Jazzing up Klang Valley nights

Elvira delivers her take on 1990s R&B this weekend at Bobo KL.

THERE is more than just rock out there for fans of live music in the Klang Valley as more venues get back into the groove of things.

With everything from R&B, pop and rock to jazz, Latin and even indie vibes, music lovers are often spoilt for choice when picking a place for a good night out.

Here is a selection of venues where you can kick back, relax, grab a cold one and enjoy music.

MERDEKARYA

352 Jalan 5/57

Petaling Jaya

Tel: [phone]

One of the places for indie vibes in the Klang Valley, Merdekarya has been supporting local singer-songwriters for a while now. Tonight, enjoy the sounds of original Malaysiana folk with Brian Gomez on stage. The outlet is closed for a private event on Saturday and Sunday, but next week, Azmyl Yunor will be serving up some original folk rock on Wednesday. Next Thursday, Shavkat takes the stage with his brand of indie folk. There are also open mic slots available for anyone who wants to try their hand on stage, so check www.merdekarya.com for details.

MEZZE LOUNGE

123 Jalan Kasah,

Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: [phone]

Sophisticated yet relaxed, Mezze offers an extensive range of imported wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails. There is also a great humidor for cigar lovers, and on Fridays, get a taste for the jazzier, funkier side with a selection of musicians taking the stage. Tonight, Natasha is in the house to liven up spirits and on Aug 19, four-piece outfit Millenium takes the stage.

BLUE at EQ

EQ, Equatorial Plaza,

Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL

Tel: [phone]

A bespoke speakeasy bar, Blue at EQ boasts a spectacular view of the Twin Towers and KL Tower. Set high above the ground at Sky51, one of the city’s newest rooftop dining destinations, the outlet serves up more than just the usual DJ fare, though there is a good deal of action on that front as well. A RM50+ access fee applies for live music nights, and there is a smart casual dress code. Berklee College of Music alumna Irma Seleman takes the stage tonight and tomorrow night for groovy, funky melodies that are sure to get your feet tapping and your head bopping.

FIRE & ICE CLUB

24 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL

Tel: [phone]

A newer outlet on the scene, Fire & Ice serves up a combo of great live tunes and selected grooves. Every Sunday, join Voltage on stage as it rocks the house from 9.15pm onwards with DJ Peace keeping it real between sets. Voltage is also in the house every Friday night to get the weekend off to a rocking good start.

JAMA KL

Lot J-G-03, Jalan Solaris,

Mont Kiara, KL

Tel: [phone]

You can pretty much expect a complete experience at Jama KL, with its selection of great food and great vibes. Jama has a great month lined up for live music fans. Tonight, Joshua Thomas will get the party going with his selection of tunes. Tomorrow, metal fans are in for a treat with Port Zero taking the stage in tribute to the legendary Iron Maiden. On Aug 18, the Alan G Trio are in the house to take it a bit slow.

BOBO KL

65-2 Jalan Bangkung

Bangsar, KL

Tel: [phone]

Another live music space in Bangsar for fans to get into the groove. Tuesday nights are Gitar ‘n Jiwa nights with. Six nights of great acts are lined up so there is something for everyone. From tomorrow night until Sunday night, Elvira Arul joins the Last Notes, comprising Rie Razman on keys, Rozhan Razman on bass and Kae Vin on drums, to present her take on the sounds of R&B from the 1990s. Music fans hold on to your seats as next week, from Aug 18 to 20, Rozz will be joined by Nish Tham on piano for three nights of Broadway. Surprise guests are also on the cards, so be prepared for the unexpected. Get your tickets at www.cloudtix.co/bobokl

JAO TIM

61 Jalan Sultan, KL

Tel: [phone]

Website: www.jaotim.com

An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim absolutely drips with old-world charm but also serves up an interesting array of offerings. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings to standout.

Tonight: Get ready to explore the sounds of classic Malaysiana with Aruel Ariel presenting Pesta Ronggeng, also featuring Bob Skunjas on drums, Leonard on keys, Chee Wan on Bass, Ijoo on guitar and Firdaus on trumpet. Tickets are priced at RM90 and entry is for fully vaccinated individuals.

Saturday: Time for a mid-afternoon R&B jam session led by the Andy Chong Trio featuring Zharif Slowjamzz. Tickets are RM35, unless you plan to jam, and then it’ll be RM10 or a first drink charge.

Sunday: The regular mid- afternoon jam session at Jao Tim throws a spotlight on jazz this weekend, with the Andy Chong trio on stage. Tickets are RM35, unless you plan to jam, and then it’ll be RM10 or a first drink charge.

ESCOBAR by Loco TTDI

11a, Jalan Wan Kadir 2

Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL

Tel: [phone]

Tucked away above the cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco TTDI, is sister outlet Escobar. This lush, comfortable neighbourhood lounge draws its inspiration from hit Netflix drama Narcos and aims to hit all the right spots from drink selections to its ambience and vibe. With the tagline “sick tunes, chilled drinks and beautiful people”, the bar makes its own effort to stand out from the crowd. Friday nights are also a hot time to chill at Escobar, with DJ Skeletor getting the party into the groove.

BATS Bangsar

14, Jalan Telawi 2

Bangsar, KL

WhatsApp: [phone]

One of the stand-outs on the Bangsar block, at least where live music is concerned, there’s something for everyone here with a selection of great musicians taking the stage regularly. Also get ready for a treat as co-owner and first Malaysian Idol winner Jaclyn Victor occasionally graces the stage. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a fixture here and there is music seven days a week. For the full list of performing musicians, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar

SID’S PUB at TTDI

34, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14

TTDI, KL

Tel: [phone]

Sid’s group of pubs have been making their mark in the Klang Valley for many a year now. The TTDI outlet has a new management and serves up some great Irish-themed pub grub, live sports and, of course, music on Sundays, with Mark Renesh and Victor M taking turns to get crowds crooning and dancing. It kicks off early so be here from 7.30pm onwards.

SAINTS BAR

First Floor, 11-1

Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, KL

Tel: [phone]

When it comes to themed bars, Saints does things a little different by paying homage to a group of educators – the Lasallian community in Malaysia: brothers, teachers, students – past, present, future and the forgotten. The outlet also celebrates the contributions of La Salle Brothers to education in Malaysia and there is a nifty series of paintings on the wall of various La Salle institutions in Malaysia.

Wednesdays: Riza and Siti take on the Live Sessions at Saints for some music to brighten the midweek.

Tomorrow night: Arab and Badar are two musicians who have been perfecting their art over the years. Hitting the stage on Friday nights, the duo is ready to get into the thick of the action.