Want to know who's playing in Kuala Lumpur? Find out about the latest local and International artists gig announcements with our guide to live music, concerts and comedy events in KL with information about venues, live houses, listings and tickets.
JANUARY 5 : Bobo KL presents Priscillia Xavier Soul Train
Bobo starts off 2018 with up and coming soul funkstress (yes, they made that word up) Priscillia Xavier – yes, that’s Priscillia with an ‘lia’!
Influenced and inspired by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Damien Rice, Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos, Priscillia Xavier showcases her flair for soul, R&B, pop-rock & indie jazz at Bobo the first weekend in January this year.
Having toured Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, Ms Xaiver is making her Bobo debut right here in Kuala Lumpur.
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
JANUARY 5/6 : John Dip Silas Trio featuring Tony Lakatos at No Black Tie
Antal “Tony” Lakatos is a Hungarian Jazz saxophonist who currently lives in Frankfurt. Lakatos attended the Béla Bartók Musical Training College from 1975 to 1980, then moved to Germany, where he worked with Toto Blanke’s band, Uwe Kropinski, Jasper van ‘t Hof, and Wolfgang Haffner.
He led his own ensembles from the late 1980s, including a group called Things; his sidemen have included, at times, JoAnne Brackeen, Terri Lynne Carrington, Al Foster, Billy Hart, and Anthony Jackson.
He has also worked with Randy Brecker, George Mraz, Mingus Big Band, Chris Hinze, Kirk Lightsey, Dusko Goykovich, Michael Sagmeister, Roberto Magris, Art Farmer, and Kenny Werner.
John Dip Silas has performed at an array of jazz venues around Australia, Singapore, China and Malaysia. He has worked with a number of internationally acclaimed and accomplished musicians such as Shunzo Ohno (Japan), Michael Simon (Venezuela), Teriver Cheung (Taiwan), Diego Maroto (Mexico), Rodrigo Villanueva (Mexico), Maciej Fortuna (Poland), Chika Asamoto (Japan), James Flynn (Australia), Phil Scorgie (New Zealand) and many more.
NO BLACK TIE : 17, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: RM53. Call 03-2142 3737 after 5pm or visit www.noblacktie.com.my for bookings
JANUARY 5 : Double Bill featuring Teresa Bergman (NZ) & Reza Salleh at The Bee
Kicking off 2018 with not one, but TWO extremely talented performers.
New Zealand Idol alumni Teresa Bergman will be playing some jazzy folk-funk tunes, alongside one of the top Malaysian singer-songwriters in the scene, Reza Salleh.
THE BEE, PUBLIKA : 36, Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL
Free entry at 9.30pm. Call 03-7960 22160 or e-mail bees@thebee.com.my
JANUARY 5/6 : Samantha De Lune at Alexis Ampang
Having been alluded to have “a voice of an extremely rare earthy quality” accompanied by a flare for storytelling through song, Samantha de Lune’s striking confidence and poise is evidently far beyond her years.
Armed with the motto “I sing because words are not enough”, de Lune’s extensive portfolio ranges across public appearances, private and corporate events, radio & TV commercials, short films and more.
Taking to the stage alongside musical director Nish Tham and a band of up-and-coming names, audiences can expect a presentation of de Lune’s favourite tunes including many from the magic that is musical theatre.
ALEXIS BISTRO AMPANG : Great Eastern Mall, 303, Jalan Ampang, Kl
Dress code applies: No Shorts & Slippers. Showtime 10pm. Table bookings for diners only.
Minimum age 10 & above. Music charge: RM10++/pax. For more information, please call 03 4260-2288 or log on to www.alexis.com.my
JANUARY 5 : Mc Be & the Boys at Ril's
Born and raised in Borneo, Brian Joseph Pan a.k.a. MC BE (stage name) grew up in a musical environment, singing and playing guitar from a tender age of 6.
His main influences include soulful and rock acts such as Lenny Kravitz, Radiohead, U2, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince and more. Catch him live on stage with his boys this Friday!
