Mark Renesh and Brenda Lee kick up a storm at rooftop bar Sala on Wednesday and then again at Backyard on Thursday.
MUSIC lovers can enjoy a wide selection of tuneful offerings in the Klang Valley and beyond.
With a host of musicians available, there is pretty much something for everyone, from rock and pop to blues, jazz and everything else.
Here are just a few places to get your groove on, let your hair down and jam the night away.
MERDEKARYA
No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
One of the Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to serve up great vibes from some of the best in the Klang Valley and beyond. Tonight, it’s a throwback to a time when grunge ruled the airwaves. Silvergun Superman gets into the act with a collection of original grunge rock. Tomorrow night, indie soul and hip hop are in focus when AJQ featuring Snitch and Fitch take no prisoners from the stage. Next Wednesday, singer-songwriter Ian Tai is back in Merdekarya for more mid-week fun while Ally Lew showcases indie-rock vibes on Thursday. Next weekend, things get a little heavier at Merdekarya with Prodigium serving up progressive metal on Friday and Keith Kamalaraj and the Casualties going full-on rock on Saturday. No cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897
An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim absolutely drips with old-world charm and 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 offerings that are just that much different to stand out. Tonight’s Table Lamp Concert will see Cassie Tan taking the audience on a journey with “Let’s Travel With Music”. Tomorrow, it’s Viva Elvis with a trio of vocal powerhouses — Dasha, Poova and Rozz. On Tuesday night, the Table Lamp series continues with Izen Kong and Lynn getting a little humourous with the Funny Bone Duet. Cover charges apply.
Malaysia’s King of Swing Sharizan Borhan croons his way into the hearts of the audience at Bobo KL tonight and tomorrow night.
BOBO KL
No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-683 8603
Bobo and its baby grand have played host to many a music great and more. After a month of comedic evenings, the focus returns to great music from the Bobo stage. Tonight and tomorrow, Malaysia’s King of Swing Sharizan Borhan gets ready for a crooning good time sure to get heads bobbing and feet tapping. Next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, chanteuse Janet Lee is back with the WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble performing an eclectic collection of songs with a Shanghai jazz and vintage Malaya twist. For some midweek fun, Bobo continues to serve up its regular Gitar’n Jiwa nights for acoustic fans on Tuesdays. On Wednesday, get ready for some rib-tickling fun alongside great jazz vides on Bobo’s comedy night. For tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
SALA @ SHERATON PJ
Lorong Utara C,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7622 8888
Enjoy sweeping views of the Petaling Jaya skyline at this rooftop bar in the heart of the city. More than just the view, it also serves as a great place to chill with acoustic vibes at the mid-week with Mark Renesh and Brenda Lee jamming up a storm every Wednesday night.
LOCO TTDI
No.11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 016-380 8477
The cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco TTDI serves up more than just great food and drinks with its Live Sessions on Tuesday and Sunday nights from 6pm. Join the Locobuskers for some great vibes. Troubadour Tam gets in on the action on Sunday evenings, while Tuesdays in March feature the rollicking duo of Mary Jackson and Raymond Chia as they deliver a dose of the 1980s and more. On Wednesday nights, Colin Jansen gets into the groove with Ice as they shake it up for a dose of fun.
SCANDALOUS TTDI
No.122A, Jln Burhanuddin Helmi,
TTDI, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 011-8888 7076
Taman Tun Dr Ismail is now host to another retro joint promising older clubbers a trip down memory lane to the sounds of classic Malaysian clubs like DV8, Face2, Scandals and Tin Mine. When the DJs are not bringing back the classic party hits, there’s also live music thrown in for a good time, with Mark Renesh serving up great tunes every Tuesday.
ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT
No.42, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 011-6172 9892
One can always expect a great time at Rock Bottom in Changkat Bukit Bintang with DJs spinning the wheels of steel during the week but on Sunday nights, from 9pm, the Sons of Adam bring back the spirit of Woodstock and the rocking tunes of the 1960s and 1970s as they get into the groove on stage.
D’ROSE CAFE AND BAR
First floor,
No.5, Lorong 8/1E, PJ
Tel: 011-2335 1477
A newer spot on the live music circuit, D’rose features a rooftop bar as well for a night out under the stars. A host of soloists get their groove on here, with Jeremy Danker taking the Monday night spot.
