Judika Nalom Abadi Sihotang atau lebih terkenal dengan hanya panggilan Judika, merupakan figura seni suara yang terkenal di rantau Asia Tenggara, anak kelahiran Sumatera Utara yang berprofil sebagai penyanyi, pelakon dan juri profesional ini bakal bertandang ke Malaysia pada 21 Oktober 2023, jam 8:00 malam, di Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil bagi menjayakan konsert ‘ROCKMANTIC NIGHT JUDIKA & THE GANG’ menampilkan barisan artis popular tanah air seperti Haqiem Rusli, Marsha Milan dan juga Shila Amzah dibawakan khas oleh jenama kosmetik unggul, Alha Alfa dengan kerjasama Kharisma Music International dan Dua Anak Deo (DAD) Management.“Saya memilih untuk mengadakan konsert di Malaysia kerana ramai peminat yang bertanya di media sosial bila agaknya saya akan datang lagi untuk menghiburkan mereka semua setelah sekian lamanya,” kata Judika yang bakal melancarkan album baharu tidak lama lagi.

Idea di sebalik tercetusnya konsert ini bertitik tolak dari buah fikiran pasangan suami-isteri, Ahmad Jeffny dan Yuka Kharisma yang hadir dengan pelan pelaksanaan konsert yang sukar ditolak oleh pihak DAD Management.Dari segi temanya, ‘Rockmantic’ yang merupakan gabungan perkataan ‘rock’ dan ‘romantic’ terinspirasi dari karakter Judika sendiri yang memiliki jiwa rock, namun di satu sisi yang lain pula, Judika merupakan seorang yang penyayang yang cintakan keluarganya, pasangannya dan sering menghasilkan karya-karya yang romantis.
Dianggarkan sekitar lebih dari 15 buah lagu yang bakal dipersembahkan pada malam konsert itu nanti yang berdurasi kurang lebih 2 jam turut diserikan dengan iringan orkestra di bawah pimpinan pengarah muzik tersohor Indonesia, Tohpati.

En. Ahmad Jeffny, Ketua Pengarah Eksekutif & Pengasas Kharisma Music turut berkongsi, “Pelancaran sidang media pada hari ini sangat unik kerana dimulakan dengan konvoi kumpulan motosikal berkuasa besar dari Pavilion Bukit Jalil menuju Pavilion Bukit Bintang, kemudian pelancaran ‘billboard’ (papan iklan berbayar) mempromosikan konsert tersebut, dan tarian ‘flash mob’ beramai-ramai.“Selain itu, pada malam konsert itu juga 3 artis popular Malaysia turut membuat persembahan, masing-masing akan menyanyikan 3 buah lagu.“Di sini saya ingin mengucapkan ucapan ribuan terima kasih buat rakan penganjur seperti Alha Alfa, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur dan Pavilion Bukit Jalil, rakan hotel rasmi, Le Meridien Petaling Jaya, dan rakan radio rasmi, ERA.Apa yang pasti, konsert ROCKMANTIC NIGHT JUDIKA & THE GANG nanti ada beberapa kejutan istimewa dan peminat Judika harus segera mendapatkan tiket-tiket di www.ticket2u.com.my/judika.

Bermula hari ini, Tiket-tiket jualan berharga RM188 (Silver), RM248 (Rockzone Standing), RM299 (Gold), RM348 (VIP Rockzone Standing), RM388 (Platinum) dan RM799 (VIP).Pesan Judika, “Saya ingin semua peminat yang akan hadir ke konsert saya nanti bukan hanya dapat melihat dan mendengar, tetapi juga dapat merasakan dan tidak akan melupakan. Datanglah dengan jiwa seorang ‘rocker’ yang berani dan pemuh semangat tetapi jangan lupa memiliki hati yang penuh cinta kerana dengan cinta membuat kita rasa bersemangat.“Semoga konsert ROCKMANTIC NIGHT JUDIKA & THE GANG ini menjadi salah salah satu pengalaman yang tidak akan anda dilupakan, ‘it’s a night to remember’. Jumpa anda di sana!

GIG RAKYAT JELATA dianjurkan oleh CdBagasi Music & akan melibatkan 11 band temptation dan kesemuanya adalah penggiat muzik indie. GIG ini bertujuan untuk menyemarakkan lagi industri muzik indie tempatan di mana tiket yang dijual dengan harga marhaen. GIG ini juga bertujuan untuk menyemai semangat ‘BANGGA JADI RAKYAT MALAYSIA’. Enam band akan beraksi di setiap venue.
Dua band lokal akan terpilih bagi mewakili ‘rakyat’ di mana persembahan diadakan. Sesuai dengan konsep GIG ‘DARI RAKYAT, OLEH RAKYAT, UNTUK
RAKYAT! ‘

GIG ini terbahagi kepada dua volume. Lokasi pertama berlangsung di ‘Insider Satellite’, Ipoh pada 22 Julai 2023. Lokasi kedua pula akan diadakan di Rooftop City Plaza’, Johor Bahru. Setiap acara akan berlangsung pada jam 5 petang dan berakhir sebelum jam 12 malam dengan persembahan setiap band selama 40 minit.Enam band akan membuat persembahan di setiap lokasi.

Band-band yang akan membuat persembahan di Ipoh adalah Couple & Muck selaku band lokal. Manakala band yang lain adalah Pretty Ugly, Nitrus, Strike Out & Late Night Frequency. Di Johor Bahru pula band yang terlibat adalah Plague Of Happiness & Terang Bulan sebagai wakil band lokal. Selainnya adalah Zip Zieller, Banyakbunyikrepublik, Sabda Alam & Pretty Ugly.

Tiket GIG untuk kesemua venue ini akan mula dijual pada 26hb Mei 2023 jam 9 malam di laman web https://cdbagasimusic.ubertickets.asia. Ia akan dijual pada harga RM70 untuk satu venue. Buat peminat muzik tempatan yang ingin menyaksikan persembahan di kedua venue Ipoh & JB, bolehlah membeli pakej harga bundle berjumlah RM120. Tiada tiket early bird ditawarkan kerana harga tiket yang dijual adalah sangat murah.

