Tiga Soul kick-starts February at Bobo KL with a tribute to Women of Soul from Feb 2 to 4.
IT HAS been a giant party continuum as we’ve had back-to-back celebrations from Christmas to the New Year and up to the Chinese New Year.
The festive fun continues after dark, as there’s plenty of action on stage to choose from with everything from rock and pop to blues and jazz lighting up venues throughout the Klang Valley.
Here are just a few places to get your groove on and jam the night away.
Merdekarya
352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57
Petaling Garden, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 018-661 4553
One of the Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month with a line-up that promises plenty of great music. Tonight, Keith Kamalaraj and the Casualties serve up some blues rock followed by Otam getting serious with funk folk.
Tomorrow, Syakir and the Rombongan get in on the indie rock trip while Jack’s A Dull Boy will be presenting garage blues rock vibes.
Next Wednesday, it’s all about folk in its various flavours when Sounds of Kites and Shavkat take on Merdekarya’s stage in a double header. Next Thursday, singer-songwriter Fabian Mark Peter starts the night before handing the reins to Armand Tanzarian for some post-rock vibes.
BOBO KL
65-2 Jalan Bangkung
Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo and its baby grand have hosted many music legends. This month, things take a comedic turn with some smash-hitters on the stand-up circuit taking the stage. Tonight and tomorrow night, Phoon Chi Ho is in the house to continue Bobo’s January Jokefest while next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Kavin Jay brings out the big laughs to help get over any lingering festive hang-ups.
Despite January’s comedic focus, music is still part of Bobo’s soul and its Tuesday night Gitar’n’Jiwa sessions continue to thrill fans, with the most recent guests, Evelyn Feroza and Dean Sim.
Wednesday nights are jazzed up by resident musician David Gomes, although next month some great stand-up will be thrown in for good measure. February also promises to be a big month with Tiga Soul celebrating Women of Soul from Feb 2 to 4. Melissa Indot then returns to the Bobo stage from Feb 9 to 12 to get everyone in the mood for Valentine’s Day with her Seasons of Love. For tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
JAO TIM
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. Tonight, explore the sounds of indie soul, jazz and hip-hop with the Adil Johan Quintet introducing MC Snitch. Next Wednesday, celebrate Springtime at Jao Tim with some great lunar new year favourites served up by fabulous vocalist Yudi Yap accompanied by Tay Cher Siang. Next Thursday’s Tablelamp Concert is a nod to evergreen oldies with Alan Lam and Loretta Tan performing a duet acoustic Guzheng (Chinese zither) performance.
Crane KL
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. A good selection of cocktails and great food add to its charm. It offers a great selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday. Every Friday, get into the groove with Russell Curtis. Saturdays see a double-header of guitar greats with Gerard Singh and Jamie Wilson teaming up.
BATS Bangsar
14 Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar, KL
WhatsApp: 012-969 8557
This is one of the stand-outs on the Bangsar block, at least where live music is concerned, as a selection of great musicians take the stage regularly. Get ready for a treat as co-owner, and first Malaysian Idol winner, Jaclyn Victor occasionally performs. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a fixture here and there is music daily. For performance details, visit www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
LOCO TTDI
11 Jalan Wan Kadir 2,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
Tel: 016-380 8477
The cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco has live sessions on Tuesday and Sunday nights from 6pm. Join the Locobuskers for some great vibes. Troubadour Tam gets in on the action on Sunday nights while Tuesdays see the duo of Mary Jackson and Raymond Chia.
9FiveQ Restobar
34 Jln USJ9/5Q
Subang Jaya
Tel: 010-277 2909
Tucked away in Subang Jaya, this gem serves up live jams every night. Tuesday nights see regular Gerard Singh delivering acoustic action on stage.
MEZZE
132 Jalan Kasah
Medan Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-3689 6393
Mezze sets the stage every Friday with a selection of great artistes getting into the groove. Tonight, it’s unplugged, with Acoustic Fourplay turning up the heat.
Backyard Pub & Grill
28 Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, KL
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Backyard has been serving up good times, great food and amazing vibes for over 30 years. On Thursday nights, talented guitarist Mark Renesh teams up with songstress Brenda Lee to let the good times roll. On Sundays, it’s happy hours with Sharin on stage in the late afternoon.
Saints Bar
11-1 Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, KL
Tel: 017-979 7148
The bar pays homage to the Lasallian community in Malaysia. Friday night live sessions take place every week with Ice and Johan.
On Line Pub
32 Jalan SS20/10
Damansara Kim, PJ
Tel: 03-7728 0532
The Temple of Rock continues to thrill nightlife enthusiasts with its mix of pub grub, chilled beers and loud music.
Three nights of music a week for now. On Wednesday nights, Victor gets the ball rolling with his inimitable laid-back style.
On Thursday nights, troubadour Tam is back with his raspy vocals, and folksy style. Expect nice downtempo ballads mixed up with rocking acoustic tunes and a whole load of fun thrown in.
On Saturday nights, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear once rocker Sharin picks up his axe for some major mayhem.
HOME & AWAY HARTAMAS
37 Jalan 23/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL
Tel: 03-6211 1653
Another long-time favourite of football fans, Home and Away Hartamas also offers some great tunes with Gerard Anthony in the house every Wednesday to croon his way into the hearts of the audience.
O2 SS4
10 Jalan SS4/17, PJ
Tel: 03-7873 9066
Originally an offshoot of On Line Pub, O2 SS4 has grown into a neighbourhood favourite. The outlet is a great spot to kick back, relax and have a conversation or two.
While there is the occasional live music, especially during festive seasons, regulars know that one of the thrills here is trying to match wits with Quiz Master Ram every Wednesday night.
Yes, pub quizzes are making a slow but steady comeback in the Klang Valley and O2 SS4 just happens to be one of the places to get a chance of winning boozy prizes.
More photos
January jokefest continues at Bobo KL this weekend with Phoon Chi Ho on stage tonight and tomorrow.
Jamie Wilson (pic) teams up with Gerard Singh on Saturdays in Crane KL.
Gerard Anthony takes the stage at Home and Away Hartamas on Wednesday nights.
Sharin stirs up mayhem at Backyard and On Line.
Tam brings his troubadour tunes to On Line on Thursdays and Loco TTDI on Sundays.
