Live Bands at Bars in Kuala Lumpur (KL)

Live Bands at Bars in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia was created to help those looking for live entertainment in the city. While this list consist of bars and pubs that cater to all kinds of live music, note that sometimes the bands or singers will change from time to time so it is best to contact the bar, pub or club to confirm the performance.

As there are many local and foreign bands around KL, you have a choice of selecting the type of music played at particular places. Some offer jazz while most places would offer pop and rock. There are some musicians that play great classic rock numbers too. In the main picture above, you see Sharin Band performing at one of the bars in KL. They are one of the popular groups that play really good classic rock numbers. Here is the listing of the live band performances around KL in no order. If you have a recommendation, please feel free to contribute below.  

Bars and Pubs in Kuala Lumpur

Backyard Pub & Grill
26-28-30, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8,
Sri Hartamas,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6201 0318

Backyard Sri Hartamas in KL is the brainchild of Jerry since taking over the place in 1996. Mention Backyard and live music will definitely be one of the first things to come to mind. Not only music is great here but a good selection of food and a great venue to catch up on some live sports. The place is now a 3-shoplot size making it one of the biggest bars around town. They are also host for the JamFest 2011 which attracts a number of bands from around. A recent sister place called Backyard Perdana was recently opened in Damansara Perdana too. On weekends in Sri Hartamas, it can get quite packed so head there early if you want a seat at Backyard Pub.

Mon: Mark Renesh
Tues: -unconfirmed-
Wed: JamFest 2011
Thurs: Albert, Badar, Azmi, Aj & Russell
Fri: Hydra
Sat: Big Band
Sun: Raymond Chia



Alexis Bistro Ampang
Lot 10 & 11, Great Eastern Mall,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-4260 2288

Alexis Bistro is located along Jalan Ampang and the Great Eastern Shopping Mall. If you ever get tired of the same old Top 40 hits or old school rock’n’roll, then Alexis is probably the best place to check out as  Jazz seems to take centre stage here, but only on Fridays and Saturdays. You need to call them to find out who is playing over the weekends too.

Rainforest Sports Bar
C4.07, Lvl 4, Pavilion KL,
Jln Bukit Bintang, KL
Tel: 03-2163 0163

Rainforest Sports Bar is located inside one of KLs premier shopping malls which is the Pavilion on Jalan Bukit Bintang. If you are staying at any of the hotels around the golden triangle of KL, you can simply make your way there on foot. Musicians perform three times a week while on other days, there is piped in music. Food is also served here.

Thurs: Mark Renesh
Fri: Victor & Mark Renesh
Sat: Artstream

La Rambla

B-0-5, Megan Avenue 2,
12, Jalan Yap Kuan Seng,
Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: 03 21613010

La Rambla is located quite near the KLCC therefore it is easy to get to. The place also serves some great food and boasts of great musicians throughout the week at this KL spot.

Mon: Clifford Jay and Jason Noah

Tues: Charles Barnabas and Alya

Wed: Mizan

Thurs: Vishnu

Fri: Alphabeat

Sat: Ashik

Sun: - No band -



The Reef
78, Jln Burhanuddin Helmi,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Kuala Lmupur
Tel: 03 7726 5769

The Reef Taman Tun or TTDI as locals call it is one of the oldest pubs in the area since the 80s. The place is still going strong with hefty doses of live music, good drinks of course, some great food from the kitchen.Taman Tun is on the other end of KL and nearer to Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya. There is no band on Sat and Sun. Find more information on The Reef Facebook Page.

Mon: Gerard (Small Stones)
Tues: Vishnu
Wed: Ashik
Thurs: Allan G
Fri: Revolution



House Restaurant Bar Winepost
G02 & LG02-04,
G Tower, 199, Jalan Tun Razak,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2164 4424

House Restaurant and Bar is one of the latest additions of live music clubs in KL. Located in the swanky G Tower in KL, this place features some good live music on certain days of the week.

Tues: The Martinis
Wed: Allan G Solo
Thurs:The Martinis
Fri: Allan G Trio
Sat: United




Vogue The Club
D.0G.04,  Plaza Mont Kiara,
No.2, Jalan Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 6201 1536

Vogue The Club is one of the latest places in KL and was initially a dance club but now has moved towards live music and also DJ music. Popular with the locals around the Mont Kiara area they have live bands on most days of the week.

Mon: Ashik
Tues: Allan G
Wed: Ashik
Thurs: Victor M
Fri: Colin Jansen



D16 Bar Ampang
A8-G, Dataran Palma,
Jalan Selaman 1/1, Ampang,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4270 3686

D16 or D@16 is located just opposite Ampang Point Shopping Mall. This pub serves some great food while you can catch your football games and on certain nights, there is live music available if not, a resident DJ spins music. Expats and locals are seen mostly here.

