This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on March 23, 2018

4 musical experiences

“You’re beautiful. You’re beautiful, it’s true.” James Blunt, singer of You’re Beautiful, has finally come to Malaysia, as part of his The Afterlove Asia Tour 2018. His debut album, Back to Bedlam, topped the UK Albums Chart and has sold over 11 million covers worldwide. Since then, he has sold over 20 million records worldwide, and has received several awards, including two Brit Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards. His latest album, The Afterlove, is his fifth and contains collaborations with A-list artists, including Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder from One Republic and Johnny Mcdaid. The concert will take place on March 25, at 8pm, at the Dewan Wawasan, Menara PGRM, Kuala Lumpur.

Like its Malay translation (rare), Nadir is a Malaysian band that makes rare and unique music, combining the different life experiences and emotions together with explosive and crowd-chanting energy on stage, manifested in the colourful plethora of sounds and languages from various cultures in Malaysia and across the globe. The band was nominated for Best Genre Bender, Best Pop Song and Best Vocalist in the VIMA Awards 2016. Tonight, they will perform at No Black Tie, Jalan Mesui, Kuala Lumpur, from 10pm to 11.30pm. Tickets are RM53 each, and can be bought online at noblacktie.com.my.

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is holding its first concert of its Family Fun Day series of 2018, Adventures in the Magical Kingdom, which will feature popular presenter Alasdair Malloy helming the show. The concert will be a Great Ball, and will feature guests such as Puss in Boots, Robin Hood, and other beloved cartoon characters. With Francis Kan leading the MPO, families can expect musical numbers such as Be Our Guest, Colours of the Wind, Sleeping Beauty Waltz and more. The family-themed concerts are priced at RM130, RM100, RM80 and RM50, and will take place on March 25 at 2.30pm and 4.30pm, at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Jalan Ampang, KLCC. Buy your tickets now at mpo.com.my.

Classically trained opera singer, Broadway lover, and music enthusiast Izen Kong will be performing at Alexis Bistro Ampang from March 23 to 24. He will be presenting a repertoire of love songs from well-known artists, including Sam Smith, Boyz to Men, Michael Bublé, Journey and more. The award winning young singer is able to perform genres such as pop, rock, jazz and many more. The show takes place on March 23 & 24, at 10pm, and charge is RM10++ per person. For more information, log on to www.alexis.com.my.

1 activity for the family

One of Klang Valley’s favourite weekend soiree is back, this time with the theme of “Retro”, to celebrate all things vintage with a tribute to the legendary Tan Sri P Ramlee, International Women’s Day and Earth Hour. Learn how to play the ukulele, take photographs like a pro with All is Amazing, express yourself through theatre and make art from coffee stains with KL Sketch Nation. Feast on the great grub provided by the various food stalls, shop for your favourite goods in the curated artisanal bazaar, and be entertained by Tarakucha Tapau! featuring Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana, who will present song and dance in the style of yesteryears. Retro RIUH will take place at APW on Bangsar’s Jalan Riong on March 24 & 25 from 10am till 9pm. For more details, visit www.riuh.com.my.

1  skill to learn

Are you looking for fun ways to add some colour to your plain old T-shirt and bring it to life? Or do you simply want to pick up a new skill and learn the basics of tie-dye batik? Then join the Tie-Dye Batik Workshop this Saturday, held at the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. The workshop is open to anyone aged seven years and above, and will take place on March 24 from 10.30am to noon. Register online now at www.museum.bnm.gov.my.

2 delectable menus

Sitka Studios has revealed its ambitious tasting menu for March, and is now open every Friday night. Sitka Studio, a contemporary restaurant, serves dishes of very different cooking styles, but obtain most of its main ingredients from local producers. This month’s tasting menu features five courses, priced at RM195: chicken parfait, yuba skin tart and pickled grape; grilled baby kai lan, kelp glaze, smoked confit yolk; market fish with calamansi vinegar butter, trout roe and sea prawn; cavatelli with squid bolognese; and kom-brulee. For a seven-course meal, you can add the aged duck and cheese course, available for a RM80 supplement. To make a reservation, call (017) 277 7848.

At the Brasserie, St Regis Kuala Lumpur, indulge in the Sunday Jazz Brunch that is inspired by the daily markets in France. To mimic this experience, one can enjoy a huge selection of fresh food such as Royal Alaskan King Crab, freshly shucked Fine de Claire oysters and smoked,cured salmon that mimics the ones found at an authentic farmers’ market. Other delights include heirloom tomatoes and creamy Burrata, a live station for Foie Gras and homemade pasta. All that you can feast while listening to jazz greats like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is held this Sunday, from noon to 3pm. Price per person is RM298 with non-alcoholic beverages and RM468 with alcoholic beverages. To make a reservation, call (03) 2727 6666.

2 workshops

Learn to perform and compose in the Short + Sweet Musical Workshop KL 2018 from jack of arts Vale V Wong. Vale, an actor and composer, has won the Mercedes Benz Award for Creative Excellence twice and is currently involved in the production of multiple musicals for corporate events. The three workshops, each lasting three hours, will be focusing on composing, performing or both. Effective storytelling, casting, directing, acting and dancing are just some of the skills taught to participants in all three workshops. The workshops will take place on March 24 & 25, at KLPac, Jalan Strachan, Sentul West, Kuala Lumpur. Participants will need to pay RM20 per workshop.

If you’re interested in voice acting or creating animation characters, then the Voice Acting Animation for Teens and Adults is just for you! The three-day workshop will cover character creation by script interpretation, character voice performing and techniques of master professional voice talents. Furthermore, participants will get the chance to experience being in a studio and recording their own demo.  The workshop will take place at Enfiniti Academy, on March 24, 25 & 31, from 10.30am to 5pm. The cost to attend the workshop is RM480 + 6% GST, inclusive of meals. For registration or enquiries, contact (03) 6142 8115.