This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 19, 2019

2 exciting exhibitions

Unsung Heroes

Galeri Petronas presents its second exhibition for 2019, called Unsung Heroes | Wira Sebalik Tabir. The exhibit aims to highlight the craft and contributions of local architects. Featuring 27 Malaysian architecture firms, the exhibition has seven themes — Wawasan, Perkasa, Mercu, Lestari, Prihatin, Bakti and Balai. There is also a selection of artworks from the Petronas Art Collection of the iconic Twin Towers for the visitors to view. Showing until July 28, the gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free. Galerie Petronas, Lot 341-343, Level 3, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. For more information visit facebook.com/GALERIPETRONAS or call 03-2051 7770

No fixed form

Visit Sumo Orientalis to view Nakayama Hitori’s exhibition no fixed form. This established Japanese conceptual artist and sculptor has displayed his works all over the world. Intrigued by the shifting sands he witnessed across the jungles of Zaire, Kenya and all the way to Cameroon, Hitori began to explore the existence and its formation. Acutely aware of nature, and how winds form shapes with every gust, Hitori created an exhibit of sculptures that are visually stimulating, and engage with physical movements beyond our sight. It is on until Sunday, from 11am to 7pm. Sumo Orientalis, 11, Lorong 11/4F Seksyen 11, Petaling Jaya. For more information visit sumaorientalis.com

1  healthy living buy

In conjunction with their fourth birthday, Amazin’ Grace has created a limited edition tote bag. So while shopping online at your favourite healthy-snack spot, try and spend RM100 and above to get this tote bag totally for free. In line with eco-friendly and anti-plastic bag notions, this tote bag is a light and versatile way to stylishly carry your wares everyday. If you would rather buy a few, this bag is available for RM25 each and can carry up to 250g of goods. To get one head to amazingraze.co

1 educational activity

The Pure Life Society is organising the 12th edition of the Swami Satyananda Memorial Lecture, commemorating the legacy of its founder — a spiritual teacher, educationist and social activist who was a pioneer in promoting interfaith harmony and cooperation in his adopted home of Malaysia. This year, prominent scholars, social activists and society leaders have been invited to discuss the following theme: is multi-culturalism a challenge to religion, faith and unity? The keynote speaker is Professor Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi of UCSI University, a writer and a prolific commentator on current issues, which will be followed by a presentation by multi-talented actress Shanthini Venugopal. The Swami Satyananda Memorial Lecture will be held from 8.30am to 1pm at the auditorium of the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital, Lorong Utara, Petaling Jaya. Admission is free, but registration is required and can be done by calling (03) 7782 9391.

2 cracking comedies

Rizal Van Geyzel

Taking the Crackhouse Comedy Club stage is Rizal Van Geyzel, a well-known figure in the Malaysian stand-up scene and co-founde rof Crackhouse Comedy Club and One Mic Stand. Having performed all over the world, Geyzel has done it all, from small club gigs to festival shows with thousands of people. Have an evening of laughs with his stories, impersonations, anecdotes and sharp wit. Showing today and tomorrow, the show kicks off at 9pm. Tickets are RM40 or RM50 available at the door. Crackhouse Comedy Club, 1st Floor, 24A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14 Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Petaling Jaya. To buy tickets visit facebook.com/crackhousekl

Funny & Thanni 2

The second instalment of Funny & Thanni brings together the countries best Malaysian Indian comedians for two nights of belly laughs. Including Tamil and English jokes, the night welcomes Malaysians of all backgrounds for back-slapping laughter. Featured in the show are popular stand-up comics Gajen Nad, Prakash Daniel, Hindravel Chandrabose, Keren Bala Devan and Sundeep Singh. The evening will be hosted by Suresh from THR Raaga. It will take place today and tomorrow at 8.30pm. Tickets are RM50 or RM60 available at the door. The Joke Factory, Lot 26, Level G3, Publika Shopping Gallery, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur. For tickets visit thejokefactory.com.my

4 music-inspired performances

Soun(d)ance 25

The RAW Art Space’s monthly series Soun(d)ance is back for its 25th instalment. The improvisational performance combines music and dance to create a new and unseen show. The dancers and musicians who participate are from various backgrounds, to inspire more insterdisciplinary practices and collaborations. This session features Spanish dancers Paula Castañón and Lucas García, as well as Kuala Lumpur-based musicans Max Riefer and Chung Ping Wei. Catch the show tomorrow at 8.30pm. Entrance fee is RM20. RAW Art Space, No.8, 4th floor, Jalan Panggong, Kuala Lumpur. For more information please visit rawartspacekl.wixsite.com

Janet Lee and WVC Jazz Trio

Head over to Bobo KL to witness the multifaceted Shanghai jazz chanteuse, Janet Lee. Gracing the stage with the WVC Jazz Trio, Lee will entertain you with charming songs in different languages. You are in for a night of great mid-century Mandarin pop and old school American show tunes. She will be performing today and tomorrow at 9.30pm. Tickets are RM60 or RM45 for Bobo diners. Bobo KL,  65-1, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. For more information visit bobokl.com

Flavours of Brazil

For South American classics, head to Alexis Bistro for Flavours of Brazil, featuring artist Xiong. Brazilian music includes samba, bossa nova, partido altos and other catchy rhythms with jazz influences. Xiong presents mellow and feel-good tunes with his voice and guitar. This soft spoken man will charm you with his solos. Xiong performs today and tomorrow at 10pm. Tickets are RM10 for diners only. Alexis Bistro Ampang, 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. For more information visit alexis.com.my or for reservations call 03 4260-2288

Al Terry & The Purple Haze

For soulful vocals and harmonica instrumentals, check out Australian blues frontman Al Terry. His style is akin to Chicago blues maters like Big Walter Horton and Litlle Walter, with influences of swinging West Coast jump blues and rock and roll. From his high-energy music to some low-down, speak-easy blues, Terry will have you tapping your toes all night. Performing with Terry is the Purple Haze Blues band, made up of local blues legends Zzi Blues on lead guitar, Shaik Karim on drums and bassist Shah Shariff. Terry and Purple Haze have a 15 year-strong history of collaborations, and today they will be performing songs from their recently released album. Starting at 10pm, tickets are RM53, or RM174.80 with dinner. No Black Tie, 17 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur. For more information visit noblacktie.com.my