For Live sounds around Kuala Lumpur over the weekend with live music to comedy, from jazz to classical, from indie pop to hard rock, here’s an extensive look at the first week ahead in February!
FEBRUARY 2 – 10 : As You Like It (KL)
Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando at a wrestling match. Her usurping uncle, jealous of her popularity banishes her from court. Disguised as a boy, she leaves with her cousin Celia and the jester Touchstone, to seek out her father in the Forest of Arden. Here she meets Orlando again and, under the guise of a young man, Ganymede, counsels him in the art of love and wooing.
The Handlebards, the world’s first cycling theatre company, return to Asia with their brilliantly absurd all-female version of Shakespeare’s most comical romance. These beautifully British and brazenly bonkers actresses will perform their side-splitting production of the Bard’s hilarious tale of two lovers becoming entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity.
PJ Live Arts : 2A-3, Block K, Jaya One, Section 13, No 72A, Jalan Universiti, PJ
Admissio: Economy RM60, Premium RM75 with family packages and concessions available. All tickets exclude 6% GST. Tickets available from www.tix.my
FEBRUARY 2 - 4 : Mak Yong Titis Sakti at KLPac
What happens when you take a classic written by one of the greatest English playwrights ever and re-tell it through one of the oldest traditional art forms from Malaysia?
After eight long years, The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat will be bringing back the magical Mak Yong Titis Sakti, a Mak Yong performance based on the story of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream under the direction of visionary director Norzizi Zulkifli.
With its mystical setting in an enchanted forest, Mak Yong Titis Sakti’s story on the three types of love – the perfect love, the forbidden love and the unrequited love – is an appealing one. Add to singing, dancing and an element of comedy, it is an entertaining watch even for those who are not familiar with Mak Yong.
Presented by: The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat
Date & Time: 27 Jan, 1 – 3 Feb 2018 @ 8.30pm / 28 Jan, 4 Feb @ 3pm
KLPAC : (Pentas 1) Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, KL : Tickets from www.ticketpro.com..my / +603-7880 7999. Or call 03-4047 9000 or visit www.klpac.org.
FEBRUARY 2 : Solos & Duos
Solos + Duo by Ziya Tabassian (tombak) from Canada/Iran and Nathan Fischer (guitar) from the USA/KL.
Ziya Tabassian began playing the tombak (Iranian drum) at the age of ten. After a brief initiation period in Iran, he continued his training in Montreal, Canada, his adopted homeland.
From 1994 to 2001, he studied classical Western percussion and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in interpretation from the Université de Montréal. In a residency at The Banff Centre in the winter of 2003, he explored the contemporary repertoire with Iranian percussion instruments, which was to have a lasting influence
A tireless traveller, he is continuing his personal research in advanced courses with Bahman Rajabi (in Teheran), Aziz Alami (in Fez), Trichy Sankaran (in Toronto), Mısırli Ahmet (in Istanbul), Shree Sundarkumar and Yogesh Samsi (in India).
As a percussionist, Ziya Tabassian is professionally active in early music (medieval, Renaissance and Baroque), as well as contemporary, current and world music. He plays with several other musical groups, including the Ensemble Caprice and has performed concerts in almost 40 countries in prestigious festivals and concert halls.
Supported by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Canada Council for the Arts, he has many albums to his credit on some major labels. He has also performed in recordings by the Kronos Quartet, Kayhan Kalhor, Mercan Dede, Hossein Omoumi, En Chordais and Lo’Jo.
His first solo album, “Tombak”, stemming from his acoustic explorations and research on the rhythmic cycles of early Persian music, was released in 2007 on Montréal’s Ambiances Magnétiques label
He recently published a second album, “Le Cercle des cycles” which was launched last November in Montreal during the Festival du Monde Arabe 2017.
Nathan Fischer is an American guitarist currently residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he is a Senior Lecturer of Classical Guitar at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and an Adjunct Research Affiliate with the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts—Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia.
As a concert artist Nathan has appeared in the United States, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Southeast Asia. His research focus has been on the performance and analysis of music for classical guitar with specialization in Malaysian, Egyptian, and Venezuelan music. This includes the development of a Malaysian and Egyptian national repertoire for classical guitar. While living in Egypt his performance research expanded to the Arab oud, and the gambus in Malaysia.
Nathan has worked with composers Kye Ryung Park, Aaron Travers, Ahmed Madkour, Karim Frège, Kirk-Even Billet, and Tazul Izan Tajuddin. In addition, he has premiered works by Michael Smetanin, Ross Carey, Katia Tiutiunnik, Ainolnaim Azizol, Raja Alif, Andrew Zohn, Valerie Ross, Az Samad, Sharmine Bakri, and Vincent Lindsey-Clark.
