By Errol de Cruz

Jairus Anthony: Strikes it up at the Backyard

THERE are three pubs in the city where there's going to a be a lot of action, this weekend, and we're talking about the ones that keep making news on our pages.

They're spread all over KL - No Black Tie (Jln Mesui, behind the Istana Hotel), Backyard Pub (Taman Sri Hartamas) and Titus Blues Avenue (Jln Balai Polis in Chinatown).

At No Black Tie, tonight and tomorrow, there's a jazz quartet featuring Julian Chan on saxophone, Eric Li on piano, David Yee on bass and Charles Wong on drums. This nightspot is also the only one in the city which features regular classical recitals (Dec 11), owner Evelyn Hii being a buff and pianist herself.

Other December acts here include bossa nova babe Marina Xavier and Friends (Dec 12-14), the Curtis King Blues Band (Dec 18 & 19), Greg Lyons Quartet (Dec 20 & 21), David Gomes Jazz Trio with Junji Delfino (Dec 23 & 24) and Grooveunction, led by guitarist Josie Thomas (Dec 27 & 28).

Over at the Backyard in Taman Sri Hartamas, tonight stars the Jairus Anthony band with veteran Richard Joseph on lead guitar, while tomorrow belongs to regular circuit-giggers Albert Sirimal and Vijay David.

Next Thursday will feature a band called Jarimo that's been creating waves over the last several months with their covers of hits from the 60s and 70s.

Titus Blues Avenue over yonder in Chinatown seems to be the place where any musician worth his guitar strings and harmonica wants to play.

This weekend's guests at this joint are the Julian Mokhtar Band (tonight), Bala, Zack and Liya (tomorrow) and Lord and Ucop hosting the regular Sunday jam session. Selamat Hari Raya, everyone!

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