Julian Mokhtar joins Mojo Hand on Sunday night as they thrill the crowd at the KL International Jazz & Arts Fest 2023 at Kind A Blue.
Plenty of places to chill in run-up to Christmas
JAZZ fans are in for a treat this weekend but there’s more than just that, with a little something for music lovers of any genre.
Here are just a few places to get your groove on and let your hair down in the Klang Valley.
KIND A BLUE
KL Jazz & Arts Centre,
1, Lorong Kapar,
off Jalan Syed Putra, KL
WhatsApp: 012-571 7759
For two nights only, tomorrow and Sunday, Kind A Blue at the KL Jazz & Arts Centre plays host to the KL International Jazz & Arts Festival 2023. Tomorrow night, Stalemate Factor kicks things off with a bang, while the rest of the evening will feature the Maria Angela Quartet, Damon Brown Trio and Rodin’s Quintet. On Sunday, the highlight will be legendary Malaysian axeman Julian Mokhtar joining Mojo Hand on stage. Other luminaries include Jingwen Wang, who will be solo on piano, SIEL featuring Cathy Suello, the James Ryan Quartet and Power Trio.
Karen Nunis joins the Namahages in Porkville in PJ tonight for an evening of blues, rock and everything in between.
PORKVILLE
Lot 3, Lorong Utara (B),
PJS 52, PJ
Tel: 016-324 1455
The interestingly named Porkville in the heart of Petaling Jaya serves up more than just delicious grub as it also plays host to some great rocking times. Tonight veteran blueswoman Karen Nunis joins the Namahages for an evening of blues, rock, folk and of course, some original tunes for the fans.
Crooner Kai Chalmers also serves up the Christmas vibe in several outlets in the coming week, including a special Croony Christmas Affair at Bobo KL next Thursday to Saturday.
BOBO KL
65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Tonight and tomorrow night, it’s a blast from the past as Ferhad comes to the stage with Soul Alive. Next Tuesday, Bobo KL’s Light Nights feature Melissa Anne taking the stage with Jack on keys and Euwyn on bass and guitar for a night showcasing the songbook of Adele. Next Thursday to Saturday, crooner Kai Chalmers is in the house with some soulful, melodious tunes to get you in the mood for the season with A Croony Christmas Affair.
Tiga Soul will be joined by special guest Clinton Jerome on Sunday night at Jao Tim for an evening of Songs of Girl Groups and Xmas.
JAO TIM
61, Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897
Website: www.jaotim.com
Tonight, the John Thomas Quintet is in the house for some jazz fusion while tomorrow night, Al Terry’s Blues Syndicate will feature guest vocalist Vanessa Barker and her tribute to the Queens of Soul and Blues — Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Big Mama Thornton. On Sunday night, Tiga Soul is in the house with special guest Clinton Jerome as they inject a little Yuletide flavour with Songs of Girl Groups and Xmas.
MERDEKARYA
352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
One of the Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, tonight, Armand Tanzarian serves up some great post-rock vibes for the fans. Tomorrow night, funk folk is the order of the day with Otam taking the stage to entertain. Next Wednesday, co-owner Brian Gomez is back on stage for more original folk rock.
BATS
Sunway Giza,
Jalan PJU 5/14,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012-969 8557
BATS is fresh off a charity fundraiser and is back in the thick of the action with a host of acts performing here regularly, with crooner Vishnu keeping it tight on stage alongside a host of other musicians. Their special Christmas menu is also making a comeback soon.
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 chill. It’s a great time to just chill for an afternoon with the sounds of Sharin going solo with his acoustic and jamming up a storm. On Wednesday evenings, Victor sets the tone from 6pm onwards.
SIMPLY JAZZ BY TIN BOX
28 & 29, Blcok C5, Level G3,
Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
Reservations: https://tinbox.my
Jazz fans in the Klang Valley have another new venue to enjoy. This weekend, pianoman Michael Veerapen is back in the groove, leading a pack comprising YHFOO on bass and Cliff Wong on drums. Tonight, Ryan Pynam will sing his heart out while tomorrow night, the inimitable Jordan Rivers will be helping to set the mood just right.
H&A THE ORIGINAL
37, Jln 23/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL and
24, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
Wednesday and Sunday nights are for music, with alternating guests. Get your thinking caps as well as quizmaster Ram has brought his challenge to H&A The Original, alternating between Desa Sri Hartamas and TTDI.
ON LINE PUB
32, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7728 0532
On Friday nights, KDee Razman get the ball rolling for a load of fun ahead of the weekend. On Saturday nights, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear with the inimitable, and irrepressible, rocker Sharin picking up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.
HANGOVER PJ
D-37-01, Dataran 3 Two Square,
2, Jalan 19/1, PJ
Tel: 012-248 2098
On Wednesday nights, Joy Victor and the rest of Nine Lives get into the groove at Hangover. On Saturday nights, the Soulseekers are in the house to entertain.
TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR
26, Jalan Telawi 5,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 019-870 0493
Friday nights serve up something a little different at Twenty Eight, with quizmaster 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.
NAVIGATORS BAR & RESTAURANT
C-43-P2 and Mezzanine,
Block C, Jaya One,
72A, Jalan Universiti, PJ
Tel: 012-530 0013
Navigators is back in action with a selection of great offerings for the fans. On Sunday nights, it’s time to chill out and mellow a little with the sounds of Victor M on stage.
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 onwards. Join Shahrin for the live sessions on Thursday, while troubadour Tam gets in on the action on Sunday evenings.
ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT
42, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6172 9892
One can always expect a great time at Rock Bottom in Changkat Bukit Bintang with DJs spinning the wheels of steel 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 as they get into the groove on stage.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 016-315 3072
The DJs keep the music going most of the week, with a selection of awesome tunes both live and from the DJ console.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
26A, First Floor,
Jalan Datuk Sulaiman,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
TEL: 011-3422 5566
Another spot for a night out in the heart of TTDI, Elli Rocks is also home to gin’o’clock and a host of great musicians, especially over the weekends.
ROCKAFELLERS BUKIT DAMANSARA
15-G, 17-G, 19-G
Jalan Medan Setia 1,
Bukit Damansara, KL
This venue 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 social platforms for more information on current musical acts.
Crane KL
78, Jalan Sultan, KL
WhatsApp: 013-218 5712
Website: cranekl.com
Good selection of cocktails and great food add to the charm of the ambience here as well as a great selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday. Every Friday, get into the groove with the soloists as they take to the stage to entertain audiences.
