Getting festive in February
IN THE blink of an eye, it is February and things are picking up as we gear up for another festive celebration soon, with Chinese New Year just around the corner.

While the malls out there are decked out in festive finery, nightspots are also not left out as the musicians continue to sing up a storm from the stage.

Here are just a few places to get your groove on and let your hair down in the Klang Valley.

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 a stalwart of the industry for over 30 years. On Tuesday nights, Mark Renesh picks up his guitar for an evening of chilled vibes while on Wednesday, the duo of Ramesh & Phillip get into the groove. Crooner Allan G is in the house on Thursday nights and the original rocking trio of Albert, Vijay and Badar are back on stage at the Backyard on Friday nights. On Saturday, SELLA is in the house to set the tempo right.

BATS

Sunway Giza,

Jalan PJU 5/14,

Petaling Jaya

Tel: 012-969 8557

BATS is fresh off a charity fundraiser and is back in the thick of the action with a host of acts performing here. Tomorrow, BATS kicks off its Chinese New Year celebration in style, with crooner Vishnu joined on stage by iconic axeman Bala and the equally-talented bassman Jimie Loh. For a full list of musicians performing here, check out www.facebook.com/bats.restaurant.bar

SWIG @MEGAH

No.3A, Jln SS24/11,

Taman Megah, PJ

Tel: 016-951 6627Swig swings into the new year with a new outlet in Taman Megah, with a different vibe from the original in Jalan Gasing. Embarking on a series of mini musical evenings themed the “Living Room Concerts”, Swig@Megah brings in some young, up-and-coming artistes. Celebrate love on Feb 14 with Ryan Pynam. On Feb 17, it’s time to grab the popcorn as Jazper & The Fellas bring movie soundtracks to the fore, while love is still in the air on Feb 20 with Nicolaz T and friends serving up some of the greatest love songs of all time. The “Living Room Concerts” are ticketed events so call for details.

MERDEKARYA

No.352 (Annexe), Jalan 5/57,

Petaling Garden, PJ

Tel: 018-661 4553Just like that, Merdekarya, one of the Klang Valley’s best purveyors of indie vibes, turned 11 with a bang just days ago. On Wednesdays, Brian Gomez is in the house with more original folk rock. Tonight, it’s a celebration of all things pop-punk with Airwaves on Fire while tomorrow night, its garage and blues rock to the fore with Jack’s A Dull Boy. Next Friday, indie rock is back with Marco George heating up the night. Next Saturday, Gasmoney turns it up with some original country and roots rock. 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.comAn elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim absolutely drips with old world charm while serving up an interesting array of offerings. Tomorrow night, Jocelyn Wong tackles her list of the Greatest Pop Songs Written of All Time. On Sunday, Angela pays tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, while next Tuesday will see Tasneem and Yiny in the house for a night of Taylor Swift songs.

BOBO KL

No.65-2, Jalan Bangkung,

Bangsar, KL

Tel: 012-683 8603Tonight, it’s comedy to the fore with Two Girls, One Guy and a Microphone. Host funnyman Rizal Van Geyzel serves it up alongside seasoned comedienne Shamaine Othman and up-and-comer Bella. Tomorrow night, Michelle Nunis is back on the Bobo stage, with a night of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. Next Tuesday, Bobo builds up the heat for Valentine’s Day with a night of love songs from Melissa Anne and Jack. On Valentine’s Day, vocalist Samantha De Lune joins pianoman Michael Veerapen and his trio for a special night celebrating all things love. For tickets, visit www.cloudjoi.com/org/bobokl.

Victor M sings out strong at Lavaa on Wednesday evenings.

LAVAA RESTOBAR

No.25, Jalan 17/56

Section 17, PJ

Tel: 03-7931 5446Musical magic happens twice a week here, with an extra special Sunday afternoon session from 3pm to 7pm. It’s a great time to chill for an afternoon with the sounds of Sharin going solo with his acoustic and jamming up a storm. On Wednesday evenings, Victor M sets the tone from 6pm onwards.

