Have you found yourself in a bit of a musical rut lately? Tired of the usual live gig destinations in Cairo (all three of them) and limelight-hogging DJs? Here’s some good news: there’s hope out there, and it comes in the shape of the following events, which are bound to get you excited about live music again.

1. PLAYLIST WEDNESDAYS
8PM, Wednesday 23rd March @After Eight, Downtown Cairo

This regular gig organised by the folks at Mada Masr aims to give local and regional artistic talent a platform to perform and connect with new audiences. With the series initially taking place at VENT, god rest its soul, the unique event has found a new home at After Eight. Previous lineups have included stand-up comedian Rami Boraie, rapper Deeb and cartoonist JF Andeel. This month, the featured artist is musician and self-proclaimed 'slacktivist' Noor Noor, who’s in an exhausting number of rock bands including Sukoon, Ze Khoz and Simplexity. Entrance is free as long as you sign up here.

2. D-CAF 2016 OPENING CONCERT: DINA EL WEDIDI & KHANSA BATMA
9PM, Thursday 31st March @ Al Horreya Garden, Zamalek

With this year's edition of the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival all but upon us, the month-long fest of the weird and the wonderful is beginning as it means to go on, with the fantastic Dina El Wedidi, who will perform on a night that will also see Queen of Moroccan rock music, Khansa Batma, take to the stage at Al Horreya Garden. It's a fitting start to the festival, which this year is looking at its most eclectic as artists in the fields of film, music, visual arts, dance and the performing arts descend on Downtown Cairo. Find out more here.

3. OSHTOORA 2016
April 28th – May 2nd @ Fayoum

Last year, this desert music festival caught us by surprise with its eclectic mix of really good music gigs, live performance art and installation art. This Easter holiday, they’re back, except they’ve moved the location from Ras Sudr to the Fayoum desert. The lineup has yet to be announced, but if it’s anything like last year’s playlist (performers included Nickodemus and Tamer Abu Ghazaleh), we suggest you book your all-inclusive passes now. Bring your tent or stay at the quaint Tunis village nearby and get ready for an awesome music festival experience (how often do we get to say that here in Egypt?) Here’s a shot of what you missed last year:

4. SOFAR SOUNDS CAIRO
Somewhere in Cairo at some point in the near future.

If you haven’t heard about this secret music gig series, it’s because it’s a secret music gig series that you’ll only find out about and attend if you sign up to their website. Sofar Sounds was brought to Cairo in 2014, but was founded in a London living room in 2009 and has since spread around the world. Sofar stands for ‘Songs for a Room’ and that’s exactly what you get: a small, intimate gig atmosphere with quality music and like-minded people. Less noise, less fuss, just a casual gig in a secret location somewhere in Cairo. Still hesitant? Check out this video of Hany Mustafa at their last gig in February:

BRUNCH & JAZZ
Every Friday & Saturday 1PM-3PM @ Eish & Malh, Downtown Cairo

Ok, so we know this is cheating and this event doesn’t qualify as a gig or festival, but how often do we get to enjoy live jazz music accompanied by eggs and pancakes to the backdrop of good weather? That’s exactly what this Downtown Italian bistro is offering and, since we were big fans of their slow food day last weekend, we’re sure to check this out next time we’re craving a relaxed, musical brunch. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it’s in a picturesque part of Adly Street, which is lovely and quiet on a weekend morning. Reservation details are here.
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By Kalam El Qahaira