WITH a host of musicians performing in the Klang Valley, there is pretty much something for everyone, from rock and pop to blues, jazz and everything else.
Here are a few places to get your groove on, let your hair down and jam the night away.
TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR
No.28, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 019-870 0493
It may be off Bangsar’s main party strip, but Twenty Eight is not short of offerings for fans of a great night out. The owners have a firm belief in promoting local talent and there’s music every night.
A selection of great drinks and an impressive menu makes it a good place to relax. It’s a great place to chill, chat and enjoy music but the good times may come to an end as the outlet’s lease is up for renewal.
Monday nights are for those who want to take the stage to jam out with indie talents.
Friday nights sees Quiz Master Ram hosting quizzes with a live band on stage to keep punters entertained before and after a quiz round. Ram’s infamous audio rounds might just be set to music, as has happened previously at Twenty Eight.
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin BoxC5 Level G3,
Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
Jazz fans in the Klang Valley have a new venue to explore. Originally in TREC KL, Simply Jazz by Tin Box has moved to Publika.
Tonight and tomorrow night, the legendary Michael Veerapen takes the lead while chanteuse Junji Delfino lends her vocal prowess to the foursome that also includes YH Foo on bass and Cliff Wong on drums.
Indie-folk outfit Faye Faire will be opening for psychedelic rock band The Stalemate Factor at Merdekarya on Saturday.
MERDEKARYA
No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ, Tel: 018-661 4553
One of the Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to serve up great vibes.
Tonight, get into the groove of some classic rock tunes as the Demondolls take the stage.
Tomorrow night, homegrown psychedelic rock band Stalemate Factor will rock the stage and take the opportunity to launch its third album. Opening for Stalemate Factor is a young talented folk/indie foursome called Faye Faire. It’s a night for keeping it original, so cover songs are going to be few.
Next Wednesday, things slow down a bit with Armand Tanzarian. Singer-songwriter Jay Ridzwan helps segue into the weekend next Friday with a collection of his tunes, while R&B and soul fans will be thrilled to check out Suheila on Saturday.
Open mic slots are also available for budding artistes. No cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
David Gomes teams up with YH Foo to present the art of jazz piano and bass at Jao Tim on May 9.
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. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings.
Tonight, Yiny and Tasneem light up the Table Lamp concert series with a night inspired by Taylor Swift.
Tomorrow night, it’s all about funk with Indianapoli. Next Tuesday, jazz lovers are in for a treat when the Table Lamp Concert series showcases the true art of jazz piano and bass with the duo of legendary David Gomes and YH Foo.
Disney fans are in for a treat on Wednesday as Clinton Jerome, Sean Chong and Sylvia Wong explore the tunes of 1990s Disney. Next Thursday, explore the intersection of classic jazz and modern vibes with Winnie Ho, Chloe Hoo and Tay Cher Siang.
Next Friday, Jao Tim goes all out with a Mother’s Day special –Michelle Anne Nunis, Chanelle Guerzo and Mark Valerio team up for a night of the classics, including pop and R&B. Cover charges apply.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL,Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo, and its baby grand, have played host to many music greats. Tonight and tomorrow night, Bobo delves deep into Asean’s musical roots with two nights of “Gema Gamelan” by Rhythm in Bronze – this is a showcase of the classic gamelan jazzed up to a whole new level.
Next week, Lily Jannah and Akz are on stage from May 11 to 13, for “Irama & Lagu.” From May 18 to 20, Ida Mariana is in the house for three nights of Kebaya jazz. For tickets, visit 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. It also serves as a great place to chill with acoustic vibes at the mid-week with Mark Renesh and Brenda Lee jamming up a storm every Wednesday night.
LOCO TTDI
No.11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL, 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 evenings, while Tuesdays feature the rollicking duo of Mary Jackson and Raymond Chia as they deliver a dose of the 1980s. On Wednesday nights, Colin Jansen gets into the groove with Ice.
SCANDALOUS TTDI
No.122A, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 011-8888 7076
Taman Tun Dr Ismail is now host to another retro joint promising older clubbers a trip down memory lane to the sounds of classic Malaysian clubs like DV8, Face2, Scandals and Tin Mine.
When the DJs are not bringing back classic party hits, Mark Renesh serves up great tunes every Tuesday.
W DINING BAR
Signature Park, G-13, Jalan Teknologi 2/1A
Kota Damansara, PJ, Tel: 013-396 6883
Saturday nights will never be the same in Kota Damansara with guitar maestro Xiong taking the stage at W Dining Bar.
Xiong is fresh from becoming the first Malaysian musician to receive Brazil’s Order of Rio Branco for his efforts in promoting bossa nova. Expect magical Latin rhythms as he keeps it tight with an acoustic in tow.
BATS
Sunway Giza
Jalan PJU 5/14, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012-969 8557One of the standouts in Kota Damansara, at least where live music is concerned, there’s something for everyone here. Pianoman Vishnu Shakhti is a regular here with a host of friends to liven up the nights.
Tonight, Vishnu jams with Nina and Agy and tomorrow night he returns with Nina on vocals again though this time around the show features Jason. For the full list of musicians, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
ROCKAFELLERS BUKIT DAMANSARA
15-G, 17-G, 19-G, Jalan Medan Setia 1
Bukit Damansara, KL
In the heart of Bukit Damansara, a host of musical acts have taken the stage here and the action looks set to continue.
It hosts regular Nightcoustic sessions where the likes of Priscilla Xavier, Gareth and Fairul, Mizan and Kyra and Yasher and Andy have all previously appeared.
PAMPAS RESERVE
Ground Floor, Suasana Bukit Ceylon,
No.2, Persiaran Raja Chulan, KL, Tel: 010-703 5405
Primarily a great steakhouse, 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 who have graced the stage here include Arab and Bada, Mizan and Kyra and Fiezzta.
SAINTS BAR
First Floor, 11-1,
Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, KL, Tel: 017-979 7148
Saints Bar pays homage to the Lasallian educational community in Malaysia. Live music is on offer from Wednesday onwards.
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 turns to bring back the magic that was the music of that era.
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 live jams every night. Tuesday nights see regular Gerard Singh get into the thick of the acoustic action.
BACKYARD PUB & GRILL
No.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. There is also plenty of music on offer here.
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 great vibes.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, KL
Tel: 016-315 3072
While the DJs keep the music going most of the week, on Monday nights, Mizan and Kyra deliver a selection of great songs to beat the Monday blues.
ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT
No.42, Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL
Tel: 011-6172 9892
One can always expect a great time at Rock Bottom in Changkat Bukit Bintang with DJs spinning during the week but on Sunday nights, from 9pm onwards, the Sons of Adam bring back the spirit of Woodstock and the rocking tunes of the 1960s and 1970s.