The Union take you on a trip back to the 1980s on Friday nights at Rock Bottom Bangsar.

ROCK BOTTOM BANGSAR

No.3&5, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar,

Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 016-315 3072Set in the heart of Bangsar’s Telawi commercial area, Rock Bottom Bangsar is a great place to kick back and chill after a long hard day of work. It is also a popular spot for football fans to catch the best of the EPL live and there’s plenty of musical action as well. Every Friday, take a trip back to the 1980s with The Union rocking up the stage.

H&A THE ORIGINAL

No.37, Jalan 23/70a,

Desa Sri Hartamas, KL; and

No.24, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,

Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KLWhile originally starting off as sports bars, the two H&A The Original outlets, one in Sri Hartamas and the other in TTDI, now offer more fun for those looking for a break after a long day at work. Wednesday and Sunday nights are for music, with alternating guests.

TWENTY EIGHT @ BANGSAR26, Jalan Telawi 5,

Bangsar, KL

Tel: 019-870 0493Now located just next door to its previous premises, Twenty Eight is not short of offerings for fans of a great night out. Friday nights are a little different at Twenty Eight, with Quiz Master Ram headlining in his own inimitable way. 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, email enquiries@twentyeightbar.com.NAVIGATORS BAR & RESTAURANT

C-43-P2 and Mezzanine,

Block C, Jaya One,

72A, Jalan Universiti, PJ

Tel: 012-530 0013Navigators is back in action with a selection of great offerings for the fans. On Sunday nights, it’s time to chill out and mellow a little with the sounds of Victor M on stage.

MAHJONG PUB & DINER

No.14, Jalan Wan Kadir 1,

Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KLAnother newcomer on the TTDI block, Mahjong is a colonial-themed sports bar with a classic British pool table for the fans. On Tuesday nights, vocalist Mary Jackson teams up with axeman Andrew Jacob to liven up the night, while on Fridays, the Spellbound duo of Vincent and Faye spice it up in the house.

Zack and Lyia entertain audiences at Saints every Wednesday night.

THE SAINTS BAR KL

No.11, First Floor,

Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, KL

Tel: 017-979 7148The interestingly named Saints Bar pays homage to the goup of mission schools in Malaysia run by the La Salle Brothers, with a collection of nifty portraits of the iconic institutions such as St John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur. It is also host to some great live music twice a week, with the inimitable Zack and Lyia taking the stage every Wednesday and Ice and JC singing out strong on Friday nights.

LOCO TTDI

No.11, Jalan Wan Kadir 2,

TTDI, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 016-380 8477The cheer-filled, Mexican-themed Loco TTDI serves up more than just great food and drinks with its Live Sessions on Thursday and Sunday nights from 6pm onwards. Join Shahrin for the live sessions on Thursday, while troubadour Tam gets in on the action on Sunday evenings.ROCK BOTTOM CHANGKAT

No.42, Changkat Bukit Bintang,

Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 011-6172 9892One can always expect a great time at Rock Bottom in Changkat Bukit Bintang with DJs spinning the wheels of steel during the week. On Sunday nights, from 9pm onwards, 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.

ROCKAFELLERS BUKIT DAMANSARA

Nos.15-G, 17-G, 19-G

Jalan Medan Setia 1,

Bukit Damansara, KLA host of musical acts have taken the stage here in Rockafellers and the action looks set to continue. There are regular Nightcoustic sessions where the likes of Priscilla Xavier, Gareth and Fairul, Mizan and Kyra and Yasher and Andy have all previously appeared. Check out their socials for more information.

9FIVEQ RESTOBAR

No.34, Jalan 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 the live jams every night. Tuesday nights see regular Gerard Singh get into the thick of some acoustic action 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 rocky here in Subang Jaya with regular Wednesday musical offerings.
metro,food
IN THE blink of an eye, it is February and things are picking up as we gear up for another festive celebration soon, with Chinese New Year just around the corner.