Michael Veerapen, the man behind the music at Simply Jazz.
IN WHAT seems to be the blink of an eye, we are already in November, and with that, less than 60 days to go before we welcome a brand new year.
It has been a fun ride, with a host of good times on a night out and there is still plenty left to explore.
Here are just some of the options available after dark, for music fans who want to let their hair down and have a blast.
MERDEKARYA
352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 018-661 4553
Still going strong after more than a decade, Merdekarya has been at the forefront of promoting the indie scene, playing host to household names and also up-and-comers who can jam out with the best.
Tonight, Zuuraa serves up minimal pop while tomorrow night, head honcho Brian Gomez is back on stage with some great original folk rock.
Next Thursday, singer-songwriter Kyle Marriott gets into the groove, while progressive rock fans are in for a treat next Friday, when Dewataraya takes over the live bar at Merdekarya.
Upcoming highlights include rock purveyors Skies Are Red, who take the stage on Nov 21.
On Nov 22, indie fans are in for a treat with “Big Mic Out: An Indie Logic” open mic night, with the likes of Natasha Azlan, Cheryl Shashank, Kingsley Chen, Mister Ravi, Jaime Gunther and Armand Tanzarian expected to take the stage. No cover charge, except where noted, but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
Sharin rocks out at On Line Pub on Saturday nights.
ON LINE PUB
32, Jln 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.
Tomorrow night, veteran axeman Sharin rocks out with his band.
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 for great times after dark.
Tonight, Aesix is in the house to sing out strong, while tomorrow night, Dua Live presents Chillipadi on stage.
Upcoming highlights include Gideon Yogan presenting Beyond the Bassline on Nov 29. This is a ticketed gig, with tickets available at RM100 pre-sale and RM120 at the door. A bassist by trade, Gideon will be stepping into the limelight to deliver a tribute to the likes of Whitesnake, Level 42, James Ingram and Josh Groban.
ROCKAFELLERS PJ
G.001, The Square, Jaya One, PJ
Tel: 019-207 5211
Rockafellers PJ is one of several great chill-out spots located in Jaya One, with a good selection of live sports on screen and live music from the stage. This Sunday, the live series continues with Ethan Ray and the Rogue Syndicates getting their groove on from 8.45pm onwards.
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 drips with old-world charm but also serves up an interesting array of offerings. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical line-ups that includes something for just about everyone.
This Sunday, Fly by Midnight, Joan & More, Simon Peter and David Soh are in the house for a night of “This is Lany”.
Next Tuesday, Viv Adram, Wilson Quah and Nathaniel Simon explore “Jazz, Then and Now”, while next Wednesday, Mandopop is the order of the night with “May the Music Heal Your Soul” featuring Huei Chan and Yann.
Dasha Logan is back in action at Jao Tim next week.
Next Thursday, vocal virtuoso Dasha Logan is on stage to delve deep into Erykah Badu’s songbook.
On Nov 16, David Soh is back in the house for a night of Indo-pop, showcasing the music of Glenn Fredly, Afgan and Tulus.
On Nov 18, Shieqa J explores the 2000s, with “It’s Giving HeartBreak: Pop-soul,Jazz-pop”.
Cover charges apply. Visit website for tickets.
BOBO KL
65-2, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Website: bobokl.com
A nifty joint in the heart of Bangsar, Bobo KL explores everything from comedy to music. Tonight, Tiga Soul are on stage with “E=MC3, a Mariah Carey Tribute”, while tomorrow night, Dani Komari and the Nightshades will be in for “The Velvet Revival”.
Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana make their way back to the Bobo KL stage from Nov 25-29 with “Asmara Tarakucha!” for some awesome retro glam vibes.
Melissa Indot brings Yuletide cheer to Bobo KL on Dec 3 and 4 with ‘A Very 007 Christmas’.
Other upcoming highlights include Freida Ooi presenting “For the Love of Rock” on Nov 22 as well as Poova & Raymond taking “A Ride with the Beatles” on Dec 2. To get music fans hyped up for the Yuletide season, Melissa Indot will be making an appearance on Dec 3 and 4, with “A Very 007 Christmas”.
Cover charges apply. Visit website for tickets.
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box
28 & 29, Block C5, Level G3,
Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
Website: simplyjazz.tinboxgroup.my/
Jazz fans in the Klang Valley have another new venue to enjoy, with veteran pianoman Michael Veerapen setting the direction for the musical antics on stage.
Tonight, Samantha De Lune performs with the band, while tomorrow night, Wee Lern takes over the keys to keep the groove going.
There is a full line-up next week, starting Wednesday with Mixi (piano) and Rizal Tony (guitar and vocals) joining YHFoo on bass and Bob Skunjas on drums.
Next Thursday, Veerapen is back to tickle the ivories, with Michelle Nunis singing her lungs out.
Next Friday, it is a triple header with vocalists Jessica Teh, Calista Lim and Joshua Gui joining the band for a night of “Pop n Bop”.
Next Saturday, Calista and Joshua are back for a double bill.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
3 & 5, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, KL
Tel: 011-2729 2383
Set in the heart of Bangsar’s Telawi commercial area, Rock Bottom Bangsar is a great place to kick back and chill after a long hard day of work. It is also a popular spot for football fans to catch the best of the EPL live and there is plenty of musical action as well.
Tomorrow night, Keisha and The Metaverse Players are in the house to serve up some raw rock energy as they paint a picture of modern soundscapes and alt vibes.
A BAR ABOVE
145-1, Jalan SS2/24, PJ Tel: 016-387 6690
Another hidden gem in the heart of Petaling Jaya’s SS2, A Bar Above plays host to some great music. Tonight, Soulseekers are in the house while tomorrow night, the Starbright Duo takes the stage to entertain.
Next Monday, the Extreme Duo is back for their regular gig.
BARUMBA PJ
7, Jalan 8/1E, PJS 8, PJ
Tel: 011-2762 4861
Barumba serves up some great music for Petaling Jaya folk to enjoy without having to trek out to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Every Wednesday, Jeremy Danker brings his guitar to the fore and gears up for a great time. Tonight, Gareth and Friends are on stage while tomorrow night, Freda Avenue gets into the groove.
On Sunday night, the Boyn Band is all set to entertain.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
26A, First Floor, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, TTDI, KL
Tel: 011-3422 5566
Another spot for a night out in the heart of TTDI, Elli Rocks is also home to “Gin O’Clock”. Tonight, Savanna Trio is in the house, while tomorrow night, On The Way gets into the groove.
ELLI ROCKS DAMANSARA HEIGHTS
46-M, First Floor, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Media Setia 2,
Bukit Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-1511 8866
Elli Rocks has spread its wings to Bukit Damansara, bringing with it the signature “Gin O’Clock” and more, for those looking for a relaxed night out. Tonight, legendary axeman Sharin brings the band back together for some great rocking vibes.
BATS
Sunway Giza, Jalan PJU 5/14, PJ
Tel: 012-969 8557
BATS is a fun spot out in the heart of Kota Damansara with a host of live acts to get the music flowing. Every Tuesday is live music night, while there are other musical treats throughout the week. For a list of musicians performing at BATS, check out its social media platform.
SWIG @MEGAH
3A, Jln S24/11, Taman Megah, PJ
WhatsApp: 016-252 4199
In the heart of Taman Megah, Swig@Megah brings an interesting take on nightlife offerings for Petaling Jaya folk.