RAW ARTS SPACE : 4th Flr, 8, Jalan Panggung, KL
Admission: Suggested donation of RM20. Call 017-698 7618
FEBRUARY 2 : Dasha Logan and the John Thomas Trio at No Black Tie
Dasha Logan has been exposed to the music scene and life of a musician before she can remember, having grown up in a musical family. Now an upcoming artist herself, she started her journey with music at the tender age of 4 when her love for performing began. At 17 she was offered her first singing gig which kicked off her life on stage and it naturally only took one performance for everyone to see what an amazing talent she has.
Music comes to life with the John Thomas Trio. The young and talented drummer, John Ashley Thomas started playing drums since he was 3 years old. With credits that include working with Grammy award-winning flautist, Nestor Torres, touring the Blue Note circuit in Japan with Motown legends, The Three Degrees, and playing at numerous jazz festivals including Arts Alive Jazz Fest in South Africa and Jarasum International Jazz in South Korea. Last year John Thomas Trio completed a five city tour in China and two jazz festivals: Beishan International Jazz Festival & Hong Kong International Jazz Festival, where they had the honor of sharing a double billing with piano great Joey Calderazzo and his trio.
NO BLACK TIE : 17, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur : Admission fee RM53. Call 03-2142 3737 after 5pm or visit www.noblacktie.com.my for bookings.
FEBRUARY 2/3 : Bobo KL presents Evelyn Feroza
Evelyn Feroza needs no introduction to KL live music lovers. Poised, polished, and completely at ease on stage, Evie mesmerizes no matter the genre.
BOBO KL : 65-1, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL : Show times at 9.30pm. Wine and dine with them before the show. Dinner prices RM60++ / RM40++ for Bobo Diners. For reservations call 03-2092 5002
FEBRUARY 2/3 : Alexis Bistro presents A Night of Timeless tunes with Ushera
Join Ushera at Alexis this weekend for groovy, soulful and smooth ballad favourites from the 70s and 80s. Accompanying her on stage will be Lewis Pragasam on drums, Ganesh Bala on keyboard, Jordan Rivers on guitar & Norman Rahman on bass.
ALEXIS BISTRO AMPANG : Great Eastern Mall, 303, Jalan Ampang, Kl
Dress code applies: No Shorts & Slippers. Showtime 10pm. Table bookings for diners only. Music charge: RM10++/pax. For more information, please call 03 4260-2288 or log on to www.alexis.com.my
FEBRUARY 2 & 4 : Le Noir KL presents Acoustic Fourplay live on stage
A live Acoustic Band, lined up of musicians who have been in the music industry for more than a decade. Ideally named, simply performing songs ranging from the late 60s up to the current Top 40s in an acoustic manner to sooth your every acoustic musical fantasy.
LE NOIR KL : Unit H-G-07, The Hive, TREC, Lot 435, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Roof terrace opens at 5pm. Cover charge may apply after 11pm. To reserve your spot: Book online: https://form.jotform.me/LeNoirKL/book-a-table
Email: HERE / Phone/WhatsApp: +60122245416 : Valet parking available.
FEBRUARY 2 : Urban Lights by Gig Fairy
Featured bands performing urban classics every Friday. As a place to unwind, the kaleidoscopic Ren shifts into a lounge experience on Fridays with a jazzy performance from New Village Music Lab. Kick back at Urban Lights by Gig Fairy with the indulgence of complimentary entry and a happy hour that lasts until midnight!
KYO KL : (Ren Room) Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, off Jalan Pinang, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur : Table reservations please contact reservations@clubkyokl.com or 012-921 1730
FEBRUARY 2 : Amrita Soon Duo live at Ril’s
Amrita Soon started creating music as a way to drift out from the chaos of life and has since garnered a small following online and also through her live performances. She has performed on local radio and TV stations and raised her own funds to travel to Nashville, where she was a featured performer at various songwriters’ nights and performed alongside the likes of Ella Mae Bowen and Lance Carpenter.
Amrita released her first EP ‘Clues’ in December 2014 and her song ‘Goodbye’ has been included in the compilation album ‘Rock for Ronan’ which aimed to raise funds in support of research on childhood cancers.
www.amritasoon.com
www.soundcloud.com/amritasoon
www.youtube.com/amritasoon
RIL’S BANGSAR : 30, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, KL : Call 03-2201 3846 or e-mail reservations@rils.com.my
FEBRUARY 2 : Crackhouse Presents: Kyle Kinane (US)
Kyle Kinane has quietly become one of the funniest stand-up comedians in the game, honing his craft with each and every performance. His two Comedy Central specials, “I Liked His Old Stuff Better,” and "Loose in Chicago" is proof that he continues his trend of delivering an impossibly tight set, full of sarcasm and self-deprecating humor, under a refreshing umbrella of optimism.
