Wednesday 1 March 2023

Westlife The Wild Dreams Tour Is A Night To Remember

'Westlife The Wild Dreams Tour’ Malaysia - Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil ~ 8:30pm Thursday & Friday, 23rd & 24th February 2023.

Back in the 1990's, the biggest stars were the boy bands and girl groups of the west dominating the music industry captivated fans around the world with their music respectively.
Twenty-three years after Westlife released it's first single, "Swear It Again", members Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily performed to a crowd of 8,000 fans at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil for two nights which was organized by Trumpet International, proving that they are still popular as ever.

Indeed, it was like a 90’s flashback when Westlife got on stage of their sold-out “Wild Dreams Tour” in Malaysia. Fans filled the venue, all excited to see the Irish boy band perform live.
The crowd erupted in screams as the lads stepped out in their black and white graffiti outfits and began their show with confetti and "Starlight" from their 2021 album Wild Dreams, gives an exhilarating performance in it's first post-pandemic concert in Malaysia.

 

The chart-topping boy band (which was originally a quintet - Brian McFadden left in 2004) thrilled the very responsive crowd, belting some of their greatest hits including 'Uptown Girl', 'I Lay My Love On You', 'Fool Again', 'If I Let You Go', 'Swear It Again' and many more.

Despite their time away from the spotlight from 2012 until 2018, Westlife's return to the scene, and indeed to fans' hearts, was a much needed reprieve from the past two years since the pandemic.

Fans were not just millennials like me, with fans of all ages singing along to every word, getting caught up in the emotion of power ballads like 'My Love' and 'Flying Without Wings' while swaying and dancing to the more upbeat numbers like 'When You’re Looking Like That', 'World Of Our Own'.

To everyone’s excitement, the band also did a medley of ABBA tunes including 'Mamma Mia', 'Take A Chance On Me', 'I Have A Dream', 'Dancing Queen' and 'Thank You For The Music' among others - even that they do with effortless vocal ease.

 

They interacted with the audience too, thanking Malaysian fans for being their family away from their families and for their support over the years. They first performed here back in 1999, and they have returned many times ever since, last was in 2019.


Throughout the night the group gave each song it's all, with Filan and Feehily’s powerhouse vocals anchoring each tune. For the final act, the boys belted out 'Hello My Love' and their rendition of Josh Groban’s 'You Raise Me Up', an uplifting song performed with such passion it moved some to drop tears.



Westlife's concert was a big deal for the thousands of fans like myself, who grew up listening to tunes that stood out even back when boy bands such as N'Sync and Backstreet Boys were in their glory days. They may no longer be the heartthrobs for some, but the lads can still lift our spirits with their timeless tunes.

 

Be sure to follow Trumpet International on Facebook for all the latest updates on Westlife The Wild Dreams Tour in Kuala Lumpur 2023, or visit Westlife's website.

If you like my story, do follow me on InstagramFacebook and Twitter for more views on music and entertainment!


xoxo - aly 

Friday 17 February 2023

‘SoundCircus Weekender’ 2-Day Music Fest!

Most-Awaited Music Event Of The Year Returns With A ‘Weekend Vibe’ Brought By Art Of Speed Malaysia (AOSM) & BRO ASIA

Malaysia’s leading in alternative and indie lifestyle shows, Art of Speed ​Malaysia (AOSM) together with local e-devices manufacturer, BRO ASIA, join-forces for the first time ever to organize one of the most-awaited music events in the country by bringing together big names in the music industry from local and abroad, called the 'SoundCircus Weekender', the music event will take place from 4 to 5 March, 2023 starting at 10:00 am until late at the famous community and culture hub, REXKL.

According to Mr. Asep Ahmad Iskandar, Festival Director of AOSM & SoundCircus Weekender, "This year, the SoundCircus Weekender music event takes place at the newly-repurposed historical cinema building, REXKL, situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and will be a 'stand-alone' event without the annual AOSM shows normally held at MAEPS, Serdang.