Tiket GIG untuk kesemua venue ini akan mula dijual pada 26hb Mei 2023 jam 9 malam di laman web https://cdbagasimusic.ubertickets.asia. Ia akan dijual pada harga RM70 untuk satu venue. Buat peminat muzik tempatan yang ingin menyaksikan persembahan di kedua venue Ipoh & JB, bolehlah membeli pakej harga bundle berjumlah RM120. Tiada tiket early bird ditawarkan kerana harga tiket yang dijual adalah sangat murah.

Peminat tegar industri muzik tanah air tentunya masih mengingati akan album kompilasi Semangat Zaman yang diterbitkan pada 2004. Album terbitan komposer LY ini menggabungkan enam orang penyanyi rock popular Malaysia iaitu Datuk Nash, Yantzen, Aris Ariwatan, Rahim Maarof, Muss dan Joey BPR. Sambutan hebat peminat menyaksikan projek ini diteruskan dengan album Semangat Zaman 2 pada 2005 yang menyaksikan gabungan artis yang sama hebat. Sempena Ulang Tahun Ke-20 album ini, Konsert Semangat Zaman – 20th Anniversary akan berlangsung pada 29 September 2023 di Zepp, Kuala Lumpur.

Konsert itu akan menampilkan Datuk Nash (Lefthanded), Joey (Bumiputera Rockers), Aris (Ariwatan), Yantzen (Rusty Blade), Rahmad (Mega), Jatt (Black Dog Bone), Muss dan Artis ahli baharu, Bandi (Amuk). Manakala Rahim Maarof (White Steel), artis pertama yang bersetuju untuk turut serta tidak dapat bersama kerana masalah kesihatan. Mengimbas kembali, konsep Projek Semangat Zaman telah diilhamkan pada 2004 oleh inovator industri muzik, Cik Jean Lau dan komposer terkenal, L.Y. Ideanya adalah untuk memyemarakkan semula industri muzik dengan kumpulan Artis dan Pemuzik Rock terbaik membuat persembahan bersama dalam satu album di kala kumpulan Indie sedang menguasai pasaran muzik semasa.Album sulung ini berjaya mencapai jualan Multi Platinum (melebihi 100,000 keping jualan).Pada 2005, susulan kepada kejayaan “Semangat Zaman”.

“Semangat Zaman II – Suara Zaman” diterbitkan menampilkan alumni “Semangat Zaman” sebelumnya.Artis Ahli baharu projek kedua itu adalah Rahmad (Mega), Shamrin (Fotograf) dan Jatt (Black Dog Bone).Album ini mencapai kejayaan yang sama dan diperakui multi-Platinum.Selepas berehat selama 20 tahun, Jean Lau berkata, “Saya merindui keseronokan dan pengalaman kedua dua album terdahulu, serta bekerja dengan kumpulan artis berbakat ini. “Saya menelefon L.Y. dan melontarkan idea untuk mengadakan konsert ulang tahun ke-20. LY bersetuju dan kami mula mengumpulkan pasukan”. Persediaan konsert ini, diperkuatkan lagi dengan rakaman 5 lagu baharu untuk persembahan itu – lagu tema dengan semua artis, serta duet untuk Muss & Rahmad; Joey & Bandi; Yantzen & Jatt dan lagu solo oleh Nash. “Aris dibarisi lagu bersama Rahim Maarof, tetapi ia ditangguhkan kerana Rahim sakit baru-baru ini. Rahim dalam semua doa kita agar cepat sembuh,” katanya. Konsert 2023 itu akan menampilkan alumni Semangat Zaman dan ahli baru Bandi (Amuk). Jean Lau menambah, “Gaya dan kehadiran Bandi akan memberikan wajah dan rasa baharu kepada Semangat Zaman.

“Konsert itu akan menjadi konsert pertama ikon-ikon muzik rock Malaysia berada di atas satu pentas membuat persembahan bersama. “Ia adalah 8 legenda rock di atas satu pentas dalam satu malam, dan pasti akan menjadi pengalaman yang tidak dapat dilupakan untuk peminat dan pencinta muzik rock mereka. “Pada malam konsert kita akan menjemput keluarga Arwah Shamrin dan keluarga Rahim Maarof bersama sama,” katanya. Semangat Zaman Music Entertainment sangat berbangga dan berterima kasih atas kesudian YBhg. Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri Dan Kos Sara Hidup melancarkan sidang media hari ini. Tiket untuk pertunjukan itu kini boleh didapati di my.bookmyshow.com (603 – 9212 4202).

Ia berharga RM 208 (Zon Rock), RM 328 (Kerusi Normal – Bernombor) dan RM 388 (Premium – Tempat Duduk Bernombor). Pengunjung konsert boleh menikmati harga istimewa early bird RM198 untuk Zon Rock (sah sehingga 15 Julai 2023). Sebagai kesimpulan, Jean berkata, “Adakah kita akan melihat ini lagi? Jangan lepas peluang. Dapatkan tiket anda sekarang!” Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi: Cik Jean Lau jean.semangatzaman@gmail.com 012 2361135 En. Godfrey Rajalingam godfrey.semangatzaman@gmail.com 012 2233969

Setelah berhadapan pelbagai cabaran dan penundaan, Shiraz Projects Sdn Bhd kembali dan dengan bangganya membawakan kembali kepada khalayak sebuah festival yang
menggabungkan tiga negara; Malaysia, Indonesia dan Singapura dalam satu lokasi dan kemeriahan pada 8 dan 9 Julai 2023, Sabtu dan Ahad, bermula seawal jam 12 tengahari di
Bandar Malaysia, Sungai Besi.

Festival yang pernah tergendala disebabkan pandemik COVID-19 dan berdepan penundaan, kini kembali dengan barisan nama-nama besar dalam industri tiga negara! Sudah lama rasanya,
angin nusantara tidak disatukan dalam nada dan irama yang sejalur dan titian persahabatan ini
bakal dijalinkan dalam sebuah festival muzik yang dinamakan NUSA FEST.