Wed: Heartbeat Band
Thurs: Nature Ground
Fri: Purple Haze
Sat: -Unsure-
Sun: Gerard Anthony

You can also check out my other posting about Live Band Music at Bars in PJ, Selangor. That list caters to only the places that have live music. Take note that some places even offer great beer promotions like 3 for RM50 or Buy-1-Free-1 while on special occasions, you might have to pay cover charges at the door which usually includes one drink. For those who frequent these places, I would love to hear your feedback on some of the bands performing around KL. Also, if you know of any particulat bar or pub with live music that is not listed, please feel free to comment below so I can include them into this listing of Live Bands at Bars in Kuala Lumpur (KL).

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Sarawak Sea Stack Picture

Sarawak Sea Stack is my Picture of the week. I visited the Bako National Park in October 2011 and during the high tide, my local boatman managed to get a good position to capture this beautiful sea stack photo. The best time to view this is also during the mid tides when the waters are going down. When you visit Bako, you need to take the boat from the jetty at Kampung Bako which is a local Malay fishing village located about one hour from Kuching town. Among the many attractions beside the national park here, you will see the famous Mount Santubong in the distance while various rock formations of animals can be seen around the sea stack. 

For those who are seeking some Eco, Rainforest, Culture and Nature Adventures, Sarawak holds many interesting places to visit. My trip here was made possible by one of Sarawak's premier tour specialist - Borneo Adventure and Travel Holiday as they make day trips to Bako National Park and also to see the Sarawak Sea Stack.

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Elton John Live Concert in Genting

Elton John Live Concert in Genting, Malaysia 2011 will be taking place at 8pm on 22nd November which is a Tuesday at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands. The first time show in this country which is also called Elton John Greatest Hits Tour will also be taking place throughout a few cities in Southeast Asia and for his Malaysian concert, it is rumored to cost about RM3 Million (US$1 Million) for his one day show.

The tour will be joined by his long-time band members comprising of Davey Johnstone, Kim Bullard, Bob Birch, Nigel Olsson and John Mahon, who have been on the road with Elton John for many years. Also appearing are Rose Stone (Sly And The Family Stone), Lisa Stone, Tata Vega and Jean Witherspoon as the backing singers, as well as Croatian cellists 2CELLO.

Fans can expect his super popular classic hits like 'Candle In The Wind', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Your Song', 'Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)', 'Rocket Man', 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Tiny Dancer' and not forgetting the 1980s hits such as 'I'm Still Standing', 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues' and 'Sad Songs (Say So Much)'.

Sir Elton Hercules John (birth-name: Reginald Kenneth Dwight) is an English singer-songwriter, composer and pianist. He was born on 25 March 1947 and  was awarded with a CBE (Order of the British Empire – Commander) for his achievements in music industry in 1996 and was knighted by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.

Elton John and Band

In his four-decade career John has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

John has five Grammy Awards which are:
* 1987 – Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
* 1991 – Best Instrumental Composition for “Basque”, performed by James Galway
* 1994 – Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”
* 1997 – Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Candle In The Wind
* 2000 – Best Musical Show Album for Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida


Tickets Prices for Elton John Live in Malaysia 2011:

• VVIP Arena RM1,380
• VIP Arena RM1,180
• VIP Lower Terrace RM1,180
• PS1 Lower Terrace RM880
• PS2 Arena RM780
• PS3 Lower Terrace RM480
• PS3 Upper Terrace RM480
• PS4 Upper Terrace RM380

Elton John Concert Tickets can be bought from:

• Buying Online at AirAsiaRedTix
  
• Rock Corner outlets
  The Gardens, Mid Valley (Tel: 03 - 2283 4893)
  KLCC (Tel: 03 - 2161 9417)
  The Curve (Tel: 03 - 7729 6313)
  One Utama (Tel: 03 - 7725 5667)
• Victoria Music outlets
  Sg Wang (Tel: 03 - 2148 7208)
  BSC - Bangsar Shopping Center (Tel: 03 - 2093 1093)

For inquiries: Call the AirAsiaRedtix Ticketing Hotline at +603 - 8775 4666.
The Hotline is only operational from 9am-6pm on weekdays. (Mon-Fri)

Apart from Malaysia, The 'Rocket Man' will be having his other concerts in Southeast Asia at:
Elton John Live in Jakarta, Indonesia on 18th November 2011
Elton John Live in Singapore on 20th November 2011

In 2011, Malaysia has been a stop over for many foreign acts and this year alone, many superstars and artist like rock band Whitesnake Live Concert in Kuala Lumpur which performs this 30th October 2011 and the recent David Foster Live in KL. There are also a number of upcoming Concerts in Malaysia for 2011 for the music lovers.

