Julian Mokhtar turns up the heat with Mojo Hand at On Line Pub tonight.
IN LESS than two weeks, we’ll be ringing in the new year, and there’s plenty of nightlife for music fans to discover.
Here are options that are available after dark.
MERDEKARYA
No.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. Tonight, SpeakZodiac is in the house for a night of original rock. Tomorrow night is a special treat for indie fans, with a special Christmas edition of “Big Mic Out: An Indie Logic” open mic night, featuring, among others, Psytrus, Tharan Raj, Happyfingers, Cheryl and Elisa Fatini. No cover charge, except where noted, but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
ON LINE PUB
No.32 Jalan SS20/10
Damansara Kim, PJ
Tel: 011-3612 5543
The Temple of Rock is back in action to the delight of those who prefer a rock vibe. Tonight, blues fans are in for a treat with legendary axeman Julian Mokhtar turning up the heat with Mojo Hand. Tomorrow night, another legend takes the stage, as Sharin brings his band in for a take-no-prisoners blast from the stage.
Alphonse Jerome joins the rest of the La Viva crew for two special nights out this week, tonight in Dua KL and on Sunday at Rockafellers PJ.
DUA KL
No.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. The outlet has lined up a series of treats for the season, with Latin rock and reggae greats La Viva returning to the stage tonight. Tomorrow night, Aesix continues with a night of country, pop and rock. On Sunday, it’s a double-header, with DJ Jason Martin on the decks and the Eurasian Quattro getting into the groove for a special Naughty or Nice Christmas from 4pm onwards.
ROCKAFELLERS PJ
G.001, The Square
Jaya One, PJ
Tel: 019-207 5211
Rockafellers PJ is one of several great chill-out spots with a good selection of live sports on screen and live music from the stage. This Sunday, the Live Series continues with a dose of Latin rhythms and reggae grooves, with the legendary La Viva rocking the stage from 8.30pm onwards.
Junji Delfino joins David Gomes for a night of Christmas classics next Tuesday at Jao Tim.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897
Website: www.jaotim.com
An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim offers a new set of musical options that includes something for everyone. Tonight, explore Hong Kong Ro(man)ce with Otto Yeung belting out Canto-pop’s golden hits. Tomorrow night, Ronnie takes on the “Elusive Chanteuse” as she sings the songs of Mariah Carey. On Sunday, the Melly Modern Jukebox is in the house, featuring Melissa Ong and Wilson Quah who will present a timeless twist on modern hits. Next Tuesday, it’s time to break out the tinsel and join Junji Delfino and David Gomes as they celebrate the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with a host of Christmas classics. The Christmas magic continues on Dec 24, with Clinton’s Cosy Christmas and on Dec 25, Ryan Pynam will be in the house with a range of Christmas classics. Cover charges apply, visit website to get tickets.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo KL offers everything from comedy to music. Tonight and tomorrow night, Dasha Logan is on the Bobo KL stage for two nights of Unwrapped. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, Elvira Arul and the Last Notes bring two nights of Christmas soul. Next Friday and Saturday, funnyman Harith Iskandar will showcase “Ho Ho Harith”, a Christmas special.
On Dec 30, Bobo will feature the “Final Laughdown” with headliners Kavin Jay, Shamaine Othman and Papi Zak who will bring the house down. On New Year’s Eve, join the fun of Bobo’s Big Blues Blow Out, featuring Terry’s Blues Syndicate featuring soul diva Vannessa Barker.
On Jan 10, Zee Avi will deliver a night of nostalgia, as she covers songs from her first album. Cover charges apply, visit bobokl.com for details.
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box
No.28 & 29, Block C5, Level G3
Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
Reservations: tinbox.my
Tonight, Kai Chalmers sings with the house band while tomorrow night, David Soh handles vocal duties.
On Christmas Eve, there will be a special night with Samantha de Lune on vocals, while veteran pianoman Michael Veerapen tickles the ivories alongside Cliff Wong on drums and Marina Zaini on bass. On Dec 26, it’s a triple header as Jessica Teh, Joshua Gui and Calista Lim take turns on the mic for Pop n Bop.
On New Year’s Eve, Tin Box is planning a triple set, with the first two sets featuring Jin Weng on piano, Jo on vocals, Marina Zaini (bass) and Cliff Wong on drums. To lead the crowd into the new year, Michael returns for the third set with Calista Lim and Joshua Gui on vocals, Zul on bass and Ryan Ho on drums.
ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR
No.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 enjoy musical action.
Tomorrow night, Keisha and The Metaverse Players will serve up some raw rock energy as they paint a picture of modern soundscapes and alt vibes.
A BAR ABOVE
No.145-1, Jalan SS2/24, PJ
Tel: 016-387 6690
Another hidden gem in the heart of Petaling Jaya’s SS2. Tonight, Soulseekers are in the house while tomorrow night, the Starbright Duo take the stage. Next Monday, the Extreme Duo is back for its regular gig.
BARUMBA PJ
No.7, Jalan 8/1E, PJS 8, PJ
Tel: 011-2762 4861
Barumba saves PJ folks from having to trek out to KL for great music. Every Wednesday, the Glitter duo is on duty. On Thursday nights, Fahmy & Amelia are in the house, while on Friday, Karisma takes the stage. On Saturdays, Freda Avenue livens up the night, while on Sunday, The Boy N Band kick things into groove.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
No.26A, First Floor
Jalan Datuk Sulaiman
TTDI, KL
TEL: 011-3422 5566
Another spot for a night out in the heart of TTDI. Tomorrow night, the outlet celebrates the Christmas season with a night of “Naughty or Nice”, which will see Classic Edge taking the stage.
ELLI ROCKS DAMANSARA HEIGHTS
No.46-M, First Floor,
Plaza Damansara,
Jalan Media Setia 2
Bukit Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-1511 8866
In Bukit Damansara, Ella Rocks is for those looking for a relaxed night out. On Friday nights, legendary axeman Sharin brings the band for some great rock.
On Thursdays, fusion fans are in for a treat with the Pandavas band taking the stage, featuring sitar maestro Kalai.
BATS
Sunway Giza,
Jalan PJU 5/14, PJ
Tel: 012-969 8557
BATS hosts live acts. Every Tuesday is live music night while there are other musical treats throughout the week.
For the list of performers, check www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