NUSA FEST ingin mengumumkan, tiga nama besar dalam industri muzik tanahair iaitu SEARCH,WINGS & BUTTERFINGERS sebagai ‘headliner’ di festival ini nanti. Sudah sekian lama Search dan Wings mengadakan persembahan di satu panggung yang sama dan pasti ini dinanti-nantikan oleh para peminat tegar mereka. Butterfingers juga akan turut serta di NUSA FEST setelah hampir empat tahun tidak muncul menemui peminat mereka.

Pihak Shiraz Projects memohon maaf atas penundaan yang terdahulu dan yakin NUSA FEST kali ini akan berjalan dengan lancar dengan barisan artis-artis yang mempunyai pengikut tegar dan setia. Pasti peminat seni muzik tidak akan melepaskan peluang untuk menyaksikan gabungan ini di satu festival. Untuk dua hari, para penonton bakal disajikan dengan muzik enak dan berkualiti serta barisan nama pemanggung seni yang dekat di hati peminat.

“Saya percaya bahawa dengan sokongan semua, NUSA FEST akan dapat dijayakan dengan meriah dan menepati konsep festival yang diinginkan. Dan kali ini kami kembali dengan pengumuman senarai akhir NUSA FEST,” ujar Shiraz selaku Pengarah Urusan Shiraz Projects. Hari ini segalanya dikongsikan bersama. Teka teki siapa yang akan membuat persembahan di NUSA FEST dengan senarai akhir terjawab hari ini dan pihak Shiraz Projects terus mengharapkan sokongan serta antusias penonton serta peminat seni untuk menyokong NUSA FEST sehingga ke hari persembahan.

Antara aktiviti yang akan dijalankan di NUSA FEST ialah Panggung Nusa (dua pentas
bersebelahan dengan pementasan tanpa henti! Festival muzik yang menghadirkan 12 kumpulan
Malaysia, 11 penghibur Indonesia, 1 kumpulan Singapura), Warong Nusa (semuanya tentang
makanan!) dan Pasar Nusa (seni dan kraftangan dari Nusantara).

Tiket dengan harga RM200 (untuk dua hari/seorang) atau RM700 untuk 4 orang di
www.myticket.asia.
“NUSAFEST’’ ini dianjurkan oleh Shiraz Projects Sdn Bhd buat julung kalinya untuk memeriahkan
lagi industri muzik nusantara.
NUSA FEST 2023
Tarikh: 8 dan 9 Julai 2023
Masa: Mulai jam 12pm hingga 12am
Venue: Bandar Malaysia, Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur
Harga tiket: RM200 (2-day entry/per person)
RM700/ 4 person (Bundle package- Pembelian RM700 untuk 4 orang)
Tiket: www.myticket.asia
Tiket Hotline: 03 8605 0196
Info Hotline: 012 2560082
Instagram: @nusafest, @shirazprojects
Tiktok: @shirazprojects
Facebook: @nusafest @shirazprojects
Laman Web: www.nusafest.com
www.shirazprojects.com

After a long absence, Malaysia Global United Pageant returns to the centre stage once again with its 2023 edition. This was announced by organisers Dare 2 Dream Management at a press conference that was was held at The Top @ Komtar in Georgetown, Penang this afternoon.

The well received press conference was attended by Penang Rose Charities Malaysia Chairman Dato Lawrence Cheah, Persatuan Dermawan Jishan Bukit Mertajam’s Dato Tan Kok Aun & Ms Ng Yah Ling, National Cancer Society Malaysia Administration Manager Petronilla Joseph and Miss Global United Pageant 2023 Ambassador Datin Joyce Teoh, various dignitaries and celebrities, sponsors and collaborators invited guests and members of the media.

The Global United Pageant  is a pageant with strong mission. Its founder Ms Wendy Lindberg from the USA, realised that there was a need for programs that celebrate true beauty within women. The Global United Pageant is committed to seeking contestants and title holders who exemplify the beauty that comes from serving others in community. And the pageant pairs with organisations from all over the world to give to those in need. Global United works each year to help raise fund for childhood cancer research and awareness in the US.

Dare 2 Dream Management is the organiser & official franchise holder of Malaysia Global United Pageant 2023 (MGU 2023).  Its founder Traccie Chan had the honor to represent Malaysia and compete in the USA in 2016 where she was crowned as Queen for Kids – Mrs Global United in 2016 and subsequently as Mrs Global United Lifetime Queen in 2017. She has now been entrusted as the pageant director of Malaysia Global United in search of Queen for Kids… Queen with a mission.

Malaysia Global United Pageant is the Malaysian edition of the prominent international pageant which focuses on searching for women (aged 18 & above with or without experience). It is open to those who have the courage to try something new and who wish to have a once in a life time opportunity to fulfill their dreams while contributing to the community through the pageant’s “Queen for Kids” advocacy, especially for children with cancer and by holding the mission to promote the Gold Ribbon (Childhood Cancer Awareness) program in Malaysia through the Light It Up Gold campaign which was founded by Traccie Chan in 2016.

And working closely with Global United Pageant in the U.S, MGU2023 is looking forward in identifying the right candidates to represent Malaysia to compete at world final in Minnesota, USA this July 19-23, 2023.

The successful delegate will have the privilege of wearing our local handmade Kebaya specially made by Kenny Loh Couture.

Light it up Gold campaign’s aim is to promote childhood cancer awareness and the Gold Ribbon campaign, by collaborating with hospitals and various organizations to raise awareness about childhood cancer, implementing wish fulfillment programs and to provide families with the resources they need to cope with the challenges of childhood cancer.

To date Light It Up Gold campaign has successfully raised more than RM 300,000 to various organisations and individuals in need and has fulfilled and benefited more than 300 little warriors.

