(Above, from left) Rozz, Poova and (below) Dasha take on the Bee Gees at Bobo KL next weekend.
MUSIC is always welcome on a night out, and more so a live performance.
With everything from R&B, pop and rock to jazz, Latin and even Indie vibes, music lovers in the Klang Valley are often spoilt for choice so here is a small selection of venues where you can kick back, relax, grab a cold one or two and enjoy a night out with some live music thrown in for good measure.
MEZZE LOUNGE
No.132, Jalan Kasah,
Medan Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-3689 6393
Sophisticated, yet relaxed, Mezze KL’s lounge offers an extensive range of imported wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails.
There is also a great humidor for cigar lovers out there, and on Fridays and Saturdays get a taste of the jazzier, funkier side of life with a selection of musicians taking the stage.
Tonight, Acoustic Fourplay are in the house to serve up some chill vibes. Next Friday, Prime Time will be on stage for a groovy night.
SKYARK EVENT SPACES
No.3-10, Lakeville Lifestyle Shoplot,
Jalan Sibu, off Jalan Kuching,
Taman Wahy, KL
Red Hot Chilli Peppers fans should mark Oct 8 on their calendars as a group of talented local musicians team up for a stellar tribute to one of the most epic bands around.
Emmanuel, of Kaya fame, and Blister’s Mario are at the forefront on vocals, with Raja Faroque and Josh Thomas on guitars, Kaya’s David Harding and Ashton from Sounds of Jane on bass, while the backline will be kept going with Reuben D of Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men and Ajay Kumar on drums.
The band promises a deep dive into the John Fruscianti era of the band, though some of the Peppers’ commercial hits will also be featured. Early bird tickets priced at RM80 are available at https://rhcptribute.peatix.com and it’ll be RM100 at the door.
MERDEKARYA
No.352, Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 016-207 1553
One of the places for indie vibes in the Klang Valley, Merdekarya has been offering its support to local singer-songwriters for a while now.
Tomorrow night, enjoy the sounds of some original prog rock with Dewataraya taking the stagewhile Prodigium takes up the challenge to rock the open mic slot.
There are also open mic slots available for anyone who wants to try their hand on stage, so do check out the venue’s website at www.merdekarya.com for details.
KINDA BLUE JAZZ CLUB
Basement, KL Jazz & Arts Centre,
No.1, Lorong Kapar,
Off Jalan Syed Putra, KL
TEL: 012-571 7759
A relatively new spot on the scene, Kinda Blue serves up live action on stage every Friday and Saturday night. At the venue, they believe that music surrounds art and vice versa. Expect the unexpected with Rodin JS Kumar on bass, Jordan Rivvers on guitar and vocals, VJ Thison on drums and D. Jumawan on keyboards.
On Oct 8, there’s an extra special outing on the cards with prog outfit The Stalemate Factor appearing back-to-back with indie wild card Cats in Love. Tickets are priced at RM50.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-263 8603
Another live space in Bangsar for music fans to get into the groove.
Tuesday nights are Gitar ‘n Jiwa nights for an acoustic thrill. Six nights of great acts here so there is something for everyone.
Tomorrow and Sunday, expect a surprise when a collaboration originally scheduled for 2020 comes back on the calendar. Classical pianist Mei Lin Hii and video artist Arnaud Blondel have teamed up from Metamorphosis, a feast for the eyes and ears.
Next Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s an all-women powerhouse line-up of Rozz, Dasha Logan and Poova paying tribute to the Bee Gees. Get your tickets at www.cloudtix.co/bobokl
Crane KL
No.78, Jalan Sultan, KL
WhatsApp: 013-218 5712
Website: cranekl.com
Another Chinatown hotspot, Crane KL is all about a good time in a heritage building. Good selection of cocktails and great food add to the charm of the ambience here. Also features a great selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday.
JAMA KL
Lot J-G-03, Jalan Solaris,
Mont Kiara, KL
Tel: 014-947 4843
With a name derived from the Malay word “menjamah”, you can pretty much expect a complete experience at Jama KL with a selection of great food and great vibes. Now also serving up a great selection of live music, Jama has got a great month ahead for music fans.
On Line Pub
No.32, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7728 0532
The one-and-only Temple of Rock continues to thrill nightlife enthusiasts as it shows a whole new generation just what it takes to get it right with a mix of pub grub, chilled beers and loud music.
Three nights of music a week for now, but what a selection the boys behind the bar serve up.
Thursday: Troubadour Tam gets into the groove with his raspy vocals and inimitable folksy style. Expect nice down-tempo ballads to mix it up with more rocking acoustic tunes and a whole load of fun thrown in on top.
Friday: Kdee and Man take the stage from 9pm onwards, serving up a taste of yesteryear for the punters of today. Expect golden oldies to maybe a touch of the 1980s and 1990s added to the mix.
Saturday: On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear, albeit on an acoustic note. Inimitable and irrepressible rocker Sharin swaps his electric axe for a more toned down acoustic guitar, and joining him on stage is his Rockustic partner-in-crime Al Hafiz to set the night on fire.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897
Website: www.jaotim.com
An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim absolutely drips with old world charm and 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 that are just that much different to standout.
BATS Bangsar
No.14, Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar, KL
WhatsApp: 012-969 8557
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 a full list of musicians performing here, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
Bell and Crown
No.34, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 016-964 0786
What used to be Sid’s in TTDI now boasts a new name, but still that same old British pub experience with the Bell & Crown. Live music on Sundays, with Mark Renesh and Victor M taking turns to get the crowds crooning and dancing along to their beats. The best part – it kicks off early so be here from 7.30pm onwards to have a blast.
Crooner Gerard Singh is in action at The Bertie & Bella on Saturday.
The Bertie & Bella
E-35-01, 3-Two Square,
No.2, Jalan 19/1,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7665 9368
With a name like The Bertie & Bella, footie fans would definitely know which team is supported here. But it’s more than just a football fan hangout, with a great selection of live music on offer and a decently extensive menu and, of course, a great selection of cold drinks.
Saturday: Just one of them on stage is a treat, so get ready for a little magic when Gerard Singh teams up with Colin Jackson to get the party going.