The Chicago native is an internationally touring comedian who has been featured as a recurring character on Judd Apatow's "Love" which can be binge-watched on Netflix. Kyle has also made appearances on "@Midnight," "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," "Conan," "Workaholics," "This Is Not Happening," "Not Safe with Nikki Glaser" and "Comedy Bang! Bang!".
Kyle boasts one of the most stellar reputations by fans and critics alike where his shows are consistently nabbing glowing reviews that is just furthering his impressive comedy career and cementing himself as an established and well-respected act. The Crackhouse Comedy Club KL has brought another major name in the modern comedy world- one that cannot be missed folks!
Crackhouse Comedy Club KL : 1st Floor, 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL : Time : 9pm Showtime, Seating 8pm. Ticket : RM40 online / RM50 at the door.
https://crackhouseheadliners.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email laugh@crackhousecomedy.asia for more info.
FEBRUARY 2 : Public Voice at Café Society KL
Public Voice was established on May, 1994 by Reza Khalili who has education on lead guitar in private school in Iran. They started their work as serious in 1995. Public Voice found special status between its fans in the field of blues and rock.
This group also holds variety concerts, produced some albums and co-operate with other artists and singers in Iran. Since 2008, Public Voice have travelled (Turkey, Azerbaijan, Ukraine)to continue their music career and they play music in different and famous pubs since 2008.
Now the band line up is a three piece blues & rock band living in Kuala Lumpur, still working on music and performing around the pubs and clubs. With Reza Khalili (guitar/vocals), Bahman Khalili (drums), Sasan Asgari (bass guitar).
THE CAFÉ SOCIETY KL : H-G-04, The Hive, TREC, 434, Jalan Tun Razak, KL : Call 013-330 7770
FEBRUARY 3 : Noryn Aziz at No Black Tie
Singer. Artiste. Performer…these are the words used to describe the many faces of Noryn Aziz. Her powerful, sultry voice and amazing persona has captured the imaginations of countless audiences.
She is part of a new breed of Malaysian performers who are versatile in their work, while remaining true to their calling. Inspired by Erykah Badu, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones and Jill Scott, as reflected in her performance. Her stage presence is dazzling, her voice, smooth and husky. To Noryn, music serves one true purpose – to express truth, beauty, love, reality, hopes, and dreams. And so with Noryn as the storyteller weaving a tale of her musical journey, “how it all began and how it has been for me …”
NO BLACK TIE : 17, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur : Admission fee RM64. Call 03-2142 3737 after 5pm or visit www.noblacktie.com.my for bookings.
FEBRUARY 3 : Le Noir KL presents Gregory Ramanado live on stage
You’ve seen him Michael Bolton’s reality TV show Bolt of Talent, Gregory Ramanado is a versatile Malaysian singer-songwriter known for his charismatic and high energy persona on stage, engaging his audiences with his funky flavour of musicality.
LE NOIR KL : Unit H-G-07, The Hive, TREC, Lot 435, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Roof terrace opens at 5pm. Cover charge may apply after 11pm. To reserve your spot: Book online: https://form.jotform.me/LeNoirKL/book-a-table
Email: HERE / Phone/WhatsApp: +60122245416 : Valet parking available.
FEBRUARY 3 : Q Sound live on stage
Q Sound is a versatile and dynamic trombonist, bandleader, singer-songwriter and composer who performs and explores a wide array of musical genres. Q Sound was born in Wichita Falls, TX grew up in Fort Smith, AR. He moved to New York City to study music in 2003. Since moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2009, he has profoundly contributed to the development of the growing jazz/art music culture in South East Asia.
Through his band, Q Sound has led numerous performances at jazz venues throughout the region, including sold-out performances at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas as part of DFP’s Happy Hour Series. Q Sound is a member of the Alternative R&B band called Bassment Syndicate.
SHOOK KL : Feast Village, Starhill Gallery 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL : Call 03-2782 3875
FEBRUARY 3 : Beverly Matujal Solo Live at Ril's
A Sabahan with a long-standing love affair with songwriting and music.
Plays the keys, guitar and the kazoo (well, not really, but she wishes). Catch her captivating Solo performance live at Ril's this Saturday!!
