REXKL, the art and culture hub occupying the former Rex Cinema, is commemorating its 5th anniversary by launching REXFEST, a vibrant festival celebrating the city's rich history, arts, and community spirit. From Nov 24 to Nov 26, 2023, in partnership with Connor’s Stout Porter, the inaugural REXFEST will enrich downtown Kuala Lumpur with a diverse programme of live music, digital art, and workshops. Performances, exhibitions, and gastronomic delights.
The excitement kicks off with AFTERLIFE x GOEN - DIVERGENCE, an event that transcends traditional notions of freedom. This ticketed affair boasts a line-up of skilled DJs, including Suhsi and Hazel, Raven and WCKD. Additionally, the event will feature a showcase by Azarikh, a digital immersive artist with a notable portfolio, including collaborations with international sensation Joji and local star Yuna.
REXFEST’s exclusive ticketed event lineup continues with 'KUANTUM: FORGOTTEN FACADES,' an immersive blend of electronic music and visual arts crafted by Kuantum, a collective of artists from diverse multi-disciplinary backgrounds. The DJ lineup features talents like Rimka. Lzzy, Gasing, a resident DJ at Saturday Selects, Nazreth, and Intermissions’ 535 EYE.
The evening promises immersive creativity and diverse sounds, with REXPERIENCE’s fully immersive projection and sound system providing a one-of-a-kind experience. Effortlessly blending futuristic electronic music, reimagined architectural designs and includes the creative talents of immersive visual artists such as Vuevossa, alongside Zhonkvision and Shared Mind Visuals.
SOUNDSCAPE RECORDS x FILAMEN: ODYSSEY, curated by Soundscape Records, an independent label renowned for its extensive music curation, and Filamen, the leading local collective in multimedia art. This ticketed event will feature exhilarating performances by notable artists, including indie rockers The Times (“Gadisku Dalam Koma”, “Pesona Algebra”) Kyoto Protocol (“Pussycat”, “Jelita”) Shelhiel, The Filters (“BZD”, John Pine”) with visuals by Grasshopper, Futuresigner, Jiajia, and Vasflow, who consistently engineers exclusive, avant-garde visual experiences through the medium of immersive projection.
Throughout REXFEST, attendees have free access to a line-up of events and activations, commencing with Homeground—a showcase orchestrated alongside Tong Tong Asia and Breaking Music, two Kuala Lumpur-based music labels nurturing budding songwriters and artists. Spotlighting rising Malaysian pop stars like Lil Asian Thiccie, TY:DEL, Adriel, Zekke, Munjiy, Perry, and Jar Francisco, Pop Rising is poised to electrify the stage and animate the dance floor at REXFEST.
Visitors can also indulge in an evening of jazz as fono kl makes a one-night return to REXKL with fono Got Jazz, featuring two leading bands, note/void and Lawrence Wright Jazz Ensemble (LWJE). note/void, a blend of jazz and avant-garde, features ASWARA graduates and current students defying traditional jazz with a punk-inspired twist, offering a unique take on the city's jazz scene. Lawrence Wright Jazz Ensemble (LWJE), led by Marques Young, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra's trombone principal, where he will be joined by the highly sought-after Malaysian drum prodigy, John Thomas. The evening will include support from fono Hi Fi's special vinyl set, which will be supervised by Uzair Sawal and Kingston.
Hush & Snap: Off The Books, REXKL's monthly open mic night, redefines poetry and spoken word by shattering its 'boring and pretentious' image, welcoming newcomers and seasoned performers alike. It's a nexus for diverse creative streams— from theatre to music—enhanced by the introduction of a poetry slam, injecting competitive fervor into the event. Get ready for a charged atmosphere where passionate poets ignite the stage with their talents.
Connor’s Stout Porter will be adding its signature cool and crafty vibes to REXFEST. Offering its four premium malts and perfectly balanced taste, visitors can look forward to Connor's Mixologist Masterclass led by the Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur's Head Mixologist, Lee Wei Lung. Participants will be able to try their hand at concocting the first-of-its-kind Connor's Coffee cocktail, alongside other useful mixology tips and tricks. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to perfectly recreate the draught stout experience from a can by learning its signature serving ritual at the Connor’s Shake Corner located at the Foyer and score a complimentary can of Connor’s. The Connor’s Bar is where consumers can anticipate an entertaining and immersive experience centred around the cool and crafty world of Connor’s. There is also a free Connor’s draught up for grabs for those participating in the Connor’s Snap & Post activity.
Connor’s brings the finest of both stout and music together all within the confines of one spectacular event as art and music lovers ‘Taste the Good Times’ over the three-day fest. REXKL food vendors have teamed up with Connor's Stout Porter to offer a unique and exclusive menu at REXFEST. Festival-goers will have the delightful opportunity to not only witness but also indulge in a diverse range of culinary experiences. From the enticing Connor's Cocktail at The REX Bar to the mouthwatering Connor's Pizza Bundle at Phil's Pizza, the tantalizing Ticklish X Connor's Stout BBQ Ribs, and much more! There is something to satisfy every taste. These exceptional collaborations will be exclusively available at REXFEST throughout all three days of the event, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure for guests.
Participate for free in the Street Art Sesh, a Live Graffiti Session with renowned local graffiti and street artists, Nestwo and KOS from 5 PM - 8 PM on 24 Nov and 12 PM - 6 PM on 25 and 26 Nov. Learn the art of graffiti and gain tips and pointers from both artists to create a graffiti piece inspired by Connor's Stout.
Get your spot and get creative! Register to join Mr. Long Thien Shih's "Paint the Bloom in Love" Watercolor Workshop on 24 and 25 Nov from 11 AM - 1 PM, where you will learn how to depict intricate details of various blooms or make decorative bowls with KANOE who will be hosting an upcycling workshop called Upcycling Batik Scraps into Bowls by KANOE on 25 Nov at 12 PM - 6 PM.
Experience the lively festivities and celebration at REXFEST! With most events offering free entry, unless specified, it's a celebration not to be missed. Secure your tickets today at www.ticket2u.com.
