In confirmation to popular belief, I, KY, really does not play any musical instrument. I am the master of winamp, the car audio player, and my 5800 XpressMusic when it comes to listening to music. As to creating and performing it music, I leave it to the professionals. Professionals such as this ridiculously talented Lee Hom. And he really is a bit ridiculous when it comes to music, quoting from wikipedia Wang Lee-Hom page:

Wang plays over 10 musical instruments. In his albums and live concerts, Wang can be heard playing piano, drums, guitar, bass, violin, vibraphone, erhu, xun, and more.

and that is on top of being able to sing rather well, something I cannot do, evident from friends making excuses to go to toilet or have some “fresh air” when it is my turn to sing at karaoke, mehhh. Lee Hom Music-Man Thus it goes without saying that Lee Hom is the one with a huge fan base and not yours truly. And to those fans out there, the Lee Hom music-man himself is coming to KL this on May 2nd to have a concert at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. To make the matter sweeter, there’s a chance for U.O.X. members to win tickets! All you have to do is the following (remember you must be a U.O.X. member)

1. Type REGFREETIX Send to 28881
2. Upon receiving confirmation via SMS, just reload RM 20 before 26 April 2009 for a chance to win (click here for more info)

MeTV
While the U.O.X. mechanic allows members to to get free tickets, the MeTV contest gives participants a chance to win a pair of tickets worth RM 198 to Lee Hom Music-Man Live in KL 2009. hohohoho Of course, there is a bit more to do on this since you might not be a U.O.X member. In the MeTV contest, you have to send in your best “Music-Man/Woman” video or picture in. Be creative and send a video or picture via MMS to 26388 with the title MUSIC MAN To view, rate, or download videos or pictures on MeTV

1. Log on to http://wap.channelx.com.my from your mobile
2. Go to Fun Stuff and select Lee Hom Music Man
3. Look under Contest category and click on the View, rate or download contest entries link
4. Select Lee Hom Music Man category to view videos or pictures
5. To rate videos or pictures click on the Rate It link. To download videos or pictures, click on the Download Now button.

Ok ok, my example might not be the best, but you know what you have to do if you want to see this music genius! The contest runs from 1-25 April, 2009.

Tags:  concert,  lunch money

Posted by KY | 17 Comments »

I remember buying a compilation cassette sometimes back in 1996, it had a brown cover with the title “Alternative Rock” smeared across in red. This was the cassette that introduced me to songs like Girl from Mars by Ash, You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette , and Good by Better than Ezra.

But the one song from the compilation that made the biggest impression was Oasis’s Wonderwall. It was a song that struck everything in the right cord, with lyrics that Brandon Flowers of The Killers can only dream of writing. From then on I picked up songs like Don’t Look Back in Anger and Champaign Supernova, and Oasis became an integral part of my play list.

Our tickets to rock!

So when Gareth told me about Oasis coming to Singapore for a concert a few weeks ago, I replied “Lets make it happen!” without thinking twice.

For rock concerts, I never settle for anything less than the grand stand tickets. We managed to con Kim & Horny to each also fork up $98 SGD for a ticket (to fill up a car, you know, save money!) to the concert even though Horny didn’t actually know who is Liam or Noel. Amanda was a late addition to the road trip cos she was just too crazy over Oasis; plus, her relatively small size means that she fits in the center of the backseats.

chicken rice balls were yummy!

So last Sunday we departed from KL just before noon and decided to get our lunch (without any breakfast/brunch) at of Melaka, which also make a nice half way rest stop for the long journey.

We had an over fulfilling meal of chicken rice balls at Hoe Kee, and then stuffed ourselves with a bowl of cendol at Jonker88.

Which was all nice and dandy until we drove by this pohpiah stall and had to just cry in agony cos we were too full to even have a bite. Very tragic!

Subway with pork ham and pork bacon!

By the time we hit the road again it was around 2:30pm, we needed to collect tickets by 7pm for the 8pm concert. We thought we had plenty of time.

We didn’t factor in the stupidly inconsiderate drivers at Johor. It seems like the only way to overtake is via the left lane. The kiasu factor of those drivers really got into our nerves.

Alas, we got to the immigration at around 6pm, and forgot to bring along any immigration cards… So we had to go to the immigration office and witness the inefficiencies that infect even the Singaporean officers. It was a long an excruciating 45-minute (I had to call to make sure we could redeem our tickets past 7pm) process before we got out of there.

we were at the front with the crowd, and Liam being a badass

With the help of Gareth’s little portable Garmin GPS unit, we finally arrived at the Singapore National Stadium at 7:30 or so. Got our tickets and went to Subway for some pork sandwich goodness. By the time we got into the hall it was around 8:15.

