Music entertainment in Asia
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A
Before & Now
An energetic bar that’s good for its pop-rock-funk playlist, Milan-trained chef and buzzing crowd. If you run out of conversation topics, contemplate the ramifications of Bono-as-Superman, as depicted on one of local artist Tran Trung Linh’s pop-art portraits on the walls (the eclectic mix includes Lenin, Mao, Che, Marilyn and Gandhi).
reviewed
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Naxi Orchestra
One of the few things you can do in the evening in Lìjiāng is attend performances of this orchestra inside a beautiful building in the old town. Not only are all two dozen or so members Naxi, but they play a type of Taoist temple music (known as dòngjīng) that has been lost elsewhere in China. The pieces they perform are said to be faithful renditions of music from the Han, Song and Tang dynasties, and are played on original instruments. Local historian of note Xuan Ke often speaks for the group at performances.
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B
Mp3
With live shows and music, plus the unbeatable all-you-can-drink at around MOP$100 during happy hour, this has become a popular spot along the strip. DJs spin all kinds of music while drag queens and pose dancers dazzle your eyes.
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C
Treat’s Café
The backpacker bar of old Hoi An, this place is regularly full to bursting, particularly during its generous 4pm to 9pm happy hour.
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D
Skunk Bar
Plays excellent, scratchy roots reggae on a turntable and has one of the liveliest vibes around.
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Sam’s Bar
Sam’s Bar is a long-timer and a cosy place with reggae every Saturday.
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F
Stadium
The big daddy of Jakarta’s scene, this club has the heritage (established in 1997), the reputation (DJs including Sasha and Dave Seaman have spun here), the capacity (around 4000), the sound system and the crowd. There are four levels, but the main room is where the prime dance-floor action is – a dark, cavernous space of pounding beats full of clubbers in sunglasses. This ain’t no disco – alcohol is not the drug of choice, and Stadium has a distinctly underground vibe. Its weekend session is totally hardcore – beginning on Thursday evening and running until Monday morning.
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History Club
This restaurant and bar is popular with the locals and hosts traditional Mongolian music acts. The band that usually performs here is Legend, a five-piece group that plays contemporary music with traditional instruments. The band usually performs weekdays at 20:00 but its schedule changes frequently so you'll need to call ahead to find out when it's on. There is also karaoke, dancing and skilfully prepared Mongolian cuisine. Look for the ger sticking out of the side of the building.
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Ruì Fǔ
In the former home of Qing dynasty royalty, warlords and the occupying Japanese army in the 1930s, this is reputedly one of the most haunted spots in all Běijīng. You'd probably hear the ghosts screaming if it wasn't for the resident DJ (on weekends) and the throng of upmarket locals and expats who come to enjoy properly mixed cocktails around the marble bar or to recline on fancy sofas. VIP cigar lounge, and an outside terrace in the summer.
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Mint
Mint occupies the 2nd floor of Woo Villa, known as the Green House, designed by Ladislaus Hudec in 1938 and previously owned by the family of architect IM Pei. It's a stylish, intimate place that attracts both Western and local hipsters. On Thursdays there's a popular salsa night, while Friday is R&B. The rest of the time it's house. There's a cool feel to the place, but you need to get here early on weekends. It's closed on Sunday.
reviewed
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Zouk
KL’s top club offers spaces to suit everyone and a line-up of local and international DJs. As well as the two-level main venue, there’s the more sophisticated Velvet Underground, with a dance floor that’s glitter-ball heaven; Phuture for hip-hop groovers; and the cutting-edge Bar Sonic, home to the indie-dance event Koko Asia (www.kokoasia.com). Glimpse KL’s gilded youth passing by from the outdoor Relish@Terrace Bar.
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K
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
The 1800-seater state-of-the-art concert hall at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is home to this respected orchestra, which also graces the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall. It plays at least once weekly; check the website for details and book in advance. Half-price student and senior (60-plus) discounts are available; kids under six years old are unceremoniously banned.
