IN WHAT seems to have been the blink of an eye, we have almost come to the end of Chinese New Year celebrations, but the festive fun continues after dark.
There’s plenty of action on stage to choose from, with everything from rock and pop to blues and jazz lighting up the nights at venues throughout the Klang Valley and beyond.
Here are just a few places to get your groove on, let your hair down and jam the night away.
BATS Bangsar
No.14, Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar, KL
WhatsApp: 012-969 8557
One of the standouts 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. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a regular here and come Feb 17 and 18, he’ll be turning 50 with his usual focus on charity, with a little help from the BATS crew.
This year’s recipient of the BATS Charity Fundraising Night will be the Inspiration Academy Langkawi, a nature-based learning space on the island up north. The party starts at 5.30pm and goes on till late with food, fun and, most of all, music for all!
All contributions will be used to buy books, stationery and classroom equipment for Inspiration Academy as well as provide support for meals and transport to school. For a full list of musicians performing here, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
MERDEKARYA
No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
One of Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to serve up great vibes from some of the best in the Klang Valley and beyond. Tonight, original indie pop is in focus with Hey Palencia getting into the groove. Tomorrow night, pop rock is in the frame with the Propositions! taking the stage.
Next Wednesday, tune in to the sounds of singer-songwriter Eloise Lau as she entertains while another singer-songwriter, Ian Tai, takes on the Thursday slot. One of Malaysia’s premier folk-rockers, Azmyl Yunor is also slated to get into the thick of things on Feb 15 here in Merdekarya.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo and its baby grand have played host to many a music great and more. After a month of comedic evenings, the focus returns to great music from the Bobo stage. Tonight, Tiga Soul celebrates Women of Soul at Bobo. 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.
On Valentine’s Day itself, get into the groove with a special edition of Gitar’n Jiwa with Christian and Mia Palencia crooning for all the couples out there. Elvira Arul and the Last Notes, meanwhile, will be taking no prisoners from Feb 16 to 18. For tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
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 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 that are certain to stand out.
Tonight, it’s Shanghai jazz all the way with Angel Ang and friends on stage. Next Tuesday, Jao Tim collaborates with the Italian Embassy to showcase violinist Luca Ciarla with special guest Maurizio Perrone on double bass.
SIMPLY RETRO by TIN BOX
H-G-02, Hive, TREC
438, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
An intriguing concept awaits at Simply Retro, a vinyl-only outlet that serves up some of the best of the 1980s and 1990s. Resident deejays Jason Martin, Bernie, Jazzie Jay and Francis K take it in turns to bring back the magic that was the music of that era.
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. Every Friday, get into the groove with Russell Curtis taking the stage while on Saturdays it’s a double-header of guitar greats with Gerard Singh and Jamie Wilson teaming up for a great time.
LOCO TTDI
No.11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 016-380 8477
The cheer-filled Mexican-themed Loco TTDI serves up more than just great food and drinks, with its Live Sessions on Tuesday and Sunday nights from 6pm onwards. Join the Locobuskers for some great vibes. Troubadour Tam gets in on the action on Sunday nights, while Tuesday’s most recent feature was the rollicking duo of Mary Jackson and Raymond Chia.
9FiveQ Restobar
No.34, Jln USJ9/5QSubang Jaya
Tel: 010-277 2909
Priding itself on good food, great drinks and amazing live music, this gem tucked away in Subang Jaya serves up the live jams every night. Tuesday nights see regular Gerard Singh get into the thick of some acoustic action on stage.
Backyard Pub & Grill
No.28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Almost an institution in its own right, Backyard has been serving up good times, great food and amazing vibes for over 30 years. While the grub is great and the drinks refreshing, there is also plenty of music on offer here in the heart of Sri Hartamas.
On Thursday nights, talented guitarist Mark Renesh teams up with songstress Brenda Lee to let the good times roll.
On Sundays, enjoy a twist to happy hours with Sharin on stage in the late afternoon to serve up some great vibes.
Saints BarFirst Floor, 11-1,
Jalan Sri Hartamas 7,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 017-979 7148
When it comes to themed bars, there’s plenty around but Saints does things a little different by choosing to pay homage to a group of educators. As stated in its website, the Saints Bar pays homage to the Lasallian community in Malaysia. Brothers, teachers, students – past, present, future and the forgotten.
The outlet also celebrates the contributions of the 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, including St John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur. Friday night live sessions every week with Ice and Johan taking the stage for a blast.
MEZZE
No.132, Jalan Kasah,
Medan Damansara
Tel: 011-3689 6393
Mezze opens its stage every Friday with a selection of great artistes getting into the groove for a night of interesting music.
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. On Wednesday nights, Victor gets the ball rolling with his inimitable laid-back style for a load of fun. On Thursday nights, Troubadour Tam is back to get into the groove with his raspy vocals and 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.
On Saturday nights, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear. Irrepressible rocker Sharin picks up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.
HOME & AWAY HARTAMAS
No.37, Jalan 23/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL
Tel: 03-6211 1653
Another long-time favourite of football fans, Home & Away Hartamas also offers up some great tunes, with Gerard Anthony in the house every Wednesday to croon his way into the hearts of the audience.
O2 SS4
No.10, Jalan SS4/17,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7873 9066
Originally an offshoot of Damansara Kim’s On Line Pub, O2 SS4 has grown into a neighbourhood favourite away from the hustle and bustle of the usual commercial centres. With a focus on good food and great drinks, 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 Thursday 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 your thrill, with a chance of winning prizes such as drinks.