It all started back in 2017, the SoundCircus music event began as a small-scale 'music gigs' that aims to provide a special platform for mainstream and especially underground artists and music-makers to showcase their work. Then in 2019, due to the overwhelming response from visitors, the venue was shifted outside the main hall to accommodate the increase in the number of visitors of 5,000 people.

And this year, AOSM has invited BRO ASIA, a new and innovative brand in the Malaysian e-
device industry that supports AOSM in organizing the SoundCircus Weekender music event whilst gaining the opportunity to introduce their brand to visitors and fans of the music event.
Mr. Roman Lai, CEO & Founder of BRO ASIA shared, "We’re very proud and excited to accept
AOSM's invitation to be a part of this exciting music event and make it a success, it’s in sync and befitting with the direction of our brand that’s suited for fans of live music.


Over the years, SoundCircus music event has turned into a formidable music platform for
established and up-and-coming artists and bands from both in and outside of the country that
serves today’s music to cater the needs of current music enthusiasts. Mr. Asep added, "What’s special this year, for the first time an indie rock music festival will be held at a special and hip location, REXKL, dubbed as the 'Weekend Takeover', the music event
is a 2-day event over the weekend.

The line-up of performers are The Sigit (Indonesia), Mooner (Indonesia), Sweetass, Bunkface, Noh Salleh & Restoe Iboe Band, Iqbal M, Flop Poppy, A.C.A.B, Grey Sky Morning, Naratu, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpan, Jemson, Margasatwa, Impatient Sisters, Republic of Brickfields, Asyrfnsir, Yonny Boii, Kmy Kmo and Lucka Sickta.



"The artists and bands were selected based on the collective voice of the community that has

been shortlisted by experts of current music trends, and we expect concert-goers are among
fans of indie rock music ranging from 18 to 40 years of age.
"Among the highlights will be 'Battle of The Bands' to be held in the afternoon joined by 10
new bands in the genres of indie, rock and reggae with a total of more than 30 artists and
bands involved.



Mr. Asep said, "We (AOSM & BRO ASIA) hope that this music event will be the number one
choice for music-lovers who wants to experience live music and enjoy the ambience in a
strategic and historical location in the middle of KL, and we hope each visitor will go back
feeling entertained by this year’s SoundCircus Weekender music event with lasting memories!”


 

For those interested in attending the SoundCircus Weekender music event, the 2-day entry tickets are priced as low as RM158 and still available for grabs, please visit https://scf.artofspeedmy.com/ for immediate purchase.

For ticketing, go to link: https://scf.artofspeedmy.com/


If you like my story, do follow me on InstagramFacebook and Twitter for more views on music and entertainment!


xoxo - aly

Wednesday 15 February 2023

British Boyband Blue Turn Back Time After Two Decades

'Blue 20th Anniversary: Heart & Soul Tour’ Malaysia - Plenary Hall, KLCC ~ 8:00pm Friday, 10th February 2023.

One of  UK's most popular boy bands of the early 2000s, British quartet Blue returned to Malaysia on Friday evening after they last performing here in 2019. The show was part of their 20th Anniversary Heart & Soul Tour, marking over two decades since they released their 2001 debut album 'All Rise'.

The line-up has remained constant all these years - Antony Costa, Simon Webbe, Duncan James and Lee Ryan. Even they were gone for a hiatus from 2005 to 2011, the foursome never really went away.


Witnessed by 2,900 of eager  Malaysian fans, the band manages to capture the heart of local music-lovers with their non stop incredible showmanship, which was organised by local event organiser’s dynamic-duo, Hitman Solutions and Happymoon.

According to Mr. Rohit Rampal, CEO & Founder of Hitman Solutions, "Just as we (Hitman Solutions & Happymoon) anticipated, tickets were sold-out and most ticket-buyers were in their late 20s till mid 40s. It was very heartwarming to receive such a response by fans of Blue because we took a chance by bringing the boys to Malaysia and it paid-off."


