We’re almost into the second half of 2026 and whether it’s a dose of rock you’re looking for or something more mellow like jazz or R&B, there’s something for every genre preference at Klang Valley’s various nightspots.
NEST13 BAR & LOUNGE
3rd Floor, Megah Rise,
Jalan SS24/11, Petaling Jaya
WhatsApp: 019-271 6673
The latest rooftop bar in Petaling Jaya offers great views of the surrounding neighbourhood and a relaxed space to soak in the great ambience. Music fans are also in for a treat as Nest13 has a band playing every night.
Tonight, Musique Sense livens things up while on Saturdays, the Timeless Trio takes the stage.
From Sunday to Wednesday, the music gets a bit more chill with Scully 2.0, Angel & Yedda, Lawson & Shamaine, and John & Eve getting into the groove, respectively.
Rock fans are in for a treat every Thursday, when the near-legendary Sharin brings his power trio to the stage.
Tomorrow there’s something extra special, with a Gawai & Kaamatan night from 4pm featuring cultural performances, games and even traditional rice wine.
MERDEKARYA
No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57, Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
After more than a decade, Merdekarya is still at the forefront of promoting the indie scene.
Tonight itsjustsam is in the house for some indie pop, while tomorrow night indie rockers Kathrika take over.
Next Thursday, Marco George rocks out while next Friday is all about new wave sounds, with Arq on stage.
Next Sunday (May 23), Indie Logic returns with another open mic event, Big Mic Out Vol 12, featuring, among others, Ashes + Oak Trees, Afiah, Cassandra J, Farhan Ariff, Cheryl, ADDMDJ and Nirali Ravishanker. 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
After a month of renovations, Jao Tim is back with great vibes for music fans of all stripes.
Tonight the venue pays tribute to the Divas of Disco and Soul, with Michelle Nunis covering songs of Diana Ross and Donna Summer.
Next Tuesday, the Listening Room KL presents pianist, composer and arranger Tay Cher Siang while next Thursday, jazz fans are in for a treat with Greg Tan presenting The Garden: Contemporary Exploration.
On May 23, Aesix turns up the tempo with Hooligan Nights, paying tribute to the songs of Bruno Mars. Cover charges apply.
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.
Tomorrow, fusion fans are in for a treat with Akasha taking the stage with its inimitable blend of global sounds, deep rhythms and electrifying energy. Expect the unexpected as this world fusion band takes it to a whole new level.
Every Wednesday, Rockafellers PJ presents something different with Music Bingo nights from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
BOBO KL
65-2, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
In the heart of Bangsar, Bobo KL explores everything from comedy to music. Tonight, Ronnie presents Of Dreams & Wonder paying tribute to the songs of Disney.
Tomorrow, Greg Tan is in the house with The Garden: Home-coming while next Tuesday, Amanda Imani brings a mellow note with Soft Confessions.
Next Wednesday, comedy is back as Kavin Jay & Nuha get ready to Say Something.
Next Friday, Halida Ramlee delivers Silk & Soul, celebrating all things R&B.
On May 22 and 23, it’s all about music from stage to screen as maestro Llew Marsh returns with vocalists Whye Mun Cheong, Kai Chalmers and special guest Elvira Arul to perform songs from Broadway and beyond. Cover charges apply. Visit bobokl.com for details.
JUNK CAFE
No.123, Jalan Petaling, KL
Tel: 012-244 2317
An interesting blend of old and new in the heart of Chinatown, Junk Cafe plays host to some great music every weekend. This Sunday, join Sharin and his band for a night of great retro vibes.
LOCKER and LOFT
No.40A, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim, PJ WhatsApp: 017-377 3766
Speakeasy Locker and Loft’s celebration marking 10 years of serving up cocktails and a good time for all is still going strong.
Tonight, explore the sounds of house with Leonard Francis taking on the decks.
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 chill after a long day at work. It’s also a popular spot for football fans to catch the best of the EPL live and there’s plenty of musical action as well.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
No.26A, First Floor, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
Tel: 011-3422 5566
Another spot for a night out in TTDI, Elli Rocks hosts Aesix tonight from 8.30pm, while tomorrow will see the evergreen duo Sapphire taking the stage.
ELLI ROCKS DAMANSARA HEIGHTS
No.46-M, First Floor
Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2 Bukit Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-1511 8866
Elli Rocks Bukit Damansara has its signature Gin O’clock.
On Friday nights, axeman Sharin brings the band back together for some great rock. On Thursdays, fusion fans are in for a treat with the Pandavas band taking the stage featuring sitar maestro Kalai.
Tomorrow night, DJ Kumaraza takes on the wheels of steel for a night of retro and old school cuts with Rewind.
