Eclectic beats to wind down to after dark in Klang Valley
TEMPERATURES are rising not just on the streets but long after dark as entertainment outlets throughout the Klang Valley crank up the heat.
Whether it is a dose of rock you are after or the mellow undertones of jazz and R&B, the local circuit offers a rhythm for every soul.
From hidden speakeasies to high-energy stages, here are some of the upcoming highlights to look out for in the near future.
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, playing host to not just household names but also up-and-comers who can jam out with the best.
Tonight, Avursan heats up the room with some original alternative rock. Tomorrow, the outlet is closed for a private event, but the live music continues next Thursday when singer-songwriter Ian Tai takes the stage. Next Friday, indie rock and emo fans can catch Azim Zain & His Lovely Bones at the Live Bar. No cover charge, except where noted, but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2022 3897
Website: www.jaotim.com
Throughout April, Jao Tim has moved its operations to APW in Bangsar as its city centre home undergoes renovations.
Performances are currently hosted at C-07, APW, No.29, Jalan Riong. Tonight, it is time to “Lepas Geram for the Soul” with Jo Lixian taking on soul, R&B and even some fusion.
Tomorrow night, Ronnie and Velvetdusk take over for a night of R&B, pop and soul. On Sunday night, jazz fans will be thrilled as Skunjass takes the stage with “Galau Nite...But It’s Jazz!”.
Next Tuesday, Mandopop fans are in for a treat with Derrick Tan presenting a night of love and heartbreaks. Next Saturday, emo and alt rock fans can get their groove on as Freida Ooi delivers Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance anthems.
On April 26, it is a mixed bag of music with Elvira Arul and David Soh going “Here, There and Everywhere”. Cover charges apply; tickets are available via its website.
ROCKAFELLERS PJ
G.001, The Square,
Jaya One, PJ
Tel: 019-207 5211
Rockafellers PJ is one of several great chill-out spots in Jaya One, with a good selection of live sports on screen and live music from the stage. On Saturday night, Harakiri takes the stage with some raw rock power on display, while on Sunday, the Eurasian Quattro keeps things fresh with a dose of inimitable energy. For something different, check out their Music Bingo every Wednesday night from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
LOCKER & LOFT
No.40A, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim, PJ
Tel: 017-377 3766
A unique speakeasy in Damansara Kim, Locker & Loft just celebrated its 10th anniversary. With the celebrations still going strong, tonight explore the sounds of house with Dora taking to the decks.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
A nifty joint in the heart of Bangsar, Bobo KL explores everything from comedy to music. Tonight, the “Gig for Good: The Musical Time Machine” showcases The Studio 10 Experience and Music Mayhem for a night, bringing to the fore music from as far back as the 1950s to some of today’s best tunes.
Tomorrow, Ushera is in the house performing festive classics with a Latin jazz twist. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, Melissa Indot is back accompanied by the Casa String Quartet. Next Thursday and Friday, the power trio of Rozz, Evie and Poova get into a disco mood for “Studio 54 - Disco After Dark”. Latin jazz fans are in for a treat when “Havana to Rio” features the talents of Ida Mariana, Hady Afro and Rodrigo Parejo on stage on April 29 and 30. Cover charges apply. For details, visit bobokl.com.
KAPITAN HAUS
1st Floor,
No.145, Petaling Street, KL
Social: www.instagram.com/ kapitanhaus/
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Kapitan Haus serves up craft cocktails with cultural vibes. This Saturday features “Borneo Night” with a live sape performance by Joseph Liang and tuak flight tasting presented by Tuak Alus, with a night of flavours, sounds and stories. There will also be handicraft workshops hosted by ArtBead. Next Saturday, it’s time to get “Emo-tionally Disconnected” with a night of emo, pop-punk and metal bangers powered by QSC and Music Bliss from 9pm onwards. Entry is free, but space is limited.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
No.26A, First Floor,
Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, TTDI, KL
Tel: 011-3422 5566
Another spot for a night out in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Elli Rocks is also home to “gin ‘o’ clock”. Tonight, Aesix is in the house from 8.30pm onwards, while tomorrow night will see evergreen duo Sapphire 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
The Bukit Damansara branch offers a similarly relaxed vibe. On Friday nights, legendary axeman Sharin brings his band for a rock session.
On Thursdays, fusion fans are in for a treat with the Pandavas band taking the stage, featuring sitar maestro Kalai. Tomorrow, DJ Kumaraza takes on the wheels of steel for a night of retro and old-school cuts with “Rewind”.
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 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 English Premier League live and there’s plenty of musical action as well.
