Art, music, events and entertainment in Penang

This week find information about upcoming talks, cheese tasting, music, poetry and more. Check out the tours and workshops (by arrangement in advance) offered by Penang Heritage Trust, and the chance to join a masked choir in the Every Week section too.

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ART WORKSHOPS - A NEW BEGINNING, Ming Fine Art, St Jo’s, Gurney Paragon, Wednesday 30th September & Saturday 3rd October

In conjunction with the art exhibition, A New Beginning (see below) artists Ng Hun Kim and Yew Soo Cheng will demonstrate their technique. You will get to see the artists in action and see how they produce their beautiful creations RSVP at 604 893 0519. Limited places. Free of charge.

Wednesday 30th 2.30pm-4pm Chinese Brush Painting

Saturday 3rd October 2.30pm-4pm Mixed Media Painting

FILM - BEANPOLE, Hikayat, 226 Beach St, Wednesday 30th September & Thursday 1st October 6pm

1945, Leningrad. World War II has devastated the city, demolishing its buildings and leaving its citizens in tatters, physically and mentally. Although the siege – one of the worst in history – is finally over, life and death continue their battle in the wreckage that remains. Two young women, Iya and Masha, search for meaning and hope in the struggle to rebuild their lives among the ruins.
 
Winner, Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival
Winner, Best Feature Film, London Film Week

Screening and refreshments RM15.
Booking here essential.

FOOD & BEVERAGE - A TASTE OF MALAYA, Malaya Dining Room, Jalan Hutton, Thursday 1st October 7pm

A special 3-course tasting menu at Malaya Dining Room featuring their signature spiced duck, grilled fish, pickles, chutneys and naan fingers. The evening will begin with a walk through the Jawi Peranakan Mansion hotel adjacent to the restaurant. Email to book.
RM125 per person - numbers limited due to SOPs. Vegetarian option available.
Please note MALAYA is not yet open for general dining.

POETRY JAM: DRAGONS AND UNICORNS, LokalHouz, Jalan Jetty Lama, Butterworth, Friday 2nd October, 7.30pm

Poetry Jam celebrates strength and whimsy with Dragons & Unicorns!

In the East, dragons symbolize fortune and great power. Western mythologies depict dragons as strong and fierce, representing the practical reality one needs to move forward in life. Unicorns, on the other hand, often represent freedom, magic, purity, and innocence, representing the inner child in us so full of wonderment at the magic that is life. One without the other is simply incomplete. Life, after all, is about balance. Day and night. Dark and light. Yin and yang. A night of poetry and music. Entry fee: RM 15/ pax
Go to Poetry Jam Asia’s Facebook page for more information. 

ART DEMONSTRATION - PENANG lN WATERCOLOUR, Online, Saturday 3rd October 4pm-5.30pm

Renowned Penang artist Khoo Cheang Jin is doing live watercolour paintings of 8 Penang scenes on Saturday afternoons. These are not be the usual tourist hot spots but lesser known beautiful places in Penang. Last week was a George Town kopitiam. So join Cheang Jin and explore with him, live on Facebook here.

FILM - OFFICE SPACE, The Screenery, 81 Lebuh China, Saturday 3rd October 7pm-10pm

1999 American cult black comedy film written and directed by Mike Judge. It satirizes the work life of a typical mid-to-late-1990s software company, focusing on a handful of individuals weary of their jobs. It stars Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, Stephen Root, David Herman, Ajay Naidu, and Diedrich Bader.

Join the private Facebook group here for more information. For the present all film screenings are free of charge.

BUNGALOW WALK, Penang Hill, Sunday 4th October, 8am-11am

Penang Hill has many bungalows featuring a fusion of architecture from British colonial to Asian and modern architecture. One of the oldest buildings (Convalescent Bungalow) dates to 1803 and The Bel Retiro is a government bungalow was built in 1789 for the Governor of Penang, and remains within the exclusive use of the Governor.

RM 50 per person, meet at the Dataran, Penang Hill. Register 016-4201189. More information on Facebook here.

TALK - THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TREASON, TREACHERY AND BETRAYAL IN WARTIME MALAYA, Francis Suite, E&O Hotel, Tuesday 6th October 7pm-8.30.pm

Andrew Barber is an entertaining speaker and author of several books about the history of Malaysia. In this session he will focus on the spies, double agents and even triple agents who betrayed their comrades & countries during WW2 - and examine what drove them to do so.
RM45 per person to include tea/coffee on arrival.

Email or message +60164570221 to book.