Even after two decades, Blue stil got it, their energetic yet synchronized dance moves singing hit songs such as ‘One Love’, ‘All Rise’, ‘Best In Me’ and other numbers, took the audience on a journey down memory lane.

Blue are no has-been, playing some newer songs such as 'Haven’t Found You Yet', ‘Ultraviolet’ and 'Dance With Me' from their sixth album, 'Heart & Soul', released in October 2022.

Still, the bulk of the music was from 20 years back. The set list was essentially a Best Of Blue compilation, and the biggest sing-along of the night accompanied hits such as 'If You Come Back', their version of American R&B group Next’s 'Too Close' and 'Fly By'.

They also pulled off a medley of even older covers, a mix of Motown tunes that included Stevie Wonder’s classic 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours' (1970) and Kool & the Gang’s 1981 hit 'Get Down On It'.

And yes they may be getting on in years, but the members can still pull off the synchronized dance moves, the ones that you may be familiar with from their music videos of yore.



It took a couple of songs to get the crowd warmed up. When Blue came on stage to croon 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' , the fans cheered but remained seated. But when the quartet launched into 'U Make Me Wanna' from their second album 'One Love' (2002), audiences were up on their feet and dancing. It was a party until the end of the show.

Most of the crowd, who looked like they were in their teens or tween when the early albums were released, sang along and there were even some who could still pull off Blue’s dance moves.


Mr. Kesavan Purusotman or more affectionately known as KC, Managing Director of
Happymoon shared, "We’re extremely humbled with gratitude because Blue accepted our invitation to hold a concert here although they’ve been coming to the country a couple of times on different occasions, but fans are still excited every time the band makes its
appearance, especially when they heard Blue has just released their latest studio album".

According to one of the band members, "Malaysian fans were one of the best crowds we
have ever had. The energy that they exude, and how they sang every word to each and
every song is mindblowing!"



The band entertained concert-goers for a straight 75-minute with a number of surprises
such as a special opening act performance by Malaysia's silver screen darling, Diana Danielle
which received rave reviews.

Mr. Rohit added, “Last night’s concert marks another successful concert with our music ally, Happymoon, and just like the tour name ‘Heart & Soul’, this concert really touched our
hearts and souls, from the lads themselves being so in-tune with the crowd performing their
amazing hit numbers.


Be sure to follow Hitman Solutions on Facebook for all the latest updates on Blue 20th Anniversary Heart & Soul Tour in Kuala Lumpur 2023, or visit Blue's website.

If you like my story, do follow me on InstagramFacebook and Twitter for more views on music and entertainment!


xoxo - aly

Tuesday 4 June 2019

Boyzone Return To Malaysia For A Farewell Tour

Following the success of Westlife’s sold-out concerts, another concert organiser announced that they will be bringing another Irish quartet to our country later this year.

If you remember, Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, and Keith Duffy were just here last yearwhere they performed in Axiata Arena on 24th August. For those who missed out last year, this is your chance to experience Boyzone’s “Thank You and Goodnight, Farewell Tour”.

Boyzone has already performed in several countries in Asia – namely Indonesia (Jakarta), Hong Kong (Kowloon Bay), and Thailand (Nonthaburi Province) – this year (late March to be exact). The group’s upcoming Asia locations will include Singapore, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Philippines and Japan.

About Wowstar Creative Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Established in 2018, Wowstar Creative Entertainment is a fast-growing entertainment company specialising in diversified entertainment businesses
from concerts, live music and entertainment events, artist management, to film, television, commercial production and distribution.
For more information, please follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/WowstarCreativeEntertainment/

Ticket selling website : https://airasiaredtix.com/boyzone2019

Thursday 11 April 2019

Jom Jemput Makan At The Resort Café Only At Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

The sacred month of Ramadhan is around the corner and everyone is looking forward to Ramadhan Bazaars that pop up all around the country. The smells from a myriad of local delicacies and delights are inevitable. It's also a time for reflection and celebration, a time to be spent with friends and family. Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa’s annual Jemput Makan themed buffet returns this Ramadan at The Resort Café, a celebration of food and culture through it's vibrant mixture of flavours, aromas and buzz.




