Event: Comedy Club Penang - Hard Rock Hotel (Sun 12 Jan)

For those who fancy a bit of traditional stand-up comedy you'll be please to hear that the Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi is hosting a Comedy Club event at the hotel on Sunday 12 January 2014.

Headlining at the event is Glen Wool from Canada.  Glenn began his comedy career in his hometown of Vancouver in 1995. He moved to London in 1998 and quickly became one of the rising stars of the London and international comedy circuit having performed in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, France, Croatia and the Middle East. Glenn was nominated for 'Best International Stand Up' at the New Zealand Comedy Awards and Best Headliner at the Chortle Awards.

In recent years Glenn has hit the International circuit in a big way, performing to huge crowds in Singapore, Holland, Dubai, New York and Los Angeles where he is currently living. He's also a popular addition to many of the great Summer music Festivals in the UK, including Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Bestival, Download and of course Glastonbury.

Glenn is a regular TV face having made appearances on Russell Howards Good News, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The BBC Stand Up Show, The Live Floor Show, 28 Acts in 28 Minutes and The Comic side of Seven Days for the BBC. The World Stands Up, Comedy Blue and Edinburgh and Beyond for Comedy Central, He continues to be a regular in Comedy Cuts, the comedy show from ITV2. Glenn also wrote and starred in What's The Story?' broadcast on Channel 4 as part of the Comedy Lab season.

The event starts at 3pm (prompt) and runs until 6pm and at just RM 60 per ticket (inclusive of one drink) it promises to be an excellent afternoon's entertainment.  For further information you can visit the Hard Rock's event page here.

Hennessy Artistry - Penang 2013

For many, THE Penang clubbing event in the calendar was held last night at SPICE (formerly PISA), in the shape of Hennessy Artistry 2013.

Pick of Penang was delighted to be invited to the event and, like last year, it was outstanding, the larger floorspace of the SPICE venue allowing Hennessy to pull out all the stops to create a super-clubbing experience with great performances from talented singers, musicians, DJs and dancers and a fabulous light show.







Partygoers got in the mood early as soon as the doors opened and, as ever, the event attracted a glamorous crowd, one of them here, my lovely chum Chrissy Yin.

The first act up was '24 Herbs' who delivered a superb and punchy hip-hop performance that really got the crowd in the mood.










Throughout, the artists and DJs were supported by a superb dance crew from KL, all provided co-ordinated by my good chums at RED Artist Management.

The next performance was a superb violin and vocal duo with a great take on some even better music.











Guests were well and truly in the mood by this time, here, another glamorous friend I actually met at last year's Artistry, Wei Wei Teoh (2nd from left) and chums.

Australian born DJ Andy Murphy was next to take the stage with some really great sounds......














......again, supported by the super-sexy dance crew.













One of the great things about Artistry is you get to meet new chums, in this case a charming visitor from KL, in Penang just for the event.

It's also a good opportunity to catch up with folks I sometimes don't get chance to see often enough.











The final performance of the night was from DJ Nicole Chen with a brilliant session of house music.......













.....and more chances to see and shoot the very talented dancers.













Finally, at 2am, that was it.  Sadly all over for another year, but all good things must come to an end.  However, there's still chance to catch Hennessy Artistry this year at the KL event, details of which are yet to be announced.  Details of this and all Hennessy events can be found here.  Some more photos can be found here.

Hennessy Artistry - Penang 2013

Just a few days away now and with a great line up.  Visit Hennessy Malaysia for more details and information about the last chances to get tickets.

Festival: Georgetown Festival - Penang (7 June - 7 July 2013)

Penang's popular month-long George Town Festival (GTF) returns in 2013 from 7 June to 7 July. GTF is a contemporary arts festival celebrating art, music, theatre, dance, opera and film and this year the GTF secretariat received over 200 proposals from artistes from around the world including, of course, Malaysia.  GTF draws in more than 150,000 visitors from the region, and is widely covered in international, regional and local media. It was inaugurated and initiated by the State Government of Penang in 2010 to commemorate George Town’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage listing on 7 July, 2008.  'Pick of Penang' hopes to capture some, if not all, of the highlights from GTF 2013.

This year’s programming is led by the keywords ‘community’, ‘interaction’, and ‘spaces’, says festival director Joe Sidek. He elaborates: “As in previous years, we hope to present the best of art and cultural productions here in Penang. We are truly humbled by the expectations expressed of us and we are taking this as a sign of confidence that George Town is well poised to be a vibrant and diverse cultural centre in Malaysia and in the region."