To align our efforts with this cause, this year the organisers are planning for various wish fulfillment programs to benefit cancer children & family through MGUP23, such as:

1. Cancer children Family photo shooting in order to have nice family photos as remembrance.

2. Wish fulfillment

3. Family Outings with a special invitation to attend MGUP 23 together with family members with transportation and accommodation covered for out station cancer children, with angpows and goodies bag being given out.

This year MGU 2023 is also supporting 2 organisations in need;

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) in setting up the very first Homes of Hope in Penang which wil provide free accommodation and support services to poor cancer patients who living outside of Penang island who undergoing treatment at Penang General Hospital.

And persatuan Dermawan Jishan Bukit Mertajam.

Dare 2 Dream Management urges more people to support us as sponsors, donors, to purchase tickets to witness our crowning ceremony & variety show.

To promote MGUP 23 in search of Queen for Kids – the organisers are targeting contestants above 18 from various categories Ms/ Mrs / Classic who have the passion to contribute to the community and who wish to gain experience and confidence on stage.

Potential candidates may contact 0135128278 ( Ms Traccie ) /  012-461 0129 ) (Ms Zoe) for more details or to register.

The press conference also saw the crowning ceremony in recognition of women who contributed and sponsored MGUP. They were crowned by Traccie Chan.

The following are the recipients:

MGUP 2023 Charity Queen – Kiki Tan Kar Yen

MGUP 2023 Charity Queen – Evonne Eng Guik Hwa

MGUP 2023 Community Service Ambassador – Fong Ying Ying

MGUP 2023 Charity Ambassador – Irene Tan

MGUP 2023 Charisma Ambassador – Jovin Ooi

MGUP 2023 Goodwill Ambassador – Frennie Tan

MGUP 2023 Ambassador – Datin joyce Teoh

The Grand Final of the pageant will be staged at the Grand Ballroom 1, Level 5, The Top, Georgetown, Penang on 1^st July 2023.

Nurkasih, Gerimis Mengundang, Kembali Terjalin, Kembali Merindu, Tak mungkin Berpaling, Rindiani serta puluhan lagu hits malar segar yang telah di hasilkan oleh kumpulan SLAM.

Muzik serta  lagu lagu yang di hasilkan Kumpulan SLAM sentiasa menarik perhatian peminat di tambah dengan kemerduan vokal Zamani sebagai penyanyi utama serta di barisi pemuzik hebat sebagai pelengkap kumpulan ini yang meraikan tahun ke 30 penubuhan Kumpulan Slam yang masih mengekalkan anggota asal dari awal penubuhan sehingga ke hari ini.

Kehebatan Kumpulan SLAM yang ditunjangi oleh Shah, Eddie, Lili, Man dan Zamani memberi satu  aura yang sangat kuat sehingga setiap kali kemunculan mereka pasti di nantikan serta mendapat sambutan hangat dari peminat.

Konsert SLAM Nurkasih akan di adakan pada 6hb Ogos 2023 di Zepp Kuala Lumpur bermula jam 8.30 malam akan membawakan  18 hingga 20 lagu lagu hits Kumpulan SLAM  yang pasti akan menggamit memori serta akan meninggalkan kenangan terindah kepada semua penonton yang hadir.

Konsert yang di beri judul NurKasih, yang merupakan salah satu jodol lagu hits Kumpulan SLAM, ia juga membawa maksud KASIH dan SAYANG  SLAM kepada peminat yang di ibarat kan seperti sentiasa memberikan CAHAYA (NUR) kepada Kumpulan SLAM selama ini.Konsert ini juga antara hadiah istimewa SLAM kepada peminat yang tidak pernah jemu menyokong mereka selama ini.

Konsert ini dibawakan  oleh AV Group & WMD Event selaku penganjur utama serta  Belbis sebagai rakan produksi bersama Mewah Event Management (MEM) sebagai rakan strategik konsert ini.

Pembeli tiket Konsert SLAM Nurkasih berpeluang memenangi sebuah gitar sebagai hadiah nombor tiket bertuah bagi pembeli tiket dan di buak untuk semua ketogari tiket. Sebanyak Empat (4) buah gitar berupa dua (2) buah gitar eletrik dan dua (2) buah gitar akustik untuk di menangi yang di taja khas oleh PBH MUSIC SDN BHD

SINAR FM yang bertindak sebagai Radio Rasmi Konsert SLAM NurKasih juga akan mengadakan kuiz kepada pendengar bertuah yang akan memenagi tiket ke konsert ini nanti.

Royale Chulan Hotel KL telah bermurah hati menaja venue bagi  sidang media ini dan akan menawarkan pakej penginapan istimewa kepada pembeli tiket Konsert Slam NurKasih yang menginap di Royale Chulan Hotel KL untuk menonton konsert ini nanti.

Bagi mendapatkan tiket tiket Konsert SLAM NurKasih ini peminat boleh melayari laman web https://ilassotickets.com/event/konsert-slam-nurkasih/  atau menghubungi Ilasso Tickets di talian 03-21706333

Tiket tiket berharga :

RM198  Ketogari Festival ( berdiri – bagi mendapat lebih mood menonton konsert )

RM 298 Ketogari 2 (duduk – bagi penonton yang memilih menonton lebih selesa)

RM 458  Ketogari VIP (duduk – akan di hadiahkan satu  goodies bag cenderamata istimewa Konsert SLAM NurKasih setiap seorang serta sesi ‘meet and greet’ bersama Kumpulan SLAM )

RM 5000 Kategori Royal Box ( 8 pax setiap box – akan di sediakan jamuan moktail sebelum konsert , goodie bag istimewa serta sesi ‘meet and greet’ bersama Kumpulan SLAM )

Antara yang menarik beberapa Royal Box & VIP telah banyak terjual serta kategori lain juga  mendapat sambutan hangat. Para peminat SLAM  di sarankan untuk membeli tiket awal bagi mengelakkan sebarang masalah luar jangka ketika melakukan pembelian di saat saat akhir.