This is your chance to catch Sir Elton and Band in Malaysia for his first ever concert here. You may be out of town and traveling to KL city or even a tourist or traveler who is in the country during this event, but it will be a show to remember as the superstar has never performed here before. On the plus side, you can even stay at the Genting Highlands Resort during the show. One of the biggest names to perform this year, fans now have a chance to watch the Elton John Live Concert in Genting, Malaysia.

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Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 First Test Flight

Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 First Test Flight took off from Toulouse, France for its maiden flight on 20th October 2011. After a successful flight of five hours, the aircraft returned to the Airbus factory in Toulouse to be prepared for its next journey to the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany for cabin installation and painting and then sent back to Toulouse before doing the official handover. For now, there is still no ideas on the interior of the MAS plane as it is still very tight lipped. In the picture above, you see the body of the plane still in its raw colors. Only the tail fin has been painted with the national carriers logo.

Malaysia Airlines First A380 taking off on maiden flight at Toulouse, France

Tail fin with the MAS logo being fitted on to the A380 in Toulouse

The Malaysian Airlines A380 being assembled in the factory in Toulouse, France

Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 Lands in Hamburg, Germany 

The MAS Airbus A380 which took off from Toulouse in France successfully landed in Hamburg, Germany where cabin installations and paintings will be done. Below are exclusive pictures of the Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 plane landing in Hamburg.

Plane coming in for landing in Hamburg

Airbus A380 touches down on the runway

Successful landing in Hamburg, Germany

The Malaysia Airlines A380 plane is also powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines and the aircraft is the first of six A380s ordered by the national carrier where the scheduled for delivery is speculated in the second quarter of 2012. Malaysia Airlines will be the 8th airline to operate the A380 plane and the route which will most likely be used for this amazing plane is the Kuala Lumpur-London sector.

Read my other article with video about the Malaysia Airlines New Airbus A380 Plane Sneak Preview as I visited the factory in Toulouse, France in June 2011 on a site visit organized by MAS. The pictures above are taken from the official Airbus Media center where they have their own official photographers who took the amazing pictures of the Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 first test flight.

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Borneo Bird Festival 2011 Overview

Borneo Bird Festival 2011 which was recently held at the RDC in Sepilok, Sabah was a huge success with over 4000 people attending this annual birding festival which is in its third year. This is an overview of what happened throughout the festival in photographs from October 14th to 16th here at the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) at Sepilok which is about 30 minutes from the town of Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah, Borneo. 

This was actually my second time attending the Birding Event and my first attempt in doing some actual birding during the festival. I visited the place at about 6.30am on the first day and everyone was in a jovial mood. Participants and sponsors were seen setting up their booths while officials were busy with final arrangements. Around the RDC grounds, avid early birders (bird watchers) were lugging their 'bazookas' (huge camera lenses) around in search for birds while guests were starting to arrive by about 8am. By noon, there was already a very good crowd and the weather throughout was fantastic. The average time that birders start their day is about 5am and so that was my itinerary for the entire three days there.

Morning light at the RDC in Sepilok, Sandakan

The 3rd Borneo Bird Festival saw a number of invited speakers from around the world which included Steve Shunk (USA), Samson Ho (Hong Kong), Alex Tiongco (Philippines), Denise Goodfellow (Australia), Dr. Bharat Jetva (India), Quentin Phillipps (United Kingdom), Wong Tsu Shi (Malaysia) and Cede Prudente (Malaysia).

Sabah Tourism Board General Manager Datuk Irene Benggon was there to officiate the event while the many activities included a bird race, bird photography contest, birding for kids, kids face painting and exhibitions by various organizations like WWF Malaysia, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation (BSBC), Sabah Parks, Sabah Forestry and even some of the eco-friendly resorts like Tabin Wildlife and Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley.

Avid birders with heavy duty equipment spot a bird in the bush

Apart from the main birding events, there were also activities catered to all walks of life including a children's coloring contest, Batik painting, tree climbing demonstration, blind foot massages and guided bird walks for beginners. I absolutely had a fantastic time learning about birds and birdwatching here while I also met many new friends and acquaintances from around the world and locally. Among them was twitter friend Pummkin (Pamela Lim) whom I bumped into by chance sitting next to her at the LCCT boarding room as we were both headed here for the bird event. Here are a series of pictures taken by me at the recent Borneo Bird Festival 2011 in Sabah.  

Nikon Fieldscopes on display at their booth during the Borneo Bird Festival 2011

Bird seen at the RDC

An early morning participant gets his gear ready

Kids Birding Club at the festival - looking for birds along the canopy walk

Even Angry Birds made an appearance at the Borneo Bird Festival

A Broadbill seen at the RDC Canopy Walk

Tee, Datuk Irene Benggon and Cede Prudente check out the new Nikon EDG VR Fieldscope

Tee from Nikon shows Datuk Irene the new fieldscope

 

Tee and Irene from Sandakan Foto with the new Nikon EDG Fieldscope with VR

Nikon V1 Mirrorless Lens Camera on display at the festival - New product not in the market

Couple of birders in full camo at RDC

Birding warfare?