Then Oasis came out and it was completely awesome!

pic taken without any zooming, that’s how close we were!

While the other two old men hang out at the side, Kim, Amanda and I made our way to the front of the crowd and managed to get ourselves about 4-5 rows back from the stage. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was crazy. Lotsa squeezing and pushing but generally everyone was just having blast.

At one particular point a dude with mohawk started dancing like a maniac and hit a lot of ppl within 2 feet of him. A burly dude grabbed his body and I sorta helped flip his legs up, and the dude got body surfed all the way to the back. We high five-ed

Wonderwall!

With the last bit of GPS juice (car charger died) we managed to find our way back to the Johor border after the concert. By the time we got back to KL it was more than 3am already. We stayed in Singapore for a total of less than 5 hours. My shortest trip yet.

Next trip would be Melbourne to see Mell for a week. Can’t wait!

Check out Horny, Kim, and Gareth’s account of the tour.

Tags:  amanda,  concert,  gareth,  horng,  kimberly,  oasis,  Singapore

Posted by KY | 27 Comments »

Last Saturday I went up to Genting to attend the MY FM 10th anniversary celebration thanks to Andrew who obtained media passes for myself and Lorna. Together with the nutty Alice, I think we were the only four people with media passes and not work for any traditional media companies. It is sort of obvious too as we were carrying entry level SLRs (or in the case of Lorna, pen and paper) instead of fabulous and expensive equipments.

Before I start, there are more pictures from the event on my flickr set here.

Andrew in highwire act

Having gone through 12 years of education that involves Mandarin, I do listen to MY FM and other Chinese radio stations whenever I feel like I need to get closer to the root. I used to know my fair share of local, HK, and Taiwanese stars during my high school years. Remember the four kings? Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau, and Jacky Cheung? Rock bands like Beyond? Yah that was during my time, looking at the thousands of younger kids flooding to this event and their enthusiasm kinda brings back the memory.

Lorna & myself, Alice & Andrew

Our passes were from CIB MALL, the company that is behind this Crazy Shooter Online (CSO) game that looks a bit like counter strike. Incidentally, the game plays a big role in the whole event, with quite a number of people turning up cosplay style. Andrew’s friend Denise (who’s with CIB MALL) was on the stage doing her thing in a costume too, thanks Denise!

check out the incredible family!

Almost all VIPs as well as many attendees went to the event in interesting dresses. There were ghosts, cowboys, batman, spidey, catwoman, etc etc. The winner for the best costume went to the Incredible Family who walked away with RM 10,000! It was actually a family of 6, with 4 incredible characters and 2 small pirates, so cute.

hardcore fans

Before the arrival of the artists, the hall was already filled with many hardcore fans. There’s at least a couple hundred people wearing the same green t-shirt supporting Nicholas Teo ???, another big group for Yoga ???, and the fans of Wu Jia Hui ??? lining up right at the red carpet patiently waiting for him. Pretty hardcore don’t you think?

some performers as well as VIPs on the red carpet

The artists and VIPs started to arrive from about 6:30 onwards and it didn’t end until more than an hour later. There were local stars, singers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and China. The more notable guests and performers include Ling Yu Zhong, Huang Wei Er, James, Oak Smith, Zhang Zi Cheng, Guo Jing, Nicholas Teo, Xiao Mai, Liu Li Yang, and Yoga. There were also winners of the last Astro talent show.

Ling Yu Zhong, Huang Wei Er, James, Oak Smith

While the DJs from MY FM were a bunch of goofs who dressed up like hell boy, pirates, and sailormoon (male version), the performers were actually very good! Ling Yu Zhong and Huang Wei Er did their bits, as well as James and Oak Smith from Thailand (singing in Thai). Interestingly, Oak Smith (weird name I know) gave up his career as a doctor and a skin specialist to pursue singing.

Zhang Zi Cheng, Guo Jing, Nicholas Teo

There were also equally entertaining performances by Zhang Zi Cheng (as the surprised performer), Guo Jing, Andrew, Nicholas Teo, and Yoga. However, my favorite of the night has got to go to Liu Li Yang from China. Her voice was both captivating as it was powerful, with the style that reminds me of Evanescence.