There are five extremely public and accessible highlights: the opening ceremony and kite festival Taking Off, the all-new trail of art and greenery Secret Gardens of Earthly Delights, the specially commissioned contemporary dance performance Bridges & Kaki Lima, the three-day community celebrations, Heritage Celebrations, Intriguing Instruments under the Victoria Street Project, and the talk and exhibition series Arus Melayu.

Two exciting events have chosen to make their debut at GTF2013: Roughcut, the film symposium by Tropfest South East Asia, and the photography festival Obscura Festival. Tickets for the three top tier productions will be made available soon. Early bird tickets, students rates, and senior citizen prices for Sutra, I Musici and Pro Musica. Equally exciting and prestigious is the art exhibition from seven of the top regional artists presented by Valentine Willie.

GTF2013 HIGHLIGHTS

SUTRA
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui/Sadler’s Wells London
Date: 29 & 30 June
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Admission: RM60, RM80, RM100 (Students RM20, Seniors 50% off)

Celebrated Flemish/Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents a brand new dance work, SUTRA, inspired by the skill, strength and spirituality of Buddhist Shaolin monks. He has collaborated closely with Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley, who has created a design consisting of 21 wooden boxes which are repositioned to create a striking, ever changing on-stage environment.

Featuring 17 monks directly from the original Shaolin Temple in China, the piece also includes a beautiful brand new score for piano, percussion and strings by Polish composer Szymon Brzóska which is played live.

I MUSICI
Italian Chamber Music Orchestra
Date: 7 June
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Admission: RM60, RM80, RM100 (Students RM20, Seniors 50% off)

The renowned Italian chamber music group I Musici presents classical excerpts from some of Italy’s famous composers through several eras, as well as a contemplative interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

I Musici is the oldest chamber group in Italy, and based on reviews, their performance here in Penang promises to be an emotional and majestic aural experience. This live performance will be truly memorable as even the ensemble’s recorded CDs have been awarded prizes by specialised juries; their production of Four Seasons by Vivaldi sold more than 25 million copies!

ART@WHITEAWAYS
Valentine Willie presents 7 artists
Date: 7 June - 7 July
Time: 10.00am - 6.00pm
Venue: Whiteaways Arcade
Admission: Free

Top contemporary art collector, gallerist and curator Valentine Willie presents works by Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Cho
ng Siew Ying, Kow Leong Kiang, Rebecca Wilkinson and Chan Kok Hooi from Malaysia, and Agus Baqul Purnomo from Indonesia.

Visit here for more information.

BRIDGES & KAKI LIMA
GTF2013 Commissioned Dance Project
Date: 29 June
Time: 6.15pm

Venue: Victoria Street, starting from Lorong Lumut
Admission: Free

This contemporary dance journey revitalises the tradition of street performances in the city, mapping the energy, behaviour and playfulness of George Town. This choreography is devised to celebrate cultural commonalities and to draw bridges across differences between our neighbouring countries, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Streets and five-foot ways (‘kaki lima’) will be used as performance stages in this delightful journey of dance, play and memory. Kaki Lima is presented by Ombak-Ombak ARTStudio and PEARL (Penang Arts Link), choreographed by Aida Redza (Malaysia) and Jefri Andi Usman (Indonesia) and features dancers from NAFA Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Singapore and Ombak Dancers Penang.

Bridges & Kaki Lima will be performed during the Victoria Street Project, a one-day event along the stretch of Victoria Street in George Town, Penang.


PRO MUSICA GALA CONCERT
Date: 6 July
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Admission: RM40, RM60, RM80 (Students RM20, Seniors 50% off)

Pro Musica returns in our programming this year with four outstanding international opera singers: Julie Mossay (soprano), Ines Madeira (mezzo soprano), Enrico Casari (tenor) and Laurant Kubla (bass/baritone) with a repertoire by Handel, Mozart, Bellini, Donizetti, Bizet, Delibes and Rossini.


OBSCURA
Photography Festival
Date: 21-30 June
Venue: Various locations

This inaugural photography festival aims to engage and exhibit photography works by both professionals and amateurs through a series of public exhibitions, talks and forums, workshops and portfolio reviews.

Participating photographers include Texas-born Maggie Steber (who worked with the Smithsonian and National Geographic), Ian Teh from London (Time and Newsweek) and Che Ahmad Azhar (‘Chemat’) from Multimedia University, Malaysia.

