Thinking of Reviving this ...

 So its 2020 6 yeears since the last Post how things have changed and we are in the mood of making content. 

drop us a comment if you like what you see haha

oh There is a facebook page too Loon82 on Facebook

Nyonya Memoirs- A memoir of Love and Culture

Let me just say, I am not a Theater expert. Although since my involvement in the very first run Of Broken Bridges at KLPAC under the baton of James Boyle and subsequently Mervyn Peters, I think I've seen enough musicals to know how to appreciate a good one. Having said that, the tremendous amount of effort that has been put into Nyonya Memoirs, and still making it financially affordable to the general public is very admirable. The emount of detail that has gone into the production of the set, costumes by Beatrice Looi the actors, dancers, lights and sound, I feel, really came together.

Sure the concept of the story is familiar but to be fully immersed in it and taking part in the experience of life at that time. That, is truly unique. I do not want to get your hopes up to go watch this show. But at the same time I am so excited for you all to experience this performance. To put it bluntly, The experience is like paying to go into a haunted house where the ghosts and people in monster suits try to scare you. But, In this case its like time travelling into the past to see an age that is almost forgotten in our history books, a heritage that needs to be preserved for generations to come.

No I am not of Baba Nyonya descent, but I guess if I really thought about it I can relate to the Peranakan lineage. Being a Malaysian is all about embracing the entire spectrum of our cultural diversities. We are not from anywhere else but here. We grew up here, we made our lives here, and so did the characters in Nyonya Memoirs.

I am not one to translate experiences into words well but have a look at some photos I took and some that have been posted on the Nyonya Memoirs Facebook Page

Opening Scene, No Flashing Please

Banquet Room, A large portion of the show happens here

Its Raining!! Indoors

Kenduri Time! Note to self  Stop wearing Black

Leave a comment if you need anymore information!

Of course that is not the only Reason to go to Malacca,

The following pictures are the makan Places I Dropped by in Malacca

Strangely I feel a little more attached to this place

Breakfast at The Baba House Hotel, Spacious interior design but the rooms were a little small. Still great place to sleep
Website : http://www.thebabahouse.com.my/
(Don't expect nyonya styled breakfast, theres plenty of it just outside)

One of the little picturesque little spaces in Baba House Hotel 

The breakfast area is really pretty with natural sunlight and NO MOSQUITOES not one! must be they died from the severe heat and humidity outside All rooms are air conditioned by the way

Nyonya Delight - Homestyle Nyonya food
This place is worth the drive out of town and avoid the jam and enjoy the seaside breeze and view

That is Chef Charlie and his wife Chef Bong(In yellow t shirt) both previously attached with Renaissance Hotel before it became ramada hotel 

I Dont like lontong but this was pretty alright with some ice lemon tea,
3 lontongs and a plate of nasi lemak and 2 ice lemon teas and a bottle of mineral water 500ml RM19.10 only

Cheese Prawn Noodles at Tong Sheng Restaurant, The place is popular so just go google the name its very near to the Nyonya memoirs performance space
(To avoid dissapointment call ahead to reserve)

The Quintessential Iced drink to have in Malacca, Although RM4 but it tasted oh so goooooooood on Jonker Walk

What better souvenirs to get your loved ones at home than some good old fasiong Belacan Bulat and other unique snacks this is near Nyonya Delights just ask them where to buy Belacan. 

 To end this post, I would just like to mention that all the Makan places above have wifi connections as the mobile network coverage in Malacca is quite scarce indoors. Never the less I had such a great time in Malacca this is not a sponsored post, but if you would like to sponsor me please do so I accept all forms of sponsorship even in FOOOD! hehehehe

But yes support our local productions, economically your ticket to watch the latest guai lo concert or backside boys is in fact sending money out of the country. You wonder why our economy is doing badly? its because you are not watching Nyonya Memoirs! go watch! you will not regret it!!!! its fun!

Performances are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Show times are at 4pm and 8pm.
run time is about as much time it takes to travel through time and experience awesomeness but its about 70-80 minutes!

Find out more about ticketing on their website www.nyonyamemoirs.com

Moving FAZZ-ster than the speed of Sound

Ok puny pun intended.

Its a wonder why younger people now still like 'older' peoples music. Not even that but taking to the obscure era of the 1940s to punch out songs with  a new current groove.

Call it hipster, call it the influence of Glee and what ever else they show on TV nowdays.

Music just seems to be a product or reflection of our current environment. A snapshot in time of the people living in it.

Which brings us to the Upbeat, Feet tapping inducing band called FAZZ

According to their Facebook ;

"FAZZ is an independent musical band from S.E.A. The group plays a blend of pop, blues & swing by infusing characters of vaudeville & cabaret-ish elements into their music and performance.

Their song, "That's Life" was awarded best song composition in the Sonica Song Composing Competition in 2012 which was held in Hard Rock Cafe KL. 

