This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on August 16, 2019

2 skills to learn

Natural household cleaning workshop

Have you ever looked at the ingredients label on your cleaning products? Well, you might want to take a look, because they could potentially harm your body and the environment. With this workshop at The Hive, you will be able to make your own cleaning solutions using all-natural products. Not only will it teach you how to save some cash, it will also allow you to be more eco-friendly. The workshop will be held at The Hive Bulk Foods, 92A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur tomorrow from 3pm to 4.30pm. Please bring your own bottles. Fees are RM95 per person. For more information, visit thehivebulkfoods.com.

French cooking class

Treat your taste buds to some scrumptious sweet or savoury French dishes that you will be cooking. The workshop will be conducted in French, but images will be captioned in English to guide you through the course. Discover the origins of French ingredients from the different regions in France and perhaps sharpen your French. All levels are welcome, so get out of your comfort zone and try something new! The class will be held today from 2pm to 5pm at Alliance Francaise Kuala Lumpur, 15 Lorong Gurney, Kuala Lumpur. The fee is RM90 per person. To find out more, email [email protected] or call (03) 2694 7880.

1 intriguing art exhibition

Pause … A Collective Consciousness

During the month of July alone, there have been many disturbing cases regarding death of our endangered wildlife. From the country’s beautiful tigers — of which only 200 remain in the wild — to homeless elephants stumbling into villages, our animals are feeling no sense of safety or reassurance. In light of these unsettling events, Malaysian artist Jayshree Ramasamy has put together this solo exhibition which allows the public to comtemplate the roles we play in the natural world. The decisions we make can either harm or protect our natural world; we must take action before it is too late. Creative Space is at the National Art Gallery, Administrative Building Lobby, 2 Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. It will be displayed from 10am to 8pm until Aug 31. For more information, call (03) 4026 7000.

1 fun-filled festival

Anak Muda Festival

Head on over to the National Art Gallery for a weekend filled with exciting workshops, performances, talks and art sales. Enjoy the true Malaysian experience as you indulge yourself in our local traditional art and culture through different creative mediums. This festival will be going on from today until Sunday from 10am to 6pm at Balai Seni Negara, 2 Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. To find out more, call (03) 4026 7000.

4 musical events

Julie Byrne with Alena Murang

We welcome Julie Byrne who returns to the Kuala Lumpur stage for a one-night only performance in Live Fact. With roots in Buffalo, New York, Bryne’s distinctive style crafts folk music that feels like whispered secrets, creating a more intimate performance. To date, she has released two studio albums, Rooms With Walls and Windows and Not Even Happiness. Joining her is Alena Murang, who draws inspiration from her heritage and the native languages of Borneo. Her voice possesses a soothing, angelic purity, with her sound revolving around the age-old traditions which are at risk of relentless modernisation. It will be held in Live Fact, Level 2, 6, Jalan PJU 5/21, The Strand, Petaling Jaya. Tickets are RM50 at the door. For more information, call (012) 377 8558 or visit Live Fact’s Facebook page @LVFCT.

Irfan plays Ravel

Piano prodigy Tengku Irfan made his debut with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra when he was just 11 years old, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto. He returns to the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas with Ravel’s whimsical jazz-infused piano concerto with conductor Jun Markl. The maestro will also conduct Schumann’s 2nd Symphony, a fresh, enthralling piece that honours the compositions of both Bach and Beethoven. Dewan Filharmonik Petronas is located at Level Two, Tower Two, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. The show will be tomorrow at 8.30pm and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets are priced from RM56 to RM141, and can be bought online at mpo.com.my, or at the box office by calling (03) 2331 7007. For more information visit mpo.com.my.

Karen Nunis — Old school rhythm and blues

After spending some time in Japan, Singapore and the US, forming her own bands, Karen Nunis has finally returned to Malaysia. Her music is a unique blend of soulful blues and jazz, accompanied by beautiful musical overtones. Her  album Dark Sun Big Rain was nominated Best English Album at the AIM Awards in 2009, and she also received two nominations at Vima 2009 for Best Female Singer and Best Genre Bender. She has collaborated with many artists from Malaysia and the US. The performances will be held today and tomorrow at 10pm at Alexis Bistro Ampang, Great Eastern Mall, 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. There will be a cover charge of RM10+ per head. Go to alexis.com.my or call (03) 4260 2288 for more information.

Publika Sessions #5

This monthly performance is back, but this time with four acts in one! First off is Darien Foo, known for soul-“Foo” vocals and a personable attitude, he will always put a smile on your face with an engaging stage presence. Next is HelloLuqman who cites Brendon Urie, Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars as his major influences. He has garnered more than 620,000+ views on his videos and has more than 3,300 subscribers on YouTube. He also won the 2014 edition of Publika Live, beating other more established acts along the way. Also on stage will be Nazim Ifran who is an indie, pop singer-songwriter who released his first debut single in 2014 and is currently promoting his music on various platforms. Last but not least is Keith Kamalaraj, with songs relating to life, love, loss and the new Malaysia. Join them at The Square, Publika, 1, Jalan Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur today at 7.30pm. Admission is free. For more information email [email protected] or call (03) 6211 7877.

2 enlightening performances

Rojak 2.0 Celebrating Diversity

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre’s (klpac) annual fundraising performance returns this year with an international cast of dancers and musicians. This will be an epic performance involving children from varying backgrounds, taking it upon themselves to raise funds for other children. All proceeds will go into performing arts training for underprivileged children in Malaysia. The performance will be at klpac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur tomorrow at 6pm and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets are priced RM80, RM50 and RM25 for students. Call the box office at (03) 4047 9000 or head on to klpac.org for more information.

Fa Abdul’s Tales from the Scars

An addition to the famous Tales Series by writer, director and producer Fa Abdul, Tales from the Scars centres around 10 people, each ready to share their stories with you. These 10 intimate and complex stories aim to reveal the raw experience of relief, pain and pleasure that will appeal to many and offend some. This episode of the series includes Brown Man in a Hood, The Widower & his Pubic Hair, Forbidden Fruit, Big Love, My Beef with God and five other worldly stories. It will be held at The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur. Happening today at 8.30pm, tomorrow at 3pm and 8.30pm and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets are RM45. Head on to klpac.org or call the box office at (03) 4047 9000.