The full schedule of events can be found here.

ROUGHCUT
Film Symposium
Date: 28 June
Venue: PenangPAC, Straits Quay

'Roughcut' features regional filmmaking talent in Tropfest South East Asia’s first public activity in Penang. Tropfest SEA, part of the world’s largest film festival, present this film symposium together with a series conversations focused specifically on the craft and production of storytelling. This full-day event aims to cultivate outstanding storytelling on-screen and cultivate dynamic and creative filmmakers.


SECRET GARDENS OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Date: 7 June - 7 July
Venue: Various locations
Admission Free

As an expansion to Mirrors George Town by Ernest Zacharevic (GTF2012), Secret Gardens of Earthly Delights continues to capture the spirit and living heritage known to Penang and George Town. Unique gardens are created in selected sites around George Town to form a public trail. Gardeners, landscape artists and installation artists were invited and selected to contribute their artistic skills towards improving the city’s landscape. The project launches on June 7.


TAKING OFF
Opening Ceremony
Date: 8 June
Venue: Esplanade field

Catch the master kiters with their beautiful kites at our opening ceremony, featuring representatives from ASEAN Kite Council, a rousing percussion group, a fiesta of events and activities from our NGO and community friends. Free kites will be distributed. The event’s main highlight happens in the evening, so hang around.



ARUS MELAYU
Forum, Dialogue & Music Gala
Date: 15 & 16 June
Venue: Town Hall
Admission: Free (Talks - upon registration)


Arus Melayu explores the complexity and diversity of the word and notion of ‘Melayu’ in the presentation of artefacts, ideas, perspectives and theories on genealogy, language and literature, design, motifs and architecture. The highlight of the event, which includes exhibition and music from Penang and the Malay diaspora, is a full-day talk featuring an exchange of ideas and perspectives by some of the top thinkers and experts on the evolution of Malay literature and language, genealogy, diaspora, trade and commerce, and the exchange of culture. Confirmed speakers are Dr Shaharir Mohamad Zain, Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh, Dain Said, and Eddin Khoo.


HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS
UNESCO World Heritage Site Anniversary Celebration
Date: 5 - 7 July
Venue: Various locations

A 3-day long celebration commemorating the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008! It is a celebration of the living heritage of George Town, demonstrated through traditional and multicultural arts and practices, food, craft, and events that highlight historical and cultural pride. This year’s Heritage Celebrations will take place on July 5, 6 and 7.

An online event booklet can be accessed here.

Event: Hennessy Artistry - SPICE, Penang (25 May 2013)

By way of an update to the earlier post, the ever popular Hennessy-Artistry returns this year with the first 'Global Art of Mixing' party slated for Penang, promising an elevated experience revolving around H-Artistry’s trademark offering: an unmatched, super-clubbing experience featuring a sensational mix of sight, sound and taste. The first of two H-Artistry events planned for 2013 will be taking over the Penang Island this 25 May, at the newly refurbished SPICE (Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) formerly known as PISA (Penang International Sports Arena). 

Stepping into its sixth year running since 2008, H-Artistry will be elevating the premier super-club experience to next-level proportions this May. The event will feature a never-before-seen set up, unlike any previous H-Artistry events, with the party starting as soon as revelers step into the enclave. 

This year’s no-frills super-club experience will be bolstered by the staple Hennessy Mixing Bars, which will serve the four trailblazers of all H-Artistry events – the signature Hennessy V.S.O.P long drinks: Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger and Hennessy Soda. 

The H-Artistry stage will see a line-up of exciting local, regional and international acts, which will treat Penang revelers to a stellar mix of music styles and genres all through the night. H-Artistry will also feature two solid sets of pumping dance music, which will be administered respectively by one of Kuala Lumpur’s most promising indie/electronic acts, as well as an Australian DJ who is no stranger to stages of international dance music festivals. 

Access to H-Artistry is strictly by invite only. Party goers will be able to obtain passes from the H-Artistry Ambassadors stationed at selected entertainment outlets by participating in the ongoing Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle promotions. Every bottle of Hennessy V.S.O.P purchased will come with two (2) invites to H-Artistry, while a purchase of two (2) bottles will come with five (5) tickets. 

Participating Outlets: 

Cuvee @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Nueve @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Soho @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

M2 @ Penang Times Square – B2, Entertainment City, Penang Times Square, 10150 Penang

SOJU ROOM @ Penang Times Square – B2, Entertainment City, 10150 Penang

ROOM @ Autocity – Juru Autocity, Jalan Perusahaan, Highway Auto-city, Perai Penang.

