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BACKYARD GOES ONLINE
Sept 24, 2004, The Malay Mail

By Errol de Cruz

KUALA LUMPUR: PUBLICAN JERRY CHONG was a very happy man when he finally launched his own website, www.backyardpub.com, on Wednesday.

The pub, a favourite watering hole in Taman Sri Hartamas, KL, is eight years old and features some of the best musicians in the Klang Valley from Wednesday to Saturday.

“The website features all the goings-on at the pub, latest news on current and upcoming events, gig guides, Press coverage, food and beverage promotions, merchandise for sale and a pub diary,” Jerry said.

The website, designed by journalist Julian Matthews, is so typical of the way Jerry and his wife, Joan, run the Backyard pub.

Since they got into this business, eight years ago, the couple have earned quite a reputation for their warm and friendly PR style. While many other nightspot owners are content to let managers take the reins, the Chongs are there at the pub every evening chatting with their regulars and making sure that everything is up to scratch.

It’s a characteristic that is quickly picked up by the personnel who man the bar and kitchen. Led by Justin Lee, they manage the place very nicely when the Chongs aren’t around.

Thus, the website launched on Wednesday is an extension of their PR style as it features more than 700 photographs taken over the years; pix that bring back memories that one and all have of the Backyard pub.

“The website offers access to these photographs, and regulars will be able to caption and comment on them,” Jerry said. “It’s like being at the Backyard, even if you’re a hundred miles away.”

JAIRUS ANTHONY MUSICFEST

JERRY also announced that the Backyard would be hosting its inaugural Jairus Anthony Music Festival to be held in October and November, in memory of pub singer and Backyard regular Jairus who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in July.

“He was a talented performer who spent about 20 years on the pub circuit, but never got the recognition and industry accolades he deserved.

“It was only after his illness was diagnosed that we helped him to record a charity album, entitled Jairus and Friends,” Jerry said.

“Jairus exemplified the kind of musician we plan to showcase. He was dedicated to his craft, had a warm and humble personality, and was an inspiration to others.” The musicfest will feature the who’s who of the pub circuit – artistes like Gerard Singh, Sherman Tan, Raymond Chia, Edmund Anthony, Sara Lo, Bala, Colin Jansen, Jason Noah, Pete Teo, Paul Ponnudorai, Simon Justin Leo, Justin Wah, Albert Sirimal, Vijay David, Viji and Fasy, Rafique Rashid, Greg Lyons, Lewis Pragasam, Shelley Leong, Peter Hassan, Bada and Julian Mokhtar.

“The musicfest is also a reflection of what Jairus stood for – a platform for good local talent,” Jerry added. “We want to make it an annual affair, to allow up-and-coming artistes to jam with the more experienced and famous ones.” The musicians will rotate every Wednesday for seven weeks, beginning Oct 6.

* The Backyard pub is located at 28 Jln Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. For more about the goings-on at this popular watering hole, call 03-6201 0318 or visit www.backyardpub.com.

Link: Backyard Goes Online, Malay Mail, Sept 24, 2004.

© News Straits Times Press Bhd

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