Acclaimed alt pop duo joan today release a special version of their hit single “superglue” featuring Zach Tabudlo off of their highly acclaimed debut album superglue via Photo Finish Records. “superglue” is one of the most powerful, poignant, and poetic moments on the record. “As new dads, we were like, ‘What if we wrote this about our girls?’,” recalls Alan. “We want them to know we’re superglue for them. We’re the guys you can run to when you’re sad or you want to rejoice because something happy happened at school. If you’re not a parent, it can be about someone you really care about. We’re singing it to our little girls though.” The new version features superstar Filipino singer- songwriter Zach Tabudlo who lends his warm and honeyed vocals to the emotive and impassioned track. joan and Zach Tabudlo have been fans of each other’s music for years and the collaboration began organically online with the result being an intoxicating and cathartic alt pop single full of lush instrumentation and soul-drenched vocals. The new single is a love letter from joan to their dedicated Filipino fanbase and a welcome addition to their musical catalogue.

In addition to the new single, joan has announced an Asian tour complete with shows in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore where they are set to perform to over 160,000 at the Singapore Grand Prix. The band are completing their U.S tour, performing to thousands of fans across the states.

The Little Rock, Arkansas based twosome is known for creating expansive pop music from inside their bedrooms in deepest Middle America. Their infectious blend of pop eras, DIY, self-sustaining aesthetic and deep connection with their fanbase has resulted in international success with over 150 million streams and sold out shows across the globe including headlining 15,000+ capacity venues in Asia.

joan (Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford) have spent the past few years building their world, single by single, tour date by tour date; from their debut EP, 2019’s portra, to the much-loved cloudy & its sister EP partly cloudy, to 2021’s hi & bye EPs. Their songs have been streamed over 150 million times, with well over a million listeners a month across streaming platforms. joan have enjoyed U.S. and international tours supporting the likes of Jeremy Zucker, COIN, Bloc Party and The Aces, as well as playing to fans across Asia with headline shows and festivals in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong – they return to Asia for the biggest shows yet, includes dates at a basketball arena and a theme park.

joan’s infectious blend of pop eras & styles belies their roots in Little Rock, Arkansas, but their sense of warmth and community from those around them at home gives their music a sense of belonging often missing from others’ and that extends to their fanbase, with whom they interact via a successful Patreon page and through free meet & greets at every show. 2023 promises to be the band’s biggest yet, with the release of their debut album and worldwide touring & festivals.

joan tour dates

June 16 – Little Rock Music Hall: Little Rock, AR September 14 – Lido Connect: Bangkok, Thailand September 16 – Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore September 17 – Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore September 19 – New Frontier Theater: Manila, Philippines September 21- Sibuya WWW X, Tokyo, Japan

KONSERT Search Rockin’ On Rooftop di bumbung Kompleks Campbell dan Konsert Barbarik – Pentas Keras di Zepp Kuala Lumpur tahun lalu memberi impak kuat terhadap peminat muzik rock tanah air.

Hampir semua menyifatkan ia konsert rock terbaik tanah air sepanjang tahun lalu. Malah, lebih sebulan selepas kedua-dua konsert yang berlangsung pada Jun dan Disember itu, peminat masih memperkatakannya. Ramai yang terus berkongsi pendapat serta memuat naik video konsert berkenaan di media sosial masing-masing.

Jadi, bayangkan impaknya apabila Search dan Barbarik bergabung pula pada Konsert Double Trouble 2 di Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam pada 5 Ogos ini.

Search yang dibarisi Noordin (gitar), Kid (gitar), Yan (bass), Denden (penyanyi) dan Minn (dram) bergabung pula dengan Barbarik yang dianggotai Joe Branko (gitar), Muss (penyanyi), Ainol (dram), Rozaimie (bass) dan Adi (keyboard) pastinya amat dinantikan peminat rock.

Konsert Double Trouble 2 dianjurkan Alpha Nation, manakala pengurusan produksi oleh Laskhar Entertainment & Playmad Sdn Bhd. Urusan promosi pula dilakukan Mewah Event Management (MEM).

Joe berkata, walaupun berdepan cabaran, mereka berjanji akan berikan yang terbaik untuk Konsert Double Trouble 2 nanti.

“Kedua-dua konsert Search dan Barbarik sebelum ini memang sukses. Inilah cabarannya buat kami untuk mengekalkan momentum konsert itu,” katanya.

Menurut Joe, kedua-dua band ini banyak berbincang, bertukar-tukar idea bagi memastikan konsert ini yang terbaik.

“Saya kerap berjumpa dan berbincang dengan Noordin dan Kid. Kami juga banyak mengadakan pertemuan dengan penganjur,” katanya.

Joe berkata, konsep mereka kali ini tidak banyak beza dengan konsert Double Trouble yang pernah dianjurkan sebelum ini.

Kemungkinan kedua-dua band akan menyampaikan 10 lagu dan mereka juga akan memainkan enam lagu bersama-sama.

“Mungkin ada enam lagu di mana Search dan Barbarik akan bersama-sama di atas pentas. Tapi ini bukan masing-masing nak tunjuk ‘terror’, bukan nak ‘battle’ apa semua, tapi kami akan main sama-sama.” katanya.

Penganjuran konsert ini berinspirasikan daripada album Double Trouble 2 yang menggabungkan Search dan Wings pada 1998.

Search ketika itu menampilkan Amy (penyanyi), Noordin (gitar), Kid (gitar), Fauzi (bass) dan Allahyarham Yazit (dram), manakala Wings pula dibarisi Muss (penyanyi), Joe (gitar), Eddie (bass) dan Black (dram).

Dalam pada itu, Noordin berkata, kelebihan Konsert Double Trouble 2 ini kerana ia menampilkan pemuzik generasi selepas mereka seperti Denden dan Minn dari Search serta Ainol, Adi dan Rozaimie dari Barbarik.

“Kali ini biar mereka pula buktikan. Saya, Kid, Yan, Joe dan Muss adalah orang lama dan semua peminat sudah tahu. Mereka pula pemuzik generasi selepas kami yang cukup berbakat,” katanya.

Noordin berkata, pastinya ada kejutan dalam konsert ini nanti dan mereka berjanji akan membuatkan peminat puas selepas menonton persembahan mereka.