Invites can only be obtained from the H-Artistry Ambassadors stationed at participating outlets at specific times, so be sure to check out the full scheduling details, as well as updates on the upcoming H-Artistry event by visiting the Aristry website.

Stay tuned for further details of the artists performing at this year's Hennessy Artistry, Penang

Event: Hennessy Artistry 2013 (Penang)

Party goers will be delighted to see that the date for the Hennessy Artistry party in Penang has now been announced.  25 May 2013.  Surely a date for the diary 'Artistry' 2013 will doubtless be as good as it gets, featuring top artists, great music and of course - Hennessy!!  This year the event will be held at the SPICE Arena (formerly known as PISA) which I am sure will be a great venue.

As ever, as soon as more details are available they will be published here including information on the artists and how you might be able to obtain tickets.  You can also keep a watch on the Hennessy Page and the specific 'Artistry' link for details of the event and how you can score tickets.  Keep a watch too for promotions through Penang's top night-spots featuring ticket offers.

Roll on May 25th!!!!

NB: Further details about Artistry Penang 2013 can be found here.

IndiePG: Day 2

'Beatburns'

Somewhat delayed due to other commitments, here are a few shots from the second and final night of what we hope will be the first of many excellent IndiePG events, held at PenangPAC, Straits Quay.  The second act of the night was the very lively band 'Beatburns' who wowed the crowd with an upbeat and powerful performance that really set the scene for the evening.

Kelvyn Yeang of 'Ocean of Fire'

Another of my favourite performances was from the superb 'Ocean of Fire', featuring my good chum Kelvyn Yeang.  'Ocean' delivered some of the finest guitar music I have heard for a long time and Kelvyn's solos had the crowd mesmerised.  His skills really have to be seen and heard to be believed.

'An Honest Mistake'

'An Honest Mistake' is a fantastic KL based rock band who already have a massive following and with the show they put on it's easy to see why.  Track after track of earth shaking rock delivered with maximum energy throughout again had the crowd going wild.  The atmosphere was electric.

Nick Davis

Final act of the night was the very atmospheric sound of Nick Davis and his band who delivered an outstanding performance of electronic rock with a great light show.

Indie PG really was a superb event and I shall certainly be making a point of watching out for and going to see many of the bands I discovered here, even if it means a trip to KL.  Thanks must go to the organisers and PenangPAC for bringing this event to Penang and I hope there will be more in the future.

A larger album of pictures from the second night can be found on the 'Pick of Penang' Facebook Page here.

Indie PG - Don't miss the last night!!

I attended the first night of Penang's first ever 'Indie PG' at Penang Pac last night and I have to say was blown away by the bands, their music and the musical ability.  Each of the 8 acts that performed between 6:30 pm and 11:00 pm had their own very unique style and sound and it was all their own music.  These musicians, from all over Malaysia, are really very talented and there was a great turn out at the event to show support for the acts, and in Malaysia young and up-coming musicians very much need our support.

Guitarist with 'Sedsuna'

Pictured above, one of my favourite bands on the night, 'Kiss Kill Mary' ramp up with their opening number.  KKM delivered a fantastic performance and, as the MC rightly said, the only complaint was that they stopped playing too soon.  This is the type of band I could listen to and watch all night.

Other favourites of the night for me were the 'Electric Minz Project', 'Double Click', 'Beat in the Street', 'Soundaholic' and 'Sedsuna' and I will certainly be on the lookout for future performances from these bands.  Although I had my favourites, all of the acts were superb and for the price of the ticket covering two days (just RM 30) it was a great night of entertainment.

'Soundaholic'

If you missed IndiePG last night there is still a chance to see more great acts tonight (Sunday 30th March) as IndiePG enters its second day and last day. Workshops (which are also free) start from around 2pm with the live performances again from about 6:30pm so, come along to Penang Pac for a great night's entertainment and to show support for these talented musicians.


An initial upload of shots from the event can be found here.

Hennessy Artistry 2013 - Are You Ready?

Undoubtedly one of the hottest party events in Penang and KL, tickets for Hennessy Artistry 2013 are certain to be much in demand.  Keep watching this space for details of the Penang event - coming soon!!!

IndiPG: The first Independent Musician event in Penang

Penang will soon play host to what I am sure will be an excellent two day extravaganza at the end of this month (March), Penang's first ever independent musician event, featuring musicians from several states and which focusses entirely on their own music. No 'cover' versions here!!

