Live sounds around the Klang Valley for the end of February into March. From live music to comedy, here’s a look at the week ahead in Kuala Lumpur!
FEBRUARY 23/24: Denise Mininfield & Lewis Pragasam at No Black Tie
Denise Mininfield was born and raised in Berkeley, California. Her formal musical training began in the fourth grade playing flute under the care and direction of Mr. Phil Hardyman. After been playing about three years (on flute), he asked her to match a piano note with her voice. That was the beginning of her singing career.
She began to concentrate on singing, taking voice lessons and performing with artists such as Herbert Mims, Bill Summers, musical prodigy Rodney Franklin, Sheila E, Wes Anderson, Lloyd Gregory, Jeannie Tracy, Billy ‘shoes’ Johnson, Hazel Payne, Tran Manh Tuan, Lewis Pragasam, Steve Thronton, Mac Chew, Mokthar Samba, Nils Landgren, Just to name a few.
Lewis Pragasam is one of the most highly-regarded musicians to emerge from Asia. He is considered virtually an icon here in Malaysia and has been hailed as a music legend in Asia. He has garnered international critical acclaim as one of Asia’s leading percussionists and an innovator of new trends in world music. Lewis is the founder and moving spirit of the pioneering Asiabeat project, started in 1979, whose recordings and performances are now legendary in the merging of Asian and Western musical styles.
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 23/24: Bobo KL presents Michael Veerapen and Samantha De Lune
Maestro extraordinaire, Michael Veerapen appears twice this month and wraps up February with sultry Samantha de Lune on vocals. Ms. De Lune has been making the rounds of KL’s live music venues and even made her debut on the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas stage last year with the MPO. Standards delivered with style – an intimate evening in very good company.
BOBO KL: 65-1, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL
Show times at 9.30pm. Wine and dine with them before the show. Dinner prices RM50++ / RM35++ for Bobo Diners. For reservations call 03-2092 5002
FEBRUARY 23/24: Crackhouse Presents: Ahmed Ahmed (US)
Debut headliner and another Netflix featured comedian, actor and director, Ahmed Ahmed plays The Crackhouse this weekend.
Warning - Video below contains strong language that may offend
Egyptian-American actor, comedian, producer, and director Ahmed Ahmed is one of the most diverse, multi-faceted talents in the entertainment industry today. Ahmed gained fame with the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, a highly acclaimed comedy tour aimed to stop prejudice towards Middle Easterners thorough comedy. He has featured in a selection of films including ‘Swingers’, ’Iron Man’, and ‘You Don’t Mess With The Zohan’. Currently, he can be seen starring as “Ahmed” on the hit comedy series ‘Sullivan & Son’, produced by comedian Vince Vaughn.
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 23: Le Noir KL presents Russell Curtis and the Rowdy Gentlemen
Russle Curtis & the Rowdy Gentlemen features a line-up of accomplished musicians with a mini horn section and renowned Music Director Tok Khon (“TK”) at the helm of bringing Curtis’ compositions to life. RCRG performs a mix of originals and creatively reworked covers, culminating in a high energy performance of funk, soul and hip hop.
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 23: Soundstruck Live at The Bee
The most popular live music series in the Klang Valley is back for a fourth year running, moving to Bee Publika after the closure of Bee Jaya One. Free up your calendars every last Friday of each month to enjoy a night great music and good fun.
The local music scene is bursting with talent and this platform will continue to serve as a catalyst for many young acts to kickstart their journeys. Soundstruck : Live is hosted with love by Wanted Symphony in collaboration with The Bee. Want to be a part of the community or perform at the event? Write into info.wantedsymphony@gmail.com. This month, come and catch these guys rocking out: Donamarie, An Honest Mistake, Night Skies & Visions, Midnight Fusic, Airwaves on Fire ... and of course, Wanted Symphony!
THE BEE, PUBLIKA : 36, Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL. Call 03-7960 22160 or e-mail bees@thebee.com.my
FEBRUARY 23: 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 23: Alexis Bistro presents Tasha Aleia
Tasha Aleia is a young, fresh talent who brings her own style of pop, soul and RnB to the stage. Known for her energetic live shows, this young lady has an eccentric style backed with soothing and sultry vocals; who draws inspiration from Joss Stone, Tori Kelly and Beyoncé.