Tiket-tiket berharga RM129, RM139, RM159, RM169, RM179, RM199 dan RM359 (VIP) yang boleh dibeli di www.ilassotickets.com atau WhatsApp di talian 011-13297822.

Apitherapy atau lebih sinonim dengan rawatan berasaskan sengatan dan produk hasilan lebah kini mula mendapat tempat dalam masyarakat dan terkini Australia antara negara terawal menunjukkan minat untuk bekerjasama.

Pengasas Afnan Apitherapy Centre, Rosli Khalid berkata, biarpun beliau mengusahakan rawatan itu secara senyap-senyap, namun kebaikan Apitherapy diketahui umum melalui mulut ke mulut hinggalah ke luar negara.

“Sudah sampai masa benda ini (Apitherapy) didedahkan kepada umum. Kalau orang dari luar negara minta benda ini didedahkan, kalau kita tak nak buat di Malaysia, tak tahulah, jadi sangat rugi bagi kita.

“Usaha untuk mengkomersialkan apitherapy ke seluruh dunia bermula sejak dua tahun lalu, namun kami belum memberi kata putus atas dasar apa kerjasama yang akan dilaksanakan.”

“Kami menerima syor tawaran daripada pihak swasta dari Australia yang sudah berjaya mengkomersialkan kaedah rawatan alternatif yang lain,” katanya baru-baru ini.

Sebelum ini, Apitherapy adalah rawatan alternatif berasaskan sengatan dan produk lebah mampu memberi harapan baharu dan menyelamatkan nyawa pesakit kanser dan kronik.

Bisa lebah mengandungi enzim, protein, peptide dan asid amino yang digunakan dalam rawatan Apitherapy mampu menjadi penawar bukan sahaja penyakit kencing manis, bahkan banyak lagi penyakit lain.

Rawatan Apitherapy itu mudah dengan hanya meletakkan sengat lebah di bahagian anggota badan yang sakit dan dibiarkan beberapa minit sebelum bisa serangga itu menyerap ke saluran darah.

Dalam pada itu, Rosli berkata, pihaknya bersedia mengkomersialkan Apitherapy ke seluruh negara dengan pelaburan produk lebah bernilai lebih RM40 juta.

“Setakat ini, belum ada kata putus mengenai jumlah pelaburan. Perbincangan lebih kepada platform yang akan digunakan, perlesenan antarabangsa, aspek perundangan, latihan dan pengedaran produk,”katanya.

Rosli juga memberitahu, pihaknya sedia bekerjasama dengan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) untuk membantu kerajaan dalam usaha memberi rawatan khususnya kepada penyakit kronik dan kanser di negara ini.

“Jika masyarakat luar negara sudah mula mengenali dan mencuba sendiri keajaiban Apitherapy, Malaysia bila lagi.”

“Saya tak beri jaminan semua penyakit boleh diubati, namun dengan ikhtiar kita dan bertawakal kepada Allah, Alhamdulillah sejak 15 tahun dalam rawatan ini, ribuan pesakit mendapat manfaat dengan rawatan Apitherapy dan kembali sihat seperti sedia kala.

“Ramai juga bekas pesakit kanser dan kronik menjadikan Afnan Apitherapy Centre sebagai destinasi terakhir selepas disahkan menghidap kanser dan penyakit kronik tahap empat,” katanya lagi.

It’s not often that we find professional lawyers participating in beauty pageants but a desire for a change led 38-year-old high-achieving litigator Datin Woon Huei Chin from Kuala Lumpur to join her very first pageant last year. Her decision to join a beauty pageant certainly paid off handsomely, as not only did she win the inaugural Mrs Peace & Culture International Pageant 2022 crown, but she also managed to transform herself completely during the entire process which lasted around 2 months. She also won herself loads of new friends, fans and supporters along the way.

For someone who is quite used to arguing cases in front of judges, she had to face a whole new kind of judge during her pageant competition, who needed more than just words to convince them. Not only did she win the main title against twelve other delegates she also secured the GEM Ambassador & Most Popular Award subsidiary titles. She was also one of six finalists given the opportunity to compete in the talent round where she performed a crowd-rousing KPop number.

She was selected as the winner by a panel of esteemed industry judges that included International Tour Master Gregory Chew, Founder & President of Asia Success Media Group Dato’ Dr Jacky Chee, Founder of Angie Jewels, Angie Ng and Emily Tang.

Datin Woon graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Reading, United Kingdom in 2006 and completed her Bar Vocational Course (BAR) at the University of the West of England, United Kingdom in 2007.

She began her law career immediately upon receiving her BAR when she started chambering at Shearn Delamore & Co, one of the nation’s most prominent law firms, in late 2007. This is where she met her husband whom she married in 2012. She joined another prominent firm Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill in mid-2009 before starting her own practice Tiong & Woon (currently Tiong Woon & Khusyri) with her husband. She has been a successful lawyer for more than 15 years, having won most of her cases throughout her distinguished career.

After the pandemic, she was more focused on networking and marketing for the company’s business expansion.

When asked by people around her why she decided to join a pageant which Is a totally different world from her current professional and life path, she had this to say;

“For the past 15 years, I have been doing litigation and dealing with all things black and white – gathering evidence, facts checking and studying & preparing documents etc. After two years of the pandemic, I wanted something different. Something that could create a breakthrough for me.”

The mother of two beautiful daughters aged 3 & 9, shared that she joined pageantry to learn from the type of training which will speak to her body language, one that was different, all-encompassing and more dynamic. It was the first time she learned to walk on the runway, dance Korean K-Pop, groom, style etc. Initially, she found it unbearable and exhausting but being driven she persevered on, as she wanted to equip herself with all these newfound skills.

“On the stage, we really have to use our body language, especially how we carry ourselves, how we walk and how to look elegant at all times,” she expressed.Learning to walk on the runway was a big challenge for her.

