvious, that the independent music scene in Bahrain needs help. The skills and talent do exist all over Bahrain, but since no one has stepped up to offer support, whether through financial sponsorship, or even offering a place for musicians to perform, the scene is choking. This is where Bahrain Talent comes in; the site offers a portal to support local artists, give them exposure, and connect them to each other. Digging deeper into the scene, Bahrain
Talent exposes some artists who are so good, you wouldn’t even believe are Bahraini at first; everything ranging from DJ’s. rappers, rockers, Oud-players, and much more. In this issue we’ve covered a few of the artists featured on BahrainTalent. Read about them, visit the website to listen to their music, and check out some of the others. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
www.BahrainTalent.com
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Local Talent
Ed Buzzerk
It's not often that you find Bahraini producer working with a varied mix of talents, and stand out in all of them; Ahmed Zainal aka Ed Buzzerk, produces Techno, House, Electro, HipHop, and DJ's too. Since his start in 1998, he's grown his skills, competed in the annual Thirst Competitons in Bahrain at BJ's (ending up second twice in the last two), and has released his own EP on next dimension music, along with several remixes and original tracks on other EPs. Ed’s mixes and beats have gotten rave reviews on some of the biggest house charts, including his latest remix on the Surge label for the track “Deep Down Inside” by Cardona & Balzan. To find out more about Ed, and listen to his music, take a look at his profile on www.BahrainTalent.com
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Local Talent
Hasan Hujairi
Despite his interest in the Oud at a young age, it was not until Hasan went abroad in pursuit of higher education that he felt a need to play it. Hasan links this need to a sense of urgency in rediscovering his heritage and identity. He had been playing Classical Guitar for some years by the time he began university, and was often performing Classical Middle Eastern music in various cultural events while studying in the U.S.A.
moved to Tokyo. In Tokyo, he found much support for his music and has been actively performing in various places, such as the Imperial Hotel and NHK Broadcasting Museum. In today’s Bahrain, where those practicing art are usually geared towards the more modern form, it’s refreshing to find someone who keeps up traditions by mastering such a an instrument, strongly linked to our heritage. To find out more about Hasan, and listen to his music, take a look at his profile on www.BahrainTalent.com
Upon receiving a scholarship from the Japanese government in 2005 to pursue his graduate studies in Economic History, Hasan HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Local Talent
DJ Outlaw
With a love for Hip-hop music, DJ Outlaw started his music career back in 1997, as an independent DJ. Although limited opportunities were available, this did not stop him from pursuing his passion for music, and he started up his own home studio by 1999 for full music production.
Over the past year, DJ Outlaw has been working on his upcoming album, History in the Making. The record will feature artist from all over the globe, from Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, big names from the US and Canada, and many more. Keep a look out for it coming real soon.
From then on, it’s been long days and nights of hard work to achieve what he’s achieved; digging up fresh talent, launching Infinity (one of Bahrain’s first rap groups), doing shows all over the MiddleEast, including shows with 2pac’s Outlaws.
To find more about DJ Outlaw’s upcoming shows and releases, and to download his music and mix tapes (featuring some very exclusive unreleased material), you can check out his profile on www.BahrainTalent.com
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Fashion
Pop up Your Outfit.. Accessorize!
Even if you have the most stylish, fashionable clothes on, they're just not enough on their own! Accessories are always essential to every girl, and you can never have enough; they bring out any outfit and pimp it up no matter how plain it is, so here are the hottest trends this season for all of you fashionistas out there. Jewelry The latest jewelry trends are costume jewelry with big stones. Charms, rosaries, crosses, feathers and corals are also very feminine. Chains are hot this season, wide or narrow and not only on jewelry but also bags, shoes and even clothing, so bring on the Chain Reaction! Another hot trend this season is animals like panthers, snakes and crocodiles etc. The key for jewelry is BIG sizes and the more the better! Bags The 80s baby bag is making a comeback! Small bags, clutches and satchels in many different shapes and sizes are very fashionable. The big bag is not quite out yet though, this season, its all about extremes! Your bag can never be too small or too big either. Wear your bags in a long belt or strap and rest it on your hips.
HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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Fashion
Hosiery Hosiery is no longer as subtle or considered extras anymore; it has become essential! Opaque stockings are must haves, and you can never have enough colors whether solids or printed. Striking colors bring out any outfit, and plaid stockings are the hottest. Also, long toeless or half-toed tights. Opaque tights are not only stylish but also practical since they provide more coverage.
Shoes The key trend for shoes is flats; flats are no longer restricted to day time activities and casual wear. Studded, embellished, in hot colors and unique styles; flats can be worn day and night, to work and to a party. Another hot shoe is the gladiator inspired, peep toe ankle boot, stylish and sexy.
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Download NOW at
www . DJOutlaw . com HalaBahrain Magazine | October 2008
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