THERE is a wealth of musical talent in Malaysia, with the Klang Valley’s nightlife scene doing a pretty good job of showcasing them.
Whether it is a rocking good night or a jazzier, more relaxed vibe you are looking for, there is something for everyone as the bands and soloists play on.
Here are just some of the options available for music fans who want to let down their hair and have a blast after dark.
DUA KL
No.5, Jalan Setiapuspa,
Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 019-524 2011
Dua KL is a live music venue that brings a great selection of talented musicians to the stage for great times after dark.
Tonight, Nada Sonix is in the house with alternative pop rock vibes for the fans while tomorrow, Ae$ix is back to bring some rock, pop and country to the stage. This Sunday, fans of 1980s rock are in for a treat with Gig for Good 2025 presenting the Sunday Fam Jam ’80s Rock Party hosted by Music Mayhem and Friends.
Entry is free, with a showcase happening from 6pm onwards and an open jam session from 9pm.
ROCKAFELLERS PJ
G.001, The Square,
Jaya One, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 019-207 5211
Rockafellers PJ is one of several great chill-out spots located in Jaya One, with a selection of live sports on screen and live music from the stage.
Tomorrow night, relive the heyday of Malaysia’s club scene, with eight legendary DJs from Kuala Lumpur’s golden era hitting the decks back-to-back from 6pm onwards. Retro Active turns one with a blast as JD, Jim Piccad, Munkyman, Desash, Eflexx, RF, Jason Koo and Jazzie Jay turn back the clock to serve up timeless beats for a dancefloor blast.
On Sunday night, Lighthouse comes back with a bang. It is going to be a Hard Day’s Night as the fab five pay tribute to the Beatles from 8.45pm onwards. Lighthouse includes near-legendary luminaries of Kuala Lumpur’s pub scene including Gerard Singh, crooner Vijay David and Raymond Chia.
Free entry.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo KL and its baby grand host great musical and comedic nights for fans of all stripes.
Tonight and tomorrow night, it is going to be Pesta Ronggeng, with Aruel and The Fasola. Next Tuesday, the 12-string trio comprising scene veterans Elvira Arul, Albert Sirimal and David Soh will be taking the stage for a great night out.
Next Wednesday, get ready to laugh out loud with funnyman Rizal van Geyzel hosting The Ong Show, a comedy competition like no other. With 10 comics set to take the stage, the competition will see them taking the stage in pairs, with 90 seconds each to impress the audience. The audience gets to decide who gets more time for jokes.
Next Thursday, The Fellas jam out to ’90s Boy Band Unplugged. Next Friday and Saturday, Evie Feroza is on stage presenting the songs of Justin Timberlake.
On Aug 5, Ida Mariana joins Hady Afro on stage for a night of Latin covers. Cover charges apply. For details, visit bobokl.com
MANDOLIN
Block C, Jaya One, PJ
Tel: 012-366 1839
Avid party-goers are sure to be familiar with Mandolin, long a stalwart of the PJ nightlife scene. Now, a sister venue has opened in Jaya One, serving up familiar, great vibes after dark with live music from Thursday to Sunday.
Tonight, Chemistry is in the house to get the party going while tomorrow night, Take 5 is in the house to entertain.
On Sunday night, Lucille takes the stage with DJ Manoj also in the house to get things going.
ON LINE PUB
No.32, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim, PJ
Tel: 011-3612 5543
After a short hiatus, the Temple of Rock is back in action, with more fun for music fans, especially those who prefer a rockier vibe.
On Wednesdays, the Rockwell duo are live from the stage, while on Thursday, Jeremy Danker sings out strong. On Friday nights, The Voltage get in on the action while Saturday nights see veteran axeman Sharin rocking out with his band.
Sundays are a bit more mellow, with the D’Constantly trio getting into the groove.
MERDEKARYA
No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
Now in its 12th year, Merdekarya has been at the forefront of promoting the indie scene, playing host to not just household names but also up-and-comers who can jam out with the best.
Tonight, Otam is in the house for a night of original funk folk. Tomorrow night, Troubadours KL teams up with Merdekarya to present KL Sing Song: 20th Anniversary Celebration Series #2. Expect to see Reza Salleh, the Peter Hassan Tribute Duo, Kien Lim, Melina William, Danny Fabella & Benk Riyadi, and Bumi Liar taking the stage. Tickets are priced at RM45 and available at https://tinyurl.com/u77dh55a
Next Thursday, Jazyl Adalia is in the house for a night of folk, while next Friday sees Zuura serving up minimal pop.
No cover charge except where noted, but a minimum tip of RM10 for musicians is expected.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897
Reservations: www.jaotim.com
An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim absolutely drips with old-world charm but also serves up an interesting array of offerings.
Now stepping up as an events space too, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings that include something for just about everyone.
Tonight, Jude Macson is in the house with his Personal Mix Tape, promising rock, pop, ballads and everything nice.
Tomorrow night, Calista Lim takes the stage for the Best of Both Worlds, where she’ll be singing the songs of Miley Cyrus.
On Aug 5, fans of local alternative rock are in for a treat when Kathrika takes to the stage with a night of originals.
Coming up is a night of Malaysian swing jazz with the Frankie Sixes on Aug 7, while on Aug 8, Tiga Soul turn it up with a Millennial Mixtape.
Cover charges apply, with tickets available at the website.
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box
No.28 & 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 with veteran piano man Michael Veerapen setting the direction for the musical antics on stage.
Tonight and tomorrow night, it is a vocal double-header, with Samantha De Lune and Izen Kong both singing out strong.
A BAR ABOVE
No.145-1, Jalan SS2/24, PJ
Another hidden gem in the heart of SS2, A Bar Above plays host to some great music. Tonight, Six Sense are on stage to entertain. Tomorrow night, jam to the beat of the 1980s and 1990s with VDJ Calvin. Every Monday, enjoy the vibes of Extreme Duo on stage.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
No.26A, First Floor, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, TTDI, KL
Tel: 011-3422 5566
Another spot for a night out, it is also home to gin o’clock. Tonight, Keisha and the Metaverse Players are in the house, while tomorrow night sees the JLO Band taking the stage.
BARUMBA PJ
No.7, Jalan 8/1E, PJS 8, PJ
Tel: 016-241 7560
Good news for Petaling Jaya folk as Barumba serves up some great music. On Tuesday nights, guitar virtuoso Sharin is in the house to jam up a storm, while on Thursdays, Arab teams up with Aji to entertain the crowd.