“For the past 38 years, I have been walking like a normal person. It’s different on the runway. You have to sashay when you walk and twist your waist and hips, in a more feminine or slightly exaggerated way while looking engaging and elegant. Your posture throughout has to be upright without being stiff in order to look beautiful and desirable,” added the newly minted-queen.”

Datin Woon only had two months to prepare after auditioning and qualifying in March 2022. Her semi-final was in April and her grand final was scheduled for June 2022. Being the perfectionist that she was, she decided to hire catwalk mentors to help her improve her runway walk.

“I engaged 4 different mentors in training me to walk on the runway, including engaging the renowned catwalk guru Benjamin Tong. It was quite trying for me and also costly. More costly than legal fees, but in the end the results were clear,“ she declared.

She spent 1 1/2 hours per session four times a week to get the desired results.

She also had to find a mentor to train her in K-Pop dancing and choreograph her dance performance for her talent round. Her performance was only 2 minutes long but it took her 2 weeks just to learn the beginning 30-second sequence of her performance.

“Not only did I have to learn the routine, I had to prepare my costume, find someone to cut and prepare the song and I also had to rent a studio for the training sessions.”

“My body was just not used to high-energy K-Pop movements. It was very stressful initially but once I broke through, it became easier and everything was okay. I was very happy that I could go through it all and perform it well on stage during the grand finals. I found out later that everyone had enjoyed my show.”

The other major challenge for Datin Woon was walking elegantly in a long gown by Star Fashion.

“I had to wear a pair of six-inch heels and had to find the right kind of shoes to fit me properly and comfortably. It took me a long time to find a suitable one. I kept falling down, mostly from stepping on the back of the gown. Despite all the mishaps, I continued to learn the catwalk, even late at night at home. Finally, I had my shoes custom-made after I found the right shoe designer. It was very satisfying because I felt so secure after that and I could walk much better. You have to be honest with yourself. You cannot walk effortlessly if you do not have the right shoes. It was an invaluable experience.”

The most memorable experience Datin Woon had during the course of her pageant journey was finding and making new friends among the participating delegates and being part of a new group of people from another side of the world.

“I saw how they dressed, how they maintained their body figure, and how they took care of their appearance. I gained new insights as a woman.”

“Previously as a working woman, make-up and dressing up were not very important to me but then after my participation in this pageant journey I found it quite natural and practically essential, and I started practising it more and more each day. Making myself more attractive became an enjoyment to me as a woman,” she laughed in amusement.

“My skin is also healthier now that I am taking care of it better.”

“The whole process of being in this competition has transformed and also empowered me. I had to change into someone different in a very short period of time.”

“I had to find the right make-up artist and hairstylist to prepare me for the competition. I also had to find an image stylist to create a look that was suitable for me.”

“I had to train myself to face obstacles and overcome them, and become more courageous, “ she articulated.

“In the end, it was a great final for me. I slept very little during the 2 months leading up to the finals, I had to continuously prepare and upgrade myself,” she proudly declared.

“But the most important thing was the belief – to make it happen. – no matter what happens. It was my mantra for the competition.”

“I was very grateful that all the of the contestants had a good relationship and rapport with each other. There was good team spirit throughout the competition.”

“After two years of the pandemic, peace is very important to all of us because the world needs to gather itself, heal itself, reduce conflicts and face so many difficult challenges collectively. The last thing we need is more wars. Everyone gains by having peace. Everyone can move or travel freely and not worry about debilitating conflicts.”

“I like the Peace and Culture in the pageant title. It is perfect for the post-pandemic era,” she proclaimed.

“During MCO we were living with a lot of pressure, stress and anxiety. We were all concerned about the virus, its effects and its never-ending spread.”

“It’s good that Malaysians have adapted themselves well to the new way of living. They are more alert and careful with their health and hygiene. They are taking better care of themselves and also their children,” Datin Woon expressed.


When Datin Woon joined Miss & Mrs Peace & Culture International 2022, she was hoping to cultivate a different kind of body language that was more feminine and elegant, and give her a new balance in life and make her more complete as a woman.

As a lawyer she was always in corporate suits or donning coats, discussing cases and dealing with documents and evidence throughout her career. The pageant experience has transformed her beyond the courts and corporate offices and opened up new avenues for her, and has given her a more wholesome outlook on life. The experience has changed and enhanced her and has unleashed her full potential.

As the title winner, she has commitments to the organiser as their ambassador and also some duties to perform as an advocate for peace and culture. This will keep her busy and occupied beyond the courts for at least one year. She will also have some international duties to perform as the queen but all of her activities will take place one by one according to a schedule that the organisers will draw up.

Her number one supporter was her 41-year-old husband Dato’ Angus Tiong Chau Siong. When she informed him about her intention to participate in the competition, he more than encouraged her to participate and was behind her all the way. He had so much confidence in her that he immediately told her that he wanted to buy a stretch of 6 front row tables for the finals, inviting their family, friends and colleagues, so that they all could be there to give her the best support and encouragement during the grand finals.

Datin Woon’s life before the competition was mostly between office, courts and home. During the pandemic, she spent two whole years indoors. After joining the pageant and after going through the comprehensive pageant training program, she has also become sportier and fitter. She slimmed down a lot during the competition and was very thrilled with her shapely new figure. In order to maintain it and keep feeling good about herself, she has started playing badminton and basketball and has become a more active person compared to the past. She has learned to utilise her time well in order to enjoy more variety. It was some of the major changes that she adapted after the competition.

Datin Woon hopes to be an inspiration to other women. It was also one of her intentions when she enrolled in the pageant. She sincerely hopes to help other women unleash their full potential. She feels most women are actually capable of much more and are only utilizing 30% to 40% of their full potential. They can achieve more if they try different things and make things happen for themselves despite any obstacles.

Speaking from her heart, Datin Woon hopes to have more balance in her lifestyle, more time for her family, a beautiful marriage, a happy family, and a better work-life balance. In fact, the title has opened up more doors for her when she is approaching clients for business. It’s a lot easier for her to connect with people now when she is networking. People trust her more and have a lot more confidence in her to deliver.

