For almost a decade now, One Buck Short (OBS) has consistently made waves in the national front and you would find yourself rocking out to OBS when they open for various international acts (eg: All-American Rejects, and more recently The Used at Rockaway Fest 2011). This time round, the boys (Rahul, Mooky and Imran) have produced a concept album of sorts – depicting the story of leaving one’s hometown for the city and upon returning a few years down the road, find the “kampung” all shiny and new. An album that has been long in the making, Kampong Glam is OBS’ first attempt in singing an album entirely in our national tongue.

Performing three songs for the press and sneaking in a music video of Carilah Duit, the album sounds solid both live and on the record. There are even distinct layers of violin coming in to songs such as the clever cover of Pok Pok Bujang Lapuk courtesy of Michelle Lai. If you’re thinking of introducing Bahasa Malaysia to a music enthusiast abroad, go no further than this album that would surely impress.

New York born R&B singer-songwriter Brian McKnight will perform in the Philippines this March. The artist released his 11th studio album titled Just Me back in July and is playing select shows to promote the new record. Concert details as follows:

Date: 16th March 2012 (Friday)
Venue: SMART Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines
Prices: PhP 4770, PhP 4240, PhP 3180, PhP 2120, PhP 1060, PhP 530
Tickets: On sale via TicketNet

Thanks to our friends at MCS for the heads up!

On a related note, Brian will also perform at a gala dinner at Indonesia’s Hotel Mulia in Jakarta on New Year’s Eve. For more info on this event, ticket prices, and to make reservations, please visit http://www.hotelmulia.com for details or call (021) 5747777 ext. 4719 / 4720.

Singer Mike Posner and pop rock band Train will both perform in Singapore at the Uphoria Party with Sony this December. Event details as follows:

UPHORIA PARTY WITH SONY
Date: 3rd December 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: *SCAPE, Singapore
Tickets: Invite only, win them via Sony Singapore (open to residents of Singapore)
Website: http://www.sony.com.sg/microsite/uphoria/

Having performed in Singapore earlier this year, popular Irish band The Script will return to SEA for a concert in Indonesia as part of the upcoming Arthur’s Day event. Details as follows:

ARTHUR’S DAY INDONESIA
Date: 12th November 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: Pullman Ballroom Central Park, Jakarta, Indonesia
Prices: Presale – Rp. 250,000 (festival), Regular – Rp. 350,000 (festival)
Tickets: On sale via RajaKarcis

Australian duo Empire Of The Sun will perform in Indonesia this August. The group’s debut effort, Walking On A Dream was released in 2008. Details as follows:

SUMMER SYNDROME
Date: 19th August 2011 (Friday)
Venue: Potato Head Beach Club, Bali, Indonesia
Price: Rp. 800,000 (doors)
Tickets: E-mail ticketsales@ptthead.com for bookings
Promoter: Ismaya Live

The Illinois band will indeed be performing in Singapore later this month. Plain White T’s will be the headlining act at the HTC LIKES Awards, a one-night only party to celebrate the crowning of Singapore’s Socialholics of New Media. Details as follows:

Date: 22nd July 2011 (Friday)
Venue: Suntec Int’l Convention & Exhibition Hall 601-602, Suntec City, Singapore
Prices: S$128, S$88, S$68 (excluding SISTIC fee)
Tickets: On sale via Sistic
Promoter: Launch Entertainment Pte Ltd

On top of Norman’s appearances in Thailand and Indonesia next month, the DJ will also perform in Singapore this June. Catch him live at the following event:

Date: 9th June 2011 (Thursday)
Venue: Velvet Underground, Zouk Club, Singapore
Tickets: S$22-33, inclusive of 2 drinks
Website: http://www.zoukclub.com

Third time’s a charm? The MTV World Stage series makes a comeback in 2011 and will be held in Malaysia for the third year running. Past performers include Kasabian, Hoobastank and Katy Perry to name a few. This year, California’s 30 Seconds To Mars and local band Pop Shuvit are on the line up with more acts to be announced. Event details as follows:

Date: 24th July 2011 (Sunday)
Venue: i-City, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Line Up: 30 Seconds To Mars, Neon Trees, Pop Shuvit, and more
Ticketing: Win them here
Website: http://worldstage.mtvasia.com

Lee was also expected to perform in other parts of Asia and has confirmed shows in both Indonesia and Malaysia, as highlighted previously. Event details as follows:

Date: 14th May 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: The Cascade Lounge, Jakarta, Indonesia
Time: 7pm
Event Type: Performance

Date: 15th May 2011 (Sunday)
Venue: Taman Anggrek Mall, Jakarta, Indonesia
Time: 3pm
Event Type: Meet & Greet

Date: 17th May 2011 (Tuesday)
Venue: Subang Parade, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Time: 4pm
Event Type: Performance & autograph session
Note: You will need to purchase his album to be eligible for the autograph session as he will only be signing CD inlays

Shows are free entry.

Beerfest Asia is back! The event will return this June for its third consecutive year, and the festival will showcase more than 250 different types of beers from over 30 exhibitors. To add to the festivities, there will be the usual live performances for music fans and Beerfest Asia 2011 will see the debut of the All Star Showstoppers with three tribute experiences of The Beatles, The Blues Brothers and Rolling Stones. Event details as follows:

Dates: 16th to 19th June 2011 (Thursday to Sunday)
Venue: Marina Promenade (F1 tracks behind the Singapore Flyer), Singapore
Prices: 1-Day OCBC Exclusive Pass – SGD 15
* exclusively for OCBC Cardmembers
* while stocks last
* includes 2 beers

1-Day Early Bird Pass – SGD 20 (16 & 19 June) / SGD 28 (17 & 18 June)
* while stocks last or until 15 June 2011
* includes 2 beers

1-Day Standard Pass – SGD 32 (16 & 19 June) / SGD 37 (17 & 18 June)
* includes 2 beers

4-Day OCBC Exclusive Pass – SGD 50
* exclusively for OCBC Cardmembers
* while stocks last

VIP Packages – SGD 90 Standard / SGD 140 free flow drinks
* private seating on raised platform at the VIP area located in centre of marquees
* one festival shirt and complimentary programme for each guest
* express entrance and personal escort to your table
* the ultimate way to enjoy Beerfest Asia
Tickets: On sale via Sistic
Ticket Hotline: (65) 6348 5555
Website: www.beerfestasia.com