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.
Junji Delfino joins the Julian Chan Quintet to pay tribute to jazz great Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson in Jao Tim next Wednesday.
JAO TIM
No.61, Jalan Sultan, KL, Tel: 03-2022 3897
Website: www.jaotim.com
Located 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 treats that are just that much different to stand out. Tonight and tomorrow night, experience the “Come Back Showcase” with Dennis Lau and Friends.
Those slated to take the stage include Aisyah Aziz, Fara Dolhadi and Ronnie & Jimmy Sax. On Sunday, there is a special afternoon treat from 2pm with a special taster class for Lindy Hop, followed by the Frankie Sixes bopping onto the stage for more fun in the sun. Next Wednesday, jazz fans are in for a treat with Junji Delfino joining the Julian Chan Quintet at Jao Tim to present Soul Jazz, celebrating the music of Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson. Julian Chan will be back in focus at Jao Tim on July 29 and 30, with his Jazz Orchestra in tow as they go retro to light up the night with music from the big band era. Cover charges apply.
HANGOVER PJ
D-37-01, Dataran 3 Two Square, 2, Jalan 19/1, PJ
Tel: 012-248 2098
Julian Mokhtar host the jam sessions at Hangover PJ on Sunday nights.
Another familiar name for fans of live music in Petaling Jaya, the Hangover is set to get into the groove with a wide selection of everything from R&B and retro to blues and rock. Every Thursday, explore the sounds of the 1980s with The Union reunion taking the stage to entertain. On Sunday nights, it’s a whole lot of fun as Julian Mokhtar welcomes everyone to sing, and play, along with the T-Jam sessions.
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box
C5, Level 63, Publika, Solaris Dutamas,
Kuala Lumpur
Originally making its presence felt in TREC KL, Simply Jazz by Tin Box has moved to Publika for a whole new groove. It is a breath of fresh air for jazz fans in the suburbs who have long had to make the trek deep into the heart of the city to get their kicks. Tonight and tomorrow night, Wee Lern tickles the ivories and will be joined by Kirana Kay on vocals, YHFoo (bass) and Cliff Wong on drums.
TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR
No.26, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, KL
Tel: 019-870 0493
Now located just next door to its previous premises, Twenty Eight is not short of offerings for fans of a great night out. Friday nights serve up something a little different at Twenty Eight, with Quiz Master Ram headlining in his own inimitable way. But it’s not just any other quiz night, as there will be a live band on stage to keep punters entertained before, after and maybe even during the quiz. For more information or reservations, email enquiries@twentyeightbar.com
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 night, Chacko Vadaketh showcases his “Songs & Stories” for the crowd while next Thursday to Saturday, Malaysia’s Queen of Comedy Joanne Kam gets into the groove for a much-needed dose of laughter. On July 6 and 7, Evelyn Feroza is back at Bobo KL for two nights of great music while on July 8, Angel Ang and Friends Rock Around The Clock for fans. Songstress Chelsia Ng is also in the frame at Bobo, presenting “You and I” on July 13, 14 and 15. For tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
ELLI ROCKS DH
No.46-M, First Floor,Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2,
Bukit Damansara, KL. Tel: 011-1511 8866
The home of gin’o’clock also serves up some great musical vibes three nights a week, with a host of luminaries gracing the stage. Every Wednesday, Gerard Singh continues his solo sessions from the stage here, while tonight, guitar virtuoso Sharin teams up with percussionist Al Hafiz for a great night out. Tomorrow night, Arab and Badar team up to get the crowd going with their mellow vibes.
W DINING BAR
Signature Park, G-13, Jalan Teknologi 2/1A,
Kota Damansara, PJ. Tel: 013-396 6883
Saturday nights will never be the same in Kota Damansara with guitar maestro Xiong taking the stage at W Dining Bar. He’s fresh from becoming the first Malaysian musician to receive Brazil’s Order of Rio Branco for his efforts in promoting bossa nova. Expect magical Latin rhythms as he keeps it tight with an acoustic in tow.
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 Wednesday and Sunday nights from 6pm. Join Colin and Ice for the live sessions on Wednesday, while Troubadour Tam gets in on the action Sunday evenings.
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.
BATS
Sunway Giza, Jalan PJU 5/14,
Petaling Jaya. Tel: 012-969 8557
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. Pianoman Vishnu Shakhti is a regular 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
Azmyl Yunor is back for more rebel rock at Merdekarya next Wednesday.
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 celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and continues to serve up great vibes from some of the best in the Klang Valley and beyond. Tonight, get set for some original rock vibes with the Demondolls taking over the stage. On the open mic side of things, Walk The Kata gets into the fray to warm up the crowd before the Demondolls get in on the action.
Tomorrow, Shh...Diam! is in the house to get the party going. For a more rabble-rousing vibe, indie legend Azmyl Yunor is in action next Wednesday, presenting what he calls rebel folk. Next Thursday, singer- songwriter Sharazade takes the stage while rockers Arq are in the house on Friday. Next Saturday, Azmyl Yunor is back on stage, with Truly Asia ably backing him up for a blast. No cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.
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, Elli Rocks is also home to gin’o’clock. Tonight, the Artstream duo are in action while tomorrow, the Gerard Anthony Project gets into the groove of the night.
Sharin rocks out with his power trio at On Line on Saturday nights.
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 Saturday nights, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear with the inimitable and irrepressible rocker Sharin picking 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.