Featuring a kaleidoscope of over 400 authentic dishes cooked up by a brigade of chefs led by Chef Mohamad Yatim Supaat, Sous Chef Tournant of The Resort Café who has over 20 years of experience working in local and international hotels.

The team is set to tantalise the local palates with a multitude of mouth-watering selections served indoor on the restaurant’s expansive buffet spread and outdoor with ten (10) food highlights in bazaar-style stations with live-action cooking from 6 May to 4 June 2019; serving nightly from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

The Resort Café’s “outdoor bazaar” will be more extensive for 2019 where ten (10) stalls with live action cooking will fill the air with enticing aromas, creating the Ramadan bazaar buzz and excitement. The 10 stalls are:

1. Assam Pedas Gearbox Station – a spicy-sour twist to the traditional Sup Gearbox

2. Churrasco, tender and juicy grilled-to-perfection meat on skewers, sliced onto the plate of diners

3. Seafood Bakar Station with a mix of grilled Fish, Squid, Prawn, Clams and more

4. Golek Station featuring a whole Roasted Goat





5. Kawah station, a variety of gulai served in super-large cauldrons

6. Warisan Station serving the traditional Lemang, Bubur Lambuk, Rendang and Serunding





7. Fried Noodle Station where Malay style Mee Goreng & Kway Teow Goreng will be freshly fried upon order

8. Nasi Station featuring a wide variety of rice to be enjoyed with the multitude of dishes on the buffet

9. Satay Station – freshly cooked and served hot off the grill

10. Goreng-Goreng Station – an all-time favourite Malaysian tea time snack like the Goreng Pisang, Cempedak Goreng, Keropok Lekor and more




Other highlights not to be missed include a range of Malaysian salads like Kerabu, Rojak Buah and Ulam-ulam, a variety of home-made Sambals, treasures from the Middle East and an extensive dessert spread of local and international favourites to delight the sweet palate.






Inspired by the proverbial invitation and expression “Jemput Makan”, diners are invited to submerge themselves into the bustling energy of The Resort Café and be enticed by the interactivity, aromas and flavours of the nostalgic and traditional dishes from Malaysia and around the region.




This year, alongside the many favourite perennial dishes and specialities The Resort Café is known for, a blend of timeless and classic recipes to entice and rekindle the palate will be introduced this year.

The Resort Café, located at the Lobby Level of Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, will commence the special Ramadan buffet dinner nightly from 6 May to 4 June 2019, starting from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. The buffet is priced at RM188 nett per adult and RM98 nett per child (aged between 6 to 12 years).

For those dining between 6 to 9 May and 1 to 4 June, there will be a 40% off the buffet price for both adult and child; and an early bird offer of RM138 nett per adult for those who purchase their seats before 30 April 2019 for dining between 10 to 31 May 2019.

FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS at The Resort Café, please call +60 3 7495 2009 / +60 3 7492 8000 or email to srhs.bookfnb@sunwayhotels.com to secure preferred seats and/or tables. Advanced reservations are encouraged.





Media Ramadhan Preview - The Resort Café

Recently I've been invited to Media Ramadhan Preview at The Resort Café. It has been held for the medias to try out some of the ramadhan buffet menus included their signature dishes.





Eventhough the price a little bit expensive, it was such a sinful day as I've got to enjoy these delightful food spread. Further I got to be among the first to taste a wide selection of Malaysian appetizers & variety of dishes at Jemput Makan Preview 2019. The buffet spread can surely satisfy everybody's taste buds especially the variety of desserts!






Interesting thing about having a ramadhan buffet here is that guests will get to experience the classic Ramadhan bazaar stalls reminiscent the outdoor bazaars around Malaysia throughout the month of Ramadan.

For more info do check their facebook page Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. If you like my story, do follow me on InstagramFacebook and Twitter for more food or eatery discoveries!



xoxo - aly