This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 13, 2018
Your quick guide to rest and relaxation.
5 Musical Delights
The Bee Publika will be hosting a special concert to celebrate the music of Utada Hikaru, the queen of Japanese pop. Deemed the most influential artist of the decade in the Japanese music landscape, Hikaru recently returned to the scene with a brand new album, Hatsukoi, which means “First Love”. To celebrate this momentous occasion, 10 artists will be gathering at The Bee to perform 16 songs from her albums, ranging from First Love to Fantome. Join them at The Bee Publika, Kuala Lumpur, tonight from 8.30. Tickets are priced at RM40 per entry.
No Black Tie presents Q Sound and Eliza Thomas, two artistes well established in their field. Q Sound, or Marques Young, has performed to sold-out performances in various venues, including the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. He has also initiated several projects where he mentored outstanding young jazz musicians. These efforts have helped in the development of a growing jazz culture in Southeast Asia. Thomas performs soul and R&B, drawing inspiration from artistes such as Etta James and Etta Bond. She released her single, Second Nature, and performed at various music festivals in Kuala Lumpur before taking a hiatus. And now, better than ever, she is ready to return to the music scene. Don’t miss their performance at No Black Tie, Kuala Lumpur, tonight, from 10. Tickets are available at www.noblacktie.com.my.
Making their way to the Bobo KL stage tonight is Kangkung Belacan, a Sabahan jazz ensemble. Their quirky repertoire consists of songs ranging from contemporary pop hits to original works and vintage favourites. Since their memorable debut at the 4th Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival last year, they have made their way to many jazz festivals and venues, performing their music everywhere they go. They will perform at Bobo KL, Kuala Lumpur, today and tomorrow, from 9.30pm onwards. The cover charge is RM60++, and RM45++ for Bobo diners. You can book your table at (03) 2092 5002.
This is a live musical event at Morganfield’s Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur, that is bound to impress. Eight musicians will be performing the theme song of The Greatest Showman, as well as songs from famous musicals La La Land and The Phantom of the Opera. The event will take place today, from 8.30pm to 11pm. The admission fee is RM25 and includes a free drink.
Fans of Bruno Mars rejoice, for Russell’s KL will be hosting a two-night show dedicated to the 24K Magic singer. Russell Curtis even wrote a song called Fly (like Bruno) as a tribute to Mars. Russell Curtis & The Rowdy Gentlemen will be debuting the song at this very special show at Russell’s KL, Kuala Lumpur, today from 9pm.
1 Dance Performance
Presented by male dance group Modern Table Dance Company, Darkness Poomba is a modern dance reinterpreted from traditional Korean material “poomba”. The performance will be unique, as it is filled with emotions of anger, sorrow and grief, expressed through dark sights and sounds. Modern Table will also be introducing Pansori, a traditional Korean style of musical storytelling. Catch this special performance at Damansara Performing Arts Centre, Petaling Jaya, tonight and tomorrow (8pm) as well as Sunday (3pm). For details, log on to www.dpac.com.my.
2 Unmissable Festivals
Coffee aficionados everywhere will be gathering at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, from today, as the 2nd edition of Malaysia Coffee Fest takes place this weekend. Meet fellow coffee lovers from the the most exceptional coffee baristas to talented local artisan roasters. To complement the coffees, local bakeries will also be selling decadent pastries at the festival. Join in on the fun today and tomorrow (10am-10.30pm) and on Sunday (10am-10pm).
Organised by The Gasket Alley, the Ram Jam Festival is set on uniting local talents in music, fashion, art, photography and other related sectors. Expect thrilling activities that are planned for the momentous event, including skate jam sessions, live music performances and a live screening of the Fifa World Cup 2018 final. Dance to the beat of live music performances curated by Sifters Asia, or participate in the pin-up girl contest Miss Bombshell 2018. There is something for everyone at the Ram Jam Festival. It will take place on Sunday, from 3.30pm at The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya. For more information, visit www.thegasketalley.com.
2 Hilarious shows
One Mic Stand presents this no-holds-barred, cut-throat comedy show that zeros in on the latest viral news headlines from Malaysia and around the world. Don’t know how to make sense of some of the headlines in newspapers? Want to scream your lungs out at the sheer stupidity of some stories? Comedians Prakash Daniel, Brian Tan, Keren Bala Devan and Gajen Nadaesan certainly can relate. Don’t miss their show tonight (9pm) at General Space, Petaling Jaya, titled Comedy for Make Better New Malaysia Tomorrow Tonight.
Crackhouse Comedy Club presents this spectacular duo of two renowned comics, Jinx Yeo and Sam Yarborough. Having performed to sell-out shows in 16 countries over three continents, Yeo’s comedy evidently relates to people of all sorts of backgrounds. Armed with his witty material and effortless delivery, he was first runner-up at the 2011 Hong Kong International Comedy Festival. Yarborough is an American stand-up comedian living in Taipei. An established comedian, he is the co-founder of Two Three Comedy in Taipei and is a two-time finalist in the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival. Watch these comedians duke it out at the Crackhouse Comedy Club, Kuala Lumpur, tonight from 9. Get your tickets at https://jinxandsam.peatix.com.