Diverse selections to please music fans

The mother-daughter duo of Salamiah Hassan and Atilia Haron will thrill the crowd at Jao Tim tomorrow night.

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.

KUALA LUMPUR POLO CLUB 5,

Jalan Ampang Hilir, KL

Some say that the 1980s were probably the best decade for music and, though arguable, it is certainly true that there were some great tunes emerging from that era. Fans will be thrilled to learn that KL Polo Club (formerly known as the Royal Selangor Polo Club) will be presenting its inaugural music festival from 5pm on May 28. The Union makes a special comeback with Gerard Singh all ready to show off just what the 1980s means for music fans. Other talented acts to take the stage include Josh Thomas, the legendary axeman Julian Mokhtar and Kenny (of Kenny, Remy and Martin fame). Tickets available online on Peatix.

TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR 28,

Jalan Telawi 5,

Bangsar, KL Tel: 019-870 0493

It may be off Bangsar's main party strip, but Twenty Eight is not short of offerings for fans of a great night out. The owners have a firm belief in local talent and there's music every night of the week with a host of artistes taking the stage. Add to that a selection of great drinks and an impressive menu, and it all chalks up to a good place to let your hair down. Monday nights are for those who want to get their groove on a little more actively and take the stage to jam out with a host of other indie talents. Last Monday, Open Mic Malaysia made its debut at Twenty Eight with a bang-up night of rocking tunes.

Those who’d like to jam up a storm can email [email protected] for a slot, or check out their social @openmicmalaysia. 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 and after a quiz. And to spin it in a whole new light, Ram's infamous audio rounds might just be set to music, as has happened previously in Twenty Eight. For more information or reservations, call Twenty Eight or email [email protected].

SIMPLY JAZZ by Tin Box

C5, Level 63,

Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur

Jazz fans in the 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. It's 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. Tonight, Wee Lern tickles the ivories alongside Yvonne Chong on vocals, YHFOO (bass) and Cliff Wong on drums. Tomorrow night, Michael Veerapen is back on the piano with Jo providing the vocals for a blast.

The mother-daughter duo of Salamiah Hassan and Atilia Haron will thrill the crowd at Jao Tim tomorrow night.

JAO TIM

61, Jalan Sultan, KL

Tel: 03-2022 3897

Website: www.jaotim.com

Jao Tim absolutely drips with old-world charm, serving 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. Tonight, the Sylvia Wong Trio brings their own originals to the stage for a night of jazz-fusion vibes. Tomorrow night there's a special treat in store for music fans, when the mother-daughter duo of the legendary Salamiah Hassan and Atilia Haron take the stage for a night of duets and originals.

Malaysiana continues to dominate with a night of Ronggeng Raya, featuring Aruel & The Fasola. Next Tuesday, fans of Mandopop star JJ Lin are in for a treat when Yiny, KK, and Aven Phang showcase Lin's songbook. On Wednesday, crooner Michael Buble's tunes get the cover treatment at the Table Lamp Concert featuring Izen Kong and Ee Jeng. Next Friday night, Jao Tim, in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, brings Kira Linn's Linntett Illusion South-East Asia tour to the stage for one night. On May 27, blues fans will be thrilled that "Lord" Lokman and Raja Badri Shah will be joining AL Terry's Blues Syndicate for harmonica-driven Chicago blues and rock. Cover charges apply.

MERDEKARYA

352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,

Petaling Garden, PJ Tel: 018-661 4553

One of Klang Valley's best purveyors of indie vibes, Merdekarya recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to serve up tunes from some of the best musicians in the Klang Valley and beyond. Tonight, it's pop punk all the way with Airwaves On Fire kicking it into high gear from the stage. Tomorrow night, take a trip back to the 1960s with a selection of vibes from Momin and the Deen's List. Next Wednesday, Armand Tanzarian shows music lovers just what post-rock is all about as he takes the stage solo. Next Thursday, Iris showcases original indie- alternative tunes.