RIL’S BANGSAR : 30, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, KL : Call 03-2201 3846 or e-mail reservations@rils.com.my
FEBRUARY 4 : Here Comes The Noise Tour 2018
Punk rock, death and trash metal smorgasboad from a host of local bands spice with a few international and regional guys. Featuring: Lecsa-Punk (Hungary), Inlander (Jakarta), Explicit (Johor Baharu) and supported by Klang Valley-ers Kreacion, Brawk, Slum Scum and Infections Maggots.
THE BEE, PUBLIKA : 36, Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL : Entrance RM30. 3pm. Call 03-7960 22160 or e-mail bees@thebee.com.my
FEBRUARY 4 : Lazy Sunday: Special Caribbean Edition
Lazy Sunday is back in all its glory. Laid-back and far from obnoxious, they keep it real with pure fun and no frills. This time they will have a live band playing lots of reggae, calypso and Caribbean inspired tunes and some DJ sets by some of our local DJs. If you're simply looking to cut loose, come by Pisco Bar for a whole lot of booze & BBQ. Feel free to lie comatose on their comfy bean bags, but not before their musical line up gets you grooving on the dance floor. With Gregory Ramanado on vocals, Giata on drums. DJ sets from Greg Blache-Fraser, Chris Wilson and more.
PISCO BAR : 29, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur
Call 03-2142 2900 or email info@piscobarkl.com
FEBRUARY 4 : Kavin Jay's Netflix Premiere: Viewing Party at Crackhouse
One of Malaysia's most underrated comics, the rapid-fire grumpy joke telling machine Kavin Jay, gets a Netflix premiere, and he’s inviting you to go watch it with him. He may be grouchy but does it with such panache, you can't help but laugh. He is an integral part of the comedy revolution in Malaysia. Since his first performance started in 2006, Kavin Jay has grown in leaps and bounds and is involved in many major comedy shows and projects.
In 2010, he performed in a 15,000 strong St Patrick's Day celebration with much success, in 2014 he was apart of the Mumbai Pajama Comedy Festival, in 2015 part of the LOLfest, Crackhouse Carnival, and KLICfest, In 2016, Kavin appeared in Comedy Central's hit TV series Stand Up Asia and in now, gets his very own stand-up special on Netflix.
His intense sense of humor has tickled ribs and charmed audiences of many denominations. He has performed all over the world (Singapore, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Australia, United Kingdom and many more). In his career he has also been involved in the setting up of the Crackhouse Comedy Club, gathered great reviews for his stint on RedFM, co-founded Malaysia's longest running open mic show, One Mic Stand and is one of the writers on the hit show Obviously Harith Iskander.
'Now, Everybody Calm Down!' premiering on Netflix February 2nd, 2018. Check out the the trailer https://www.netflix.com/title/80217826/
Come celebrate this epic milestone and watch it with him on February 4th, from 7PM.
Crackhouse Comedy Club KL : 1st Floor, 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL : Time 7pm.
https://crackhouseheadliners.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email laugh@crackhousecomedy.asia for more info.
Five years ago, they started with an idea - to rejuvenate Bangsar as one of the places to go for an amazing meal, exceptional drinks and live entertainment. Join Ril’s on Tuesday 6th February to see the hard work they have put in. With multiple live bands playing over the evening, free flow beer and cocktails from 21:30 - 23:30, and samples of their food menu all night, this is one party you won’t want to miss. Look out for Kaya and the Band, Fazz and more.
RIL’S BANGSAR : 30, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, KL : Call 03-2201 3846 or e-mail reservations@rils.com.my
FEBRUARY 7 : The Crack Gong Vol. 7 at Crackhouse
A kill or be killed concept show where the audience has their say. A brutally honest night of Open Mic comedy with a sadistic twist. Performers stand a chance to win CASH AND, an opportunity to perform on their weekend shows. Or ... get the GONG. To perform, sign up from 8pm till 8.30pm at the door.
Crackhouse Comedy Club KL : 1st Floor, 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL : Time : 9pm Showtime, Seating 8pm. Ticket : RM25 online / RM30 at the door.
https://crackhouseheadliners.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email laugh@crackhousecomedy.asia for more info.
FEBRUARY 8 : Yallah Comedy! An Arabic Comedy Open Mic Night!
Malaysia’s First Arab mixed English Comedy Open Mic Night every second Thursday of the month. The name says it all, catered to all speakers of the Arab Nations, a guaranteed night of HaHa-Lal. To perform please email laugh@crackhousecomedy.asia or private message crackhouse.
Crackhouse Comedy Club KL : 1st Floor, 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL : Time : 9pm Showtime, Seating 8pm. Ticket : RM15 online / RM20 at the door.
https://crackhouseheadliners.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email laugh@crackhousecomedy.asia for more info.