5 Cool live band music venues in Penang you need to check out

thama

27 Apr 2018

1/5
Hard Rock Café and Hotel
You must have guessed this one! Yes, Hard Rock Café Penang is among the most-visited music venues in the island. There are live music performances here every other day on top of their daily Rockin’ Hours. From rock to pop to jazz, the artistes will keep you entertained throughout the night. Plus, did we mention the gorgeous seaview and sunsets here?

However, if you’re travelling with kids and want a more family-friendly environment, head over to the Lobby Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel instead. Live performances here happen every Friday to Sunday from 7.45 pm onwards.

Location: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu Ferringhi

Photo: Hard Rock Cafe Penang (Facebook)
2/5
The Canteen at ChinaHouse
Listen up, ladies! You can’t afford to miss this one. The Canteen at ChinaHouse is undoubtedly one of the best live music bars in Penang - so much so that it has been listed by Lonely Planet as a must-visit. This warehouse-like hipster bar is not only known for their famous Bento box and signature Lychee Martini, but also for a unique line-up of live rock and jazz performances – especially by local musicians. Don’t forget to find out about their comedy nights too. Since The Canteen is open every day, there’s no reason to skip them.

Location: Victoria Street, Georgetown

Photo: @chinahousepenang (Instagram)
3/5
Kim Haus
For those who prefer a less crowded and more intimate setting, head over to this quaint café-slash-bar tucked right in the heart of Georgetown. They are a relatively newer live music venue in Penang but have definitely gained a good rep over just the couple of years since opening. Some of the tunes that have been performed here so far include Drifting (originally by Andy McKee). Kim Haus usually hosts local and budding artistes whose music offers us fresh perspectives. They also have their own hotel and are known to serve mouth-watering food!

Location: Campbell Lane, Georgetown

Photo: @kimhauspenang (Instagram)
4/5
Penang PAC
Penang PAC is where anything and everything arts happens. Although home to a wider range of arts events like plays and choirs, they also regularly host orchestras and music festivals. This arts centre is more formal in its design, seating arrangements and performances. One of their two stages is even capable of accommodating about 300 people at any single time. For more information on their events or tickets, do visit the Penang PAC official website.

Location: Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong.

Photo: @penangpac (Instagram)
5/5
Soundmaker Studio
These guys are all about music, some good ol’ beer and popcorn. Yes, you heard us right! Their popcorn is so famous that some of the flavours you’ll get here cannot be found anywhere else. Be sure to try out the peppermint flavour when you’re here. Moving back to the main topic (we get distracted too), Soundmaker Studio promotes indie music – they even have their own jamming and recording studios.

Location: Weld Quay, Georgetown

Photo: Soundmaker Studio (Facebook)

It’s time to let loose and unwind, ladies!

Anyone who’s been to Penang knows just how thriving and kicking the little island is. Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, it truly is a melting pot of not only nature, art, food, history and culture, but also lots and lots of music.

You see, Malaysia has had a long tryst with music genres that were considered foreign in many parts of the world back in the days – like metal and punk. And Penang was often the country’s hub for that. It was only after the local authorities’ raids against rock music (circa the early 2000s) that many live music venues suffered a dip.

Yet, to this day, there still are super-cool live music venues all over the island where you can just sip on your cuppa and chill. Whether you’re a fan of thumping, adrenaline-packed rock performances or more soulful, jazzy numbers, there’s always something the island can offer you. Head above to our gallery to see our favourite live band venues in Penang to check out!

Thamayanthy

Photo: Getty Images

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