Xiao MY, Liu Li Yang, Nicholas Teo, Yoga

Towards the end, MY FM introduced their mascot Xiao MY. The whole event was rather entertaining, and having a media pass certainly helps quite a bit as we were just right next to the stage without having to line up or squeeze with everyone else. The only slightly disappointing bit was the absence of Eason Chan, but it didn’t stop the show for being a blast.

Tags:  alice,  andrew,  concert,  lorna,  party

Posted by KY | 33 Comments »

Right after the awesome Nuffnang pajama party, myself and the Suan rushed to attend Sunburst KL 2008 at the Hartamas equestrian club. I was supposed to get a chance for a photo session with Incubus thanks to the invitation from Tuborg, but due to the delay of the bidding game at the Nuffnang party (which I won a camera!), I missed the chance by 15 minutes, dang it!

There’s a few more photos on my flickr set.

Incubus rocking the field

Actually, Suan and I attended the cocktail party for Sunburst the night prior as well. There were plenty of booze and finger foods at that event hosted at Ritz Carlton hotel. Quite a few famous people were at the scene, as with many of the Sunburst artists too. However, I did not get the go-ahead with bringing the big camera, so no pictures from there.

2 of the local artists who played at the cocktail party: Reza Salleh and Yuna were very impressive though!

giant screens and huge number of crowd

On Saturday night itself, despite arriving pretty late, we somehow managed to find a parking spot rather close to the main entrance. I do think that the place is set up quite nicely, with many giant projection and LCD screens benefiting those who didn’t manage to squeeze to the front rows. Beer and food counters were set up at many locations, as with the ever important toilets.

the Tuborg square with cold beer and live screens inside

John Legend was performing as we got there, and then of course, the main act, Incubus. They were really good and the atmosphere were totally changed when they came on. The crowd at the main stage swelled up to a huge number. I’d be dancing even more if I wasn’t so tired from whole night of partying, but it was good nonetheless.

Siao Ling from Tuborg who invited me to the party

Before leaving the show, we met up with Siao Ling and Chui Hoon who invited us to the party and had a cold Tuborg (Thanks for inviting!). Chui Hoon was also the one who was responsible for the 3 crates of beer during the last x’mas eve party. (It was nice meeting you!)

KY, Suan, and Chui Hoon (Siao Ling’s boss)

We left the party at around 2:30 and went to the 24-hour KFC (near University Malaya) for a quick meal before heading back for some well deserved sleep. It was a busy but very fun Saturday night.

Tags:  concert,  incubus,  john legend,  KL,  party,  tuborg

Posted by KY | 17 Comments »

Because I know Suan, an immensely talented and famous blogger who sometimes gets invite to special events and such, 5 of us (hot chick, ST, Kim) found ourselves at the Dionne Warwick concert/dinner at Shangri-la Hotel last Monday. An event we would otherwise not be able to afford to get in with our own money, considering it is geared towards the high society and attended by people like Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.

Since I didn’t bring my camera and the camera phone doesn’t do justice to the occasion, pictures below were taken by ST.

how do you like my green batik? Do I look like an apek going to casino?

We were seated at the far corner, not the best listening location, but hey, our table only cost RM 10,000, cheapest of the some 100 tables in the magnificent grand ballroom. The evening was very enjoyable, we were served good food, and Dionne Warwick put up a great show. Her songs were truly the types that penetrates your heart, and the old lady had very good showmanship that made the evening that much better.

These are what you eat if you are one of those rich fellas

And then there’s the food, we were served with:

• Rock Lobster Tian with Pomelo an Avocado, Flamed Maguro and Wasabi Soy Vinaigrette
• Petit Poi’s Cappuccino with Foie Gras Dumpling and Dust of Cepe
• Cod Fillet Papillote and Chicken Roulade with Potato Mash, Baby Vegetables, Teriyaki Glazed
• Anis and Coffee Cappuccino with Almond Cake Flavored with Orange, White Chocolate Black Truffle Ice Cream

I particularly love the lobster starter with the maguro (tuna); the very buttery cod fillet and the sophisticated chicken roulade too lived up to the reputation of Shang’s finest. However, I find that the small foie gras dumpling did not come close to the foie gras experience that I had at my Zipangu visit. This was the night that I tasted truffle ice cream for the first time too, it was good, but I think I am missing my foie gras.

Tags:  concert,  dining,  dionne warwick,  event,  shangri-la

Posted by KY | 28 Comments »