RIL’S BANGSAR : 30, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, KL
Call 03-2201 3846 or e-mail reservations@rils.com.my
JANUARY 5 : Crackhouse Presents : Mandy Knight (UK) featuring Hannan Azlan (MY)
Mandy is the former Time Out Comedy Award winner and has headlined all over the world including Dubai, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, South Africa and Rickmansworth and was the first female comedian to compere at The Comedy Store.
After almost 20 years as a comedian, Mandy Knight remains one of the most respected and loved stand-ups in the business by fellow comics, promoters and punters alike.
What draws many people to her, on stage, screen and radio, is the personal nature of much of her comedy as in between the laughs she shares with the audience some of her memories of a less happy past that included alcoholism, drugs and relationship train-wrecks. But, as the lady says, it wasn’t all laughs.
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://mandyknight.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email for more info.
JANUARY 5 : 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
JANUARY 6/7 : The Best of Bernstein’s Broadway
To commemorate the Leonard Bernstein centennial in 2018, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra opens the year with a glittering programme celebrating the best of Bernstein’s timeless Broadway compositions, including music from West Side Story, On the Town, Candide, Wonderful Town, and Peter Pan. Conductor Teddy Abrams is the Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra and a protégé of Michael Tilson Thomas. New York based soul singer, songwriter, and Broadway chanteuse Morgan James casts a crazy, cool spell with a powerhouse voice, theatrical swing and soulful poise.
DEWAN FILHARMONIK PETRONAS : Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC
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 603 2331 7007, you may also purchase online. isit the MPO website for more details - http://www.mpo.com.my/
JANUARY 6 : Mamat Fest 2018 at Blackbox Publika
All day Metal festival with local bands Black Fire, Wormrot, Butcher ABC, Oldskull, Putrified Remains, Verminator, Osman Tikus and Sill Khannaz. It all starts at 2.30pm. Lucky draw to win 2 tickets to the Party.San Metal Open Air Festival in Germany.
BLACK BOX MAP : Publika Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL
Tickets: RM50 (inclusisve of Mamatfest woven patches, woven wristbands, 2018 Calendar, band patches and much more).
JANUARY 6 : 9 Lives Band at Shook! Saturday Night Vibes.
The 9 Lives Band has been active for the last 18 years and currently compromises of four experienced musicians with diverse strength and character.
Their repertoire is vast and varied, ranging from the 60s to today’s chart toppers. This includes pop, rock, blues, country, fusion, dance, R&B, reggae, jazz and Latin. You name it, they’ve got it. 9 Lives Band has a record to hit the night with slow burners or electrifying pumped up beats to get the audience rocking and partying all night long.
SHOOK KL : Feast Village, Starhill Gallery 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL
Call 03-2782 3875
JANUARY 6 : Aravind SA Live at PJ Live Arts
Aravind Subramaniam has established himself as one of the most sought-after stand-up comedians from Chennai. His hilarious opinions on everything from traffic and sports to corporations and colleges, has led to over 150 stand-up shows and a 2016 Amazon Prime special under his belt.
Bhargav Ramakrishnan aka Baggy, is an actor, director, stand-up comedian, and a theatre professional, performing in over 200 shows across Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, and USA.
Last, but not least, is Malaysia’s own jolly stand-up comedian, Prakash Daniel, who runs Malaysia's longest-running weekly open mic, One Mic Stand.
PJ LIVE ARTS : 2A-3, Block K, Jaya One, Section 13, 72A, Jalan Universiti, Petalng Jaya
Admission (excluding 6% GST): RM100, RM110, RM120
Tickets available at www.tix.my Call 03-7960 0439 or e-mail info@pjlivearts.my
JANUARY 6 : Salute to 4 Heavenly Kings - A Charity Event
The PartTime Ensemble returns to The Bee for one night only to salute Hong Kong's 4 Canto-Pop Heavenly Kings - Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and Leon Lai.
Join them for a night of great music whilst contributing to a good cause, as all proceeds will be donated to NASOM - the National Autism Society of Malaysia. (editorial note: this should be a good option as the Jacky Cheung concert on 27 Jan at the Axiata Arena is SOLD OUT).