The event is being held in conjunction with (and at) Penang PAC (Straits Quay), and my good friend, and excellent guitarist, Kelvyn Yeang has been heavily involved with the organisation.  In addition to live performances from the artists there will be a series of workshops aimed at promoting independent music and, in particular, improving your skills as an artist.

Just one of the workshops to be held is 'When Dream & Day Unite!'

Conducted by Darren Teh from 'An Honest Mistake', Darren will be giving some insights on the challenges faced by a musician or a band and how to be triumphant over them.  This workshop is highly recommended to newbies to the music industry and even to parents with children who are keen on music as profession. And of course, once you have your ticket(s), all of these workshops are free!

Held on both Friday 29 and Saturday 30 March, tickets are priced at just RM35 for adults and RM25 for students and are valid for both days! The Facebook Page for the event can be found here and this will be updated as time goes on with more specific detail about the event.

With bands from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kedah IndiPG will feature:

1. Color Noise - Alternative Rock - Penang
2. Beat In The Street - Acoustic- Penang
3. Ocean Of Fire - Creative Instrumental Rock - Penang
4. Gand - Post Rock - Penang
5. Uglymen - Chinese Rock - Alor Setar
6. Soundaholic - Metal - Penang
7. Double Click - Emo Rock - Penang
8. Damn Dirty Apes - Space Rock - Penang
9. Emilia - Singer/Songwriter - Kuala Lumpur
10. An Honest Mistake - Alternative Rock - Kuala Lumpur
11. Kiss Kill Mary - Rock - Kuala Lumpur
12. Andy Ngew - Fingerstyle Solo Acoustic Guitar - Kuala Lumpur
13. Beatburns - Rock - Kuala Lumpur
14. Nick Davis - Dance Rock Electronic - Kuala Lumpur
15. Joe Loy - Singer/Songwriter - Kuala Lumpur
16. The Electric Min'z Project - Psychadelic Indie Rock- Kuala Lumpur
17. Sedsuna - Kuala Lumpur

If you are a professional or budding musician, or merely have an interest in music and / or wish to support the Malaysian independent music scene this will be a great event to attend I'm sure.

Details of other events forthcoming at Penang PAC can be found here.

Event: Live Comedy - PenangPAC, Straits Quay

In terms of events involving the performing arts Penang is well blessed with such a superb venue as the Penang PAC (Performing Arts and Culture) theatre at Straits Quay.  We are also lucky in Penang given that the performing arts are well supported with an ever growing and varied schedule events.  We also have festivals here which have a specific or significant focus on the arts including the ever popular Penang Island Jazz Festival and the Georgetown Festival.

2013, the Year of the Snake, is getting off to a flying start this year (slithering doesn't really give the right emphasis does it?) and on March 29th and 30th PenangPAC will play host to 'Indie PG', an event fully spanning the two days and which will feature workshops and performances from musicians from all over Malaysia who write their own material.

Before that though we have another 'must see' event from the Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians (whose comedy is delivered in English) with their show 'Bromance of the Four Kingdoms' with three performances; Friday 22 (9pm) and Saturday 23 (5pm and 9pm) February with each show priced at just RM 38 per ticket.

Tickets can be purchased at PenangPAC or, to be sure of your seats, online via iLassoo.  You can also call PenangPAC on 04 899 1722 to book.  For those based in KL you can also catch 'Bromance of the Four Kingdoms' the week after at the PJ Live Arts Theatre at Jaya One.  See below for details.

The Performers
Douglas Lim is now primarily a stand-up comedian and is also currently one of the host on NTV7’s The Breakfast Show. His stand-up comedy performances include “Kings and Queen of Comedy Asia”, “The haritHDouglas Show”, Comedy Club KL, Comedy Club Singapore, Harith Iskander’s Nationwide Tour and M.A.C.C. Douglas Lim was nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy at the Asian TV Awards. He jokingly says he lost though, to Gurmit Singh (Phua Chu Kang)!