BATS
Sunway Giza,
Jalan PJU 5/14,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012-969 8557
This is one of the stand-outs in Kota Damansara, at least where live music is concerned. There’s something for everyone here with a selection of great musicians taking the stage regularly. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a regular performer here with a host of friends to liven up the nights. For a full list of musicians performing here, check out www. facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
PAMPAS RESERVE
Ground Floor, Suasana Bukit Ceylon,
No.2, Persiaran Raja Chulan,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 010-703 5405
Primarily a great steakhouse, Pampas Reserve lets down its hair on the weekends and hosts its Saturday Live Music sessions every week. A host of luminaries have performed here, so expect soulful, chilled, fun nights out. Bands who have graced the stage here include Arab and Bada, Mizan and Kyra and Fiezzta.
BACKYARD PUB & GRILL
No.28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Almost an institution in its own right, Backyard has been serving up good times, great food and amazing vibes for over 30 years. While the grub is great and the drinks refreshing, there is also plenty of music on offer here 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. On Sundays, enjoy a twist to happy hours with Sharin on stage in the late afternoon to serve up some great vibes.
SAINTS BAR
First Floor, 11-1,
Jalan Sri Hartamas 7,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 017-979 7148
When it comes to themed bars, there’s plenty around but Saints does things a little different by choosing to pay homage to a group of educators. As stated on its website, the Saints Bar pays homage to the Lasallian community in Malaysia. Brothers, teachers, students – past, present, future and the forgotten. The outlet also celebrates the contributions of the La Salle Brothers to education in Malaysia and there is a nifty series of paintings on the wall of various La Salle institutions in Malaysia, including St John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur. Every Wednesday in March, get into the groove with crooner Gerard Singh as he sings out strong from the stage. Friday night live sessions are every week with Ice and Johan taking the stage for a blast.
SIMPLY RETRO by TIN BOX
H-G-02, Hive, TREC
438, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
An intriguing concept awaits at Simply Retro, a vinyl-only outlet that serves up some of the best of the 1980s and 1990s. Resident deejays Jason Martin, Bernie, Jazzie Jay and Francis K take turns to bring back the magic that is the music of that era.
CRANE KL
No.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 of the ambience here. Also features a great selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday. Every Friday, get into the groove with Russell Curtis taking the stage while on Saturdays, it’s a double-header of guitar greats with Gerard Singh and Jamie Wilson teaming up for a great time.
D’MANDO
C-05-1 & C-06-1,
Plaza Glomac, Kelana Jaya,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 011-1040 9227
Taking up two lots in Plaza Glomac, D’Mando serves up some entertainment for music fans in Kelana Jaya. With bands on stage five nights a week and an extensive menu, D’Mando gets into the groove for a load of fun. Jeremy Danker is in the house here on Thursday nights.
9FIVEQ RESTOBAR
No.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. Tuesday nights see regular Gerard Singh get into the thick of some acoustic action on stage.
ON LINE PUB
No.32, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7728 0532
The one and only 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. What a selection the boys behind the bar serve up. On Wednesday nights, Victor gets the ball rolling with his inimitable laid-back style for a load of fun. On Thursday nights, Troubadour Tam is back to get into the groove with his raspy vocals and folksy style. Expect nice downtempo ballads to mix it up with more rocking acoustic tunes and a whole load of fun thrown in on top. On Saturday nights, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear. Inimitable and irrepressible, rocker Sharin picks up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.
HOME & AWAY HARTAMAS
No.37, Jalan 23/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL
Tel: 03-6211 1653
Another long-time favourite of football fans, Home and Away Hartamas also offers up some great tunes, with Gerard Anthony in the house every Wednesday to croon his way into the hearts of the audience.
O2 SS4
No.10, Jalan SS4/17,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7873 9066
Originally an offshoot of Damansara Kim’s On Line Pub, O2 SS4 has grown into a neighbourhood favourite away from the hustle and bustle of the usual commercial centres. With a focus on good food and great drinks, the outlet is a great spot to kick back, relax and have a conversation or two. While there is the occasional live music, especially during festive seasons, regulars know that one of the thrills here is trying to match wits with Quiz Master Ram every Thursday night. Yes, pub quizzes are making a slow but steady comeback in the Klang Valley and O2 SS4 just happens to be one of the places to get your thrill, with a chance of winning prizes such as drinks.
