A Klang Musical Escapade

You know what? My acapella group was invited to sing in Klang’s Music Festival, and I marvel that the festival has gone on for the past 33 years! One thing struck me, is that they didn’t charge entry fees, and this is purely for the promotion of the arts.

One of the MCs said something which made an impression on me, although it was mostly in Chinese, but this was the few rare English phrases used “Good things not cheap. Cheap things not good”, and how they hope that this festival would prove that this statement was wrong.

And I agree.

They showcased a variety of performances, although I only attended the second day, and even that, the programme was so diversed that it was somehow interesting. For the second day, they had two different bands playing completely different styles of music, one classical soprano soloist, a local choir, a pianist, an Erhu player from China, a harmonica player, an acapella group (us’lah!), and even a local “stomp” kind of performance.

Each had their own musical personality and styles to showcase, and I was mightily surprised as to the well organized event (actually, considering that they have been doing it for the last 33 years… ).

As to the Klang crowd, they were supportive and reasonably enthusiastic. I admire their willingness to come and listen, and hopefully would have enjoyed the session right to the very end. More so, when we, as an acapella group was singing English songs, yet the crowd was predominantly Chinese. Nicked this photo from aariye's blog! Yep, we did try to incorporate some snazzy moves (hip thrusts, hip swinging, etc) into one or two of our latest song presentation. I noticed we managed to garner some new fans from Klang! :P

I was pleasantly surprised by the talent of the local folks, and going back to point, I agree with the MC, yes, although there was no entry fee charged, the standard of musical expertise was sufficiently high to justify an enjoyable evening. Just because it was free, didn’t mean that the concert was not good. Incidentally, the sound system and mics used were of high standards, with nary a cost passed on to the audience. Now this is what I call, promoting the arts!

Bravo to the organisers for a job well done!

eat..ate.."Ated"?!

This month has been a series of eating sessions. Was back in Sarawak for my dad's birthday about 2 weeks' back, and have been feasting almost non stop! Can't complain though, there is so much good food around, and some at reasonable prices.

First day back, had crabs cooked in two different styles, steamed cod fish, roasted piglet (it was going for a promotional price!), some veggies, and of course, the obligatory sweet and sour pork! :P

Second day back, major party to celebrate my dad's birthday with family and close family friends. Estimated about 70 people (I lost count...), but this year, we catered for food instead of my mum having to whip up all the dishes. Actually, it was a compromise, my siblings and myself planned to eat out, but my mum wanted it to be a home affair. So, catered was the way to go, and there was so much food!

Since coming back to KL mid month, celebrated birthday lunches/dinners, colleague's resignation lunch, church friend's food gathering (yum! the "flaming" desserts!), and even work lunches. What has this done to my waist line? Well, been trying to moderate my intake a bit, but my pants do feel "a bit" tighter. Have a few more gatherings to go before month end (house warming, and more get togethers).

Even had "Kobe" beef, which cost RM130 per 100g! Blimey! Cooked over a hot stone, it was divine! Kobe beef refers to beef from the black Tajima-ushi breed of Wagyu cattle, raised according to strict tradition in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Wagyu ("Japanese Cattle") are renowned for flavour, tenderness, and fatty well-marbled texture, qualities enhanced by the traditional (and well guarded) methods of raising Kobe beef.

Had always thought that beef is just beef, but try this, and you will find out the difference. It's in the texture... soft, tender and yummy... After tasting Kobe beef, other beef somehow taste inferior. Hmm...

My siblings took me to "Ninja Jones", a Japanese food outlet near MidValley, with the servers dressed up as ninjas! When the cake was brought out, they sang a birthday song, and we were pleasantly surprised with the presentation. The ice-cream cake was placed over a large plate with "smoke" coming out from underneath. Nice touch!

Yeah, another year older! Incidentally, someone asked my age, and guessed me about five years younger! LOL!!! We deduced that it was probably due to my short haircut, besides my youthful look! :P

Anyway, a very big Thank You to my friends and family members for all the birthday wishes, pressies!, lunches/dinners, and gatherings! even before the actual day has arrived! :)

Now, how am I to lose a bit of weight for a fitter and trimmer me, before having to appear on stage this Sunday night in Klang for an acapella fest, and later early September in Singapore for another acapella fest! Help... :P

If a picture paints...

If a picture paints a thousand words, what does this say to you?