They place Champion in the first "Diamond in the Rough" competition in March 2013 organized by "The Venue"

Invited to play on the Fringe Stage at the "Penang Island Jazz Festival 2013"

Building their momentum after performing on the Fringe Stages at The Penang Island Jazz Festival in 2013, Fazz is on the brink of releasing their First Ever Single.

In the meantime I got to catch their show last Saturday 8th Of March at The Bee, Publika.

More info coming soon


)

The Recce for Mr. Ooi at Majestic Hotel

So ever since this article came out on Poskod.my. There has been a lot of interest in gathering together to go and meet with the man Mr. Ooi Eow Jin. Too many of us he is a teacher, to those who know he was one of those rare gems that you would. almost never hear about.

Today, I decided to have tea at The Majestic Hotel ( I don't usually drink tea) mainly because I wanted to see how Mr. Ooi is doing. I was never under his tutelage but I've seen him around ICOM when I was there doing my foundation course. He was a bit flustered when he realised I was behind him and asking for a few minutes of his time. He walks with a steady tempo and firm strides.

Don't ask him how old he is but just remember to speak a bit louder when you are on his right side. I was grateful that he took the time to 'layan' me before he had to go and meet somebody. He asked me what did I want to ask him and I wish I was more prepared. He still seems sharp and his eyes always looking at you when you spoke.

But before that I bumped into one of his old students with his family.

Tay Cher Siang & Tomo the Handsome baby boy came to say hello to Mr. Ooi too.

At the end of our conversation Mr Ooi walked swiftly to his next meeting about the article that was written. He said he was happy to meet people like me and I told him that more people wllbe coming to visit him. Just like Cher Siang with Tomo

Cher Siang & Tomo strike a pose with Mr. Ooi

So if you plan to meet up with Mr. Ooi he performs on everyday from 3pm - 6pm Tuesdays til Sundays. at the Colonial Cafe at The Majestic Hotel. Parking is available at the hotel for RM10 per entry. There is a special tea set priced at RM 48++ with sandwiches and scones. The service here is Impeccable but Please do come dressed properly. The Colonial Cafe is a beautiful tea room, just look at it! you do not wear slipper and shorts to this place. and it is abit cold!

Boi Akih Performs at No Blacktie 28th & 29th October (RM50) Cover

A couple of years ago Boi Akih participated in the Penang Island Jazz Festival. She is an artist based out of the Kingdom Of Netherlands. She will be performing at No Black Tie on the 28th and 29th Of October. Which is a Monday & a Tuesday. She will be performing with Niels Brouwer on guitar & vocals, Owen Hart Jr on drums and Yedo Gibson on saxophone.

 Boi Akih has  special message for all her fans in Malaysia and the rest of Asia.

Boi Akih writes:-

Hi everyone,

I just want to let you know that we will be back in KL to perform with the new Boi Akih quartet.
We gonna play pieces from the CD Circles in a Square Society and of course new stuff.
The concerts will be at NBT in KL starting at  09:30 PM

 surf to boiakih.com for more concert dates

We hope to see you again!
Monica Akihary, Niels Brouwer with Owen Hart Jr. & Yedo Gibson

Big & Small at Treehouse Open Mic organised by Amrita Soon @ Paradox Art Cafe, Bandar Utama

So a while ago I wrote about this singer songwriter Amrita Soon. She is new and really Hard working.  She also organizes her own open-mic series called Treehouse open mic at Paradox Art Cafe in Bandar Utama. It is a neat little place on the first floor tucked away near One Utama. The open-mic is held every 3rd Sunday of the month and one act selected by Amrita Soon to be the featured act for the day.

The last featured open mic-er was the very new and upcoming group called Big & Small. With Big Guy Daryl holding down the groove on the guitar and Krystal or affectionately called KT belting out some killer vocals. This group was a breath of fresh air and also a throwback to the years of good old soul of rhythm and blues.

Unfortunately KT had to leave to pursue her studies in The United States of UhMurica. So, I am not sure of the future of this group.
But here is a video of one of KT's killer vocals with Daryl on guitar joined by Alan on percussions. Enjoy!

Red - Amrita Soon Featured artist for FeedBack Open Mic@ The Bee, Publika

Amrita is one of those singer songwriters who can keep writing and writing songs. Her approach may be simple but taking all those experiences and turning them into music and lyrics. Not everyone can do that well. She does it well. Okay so maybe you are not into this kinda music but if you give it a chance and listen to the lyrics of her songs you will find a story in each and every song painted clearly.

Given the fact that she is only 18 and pursuing her music dream with tremendous support from her parents. She is such a lucky girl that she herself is hardworking at doing this. She organises her own open mic with her running around arranging the acts and making sure the guitarists have their guitars jacked in or mic-ed up.

She works harder than alot of people I know who are doing music. It really is quite inspiring to know that in this sea of new young musicians that there are ones like Amrita Soon fighting the good fight for the next generation. Now I am not saying I am old, (okay so I am old) but this girl is really inspiring.



You can read more about her here