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BACKYARD PUB & GRILL HOSTS INAUGURAL JAIRUS ANTHONY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND LAUNCHES WEBSITE BACKYARDPUB.COM
Sept 22, 2004

Press Release

KUALA LUMPUR: The Backyard Pub & Grill is proud to announce the first-ever Jairus Anthony Musical Festival to be held at the pub in October and November.

"This festival is in memory of long-time pub-singer Jairus and everything he stood for. It will also be a platform for local musicians to show off their talent," said pub owner Jerry Chong at the launch of the outlet's website Backyardpub.com.

Chong said the pub has tentatively signed on a "who's who" of local musicians for the event including Paul Ponnudorai, Gerard Singh, Pete Teo, Greg Lyons, Lewis Pragasam, Rafique Rashid, Julian Mokhtar, Sherman Tan, Hassan Brown, Shelley Leong, Sara Lo and Bala. Backyard's resident artistes will also be performing including Albert Sirimal, Vijay David, Bada, Viji & Fasy, Colin Jansen, Raymond Chia, Jason Noah, Justin Wah, Edmund Anthony and Simon Justin Leo.

The musicians will rotate every Wednesday for seven weeks beginning October 6, 2004.

"We want to make this an annual affair for the most talented local musicians in the country to play at a single venue and attract recording companies," said Chong.

The festival will also showcase young and up-and-coming songwriters to strut their stuff and jam with the more experienced musicians performing at the pub.

Chong said the idea for the music fest germinated after the loss of Jairus Anthony in July this year from pancreatic cancer. A highly respected singer and guitarist, Anthony parlayed his talents for over two decades in the local pub circuit but never received the recognition and industry accolades he deserved.

It was only after his illness was diagnosed that a charity album entitled "Jairus & Friends" featuring his talent was finally recorded live at the pub through the kindness of fellow musicians, fans and friends.

"I decided the festival should be in memory of Jairus because he was a true friend and the quintessential musician. He exemplified the kind of musician we plan to showcase. He was dedicated to his craft, had a humble and warm personality, and was an inspiration to other musicians, and to everyone he touched with his fragile voice and unique ability," said Chong.

Backyard Pub is currently in the midst of securing sponsors for the festival.

The pub's website at http://www.backyardpub.com features all the goings-on at the pub including latest news on current and upcoming events, gig guides, press coverage, drink and food promotions, merchandise for sale and a pub diary. The website offers access to over 700 digital photos and allows users to caption and comment on them.

About Backyard
Backyard Pub & Grill is your friendly, neighbourhood pub for live music and live sports events located at No.28, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. We have live music every night from Wednesdays to Saturdays, two English pool tables, a big screen and four TVs for live English Premier League matches. Our kitchen serves up great Western and local dishes and we also cater to special functions.

View the latest goings-on through our website at backyardpub.com or call us at 03-6201-0318.

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