Robert, Irene, Pamela Lim see what Andrew Sani captured on his camera

 

Kids looking for birds at the Treetop Walkway at RDC

Giant Flying Squirrel at RDC in Sabah

Black Flying Squirrel from Sabah

Apart from the bird watching at RDC in Sabah, there were some unexpected surprises during dusk along the steel canopy walk. A rare Black Flying Squirrel who made its home in one of the dead tree stumps gave a pleasant surprise to a number of birders when it came out and perched on a tree branch. This happened just when the sun went down and with the assistance of a bird guide holding a flashlight, about 10 birders took photographs of this rarely seen squirrel. I must have spent a good 30 minutes photographing this moment.

Couple of Oriental Pied Hornbills spotted

An eagle flying high in the skies of the RDC

Serpent Eagle Picture taken from the Canopy Walk Tower at RDC

Prize giving ceremony at the end of the Bird Festival

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
PO Box 1407
90715 Sandakan, Sabah
Malaysia.
Telephone: 60 089 533780 / 781
Website for the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) in Sabah


Tickets/Entrance Fees for the RDC on normal days:

• Adults: RM10 (US$3)
• Children (5-17 yrs) RM5 (US$1.50)
• Children (Under 5 yrs) Free

Opening Hours for the RDC:

• Daily 9am - 6pm
• Birders start as early as 7am

Borneo Bird Festival 2010 Organiser : Sabah Tourism Board
Contact Person : Noredah Othman (Sabah Tourism Board)
Telephone : +6088 212121
Fax : +6088 212075
Email Contact : noredah@sabahtourism.com

Official website for Sabah Tourism

The last event which was the Borneo Bird Festival 2010, I was formerly introduced to bird watching by Cede Prudente and the many birders there. They took me on walks around the RDC while thought me much about the basic birding equipment that was required. I attended the many talks held and learned quite a bit back then. If you know some of the names of the birds featured here, please do share them with me as I need to get a Birds of Borneo Book one of these days.

Till the next event, I hope to see more new faces and also learn more about birds and hopefully by then, I would have already bought my 500mm lens or even a Nikon Digiscope for some serious birding at the next Borneo Bird Festival 2012 in Sabah.

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One Earth Music Festival 2011 Langkawi

One Earth Music Festival 2011 Langkawi is set to take place on November 11-12 which is a Saturday and Sunday. If you are up for something different in the music scene, this is the perfect chance to catch some interesting performers play for a cause where the main objective is to promote Langkawi internationally as an Eco-friendly holiday destination and to encourage the local community to keep Langkawi Island clean and green.

According to organiser Patrick Chen, "The idea for this music festival was born over drinks late one evening at the boat bar on the beach of the resort. A group of us, made up of like minds, some of whom already call Langkawi home, and others who plan to, we lamented, while listening to the hotel band, that Langkawi did not have a music festival, and wouldn't it be great to have one?" and thus came this festival which will be the first of its kind here.

 Beach view at Frangipani Resort

 Frangipani Resort Langkawi

Apart from the music festival here, there will be other activities to showcase efforts in protecting the environment. Various groups located on the island promoting organic farming, natural soap-making and local artists using natural materials are expected to participate while at the main festival grounds, there will be many other activities throughout the day at the main resort grounds as well. You can find out more information from the main One Earth Music Festival Program.

Artistes performing at the One Earth Music Festival Langkawi are:

• Michael Veerapen - Jazz pianist (Malaysia)
• Valtinho Anastoacio - Percussionist & vocalist (Brazil)
• Isaac Entry - Singer/songwriter (Australia)
• Dasha Logan - Jazz Singer (Malaysia)
• Tengku Ryo - Violinist (Indonesia)
• Junji Delfino - Vocalist (Philippines)
• The Solianos - Vocal harmony group (Malaysia)
• Az Samad - Jazz Musician (Malaysia)

Musicians and organisers during a press briefing

One Earth Music Festival Information:
Date: 11 & 12 November 2011
Location: Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa
Official Website: Langkawi Live

Ticket Prices: 
Dinner & concert: Friday 11 November - RM110.00 nett
Dinner & concert: Saturday 12 November - RM110.00 nett
Dinner & concert (both nights) - RM200.00 nett
Supper & concert per night - RM65.00 nett
Full Packages including room stays: Please visit the official website for details on this

If you are a music or Eco lover and looking for something to do this November, head up north for a quick weekend holiday as you can catch the inaugural One Earth Music Festival 2011 in Langkawi.

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