David Gomes is on stage and at the mic in Bobo KL tomorrow night.
IN WHAT seems to be the blink of an eye, we are already in the second half of the year and the club scene has definitely picked up more of a buzz.
Music lovers will be spoilt for choice after the sun goes down as a host of action will be on stage at various nightspots throughout the city and beyond.
Here are just some of the highlights on offer at various venues throughout the weeks ahead.
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. Come for its Live Sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights from 6pm.
In August, guitar virtuoso Sharin takes the stage with acoustics firmly in tow while on Wednesday nights, Brendan de Cruz is in the house to entertain. Thursday nights belong to Raymond Lim. On Sunday nights, Troubadour Tam continues to sing out strong.
Brendan de Cruz sings at Loco’s Live Sessions every Wednesday in August.
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.
On Saturday and Sunday, music from the big band era is in focus with the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra taking the stage.
Comedy fans are in for a treat at Jao Tim next Wednesday and Thursday when Junji Delfino teams up with Tay Cher Siang for two nights of comedy and jazz.
Next Friday, J-pop is the order of the night, with Yiny and Friends showcasing “Tokyo city pop”.
On Saturday, chanteuse Michelle Nunis gets into the groove and pays tribute to the Queen of Rock & Roll Tina Turner in a special showcase.
On Sunday, things get off to a bright start at 2pm, with a taster class looking into the vibes of lindy hop. The Frankie Sixes are in the house to help educate the crowd and there will be a showcase performance by them from 3pm to 5pm.
After dark, it’s time for a Divine Groove where Daniel Bryan and friends enjoy an evening of gospel music celebration with the crowd. Cover charges apply.
Pianist and composer Tay Cher Siang tickles theivories at Jao Tim on Wednesday and Thursday.
SIMPLY JAZZ by TIN BOX
C5, Level 63,
Publika, Solaris Dutamas,
Kuala Lumpur
Jazz fans in the Klang Valley have another new and exciting venue to enjoy. Originally making its presence felt in TREC KL, Simply Jazz by Tin Box has moved to Publika for a whole new groove.
It is a breath of fresh air for jazz fans in the suburbs who’ve long had to make the trek deep into the heart of the city to get their kicks.
Tonight and tomorrow night, the Frankie Sixes get into the swing of things with a mix of swing jazz standards and their own compositions.
Ably led by singer-songwriter Reza Salleh, the Frankie Sixes have caught the ears of audiences as far afield as the Haeundae Jazz Festival in Busan, South Korea, besides Swingmania up north in Bangkok, Thailand. The Frankie Sixes have also wowed audiences in Taiwan.
HANGOVER PJ
D-37-01, Dataran 3 Two Square,
No.2, Jalan 19/1, PJ
Tel: 012-248 2098
Another familiar name for fans of live music in Petaling Jaya, Hangover PJ invites the crowd to get grooving into the night with a wide selection of everything from R&B and retro to blues and rock.
Every Friday night, explore the sounds of the 1980s with The Union reunion taking the stage to entertain. On Sunday nights, it’s a whole lot of fun as Julian Mokhtar welcomes everyone to sing and play along at the T-Jam sessions.
TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR
No.26, Jalan Telawi 5,
Bangsar, KLTel: 019-870 0493
Now located just next door to its previous premises, Twenty Eight is not short of offerings for fans wanting a relaxing time with a bit of live music every night.
Friday nights serve up something a little different at Twenty Eight, with Quiz Master Ram headlining in his own inimitable way, but it’s not just any other quiz night as there’ll be a live band on stage to keep punters entertained before, after and maybe even during the quiz.
For more information or reservations, email enquiries@twentyeightbar.com
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 celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and continues to serve up music from some of the best in the Klang Valley and beyond.
Tonight, get set for something like no other when The Panda Head Curry? presents a night of “Original Genrefluid” for the fans. On Saturday night, nostalgia reigns as Momin & The Deen’s List take the stage for some 1960s vibe rock.
Next Wednesday, Brian Gomez is back on stage for a night of original folk rock, presented as only he can, while next Thursday promises to pop with Kat Roshan delivering her original compositions.
Blues fans can jive to their hearts’ content at Merdekarya next Saturday when Syakir & The Rombongan put on a show. No cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
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. After a month of comedic evenings, the focus returns to great music.
Tonight, enjoy the final night of funny- man Douglas Lim’s show with Kavin Jay along for the ride as host.
Tomorrow night, piano man David Gomes picks up the mic to sing out strong. On Sunday, the spotlight will be on the Michael Veerapen Trio with special guest Samantha De Lune.
Next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Izen Kong joins Nikki Palikat for three nights of pulsating vibes from the stage.
Other upcoming treats for music fans at Bobo KL include Clinton Jerome examining Stevie Wonder’s songbook from Aug 10 to 12, Ronggeng 1957 with Aruel & The Fasola featuring Mazlina Manan, and Bobo on Broadway with Sean Ghazi featuring Christopher Morandi, Lara Maigue, Izan Kong and Ida Mariana.
To get tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
Nikki Palikat joins Izen Kong at Bobo KL next Wednesday to Friday.
ELLI ROCKS DH
No.46-M, First Floor,
Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2,
Bukit Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-1511 8866
The home of gin o’clock also serves up some enjoyable musical vibes three nights a week, with a host of luminaries grabbing the limelight. Every Wednesday, Gerard Singh continues his solo sessions from the stage here, while tonight, guitar virtuoso Sharin teams up with percussionist Al Hafiz. Tomorrow night, Mira Hatta belts out numbers from the stage.
SALA @ SHERATON PJ
Lorong Utara C,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7622 8888
Enjoy sweeping views of the Petaling Jaya skyline at this rooftop bar. More than just providing the view, it also serves as a wonderful place to chill out at midweek with Mark Renesh and Brenda Lee jamming up a storm every Wednesday night.
ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT
No.42, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6172 9892
One can always feel on top of the world at Rock Bottom in Changkat Bukit Bintang with DJs spinning the wheels of steel during the week. On Sunday nights from 9pm, the Sons of Adam brings back the spirit of Woodstock.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 016-315 3072
While the DJs keep the awesome tunes going most of the week, on Monday nights it is the turn of Mizan and Kyra to select songs to beat the Monday blues.
BATS
Sunway Giza,
Jalan PJU 5/14,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012-969 8557
This is one of the stand-outs in Kota Damansara, at least where live music is concerned. Here, there’s something for everyone with a selection of talented musicians in the spotlight regularly.
Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a regular 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 they’ll be joined by Jason. For a full list of performers, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
SIMPLY RETRO by TIN BOX
H-G-02, Hive, TREC
438, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
An intriguing concept awaits at this 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.
9FIVEQ RESTOBAR
No.34, Jln USJ9/5Q
Subang Jaya
Tel: 010-277 2909Priding itself on tasty food, refreshing 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 things.
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. What a wonderful 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 Saturday nights, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks into high gear with the inimitable and irrepressible rocker Sharin picking up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.
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 scrumptious food and drinks that hit the spot, the outlet invites guests to just 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.
O2 SS4 just happens to be one of the places for quiz enthusiasts to get their thrill, and there is a chance of winning prizes like drinks.