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Pirates
This out of the way bar is one of the best in town and attracts dressed-down hipsters, who could be called the anti-Bar Rouge crowd. The front room is a cool white space to drink in, while on weekends the back room hosts DJs who play the sort of cutting-edge sounds you won't hear anywhere else in Shanghai. It gets busy on Fridays and Saturdays, when it's around Y40 to get in.
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M
Metro
With international sports parading across a large-screen TV and American rock and pop belting from the speakers, the Metro provides expats with a slice of American and pizza in one handy package. Add this to the on-site bookshop and the Bar and Grill restaurant and it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular Westerner hang-outs in town.
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Be There or Be Square
Easy to find between the two bridges leading into Sānyà, this place has a good vibe and a decent range of music but no real dance floor, meaning the mostly Chinese patrons tend to dance at their tables. Men can expect to be the subject of more attention than they might be used to - some of it from women looking for a paying gig.
reviewed
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Club Cielo
Smart and sophisticated, Club Cielo is one of the hottest spots in downtown Naha. Although it's going to be a pricey night out, this is a good choice for top-quality music ranging from the latest in American hip-hop to the hottest Euro-electronica tracks. The club is on the 6F across the street from the Okinawan Prefectural Assembly Hall.
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Olive Bar & Kitchen
Hip, gorgeous and snooty, this Mediterranean-style restaurant and bar has light and delicious food, soothing DJ sounds and pure Ibiza decor. Thursday and weekends are packed. The opening of a new branch at Mahalaxmi Racecourse (open for lunch and dinner, till 1.30am), next to the Turf Club, made South Mumbai’s rich and famous very happy.
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O
Sky 21
Located in the same building as D2, this three-storey multiplex flashy club has a more distinguished atmosphere, and ambitiously caters to people from all walks of life. DJs from Portugal host dancing parties and Troupe from Amsterdam dances everything from hip hop to salsa. A big plus is its superb view of Nam Van Lake and Macau Tower.
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M Club
On the edge of town, this warehouse club is one of biggest in Sulawesi. The music is tech-no prisoners and the lighting strobe-heavy, but if you want the Makassar experience, this is an essential stop. Foreigners often get in free. It's on the east side of town - all taxi drivers know the place. A taxi there should cost about Rp25,000.
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Blue Elephant
Most of Colombo's dance-oriented nightlife centres on the top hotels. All clubs have a cover charge of about Rs500 to Rs600 (which usually includes one drink). The dress code is fashion-conscious but casual; entry is usually restricted to mixed couples and single women. Things get going at about 23:00 and continue through to 06:00.
reviewed
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Shock Egypt
Georgetown isn't the only place in Penang where you can shake your booty. Shock Egypt, in the ritzy Copthorne Orchid Hotel on the island's north coast, will more than satisfy your nocturnal fun-seeking urges. DJs spin drum 'n' bass and techno, music videos play constantly on big screens, and the Pharaonic decor is pretty cool too.
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Boom
Most of Colombo's dance-oriented nightlife centres on the top hotels. All clubs have a cover charge of about Rs500to Rs600(which usually includes one drink). The dress code is fashion-conscious but casual; entry is usually restricted to mixed couples and single women. Things get going at about 23:00 and continue through to 06:00.
reviewed
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Cascades
Most of Colombo's dance-oriented nightlife centres on the top hotels. All clubs have a cover charge of about Rs500to Rs600(which usually includes one drink). The dress code is fashion-conscious but casual; entry is usually restricted to mixed couples and single women. Things get going at about 23:00 and continue through to 06:00.
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Grand Ole Opry
This grand ol’ country-and-western bar and dance hall, with crates of beer lying around and big Mexican hats on the wall, is still going strong. The barn has plenty of honky-tonk atmosphere, compulsory dancing, staff who chat, cheap drinks and cowboy-music requests, all adding up to a good time for the fans.
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Metropolis
The most stylish place in Ulaanbaatar, Metropolis has a large dance floor and a VIP voyeur terrace. The French-Cambodian DJ plays an eclectic mix of disco, salsa, pop, rock and techno. Monday and Tuesday are reserved for electronica. It's set inside a large vault next to the entrance to the Sky Shopping Mall.
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