ALEXIS BISTRO AMPANG : Great Eastern Mall, 303, Jalan Ampang, Kl
Dress code applies: No Shorts & Slippers. Showtime 10pm. Table bookings for diners only. For more information, please call 03 4260-2288 or log on to www.alexis.com.my
FEBRUARY 23: Starbuzz Live at Ril’s
What do you get when you put together a group of experienced musicians? You get a foreplay of music that shall tingle your senses. Starbuzz will bring you the best of 90s rock, plus many others from the past and current years. Come rock with Starbuzz and move your head or tap your feet to pure rock and roll.
RIL’S BANGSAR : 30, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, KL : Call 03-2201 3846 or e-mail reservations@rils.com.my
FEBRUARY 23: Public Voice at Café Society KL
Public Voice was established in 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 among 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 has 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 24/25: Grandeur and Triumph at the DFP
Russian conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky guest conducts the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra for performances of Richard Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger Prelude” and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No 7.
DEWAN FILHARMONIK PETRONAS: Level 2, Tower 2, PETRONAS Twin Towers, KLCC, KL
Tickets: RM150 RM120 RM90 RM60. Become a subscriber when you buy a minimum of any 5 concerts across all series to enjoy 20% off and other special privileges. To purchase tickets, visit our Box Office at Ground Floor, Tower 2, PETRONAS Twin Towers, KLCC or call 03-2331 7007, you may also purchase online. Visit the MPO website for more details - http://www.mpo.com.my/
FEBRUARY 24: Harith Iskander #KitaOK Live Tour 2018
After putting Malaysia on the comedy map twice by winning Laugh Factory’s Funniest Person in the World Competition and releasing a Netflix original comedy special, I TOLD YOU SO, Harith Iskander is now touring Malaysia to deliver the laughs. With fresh new insight on what it means to represent Malaysia on the world stage, he now takes deadly aim at the things that tear us apart as Malaysians, and celebrates the things that bring the rakyat together through laughter.
Along the way, he also seeks to discover the true meaning of being Malaysian by turning his attention to our history, culture, and the humourous idiosyncracies that make us uniquely Malaysian with his signature theatrical style of comedy. The tour kicks off in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday.
AXIATA ARENA: Bukit Jalil, KL. Tickets at RM98, RM198, RM258 available from www.myticket.asia
FEBRUARY 24: Sharul Channa returns with a new show
See https://thecitylist.my/blog/sharul-channa-returns-with-a-new-show
THE TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS: 114-116, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, KL. Call 03-2274 3709.
FEBRUARY 24: Le Noir KL presents Gregory Ramanado & Syima
Gregory Ramanado is a versatile Malaysian songster. 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 24: Sofa Sundays live at Ril's
They love to have fun. And by fun, they mean playing music and hanging out with their friends. That means you, too. Funk, jazz, fusion, rock’n’roll, R&B and love. Come out and have some fun 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 25: Sherine at No Black Tie
As comfortable with an intimate jazz quartet as she is with a classic big band, Sherine presents smoky and sultry jazz interpretations from her acclaimed debut album that have been honed and applauded in clubs around the world. Though singing called to her at a young age, Sherine’s varied talents first meant representing her home country of Malaysia in track and field at the Asian Games, before becoming a sought-after model for a wide array of films, advertisement projects and runway shows.
When she’s not captivating audiences with her vocal presence, the Hong Kong based singer can be found exploring new yoga workshops and jazz possibilities. But once onstage, she commands both small and large venues via a musical journey that encompasses renditions of classics and originals in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. See this former Miss Malaysia Universe winner sizzle when she unveils a musical set that’s as classy and elegant as the unique singer herself.
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 25: 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 27: Hady Afro Quartet at No Black Tie
Sheikh Hady Basmeih was born on November 17, 1986 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia into a musical family. His father, Mansur, who is also is musician popular with the boogie woogie style of piano playing has been his source of inspiration since he was young. Now, he is a classical guitar lecturer at the National Academy of Art Culture and Heritage (ASWARA University Kuala Lumpur).
Hady took his first musical steps at the age of 8, by learning the piano from his father; it wasn’t until he was 17 that Hady’s father taught him to play classical guitar, theory and how to read music. It was at that time that Hady discovered classical music, thus beginning a love affair with the classical guitar. Over the next few years, he honed his skills as a guitarist (playing classical and electric guitar) developing a unique style that was an amalgamation of his ever-expanding musical tastes.
