The Union brings back 1980s vibes at Rock Bottom Bangsar.
IN THE blink of an eye, we’ve celebrated not just one, but two new years as we move into a February that offers more action after dark throughout the Klang Valley.
Our local talents serve up everything from classic rock to today’s chart-toppers, as well as evergreen oldies and jazzy, soulful tunes.
Here is just a selection of what’s available for music fans.
ROCKAFELLERS PETALING JAYA
G.001, The Square,
Jaya One, PJ
Tel: 017-934 0310 (Danes)
When it comes to the pub music scene, very few names immediately come to mind.
One of these iconic bands is the hard-rocking Hydra, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this Sunday at Rockafellers PJ from 7.30pm onwards.
Since its formation in 2005, Hydra has been a cornerstone of the live band scene and known for powerful performances that get the crowd moving.
The celebration will see former band members along for the ride, with names like Armeen, Hyder, Brendon Zachariah, Teddy, Aizad, Nora and Bai all coming back to join in the fun.
The event will be hosted by nightlife icon Joy Victor of 9 Lives, and will be brought to music fans by Rockafellers, Jameson, The Glenlivet and Chivas Regal.
Table reservations are available with bottle pre-purchases.
Door charge applies for general entry.
Meanwhile, Rockafellers PJ plays host to live music five nights a week, with the legend Muzza & The Velvettones getting into the groove on Wednesday nights, Kraze Band amping it up on Thursdays, the Vamps on Friday nights and Sound Addict every Saturday.
DUA KL
5, Jalan Setiapuspa,
Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 019-524 2011
Dua KL is a live music venue that brings out a great selection of talented musicians to the stage after dark.
Tonight, Ae$iz is in the house for a night of rock, pop and country vibes.
Tomorrow night, join Evie & Friends as they serve up some great pop and R&B vibes.
If it isn’t from the 1980s, don’t expect it to be on their playlist.
So, this is the perfect night for fans of that era.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
3 & 5, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-2729 2383
In Bangsar’s Telawi hub, Rock Bottom Bangsar is a great place to kick back after a long day at work, or for football fans to catch the best of live matches.
There’s also plenty of music action. On Wednesday nights, tickle your brain cells at Quiz Night with Quizmaster Shiv from 8pm to 9.30pm.
After that, chill out to the vibes of the Vamps.
On Thursday night, the Soul Seekers take the stage while on Friday, ’80s fans are in for a treat as the inimitable Union gets the party going.
On Saturday, Astra Malaysia sings out strong while on Sunday, Lighthouse helps keep things chill ahead of a brand new week.
MERDEKARYA
352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
Now entering its 12th year, Merdekarya has been at the forefront of promoting the indie scene, playing host to household names as well as up-and-comers.
Tonight, head honcho Brian Gomez gets into the groove on stage.
Tomorrow night, fans of extreme metal are in for a treat with Cacophonous Inc presenting Day of Suffering II.
This is a ticketed event with presale tickets priced at RM40 available at https://beacons.ai/cacophonousinc while tickets at the door are priced at RM45.
On Tuesday, there’ll be something interesting going on with the Blues Dancing Socials, presented by Blues Dancing KL (visit Merdekarya.com for details).
Thursday will see singer- songwriter Razak Aa’i in the house while on Friday, Lamhkaron will be presenting a night of original pop.
No cover charge, except where noted, but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
JAO TIM
61, Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897Website: www.jaotim.com
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the elegant Jao Tim serves up an interesting array.
The event space gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings that include something for just about everyone.
Tonight, Angel Ang and Friends, featuring Sylvia Wong, present a night of Angel’s Love Songs with R&B, pop and jazz.
Come Wednesday, chanteuse Junji Delfino joins Cher Siang for a Humorous Look at Valentine’s.
On Valentine’s Day itself, love tunes are in focus as Ronnie sings out strong.
A gig to look out for will be Atilia Haron presenting a night of her own songs on Feb 27. Cover charges apply.
Visit website to get tickets.
SOL LEVEL 40 @ The MET
A-40-01, Menara The Met,
20, Jln Dutamas 2, KL
Tel: 019-308 5211For some high-flying action, there’s SOL Level 40 @ The MET.
A relative newcomer to the scene, it packs a punch with musical offerings four times a week.
On Wednesday, the Kraze Band is in the house while on Thursdays, Radio Active takes the stage.
On Friday nights, Sella Band sings out strong while on Saturdays, legendary crooner Vijay David joins his friends on stage.
A BAR ABOVE
145-1, Jalan SS2/24, PJ
Tel: 016-387 6690
Another hidden gem in the heart of PJ’s SS2, A Bar Above plays host to seven nights of music a week.
Tonight, the Soul Seekers are on stage to entertain.
Tomorrow night, another legend of the local nightlife scene, The Strollers, take the stage with Thomas Williams joining in for a vocal boost.
BOBO KL
65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo and its baby grand have hosted many music greats and is perfect for various performance genres from comedy to jazz.
Tonight, it’s a Kam-Fu hustle with comedienne extraordinaire Joanne Kam taking the stage with the likes of Farid Azmeir, Bibi K. Poh, Papi Zak and Izzaldine.
Tomorrow night, songstress Celist Chow makes a return to the Bobo stage with her jazzy quartet of Sylvia Wong on keys, Jeremy on bass, Eddie Lim on sax and Terence Ling on drums.
This time around, Celist and gang are reimagining classic Chinese tunes with a smooth jazz twist to usher in the Year of the Snake in style.
On Tuesday, the Double Aze duo of Albert Sirimal and Allan G are back on stage for a laidback night of groovy vibes.
For tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
BARUMBA PJ
7, Jalan 8/1E,
PJS 8, PJ
Tel: 016-241 7560Good news for PJ folk as Barumba serves up some great music to enjoy without having to trek out to the heart of KL.
On Tuesday nights, guitar virtuoso Sharin will jam up a storm while on Thursdays, Arab teams up with Aji to entertain the crowd.
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.
Tonight, get into the groove as Dasha Logan provides vocals for pianoman Michael Veerapen while Tasneem jams on bass and Cliff Wong bangs on the skins.
Tomorrow night, Samantha de Lune takes over vocal duties while YHFoo plays bass, with the rest unchanged.