This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on January 19, 2018 - January 25, 2018

3 musical indulgences

Tasha Aleia

This young talent is all set to treat you to a night of soul, pop, and rhythm and blues. Tasha Aleia has come quite a long way for such a young singer — she has performed alongside Ne-Yo at Air Asia’s 14th anniversary party, and was the runner-up at Southeast Asia’s Rock Pop & Soul Competition in Vietnam. Having sung at events and at notable music venues around town, namely No Black Tie and Merdekarya, there’s no doubt that this songstress with her sultry vocals is one to look out for. Tasha rules the stage from 8.30pm tomorrow, at Wonder Upstairs on the first floor of Wondermama, G6, Ground Floor, Bangsar Village 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free of charge. For more information, call (03) 2284 9821.

A Reset of Earth

Indie singer Anna Chong is back with her second album, A Reset of Earth. The new album features six compositions, each an experimental venture into the various nuances of sound and a testament to the singer’s continued growth since her award-winning album Tack three years ago. Join her as she performs and launches her album this weekend. The concert and launch of A Reset of Earth takes place at 8.30pm tomorrow and on Sunday, in the theatre of the Damansara Performing Arts Centre in Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tickets are priced at RM128 per person. For bookings or more information, visit www.dpac.com.my.

5th Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival

Returning for its fifth year in a row, the Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival only continues to grow. With jazz clinics and master classes from industry professionals, the festival is the place to be for those interested in jazz. If you  are looking for a lively performance that will have you bopping in your seat, then get your tickets to the weekend concerts, featuring over 40 of the best musicians in the local jazz scene. Get groovy at the Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival, taking place from today to Sunday, at Pentas 2, klpac, in Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur. Concert tickets are priced at RM75 for adults and RM30 for students per show, whereas clinics are free of charge. For bookings or more information, visit www.klpac.org.

1 palate pleaser

Spanish 2-star Michelin Chef Pere Planaguma takes over The Brasserie for the weekend. The takeover will feature an exclusive menu inspired by the St Regis Kuala Lumpur’s three exclusive works of art, namely the mural Grace Thunder by Mark Evans, the sculpture The Botero Horse by Fernando Botero, and the 3D Birds and Butterflies by Barnaby Hosking. Visual art undergoes a transition into culinary art for both lunch and dinner today, tomorrow, and on Sunday. The Brasserie is located in the St Regis, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. Lunch is priced at RM338, or RM438 for an additional alcohol pairing, whereas dinner prices start at RM438, or RM588 for both food and wine. For bookings or enquiries, call (03) 2727 6666 or email [email protected].

3 hearty doses of laughter

Comedy After Dark

Dark humour is not for everyone, but if you’re a fan, then here’s a comedy show just for you. Organised by Have Pun Malaysia, the nation’s first-ever show dedicated to the evil indulgence of dark humour takes place this weekend and features eight comedians who know no barriers in the realm of humour. Get ready to laugh at all the things you shouldn’t be laughing at — the bad, the ugly, and the morbid. Comedy After Dark takes place at 9.30pm this Saturday, at The Bee, Publika Shopping Gallery, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur. Admission at the door is priced at RM40. For more information, email [email protected].

Crackhouse presents Dwayne Perkins & Nik Coppin

If you have always hesitated dropping by Crackhouse Comedy Club KL, procrastinate no further and drop by this very weekend. This weekend’s double bill performance features American Dwayne Perkins and British Nik Coppin. The former is a Netflix star for his comedy special Take Note, whereas the latter has performed all over the world in the last 10 years. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity at Crackhouse Comedy Club Kuala Lumpur, on Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. The shows begin at 9pm tonight and tomorrow, and admission is priced at RM40 online and at RM50 at the door. For bookings or more information, call (017) 260 3654 or email [email protected].

On the Sofa with Ribena Berry & Curry Spice

Jo Kukathas brings her alter ego characters Ribena Berry and Curry Spice back to where it all began. Look forward to laughing off the stress accumulated over the week as the actress and comedian brings out her unique brand of political satire. Reliving her early 2016 debut in Bobo’s Sofa Series, Kukathas will have you chuckling all the way home with her witty observations of life as a Malaysian. The show takes place at 9.30pm today, tomorrow, and on Sunday. Bobo KL is located on Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is priced at RM70, although Bobo diners get a discounted priced of RM50. For bookings or more information, call (03) 2092 5002.

3 bustling bazaars

RIUH

RIUH returns for the year with yet another exciting bazaar. Get in the mood for warmth and sunshine with the Tropical Fiesta theme as you browse through the artisan pop-up stores and indulge in the snacks at the food stalls. Keeping with RIUH tradition, the bazaar will also offer a selection of creative workshops, so look forward to this month’s batik and comic workshops. RIUH takes place from 10am to 9pm tomorrow and on Sunday, at Art Printing Works, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Admission to the bazaar is free, whereas participation fees will be charged for the workshops. To book your spot for the workshops, or for more information, visit www.riuh.com.my.

Chinese New Year Market

Shopping for the festivities can be a hassle, so what you need is a one-stop destination to get everything you need. Commune at Sunway Velocity makes your wish come true with its Chinese New Year market this weekend. With a generous array of trendy apparel, artisan jewellery, festive snacks, home decorations and more, you will be ticking off items on that long shopping list in no time. Head over to Commune at Sunway Velocity Mall, Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity, Kuala Lumpur, tomorrow and on Sunday from noon to 8pm. For more information, look for the event listing on Commune’s Facebook page @CommuneAtSunwayVelocity.

The Indian Trail

Celebrate the beauty of Indian culture at The Indian Trail. The bazaar features beautiful, artisanal Indian products, including luxury handloom sarees, handmade jewellery, Keralan liquid spices, traditional Indian art, and so much more. There will also be workshops on Ayurveda cooking, and a storytelling session for the little ones. Walk through The Indian Trail this Sunday, from 10.30am to 6.30pm, at Ruang on Jalan SS18/6, Subang Jaya, Selangor. For more information, look up The Indian Trail’s Facebook page @theindiantrail.