Can you believe that we’re already halfway through the year? It’s safe to say that in-real-life events and live shows are officially back in full throttle this July, and let’s hope it stays that way for a while.
As we do our mid-year reflections (or not!) and plan out our goals and must-do’s for the rest of 2022, July brings on a string of events from music, theatre and art installations to keep us inspired with fun-filled weekends.
Here are our picks for the best shows, exhibitions and things to do this July 2022 in Klang Valley.
Undercurrent returns to REXKL this 9th July for a second edition this year with a stunning line-up of our favourite indie artists. Featuring artists from a local independent music label, Breaking Music, get your tickets now to catch Midnight Fusic, Kyoto Protokol, RESORT and The Peachskins LIVE in concert, and revel in a night of high-octane showmanship and headbang-worthy tracks.
9 July | REXKL | RM55
If you’re a fan of the Beatles and classical music, you do not want to miss this orchestral treat on the 16th of July! Conducted by MPO’s resident conductor Naohisa Furusawa, be impressed by the mash-ups of the century as MPO performs iconic hits from Beatlemania like “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, “Hey Jude”, “Penny Lane” and more with a unique Baroque twist in the styles of Handel, Bach and Vivaldi.
16 July | Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS | From RM130
Looking for something outdoors, casual and fun for the whole family? Bring your family (and sunscreen!) to the idyllic grounds of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) on the 16th and 17th of July for a musical morning with the klpac Symphonic Band, as they perform songs from classic favourites like Beauty and the Beast, Lord of the Rings and more!
16-17 July | Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) | Free, donations welcomed
NUSA, the new national permanent collection exhibition at the National Art Gallery takes viewers deep into the notion of motherland in relationship to the superdiversity of our country. Featuring iconic masterpieces such as the River Pergau State of Kelantan, by William Samwell in the 19th century, “Kampung Nelayan” by distinguished Chinese brush painter, Chung Chen Sun and more, this exhibition marks the reopening of the gallery’s main spaces post-renovations. Be sure to check out its latest acquisition of the Enrique de Malacca Memorial Project by Ahmad Fuad Osman, which we recently had the chance to review at the Ilham Gallery.
Permanent till 2025 | National Art Gallery | Free
When it comes to immersive visual experiences, the team at local new media art collective Filamen never fails to give us a feast for our eyes. At #TheWorldThroughHisEye happening until 17th July, walk through a 3D mapped environment showcasing beautifully-made kaleidoscopic patterns by 4-year-old visual artist Rashwin, who is on the autism spectrum. Check out this awe-inspiring showcase in KEDAI KL, and support Autism Awareness through art.
Until 17 July | KEDAI KL | RM8
Presented by multidisciplinary artists, Aiwei Foo and Kent Lee under the collective called Shaman Tearoom, “Still Life” is a visual exhibition with site-specific installations and tearoom performances that explore the meaning of being still in the flux of changes; movement in utmost stillness. Check out their IG page to confirm tearoom performance dates and times.
Until 24 July | The Godown KL | Free
.png)
The theatre is back, and we’re here for it! Brian Friel’s “Philadelphia, Here I Come” tells a witty and outrageously funny-yet poignant story about Danny (and his conscience!) feeling unfulfilled at home and in search for new adventures in Philadelphia. Brilliantly ‘malaysianized’ and staged thrice to sold out shows – in 1994, 1998 and 2013, catch the star-studded cast on stage this July as this is one show you do not want to miss!
9-10 July, 12 -17 July | Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) | RM68
Theatre is not only a vessel for entertainment but it holds a bigger purpose in telling a story; one that uplifts and connects a whole community. “And Then Came Spring” does exactly that as it tells the story of refugee and migration issues, child marriage and women’s education through its characters, 14-year-old Nazanin and her family. Produced by Parastoo Theatre in collaboration with The Instant Café Theatre, book your tickets now at DPAC’s website before it’s too late!
22-24 July | Damansara Performing Arts Centre | From RM35
Yup, we are loving this blooming of new independent bookshops in KL! Malaysia’s latest addition is Riwayat, located at 34, Jalan Tun HS Lee. A first of its kind, Riwayat curates old and new books from a vast selection of Malaysiana books randing from fiction to non-fiction. For all book lovers, bask in the smell of vintage pages and trawl through the growing curation of books in this quaint little shop in the middle of town.
34, Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur
