Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana front a 12-piece big band at Bobo KL next week for three nights of Cinema Tarakucha!
IN THE blink of an eye, Halloween has gone and we have less than two months to go before ringing in 2024.
As things continue to pick up steam, there’s more than just music on offer for a relaxed and entertaining evening out with special treats like comedy nights and pub quizzes also in the frame.
Here are just a few places to get your groove on in the Klang Valley.
MERDEKARYA
352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
One of the Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and continues to serve up great vibes. Tonight, minimal pop is the order of the day with Zuura taking the stage. Tomorrow night, take a step down memory lane to the glory days of grunge when Silvergun Superman get into the groove. Next Wednesday, head honcho Brian Gomez is back to entertain with original folk rock, followed by singer-songwriter Kirsten Long livening up Thursday night. Funk fans are in for a thrill next Friday with Otam showcasing a night of folk funk. Itsjustsam closes out next week with a night of original pop numbers on Saturday (Nov 18). No cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
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 and serves up quite an interesting array of sights and sounds. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings. Tonight, Dasha Logan is in the house for “Uninvited: A night of Alanis Morissette.” Tomorrow night, Channele Guerzo will be on stage to have a blast with the Songs of Alicia Keys 2.0. On Sunday, it’s a double-header with Rozz delivering smooth jazz grooves while the afternoon slot is a special junior edition featuring the My Favourite Things showcase. Veteran music act Double Aze will be in Jao Tim next Tuesday night for everything from the “1970s to the Slightly Current” while Josh Thomas gets into the groove to bring great blues rock on Sunday (Nov 19). Cover charges apply.
The Double Aze duo will take the stage at Jao Tim next Tuesday.
BOBO KL
65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo and its baby grand have played host to many a music great. It’s a great spot with everything from comedy to jazz. Tonight and tomorrow night, join the inimitable Joanne Kam as she shares a journey spanning 30 years in comedy with Kam My Way. Next Thursday to Saturday, Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana front what is said to be a “retro glam Malaysian big band” for three nights of Cinema Tarakucha! celebrating music from the movies. And by big band, they certainly mean it as it is a 12-piece outfit led by musical director Nish Tham. For tickets, visit https://www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl.
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box28 & 29, Block C5, Level G3,
Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
Reservations: https://tinbox.my
Jazz fans in the Klang Valley have another new venue to enjoy. Originally making its presence felt in TREC KL, Simply Jazz by Tin Box has moved to Publika. A breath of fresh air for jazz fans in the suburbs who have long had to make the trek deep into the heart of the city to get their kicks. This weekend, pianoman Michael Veerapen is back to lead a pack comprising Marina Zaini on bass and Cliff Wong on drums. Tonight, Anais Shauki lends her vocal talents to the crew, while tomorrow night, Jessica Teh gets in on the action. On Sunday night, Lyn Wen will be the vocalist of choice.
LAVAA RESTOBAR
25, Jalan 17/56
Section 17, PJ
Tel: 03-7931 5446
Great vibes, good food and a selection of original cocktails make this nifty outlet in Petaling Jaya a great place to relax, and not just after dark! Musical magic happens twice a week here, with a special Sunday afternoon session from 3pm to 7pm. In the afternoon, just chill out to the sounds of Sharin going solo with his acoustic and jamming up a storm. On Wednesday evenings, Victor sets the tone from 6pm.
XROADS LOUNGE
Concorde Hotel KL,
2, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL
Tel: 03-2144 2200 ext 2336
Concorde Hotel in Kuala Lumpur plays host to a trio of musical acts nightly at its Xroads Lounge. Local act RS Duo, comprising Sarah Olivar Fajilan and Richard Liew, start things with a selection of easy-listening numbers and current hits for a relaxed evening out. Things get livelier later on with Beat Culture taking the stage for some great vibes from the 1970s and 1980s. Lastly, Xroads also plays host to True Blue, a five-piece outfit comprising both Malaysian and Filipino talents who present everything from rock, soul to disco, R&B and Motown. Showtimes are from 5.30pm to 1am from Monday to Saturday, and from 8.45pm to 11.30pm on Sundays.
H&A THE ORIGINAL
37, Jln 23/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL and
24, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KLWhile originally starting of as sports bars, the two H&A The Original outlets, one in Sri Hartamas and the other in TTDI, now offer up more fun for those looking for a break after a long day at work. Get your thinking caps on as Quizmaster Ram has brought his challenge to H&A The Original, alternating between Desa Sri Hartamas and TTDI. His next appearance to tickle your brain cells will be next Wednesday at the Desa Sri Hartamas outlet.
HANGOVER PJ
D-37-01, Dataran 3 Two Square,
2, Jalan 19/1, PJ
Tel: 012-248 2098
Another familiar name for fans of live music in Petaling Jaya, the Hangover is set to get into the groove with a wide selection of everything from R&B and retro to blues and rock. On Friday nights, explore the sounds of the 1980s with The Union reunion.
TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR
28, Jalan Telawi 5,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 019-870 0493
Now located just next door to its previous premises, Twenty Eight is not short of offerings for fans of a great night out. Friday nights serve up something a little different at Twenty Eight, with Quiz Master Ram headlining in his own inimitable way, but it is not just any other quiz night as there will be a live band on stage to keep punters entertained before, after and maybe even during the quiz. For reservations, email enquiries@twentyeightbar.com
ELLI ROCKS DH
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 great musical vibes three nights a week, with a host of luminaries gracing the stage. Every Wednesday, Gerard Singh continues his solo sessions from the stage here, while tonight, guitar virtuoso Sharin teams up with percussionist Al Hafiz for a great night out.
LOCO TTDI
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 Thursday and Sunday nights from 6pm. Join Shahrin for the live sessions on Thursday, while troubadour Tam gets in on the action to heat up Sunday evenings.
ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT
42, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 011-6172 9892
One can always expect a thrilling time at Rock Bottom in Changkat Bukit Bintang with DJs spinning the wheels of steel during the week but on Sunday nights, from 9pm, the Sons of Adam bring back the spirit of Woodstock and rocking tunes of 1960s and 1970s as they get into the groove on stage.
ROCKAFELLERS BUKIT DAMANSARA
15-G, 17-G, 19-G
Jalan Medan Setia 1,
Bukit Damansara, KL
In the heart of Bukit Damansara, Rockafellers keeps it going with more than just DJs getting into the groove. 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. Check out their socials for more details.
9FiveQ Restobar
34, Jln 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 get into the thick of some red hot acoustic action on stage.
Backyard Pub & Grill
28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Backyard has been serving up good times 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.
O2 SS4
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. With a focus on good food and drinks, the outlet is a great spot to kick back. 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 comeback and O2 SS4 just happens to be one of the places to get your thrill, with a chance of winning prizes like drinks.
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. He’s fresh from becoming the first Malaysian musician to receive Brasil’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.