Her success in Miss & Mrs Peace & Culture International Pageant has seen many other pageant brands approaching her to participate in their competitions. She may consider them after her tenure with the current pageant is over.

Her advice to others who may be considering joining pageants or those who do not believe they can do it;

“We can only know whether we can or cannot, only after we try.”

The inaugural Miss & Mrs Peace And Culture International Pageant, which focuses on respecting and promoting peace and culture through education in order to change the world, was presented by Eminent International and organised by L’Cadeau.

Acclaimed alt pop duo joan today have released their highly anticipated debut album superglue, which is over three years in the making. The full length album is shared with accompanying visuals for the title track. The album follows their beloved EPs portra, cloudy, hi and bye. superglue is an existential journey influenced by the duo’s recent transition into fatherhood.

The duo also have a 20 date nationwide U.S. headlining tour beginning May 13th, to support their album and have just added a special global Roblox listening party on April 21st, 22nd and 23rd where users can participate in fun and interactive activities together with their friends while listening to superglue in unique community based experiences. joan is set to pop into these experiences all weekend (as their avatars) and hold exclusive live Q+A for fans.

With their album superglue, the duo have shared their most personal music to date. Life shaped the subject mater like never before and joan have crafted an undeniably cathartic, candid and expansive indie pop album. “We naturally felt comfortable in the world of love songs,” says Steven. “This time, we were like, ‘Let’s get more personal’. We both had babies in the past year. We’ve grown more than we have in a long time. It’s so cool watching your baby crawl for the first time and see the world. It organically informed the writing. The whole body of work is so personal—like we’re giving a piece of ourselves to listeners. It’s by far the most special thing we’ve done.”

Highlights include the highly emotive and nostalgic single “flowers”, which discusses how time is fleeting and how people grow and change. Paired with wistful acoustic guitar riffs under cinematic synths and heartfelt melodies, “flowers” is a reflective and important musical release. While on “loner” the duo capture the autobiographical feeling of being an outsider and the internal struggle of imposter syndrome. Featuring a hypnotic hook and fervent pop rock soundscapes, “loner” is an intoxicating listen.

“nervous” takes listeners back to their own memories on the school yard experiencing their first crush. This kind of infatuation stirs a myriad of intense emotions and with “nervous”, joan brilliantly depicts that thrilling yet unsettling feeling of intoxication. The single entices with honey-dipped vocals over a unique kaleidoscope of sounds including beatboxing, clapping and lush acoustics.

The title track “superglue” speaks to their fatherly bond with one of the most powerful, poignant, and poetic moments on the record. “As new dads, we were like, ‘What if we wrote this about our girls?’,” recalls Alan. “We want them to know we’re superglue for them. We’re the guys you can run to when you’re sad or you want to rejoice because something happy happened at school. If you’re not a parent, it can be about someone you really care about. We’re singing it to our little girls though.”

In the end, joan elicit a reaction through simply being joan. “I’d love for our name to be synonymous with our sound,” Alan leaves off. “We hope you hear this album and go, ‘That’s the best first joan record they could’ve possibly mustered up’. At the same time, I hope it encourages you to ask questions and know it’s okay not have an answer to everything. The human experience is very nuanced. It’s not all black-and-white; it’s okay to live in the gray. We’ve found joy and peace in there. Maybe our music gives you a little bit of joy in the middle of chaos.”

“I truly believe superglue has something for everyone,” Steven concludes. “Hopefully, everybody in the entire world can hear it…not a hard task,” he laughs.

watch the video for superglue here

superglue tracklist

life death & everything between simple

loner nervous

backseat driving coffee shop

don’t wanna be your friend monsters

hi

feeling like dancing falling in love flowers

superglue

Listen here

The Little Rock, Arkansas based twosome is known for creating expansive pop music from inside their bedrooms in deepest Middle America. Their infectious blend of pop eras, DIY, self-sustaining aesthetic and deep connection with their fanbase has resulted in international success with over 150 million streams and sold out shows across the globe including headlining 15,000+ capacity venues in Asia.

joan (Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford) have spent the past few years building their world, single by single, tour date by tour date; from their debut EP, 2019’s portra, to the much-loved cloudy & its sister EP partly cloudy, to 2021’s hi & bye EPs. Their songs have been streamed over 150 million times, with well over a million listeners a month across streaming platforms.

joan have enjoyed U.S. and international tours supporting the likes of Jeremy Zucker, COIN, Bloc Party and The Aces, as well as playing to fans across Asia with headline shows and festivals in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong – they return to Asia for the biggest shows yet, includes dates at a basketball arena and a theme park.

joan’s infectious blend of pop eras & styles belies their roots in Little Rock, Arkansas, but their sense of warmth and community from those around them at home gives their music a sense of belonging often missing from others’ and that extends to their fanbase, with whom they interact via a successful Patreon page and through free meet & greets at every show.

2023 promises to be the band’s biggest yet, with the release of their debut album and worldwide touring & festivals.

joan tour dates

May 13 – The Masquerade (Hell Stage): Atlanta, GA May 14 – The Basement East: Nashville, TN

May 16 – Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY May 17: The Lounge @ World Cafe: Philadelphia, PA May 19 – The Black Cat: Washington DC

May 20 – The Sinclair: Boston, MA

May 23 – The Velvet Underground, Toronto, ON May 25 – Subterranean: Chicago, IL

May 31 – Parish: Austin, TX June 1 – Club Dada: Dallas, TX June 3 – Valley Bar: Phoenix, AZ

June 4 – Voodoo Room @ HOB: San Diego, CA June 6 – Constellation Room: Santa Ana, CA June 7 – Teragram Ballroom: Los Angeles, CA

June 8 – Popscene @ Rickshaw Shop: San Fransisco, CA June 10 – Polaris Hall: Portland, OR

June 11 – Barboza: Seattle, WA June 13 – Soundwell: Salt Lake City, UT June 14 – Larimer Lounge: Denver, CO

June 15 – Resonant Head, Oklahoma City, OK June 16 – Little Rock Music Hall: Little Rock, AR