Next Thursday, Azmyl Yunor shines a light on rebel rock at Merdekarya.
Jazz, rock and chill offerings heating up as year winds down
WITH just over a month left in 2023, there’s still plenty of action after dark. There is more than just music on offer for a relaxed evening or night out as special treats like comedy nights and pub quizzes are also in the frame.
Here are just a few places to get your groove on in the Klang Valley.
MERDEKARYA
No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,
Petaling Garden, PJ
Tel: 018-661 4553
One of Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and continues to serve up good stuff from some of the best. Tonight, Syakir and the Rombongan will show off live original blues for the fans. Tomorrow night, things get a little lighter with The Propositions! serving up pop-rock selections from their repertoire. Next Wednesday, Brian Gomez is back in the house to continue showcasing folk rock in all its incarnations. Next Thursday, the original rebel Azmyl Yunor will bring the house down at Merdekarya with his rebel folk styling as only he can. There is 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
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 event space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings that really stand out. Tonight, Rainbow Children lift their voices in song as they pay tribute to the genre-bending genius that was Prince. Expect funk, soul, R&B, psychedelia and much more! Tomorrow night, it is all about Silk Sonic with Helloluqman and the 3005cru with Clinton Jerome joining in for the ride. Expect all things Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak and of course Silk Sonic as the crew spin it up into overdrive.
Next Wednesday, Evie Feroza and Nish take things a little downtempo as they team up to show fans that “Sad Can Be Sexy” with an evening of soothing ballads, soft pop and R&B. Next Thursday, Post Malone and Harry Styles are in focus with A$iX & Band taking the stage for a Table Lamp Concert focusing on the vibes of the duo.
Next Friday, pianoman David Gomes joins chanteuse Junji Delfino for a jazzy evening of birthday celebration songs from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and more. Cover charges apply.
LAVAA RESTOBAR
No.25, Jalan 17/56
Section 17, PJ
Tel: 03-7931 5446
Great vibes, scrumptious food and a selection of original cocktails make this nifty outlet in Petaling Jaya a nice place to chill out – and not just after dark! Musical magic happens twice a week here, with extra-special Sunday afternoon sessions from 3pm to 7pm. Feel free to just chill in the afternoon with Sharin going solo with his acoustics and jamming up a storm. On Wednesday evenings, Victor sets the tone from 6pm.
Crooner Sharizan Borhan is back at Bobo KL with ‘Swing a Little Bit of Everything’ while (right) Junji Delfino joins David Gomes at Jao Tim next Friday night.
XROADS LOUNGE
Concorde Hotel KL,
Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL
Tel: 03-2144 2200 ext 2336
Concorde Hotel in Kuala Lumpur plays host to a trio of musical acts nightly at its Xroads Lounge for a groovy time after dark. Local act RS Duo, comprising Sarah Olivar Fajilan and Richard Liew, start things off with a selection of easy-listening numbers and current hits for a relaxing evening out. Things get livelier later on with Beat Culture taking the stage for some nostalgic vibes from the 1970s and 1980s. Lastly, Xroads plays host to True Blue which is a five-piece outfit comprising both Malaysian and Filipino talents who present everything from rock and soul to disco, R&B and Motown. Showtimes are from 5.30pm to 1am from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 8.45pm to 11.30pm on Sundays.
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. It’s a great spot offering everything from comedy to jazz and other great sounds. Tonight, tomorrow and Sunday night, Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana front what is said to be a “retro glam Malaysian big band” for three nights of Cinema Tarakucha! celebrating music from the movies. And by big band, they certainly mean it as it is a 12-piece outfit led by musical director Nish Tham. Next Thursday to Saturday, crooner Sharizan Borhan is back in Bobo KL for a night of “Swing A Little Everything”. And for a blast from the past, Ferhad comes to the stage from Dec 7 to 9, with Soul Alive, a showcase of his life in music. To purchase tickets, go to www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl
SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box
Nos.28 & 29, Block C5, Level G3,
Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
Reservations: https://tinbox.my
Jazz fans in Klang Valley have another new venue to enjoy. 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’ve long had to make the trek deep into the heart of the city to get their kicks. This weekend, pianoman Michael Veerapen is back in the groove, leading a pack comprising Tasneem Bolhassan on bass and Cliff Wong on drums. Tonight and tomorrow night, vocalist Ronnie will be helping to set the mood just right.
H&A THE ORIGINAL
No.37, Jln 23/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, KL and
24, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
While originally starting off as sports bars, the two H&A The Original outlets, one in Sri Hartamas and the other in TTDI, now offer up more types of relaxation for those looking for a break after a long hard day at work. Get your thinking caps on as Quizmaster Ram has brought his challenge to H&A The Original, alternating between Desa Sri Hartamas and TTDI. His next appearance to tickle your brain cells will be next Wednesday at the Desa Sri Hartamas outlet.
BATS
Sunway Giza,
Jalan PJU 5/14,
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 012-969 8557
BATS is fresh off a charity fundraiser and now back in the thick of the action with a host of acts performing here regularly, including crooner Vishnu keeping it tight. For a full list of musicians performing here, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar
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. Friday nights will see KDee Razman getting the ball rolling for a load of fun ahead of the weekend. On Saturday nights, On Line Pub kicks things into high gear with the inimitable and irrepressible rocker Sharin picking up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.
HANGOVER PJ
D-37-01, Dataran 3 Two Square,
2, Jalan 19/1, PJ
Tel: 012-248 2098
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. On Wednesday nights, Joy Victor and the rest of Nine Lives set the tone at Hangover. On Saturday nights, the Soulseekers are in the house to entertain.
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 seeking a memorable 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’ll be a live band on stage to keep punters entertained before, after and maybe even during the quiz. For more information, reservations or just general queries, email enquiries@twentyeightbar.com
NAVIGATORS BAR & RESTAURANT
C-43-P2 and Mezzanine,
Block C, Jaya One,
72A, Jalan Universiti, PJ
Tel: 012-530 0013
Navigators is back in action with a selection of great offerings for fans. On Sunday nights, do take time to chill out and mellow a little with the sounds of Victor M on stage.
THE SOCIAL (Empire Subang)
Empire Shopping Gallery,
Jalan SS16/1, Subang Jaya
Chase away the midweek blues as things get a little jazzy and rock-y here in Subang Jaya. Next Wednesday, Nina Deen and friends are here to shake things up.
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 to send chills down your spine.
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 lovely food and drinks with its Live Sessions on Thursday and Sunday nights from 6pm. Join Shahrin for the live sessions on Thursday, while troubadour Tam gets in on the action on Sunday evenings.
