The annual Singapore Grand Prix has always been as much about the race as about the off-track entertainment. This year is no different with an impressive line-up of acts including headliners Bon Jovi, Maroon 5 and Pharrell Williams.
Life picks eight must-see acts happening within the circuit.
1
PHARRELL WILLIAMS
The American singer-songwriter is known for his catchy mega hit, Happy, the lead song from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, and also features in other viral tunes such as Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines and Daft Punk's Get Lucky.
Named one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People In The World last year, Pharrell, as he is better known, is also a respected music producer, having worked with stars including Beyonce, Britney Spears and Ed Sheeran.
Where: Zone 4 - Padang Stage
When: Sept 18, 11.10pm to 12.30am
2
MAROON 5
This will be the American pop band's second gig at the Singapore Grand Prix after performing to a 50,000-strong crowd back in 2012.
One of the biggest bands in the world, Maroon 5 released their latest album V last year, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 and features hit tracks Sugar, Animal and Maps.
Where: Zone 4 - Padang Stage
When: Sept 19, 11.15pm to 12.30am
3
BON JOVI
-
Book it/2015 FORMULA ONE SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
-
WHERE: Marina Bay Street Circuit
WHEN: Sept 18 to 20, various timings
ADMISSION: From $68 (for a single-day walkabout ticket on Sept 18). All tickets provide access to the entertainment within the circuit, but only those with a Zone 1 ticket can catch the concerts at the Village Stage. Tickets are selling fast.
INFO: Go to www.singaporegp. sg
Capping off the race on Sunday night will be rock veterans Bon Jovi, who return to Singapore after 20 years.
Best known for hits such as It's My Life, Livin' On A Prayer and Bed Of Roses, the American band are fronted by the charismatic Jon Bon Jovi and have been performing for more than 30 years. They have sold more than 130 million albums and won over 20 awards including a Grammy.
Where: Zone 4 - Padang Stage
When: Sept 20, 10.30pm to 12.30am
4
THE DANCING FIRE
American performance troupe The Dancing Fire, like their name suggests, incorporates fire into their dance routines, resulting in hypnotically stunning spectacles.
Expect to see flaming headdresses and heart-shaped breaths of fire during their performances that include high energy samba to belly dancing.
Where: Zone 1 - Village Stage
When: Sept 18, 11 to 11.40pm; Sept 19, 7 to 7.30pm
Where: Zone 1 - Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage
When: Sept 20, 6 to 6.40pm
5
TAKE TWO
As the indie music scene in Singapore continues to take flight, rising indie quintet Take Two are one local act to catch this F1 season. Their punchy, feet-tapping sound is reminiscent of English indie-rock darlings Bombay Bicycle Club.
The winners of last year's Noise Singapore Music Mentorship programme released their first EP, Pairs, in April.
Where: Zone 4 - Coyote Stage
When: Sept 19, 7 to 7.30pm
Where: Zone 1 - Sunset Stage
When: Sept 20, 10 to 10.40pm
6
MICHAELA THERESE
With a full-length album and two EPs under her belt, jazz musician Michaela Therese has taken her music overseas to places such as Hong Kong, Japan and London. She has also performed alongside American R&B singer Brian McKnight.
An active performer in the jazz circuit here, she regularly sings solo or fronts soul-funk-jazz band L.A.B at festivals, music bars and large-scale events including the recent National Day Parade.
Where: Zone 1 - Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage
When: Sept 18, 11 to 11.30pm, and Sept 19, 7 to 7.25pm
7
DAPHNE KHOO
Fresh off penning Greatest, one of the theme songs for the recent South-east Asian Games, the singersongwriter is gaining recognition for her work.
The contestant on the inaugural season of Singapore Idol in 2004 has since released a solo album and been featured in EDM track Higher, alongside big-name British DJ Paul Oakenfold and uprising Canadian duo Project 46.
Where: Zone 1 - Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage
When: Sept 18, 8.25 to 9.15pm
8
DIM SUM DOLLIES
The hilarious cabaret trio of Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Denise Tan will tickle your funny bone while reacquainting you with the nation's history and addressing contemporary issues with tongue-in-cheek satire.
Where: Zone 1 - Sunset Stage
When: Sept 20, 6.10 to 6.40pm
Gurveen Kaur