Kuah Jenhan says he is probably the first person to be called a ‘Killing Machine’ on a Malaysian newspaper (The Star) and get away with it. Since professionally starting his comedic career in March 2009, Jenhan has already performed for occasions such as 'Advertising+Marketing Magazine' Agency of The Year 2010, The Malaysia Effie Awards 2010, Guinness St Patricks Festival 2010 and The 7th Johor Baru Arts Festival, etc.. 2011 saw Jenhan having his debut solo show entitled 'Kuah Jenhan: Tall, Dark, and Comedian' with the two consecutive shows being a sell-out s at the PJ Live Arts Theatre! He is also the CO-WRITER of Malaysia’s best selling musical (to date) 'Lat Kampung Boy - Sebuah Muzikal'.

Phoon Chi Ho laughingly commented he has no talent, but is very hardworking. He is a comedy promoter, an actor, a freelance scriptwriter, and a house-husband but says he works the hardest as a stand-up comedian.  Chi Ho boasts a catalogue of sharp-wit observations, off-the-wall dance moves and rib-tickling takes on local life in his comedy routine. When he’s not busy making people laugh, Chi Ho is busy working hard as an actor for television sitcoms, commercials and theatre. When he’s not performing, he channels his passion for comedy as an ‘unofficial promoter’ of all-things-comedy in Malaysia.

Dr. Jason Leong is the newest addition to the urban KL comedy scene, and his rise since finding his comedic voice has been stellar. Barely one year since his debut onstage, he has been a regular for TimeOut Comedy KL's monthly gigs, having performed with industry greats such as Douglas Lim and America's bad boy of comedy, Tom Rhodes. Wittier than your average Facebook status update, scandal free, Jason has also started performing for corporate events, weddings and annual dinners.   Jason also has a trait no other comedian in Malaysia possesses. Apart from making you slap your knee, ache your belly and tickle your funny bone, he is also a full-fledged doctor. Despite being in such a prestigious profession, he still says, "There is literally no better job in the world than being a stand-up comedian".

Music Shop: Spectrum Music - Georgetown, Penang

I recently had a need to find a good shop for musical instruments in Penang and, having scoured the internet (I often find adding the word 'Lowyat' to your search string is useful in this regard as it will bring up responses from this popular Malaysian internet chat forum where many will ask Penang / KL specific questions), I finally came across Spectrum Music.



My searches threw up a number of other stores but I got the impression that Spectrum was exactly what I was looking for, and how right I was.  The store is located on the 2nd floor of the 'One Stop' shopping area opposite Tanjung Medical Centre in Jalan Burma, near to its junction with Jalan Bagan Jermal. There is ample off-road parking here and to get to the shop you need to go round the the back of the (very popular) chicken/duck rice shop and take the lift to the second floor.  Turn right out of the lift and the shop is the last one along.

Map showing location of Spectrum Music

The store has been there for about 4 years but you'd be forgiven for thinking it had just opened because it really is immaculate.  It is tastefully designed, decorated and lit and has a great ambience, a great place to check out the stock or just to chat music with the owner Danial and his helpful staff.

Central to the store is an 'island' featuring examples of their stock of electric lead and bass guitars.

A closer shot of 'guitar island' with models from Fender, PRS, Ibanez, Spear and Sterling. Fender afficionados will be well aware that Fenders these days are made in America (MIA), Mexico (MIM) and Japan (MIJ) and it's great to see that Spectrum also stock MIJ Fenders, much acclaimed for their levels of quality control. Spectrum can also source most makes and model of guitar in the unlikely event of them not having something you want in stock.

As can be seen, the store is also well stocked with guitars for the acoustic enthusiast.

Spectrum can also satisfy the needs of drummers with a good range of drums and accessories.  Test rigs are also available in store.

Drums, drums and more drums!!

For the electric guitarist Spectrum stock a wide range of amplifiers including models from the ever popular Fender and Marshall brands.

And of course, no musical instrument shop would be complete with out a wide range of effects pedals, modelling processors (e.g. Line 6 Xpod), tuners and metronomes.  They also stock a comprehensive range of other accessories and spare parts including picks, strings and pick-ups.

Store owner Danial Tan has been in the business for years , is very friendly, helpful and a mine of information about all things musical.  Seen here demonstrating one of the most popular electric guitars of all time, the Fender Stratocaster Standard (MIJ) in 'sunburst' design.  For me, this guitar just oozes quality and cool :-)

That then is 'Spectrum Music', a gem of a shop in the musical instrument world for Penangites and visitors alike and great for me that it's so close to home.  They also have a Facebook Page here.  Brilliant shop, superb service, friendly owner and staff and, last but not least, great prices.  Go check them out, open every day except Sunday (Tel: +60 16 455 9780).  You can also email Spectrum here. Some more photos can also be found here.