Next Friday is a double-header with Zuuraa showing off some bedroom pop, while Tak-Raw brings in the alt noise pop vibe to Merdekarya. Next Saturday, the stage is closed for a private event, but Bar B will remain open to the public. There is no cover charge but a minimum tip of RM10 for the musicians is expected.

Elvira Arul joins the Last Notes at Bobo KL from June 1 to 3.

BOBO KL

65-2, Jalan Bangkung,

Bangsar, KL Tel: 012-683 8603

Bobo, and its baby grand have played host to many a music great. After a month of comedic evenings, the focus returns to great music from the Bobo stage. Tonight and tomorrow night, Ida Mariana is in the house to showcase a night of Kebaya jazz as only she can swing it. Next Thursday to Saturday, Tria Aziz is in the house to celebrate Being in Love while Elvira Arul and The Last Notes are all set to get Funkified from June 1 to 3. Local vocal powerhouse Bihzhu is also scheduled to take the stage at Bobo KL from June 8 to 10. Other exciting acts to look out for in June at Bobo are Dasha, Rozz and Poova as they take on the Abba songbook, Chacko Vadaketh showcasing his "Songs & Stories" and not forgetting Malaysia's Queen of Comedy Joanne Kam rounding off the month. For tickets, visit https://www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl.

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. 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

11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2,

TTDI, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 016-380 8477

The cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco TTDI serves up more than just delicious 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 feature the rollicking duo of Mary Jackson and Raymond Chia as they deliver a nostalgic dose of the 1980s and more. On Wednesday nights, there is more busking action on the floor.

ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT

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,

5, Lorong 8/1E, PJ Tel: 011-2335 1477

A newer spot on the live music, D’rose features a rooftop bar as well for a night out under the stars. A host of soloists get their groove on here.

ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR

Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar,

Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 016-315 3072

While the DJs keep the music going most of the week with a selection of awesome tunes, on Monday nights, Mizan and Kyra stir things up with a selection of great songs which will beat the Monday blues.

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. Piano man Vishnu Shakhti is a regular here with a host of friends to liven up the nights. Tonight, Vishnu jams with Nina and Agy and tomorrow night he returns with Nina on vocals again though this time around they’ll be joined by Jason. For a full list of musicians performing here, check out https://www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar

Saints BarFirst 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 differently by paying homage to 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 various contributions of the La Salle Brothers to education in Malaysia and there is a nifty series of paintings on the wall depicting the La Salle institutions in Malaysia. Three nights of music a week help thrill the crowd.

SIMPLY RETRO by TIN BOX

H-G-02, Hive, TREC

438, Jalan Tun Razak, KL

An intriguing concept awaits at Simply Retro which is 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 it in turns to bring back the magic that was the music of that era.

On Line Pub32, 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 excellent pub grub, chilled beers and loud music.

What an exciting 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. Inimitable and irrepressible, rocker Sharin picks up his axe for some major mayhem with his backing crew.

Crane KL78, Jalan Sultan, KL

WhatsApp: 013-218 5712

Website: cranekl.com

Another Chinatown hotspot, Crane KL which is in a charming heritage building delivers a good selection of cocktails and food. Also features vibrant music from Wednesday to Saturday.

Every Friday, get your kicks from Russell Curtis taking the stage while on Saturdays, it is a double-header of guitar greats with Gerard Singh and Jamie Wilson teaming up.

9FiveQ Restobar34, Jln USJ9/5Q

Subang Jaya

Tel: 010-277 2909

Priding itself on tasty food and drinks plus amazing live music, this gem tucked away in Subang Jaya serves up the live jams every night. Tuesday nights see regular Gerard Singh get into the thick of some acoustic action on the stage.

Backyard Pub & Grill28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8,

Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 011-6135 5473

Almost an institution in its own right, Backyard has been serving up amazing vibes and good times for over 30 years.

While the grub is delicious and the drinks refreshing, there is also plenty of music on offer here.

On Thursday nights, talented guitarist Mark Renesh teams up with songstress Brenda Lee to let the good times roll.

On Sundays, come enjoy a twist to happy hours with Sharin on stage in the late afternoon to bring plenty of smiles.

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