AS the sun goes down, music lovers can enjoy a wide selection of entertainment in the Klang Valley.
With a host of musicians in the circuit, there is pretty much something for everyone, from rock, pop, blues and jazz to everything else.
Here are just a few places to get grooving, let your hair down and jam the night away.
MERDEKARYA
No.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 recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Tonight, alternative rock is in focus with Skies Are Red taking the stage for a night of no-holds-barred action. Tomorrow night, expect a dose of rock from Cats In Love. Next Friday, go back to a time when grunge ruled the airwaves with Hey Jay! delivering its brand of alternative grunge. On April 8, it’s a triple-header with Shalini, Noel Long and Duncan Ng getting into the groove. Open-mic slots are also available for budding artistes. No cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2022 3897
Website: www.jaotim.com
An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim is replete with Old World Charm. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings. Tomorrow, the outlet’s jam sessions continue with Alie leading the pack for an R&B filled outing. Next Thursday night, the Table Lamp Concert series continues with singer-songwriter Brendan de Cruz delivering the music of Ed Sheeran. On Friday, it’s disco, soul and funk with Nicolaz. The funk-and-soul theme continues on April 8 with Saint Kylo in the house. Fans of Chinese pop will be in for a thrill on April 9 when Chloe Hoo & Friends tackle the songbook of Jay Chou. Cover charges apply.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung
Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo and its baby grand have hosted many music legends. After a month of comedic evenings, great music returns to Bobo’s stage. Tonight and tomorrow, take a trip back to the roaring 1920s as the Frankie Sixes led by Reza Salleh present not only swing but a whole load of lindy hop as well. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night, be prepared for something special as ukuleles take centrestage at Bobo with the Neokelelelims appearing by special invitation. Next weekend, Shanghai jazz is back as The Shang Sisters take to the stage. Get your tickets at www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl.
SALA @ SHERATON PJ
Lorong Utara C, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7622 8888
Enjoy sweeping views of the Petaling Jaya skyline at this rooftop bar in the heart of the city. More than just offering great views, it is a great place to chill with acoustic vibes mid-week with Mark Renesh and Brenda Lee jamming up a storm on Wednesday nights.
SCANDALOUS TTDI
No.122A, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-8888 7076
Taman Tun Dr Ismail now has another retro joint taking older clubbers on a trip down memory lane to the sounds of classic Malaysian clubs like DV8, Face2, Scandals and Tin Mine. When DJs are not playing classic party hits, there’s live music with Mark Renesh serving up great tunes every Tuesday.
LOCO TTDI
No.11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 016-380 8477
The cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco TTDI serves up great food and drinks with 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 evenings, while Tuesdays feature the rollicking duo of Mary Jackson and Raymond Chia as they deliver a dose of the 1980s and more. On Wednesday nights, Colin Jansen and Ice shake things up.
ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT
No.42, Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL
Tel: 011-6172 9892
One can always expect a great time at Rock Bottom, with DJs spinning during the week. On Sunday nights, from 9pm, the Sons of Adam bring back the spirit of Woodstock and the rocking tunes of the 1960s and 1970s.
D’ROSE CAFE AND BAR
1st floor, 5 Lorong 8/1E, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 011-2335 1477
A newer spot on the live music scene, D’Rose features a rooftop bar for a night out under the stars. A host of soloists perform here, with Jeremy Danker taking the Monday night spot.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 016-315 3072
While the DJs play a selection of awesome tunes for most of the week, Mizan and Kyra take the stage on Monday nights to help banish the Monday blues.
BATS
Sunway Giza,
Jalan PJU 5/14, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012-969 8557
One of the stand-outs in Kota Damansara, at least where live music is concerned, Bats schedules a selection of great musicians. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a regular here with his friends to liven up the nights. Tonight, Vishnu jams with Nina and Agy while tomorrow night, he returns with Nina on vocals and they’ll be joined by Jason. For performance details, visit www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
9FIVEQ RESTOBAR
No.34, Jalan USJ9/5Q
Subang 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 delivering acoustic action on stage.
PAMPAS RESERVE
Ground Floor, Suasana Bukit Ceylon
2 Persiaran Raja Chulan, KL
Tel: 010-703 5405
Pampas Reserve hosts its Saturday live music sessions every week. A host of luminaries have performed here so expect soulful, chilled, fun nights out. Bands which have graced the stage here include Arab and Bada, Mizan and Kyra, and Fiezzta.
ROCKAFELLERS BUKIT DAMANSARA
15-G, 17-G, 19-G Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
More than just DJs, a host of musical acts have taken the stage here. Priscilla Xavier, Gareth and Fairul, Mizan and Kyra, and Yasher and Andy have all previously appeared for the outlet’s Nightcoustic sessions. Details on current musical acts can be found online.
SAINTS BAR
First Floor, 11-1 Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 017-979 7148
Besides paying homage to the contributions of the Lasallian community in Malaysia, the outlet stages live acts. Every Wednesday, crooner Gerard Singh takes the stage while Friday night live sessions see Ice and Johan taking charge.
SIMPLY RETRO by TIN BOX
H-G-02, Hive, TREC438 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
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 turns to bring back the magic that was the music of that era.
CRANE KL
No.78, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
WhatsApp: 013-218 5712
Website: cranekl.com
Crane KL is all about a good time in a heritage building. A good selection of cocktails and great food add to the charm. There’s an excellent selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday. Every Friday, Russell Curtis takes the stage while on Saturdays, it’s a double-header of guitar greats with Gerard Singh and Jamie Wilson teaming up.
MEZZE
No.132, Jalan Kasah,
Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-3689 6393
Mezze’s stage hosts a selection of great artistes getting into the groove every Friday night.
D’MANDO
C-05-1 & C-06-1 Plaza Glomac
Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 011-1040 9227
Taking up two lots in Plaza Glomac, D’Mando has bands on stage five nights a week. Jeremy Danker is in the house on Thursday nights.
BACKYARD PUB & GRILL
No.28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Backyard has been serving up good times, great food and amazing vibes for over 30 years 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, Sharin is on hand to serve up some great vibes in the late afternoon.
ON LINE PUB
No.32, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7728 0532
The Temple of Rock continues to thrill nightlife enthusiasts with an impeccable mix of pub grub, chilled beers and loud music. On Wednesday nights, Victor gets the ball rolling with his inimitable laid-back style while Thursday nights see troubadour Tam with his raspy vocals and folksy style. Down-tempo ballads are mixed up with rocking acoustic tunes. On Saturday nights, irrepressible rocker Sharin picks up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.