His inspiration comes from the great masters such as Andres Segovia, John Williams, Julian Bream, and Luis Salinas.
NO BLACK TIE : 17, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur : Admission fee RM42. Call 03-2142 3737 after 5pm or visit www.noblacktie.com.my for bookings.
FEBRUARY 27: Soul Sessions at Jiro KL
A night of smooth R&B and soul favourites hosted by the talented Russell Curtis - Artiste and featuring some of his special friends.
JIRO KL
61-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL
Cover info and RSVP call 017-663 3770.
FEBRUARY 27: Feedback Open Mic featuring Lotus King and Endee Ahmad
Featured acts for this show include: Lotus King and Endee Ahmad. Open mic easy-to-digest bite-sized info: Signs ups are at 7pm and are first-come-first-served basis, show starts at 8pm, it's a 2 song slot, bring your own cables.
THE BEE, PUBLIKA : 36, Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL. Call 03-7960 22160 or e-mail bees@thebee.com.my
FEBRUARY 28/MARCH 1: Gypsy Jazz at No Black Tie
Denis Chang (guitar), Az Samad (guitar), Ismahairie Putra (violin) and Zulhilmy Zulkifli (bass) bring some Gypsy Jazz to NBT.
Fascinated by the music of French Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, Taiwanese-Canadian guitarist Denis Chang’s spent his formative years alongside the Gypsies of France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany, where he learned to play the style of music that is now known as Gypsy Jazz. There, he learned to understand the Romany way of life, and was completely immersed in the culture. He is one of the few gadje (non-Gypsy) to have learned Romanes, the language of the Gypsies. In concerts, he is one of the very few outside of the Gypsy community to sing rare Gypsy songs in Romanes. Audiences can expect to learn more about Gypsy culture and the meaning behind these rare songs.
In 2008, Denis had the honor of being invited to perform with the legendary Les Paul at the Iridium in New York. In 2009, he received the Entrée en Scène Award by Loto-Quebec and the Résidence Award in Quebec City at the Rideau Showcase.
In 2012, he was invited to perform with the legendary Gypsy guitarist Dorado Schmitt (one of the stars of Tony Gatlif’s film “Latcho Drom”) at the end of his US tour. Dorado then gave Denis the guitar that he used for the tour; a generous gift that he treasures to this day.
He has worked with the top performers in Gypsy Jazz, such as The Rosenberg Trio, Joscho Stephan, Gonzalo Bergara, Paulus Schäfer, Tcha Limberger, to name just a few. Other renowned musicians that he has worked with include James Carter, Mark O’Connor, Stephane Wrembel, Frank Vignola and more.
Guitarist-Composer-Educator Az Samad has recorded with Grammy Winners Flaco Jiménez and Max Baca; graduated and taught at the prestigious Berklee College of Music; performed in the United States, Europe and Asia; and appeared on 22 CDs ranging in styles from Tex-Mex, Contemporary Jazz to solo acoustic guitar. His works have been described as “richly textured, poetic and atmospheric”.
Az has been exploring Malay jazz including the music of P. Ramlee, Jimmy Boyle and most recently Singapore’s Zubir Said. As the musical director and guitarist for A Zubir Said Tribute, Az led 5 shows at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Singapore with an 11-piece ensemble performing brand new arrangements he wrote.
As a film music composer, he’s collaborated with filmmakers James Lee and We Jun in their short film projects. Az composed the music to Salvaj, winner of the best short film at The 27th Malaysia Film Festival.
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 28: Open Crack at Crackhouse
Get over that mid-week slump with a dose of comedy as it’s supposed to be – uncensored and honest. Raw, fast paced and edgy, Open Crack! Witness the grassroots comedy scene with newbies, regulars and if you’re lucky a surprise guest comic.
The best 3 minute set of the night will cash RM100 AND an opportunity to perform on the weekend shows.
To perform, just turn up at 8.00pm on the night itself to sign up. List closes at 8.45pm. Prepare 3 minutes of material.
Crackhouse Comedy Club KL : 1st Floor, 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL : Time : 9pm Showtime, Seating 8pm. Ticket : RM20 online / RM15 at the door.
https://crackhouseheadliners.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email laugh@crackhousecomedy.asia for more info.
