Catch Cats in Love on stage in Merdekarya next Friday night.
IT IS December and everyone is gearing up for a good time for Christmas and the new year.
Nightspots throughout the Klang Valley with everything from R&B, pop and rock to jazz, Latin and even Indie vibes, will ensure there is something for everyone.
Here is a selection of venues where you can kick back, relax with a cold one or two and enjoy a night out with some music thrown in for good measure.
BACKYARD PUB & GRILL
28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Backyard has been serving up good times, great food and amazing vibes for over 30 years. There is also plenty of music on offer in the heart of Sri Hartamas. On Thursday nights, talented guitarist Mark Renesh teams up with songstress Brenda Lee to let the good times roll. This Sunday, legendary local country outfit Os Pombos brings on the Christmas cheer with a selection of great tunes from 4pm onwards.
MEZZE LOUNGE
132 Jalan Kasah
Medan Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-3689 6393
Sophisticated, yet relaxed, Mezze KL’s lounge offers an extensive range of imported wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails.
There is also a great humidor for cigar lovers out there, and on Fridays and Saturdays, get a taste for the jazzier, funkier side with a selection of musicians taking the stage.
Tonight, McBe joins his friends on stage for a night of great vibes. Next Friday, Acoustic Fourplay is back on stage to jazz it up.
At Bobo KL, jazz great David Gomes livens up Wednesdays in December with his take on some jazzy Christmas tunes.
BOBO KL
65-2, Jalan Bangkung
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-263 8603
Another live space in Bangsar for music fans to get into the groove. Every Wednesday this month, enjoy some great Christmas tunes with the legendary David Gomes tickling the ivories on Bobo’s baby grand.
Tonight and tomorrow night, enjoy some great R&B vibes as Resh, formerly known as Reshmonu, takes the Bobo stage for the first time with everything from original hits to multi-genre covers. Next week, Christmas vibes get shaken, but not stirred with Melissa Indot offering a fresh take on the season with “A Very 007 Christmas”. Get you tickets at www.cloudtix.co/bobokl.
Resh is in the house tonight.
PORKVILLE
Lot 3, Lorong Utara (B)
PJS 52, PJ
Tel: 016-324 1455
No prizes for guessing what takes centre stage here. However, the outlet does serve up some great music with Mark Renesh lightening the mood here every Tuesday night.
Gerard Singh continues his solo sessions in Porkville on Friday nights, while on Sunday, the Double Aze duo of Albert Sirimal and Allan G take the stage for some acoustic delights.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
26-A, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
WhatsApp: 011-3422 5566
Set in the heart of one of TTDI’s bustling commercial areas, Elli Rocks also serves up “gin’o’clock” from 3pm to 8pm and also a hotspot for live music. Gerard Anthony delivers great acoustic tunes on Saturday night. On Friday nights, get into the groove with Jeremy Danker.
9FIVEQ RESTOBAR
34, Jln USJ9/5Q
Subang Jaya
Tel: 010-277 2909
Priding itself on good food, great drinks and amazing live music, this gem tucked away in Subang Jaya serves up live jams every night. Crooner Gerard Singh takes it solo as he brings his charm and talents to the stage every Tuesday night.
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 absolutely drips with old world charm. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings.
Tonight, the Table Lamp concert series continues with a night of “Abba” from Ronnie & Grace Choo. This Sunday, it’s going to be a Jazz Day Out featuring the Nikko Ileasi Quartet, Sylvia Wong & Soloman, and the Frankie Sixes.
MERDEKARYA
352 Jalan 5/57
Petaling JayaTel: 016-207 1553
Merdekarya has been supporting local singer-songwriters for a while now. Tonight, Outro serves up some original alternative rock. Next Wednesday, folk troubadour Azmyl Yunor is in the house. Next Friday, get a dose of rock vibes with indie outfit Cats in Love taking the stage. There are also open mic slots available for anyone who wants to try their hand on stage, so sign up at www.merdekarya.com
ON LINE PUB
32 Jalan SS20/10
Damansara Kim, PJ
Tel: 03-7728 0532
The Temple of Rock continues to thrill nightlife enthusiasts as it shows a whole new generation just what it takes to get it right with a mix of pub grub, chilled beers and loud music. Three nights of music a week for now, but what a selection the boys behind the bar serve up. On Saturday, the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear, albeit on an acoustic note.
Inimitable and irrepressible, rocker Sharin swaps his electric axe for a more toned down acoustic guitar, and joining him on stage is his Rockustic partner-in-crime Al Hafiz to set the night on fire.
Also catch Melissa Indot who will take over the stage next week with a ‘Very 007 Christmas’.
BATS BANGSAR
14, Jalan Telawi 2
Bangsar, KL
WhatsApp: 012-969 8557
One of the stand-outs on the Bangsar block, at least where live music is concerned, there’s something for everyone here with a selection of great musicians taking the stage regularly. Co-owner and first Malaysian Idol winner Jaclyn Victor occasionally graces the stage. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a fixture and there is music seven days a week. For the full list of musicians performing here, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
SAINTS BAR
First Floor, 11-1
Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, KL
Tel: 017-979 7148
Saints pays homage to a group of educators, the Lasallian community in Malaysia. Wednesdays are when multi-talented keyboardist Riza gets his groove on in Saints, usually with Siti ably backing him up on vocals. On Thursday nights, veteran axeman Colin Jansen teams up with Ice to entertain at Saints. On Friday nights, Ice is back, this time with Johan in charge of the rhythms.
CRANE KL
78, Jalan Sultan, KL
WhatsApp: 013-218 5712
Website: cranekl.com
Another Chinatown hotspot, Crane KL is all about a good time in a heritage building. Good selection of cocktails and great food add to the charm. It also features a great selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday.
LOCO TTDI
11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
Tel: 016-252 4961
Mexican-themed Loco is a neighbourhood hangout that has a charm of its own. Where previously live acts served as occasional guests, the outlet has amped up its offering and there is music here three nights a week from a host of talented performers. Get into the groove with acoustic acts on Sunday nights.