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
JANUARY 7 : pg.lost Versus Tour in KL at The Bee
pg.lost is a Swedish band of many directions. Their sound is throbbing with great melancholy, but there is also a healthy dose of dirty, crushing rock’n’roll in it – something you will be hard-pressed to find in the ever-growing mass of post rock pabulum.
Their new album “Versus” emerged out of a song idea, that consisted of two very different and contrasting ideas, which were never planned to be one song, but ended up complementing each other. “Versus” doesn’t necessarily describe a relationship between irreconcilable entities, the band have explained.
Gustav Almberg commented: “It is possible that some things that on the surface seem totally different could be a perfect match. But mostly the album title is a reflection of today’s society that seems to get more and more polarised. Boundaries of what is okay to say and do are constantly moved towards something that feels dehumanising, and all the fucked up idiots crawl out of their caves all the way up to the top of the mountain"
Whilst some elements of the album will be familiar to pg.lost fans, there are some distinct differences to previous releases. The effect-saturated vocals, which were a trademark on previous pg.lost releases, have disappeared on “Versus“, and given way to more keys and synths. “Kristian was in the middle of heavy touring with Cult of Luna playing keys every day during that time, so he had a lot of synth-based ideas for songs. I guess this has helped us to take the band into a bit of a new direction sound wise.”
Their sound is throbbing with great melancholy, but there is also an element of dirty rock n’ roll thrown in, as demonstrated in the crushingly heavy closing section of monumental opening track “Ikaros“, in the distorted bass line kicking off the second track of the album, “Off The Beaten Path“, or in the huge roomy drum sound throughout the record. Extensive touring is planned in support of “Versus” – both in Europe and further afield, as pg.lost have developed a huge fan base in Asia.
Supporting Acts will be Malaysians Damn Dirty Apes, Euseng Seto x Kent Lee.
THE BEE, PUBLIKA : 36, Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL
Ticket Prices: RM90 (Presale), RM400 (Group Package for 5 Tickets), RM110 (Door). Call 03-7960 22160 or e-mail bees@thebee.com.my
JANUARY 7 : Janine Annice & Juny at No Black Tie
Dulcet falsettos and dusky tones are abound as native Londoner Janine Annice takes the stage for one night of alternative soul and R&B at NBT.
The Juny Brothers Consist of two incredibly talented musicians currently making moves throughout Asia. Jupiter 7 and Fatboy Tony both hail from the United States, and together they continue to bring great music to different venues all around the world.
NO BLACK TIE : 17, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: RM53. Call 03-2142 3737 after 5pm or visit www.noblacktie.com.my for bookings
JANUARY 9 ; Ee Jeng Trio at No Black Tie
Ee Jeng, Arthur Kam and Ken Chung are highly in-demand professional musicians in the pop and jazz scene both locally and internationally. Under their performing credentials are some familiar names like Jackie Cheung, Michael Veerapen, Sheila Majid and Mokhtar Samba.
Occasionally known as the Ee Jeng Trio, this group of musicians enjoy interpreting and performing modern jazz and R&B soul music.
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.
JANUARY 9 : Feedback Open Mic featuring The Propositions & Amni Musfirah at The Bee
Dust off the guitar and warm up those vocal chords, because the next Feedback Open Mic is happening. The night's featured acts are The Propositions and Amni Musfirah. Come hear some tunes and maybe sing some yourself.
Sign up at 7pm to play, or show up at 8pm onwards for the performances. It's free entry.
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
JANUARY 10 : Dasha Logan & John Thomas Trio at No Black Tie
21-year-old 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 has been singing professionally for the past 3 years, but 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 RM42. Call 03-2142 3737 after 5pm or visit www.noblacktie.com.my for bookings.
JANUARY 10 : 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 : RM15 online / RM20 at the door
https://crackhouseopencrack.peatix.com. Call +60172603654 or email for more info
JANUARY 11 : Urban Lights by Gig Fairy
Featured bands performing urban classics every Thursday. As a place to unwind, the kaleidoscopic Ren shifts into a lounge experience on Thursdays 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
Admission (with one drink): RM40 before 1am / RM60 after 1am. Free entry before 11pm. For table reservations please contact reservations@clubkyokl.com or 012-921 1730.