TALK - BECOME MONEY WISE, Mei Hotel, Abu Siti Lane or Online, Tuesday 6th October 7.30pm-9pm

In Lean In Penang’s monthly session, certified trainer and coach Caydee Schwarz will help you understand your own money personality and show you a money management system that is proven to work well for thousands of people, no matter how small their income is.
 For Register here.

THE INTIMATE TALK, penangpac, Wednesday 7th October, 7pm-8pm

Single parent: A blessing in disguise or a burden?

“THE INTIMATE TALK" is a project to bring women together to empower and inspire each other. The one-hour duration of the event will begin with a monologue screening, followed with a presentation by a guest speaker. We then will open the floor for a safe space to have our intimate, heart to heart talk with everyone present. Attendees may share their personal stories, experiences and opinions. We encourage everyone to attend - women, men and anyone 18 & above.


FREE ADMISSION. (Call +6048991722 to reserve seats. Limited to first 30)

 

COMEDY - JUST COME TRY STAND-UP OPEN MIC, 54 JCT, 54 Jalan Chow Thye, Wednesday 7th October, 8.30pm

Penang’s comedians try out new original material, RM 10 to watch, free for performers. Contact via the Facebook page if you would like to try performing yourself!

CHARITY EVENT - PINK LADIES, E&O Hotel, Friday 9th October 9.30am-1pm

Annual brunch, fashion show and raffle to raise funds for cancer charities RM 130.

SOLD OUT - to register for the wait list click here.

FUN - GAME GEEKS, Luma, Hin Bus Depot, Friday 9th October 8pm-10pm, Sat & Sun 10th & 11th 2pm-6pm

Getting out of the box is the goal here! Let loose on a retro arcade game, shoot up a target with a nerf blaster, build a lego spaceship, team up on a boardgame... whatever your playmode, whether you borrow ours or bring your own, it's all good! More details on Luma’s Facebook page here.

HORSE RACING - Penang Turf Club, Saturday & Sunday 10th & 11th October 1pm Onwards

Enjoy the racing in person in the air-conditioned viewing terrace of the grandstand. Dress code smart-casual. Betting optional! More details on the turf club’s website here. RM 26 per person.

FOOD & BEVERAGE - FRENCH CHEESE TASTING, Two Frenchies, 36 Bishop Street, Tuesday 13th October 7.30pm Onwards

If you don't know your Brillat Savarin from your Valencay, then this is the event for you! In this evening you will have the chance to taste six best selling cheeses, with tossed green salad & country bread, accompanied by a glass of your choice of Chateau Grand Baril - St Emilion (red) or Chateau Ferthis - Sauvignon Blanc (white) wine, followed by dessert. 
RM150 per person - numbers are limited! Email or message +60164570221 to book your seat

COMEDY - NIGHT OF HAHA-ROR, penangpac, Friday & Saturday 23rd & 24th October, 8.30pm

Halloween-themed comedy from the best of Penang’s stand-up comedians. RM 35, tickets on sale at the penangpac box office.

ART EXHIBITIONS

STILL BY SHARON KOW, G Art Gallery, G Hotel, September 24th-December 21st

Renowned local self-taught pencil artist Sharon Kow Siew Suan presents Still, a series of artworks that depict a state of mental quietude. Sharon believes that “Stillness speaks”, as we take time to be still and to quiet the mind, we can achieve a clear introspection of our thoughts and emotions. Her artworks are intricately illustrated using just colour pencils.

Free of charge, open 24 hours (G Hotel mezzanine floor)

THE THREAD OF LIFE, EXHIBITION BY DAYANG ArtSpace, ChinaHouse, Beach St, Until September 30th

Old pictures tend to trigger nostalgia. The pictures used for the thread of life exhibition are negatives taken in 1936 in various places in Asia and the Middle East. Dayang has enriched these black and white images to combine these stories of the past with her perception of life. Experiences  ‘gathered’ are like dots and life is the line that connects them. Dayang has added colourful threads as her vision of how the past intertwines with the present.

Dayang Salim is a Singaporean artist and designer who is residing in Kuala Lumpur. Her work has been exhibited in China, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Belgium and Hong Kong. Her works focus mainly on different cultures and experiences of living abroad.

The ArtSpace at ChinaHouse is open from 10am until 10pm daily.

A NEW BEGINNING, Ming Fine Art, St Jo’s. Gurney Paragon, Until October 4th

New Beginning is a duo exhibition by artist Yew Soo Cheng and Ng Hun Kim. It is a collaboration between East and West and uses two different mediums.

10am-10pm daily.

PE’EL BY KIDE BAHARUDIN, Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara, October 2nd-November 1st

Pe’el is a Malay word that means habit or behaviour.The artworks displayed in Pe’el carry stories revolving lives of the people in villages and towns, comparing similarities in daily behaviour and social activities in the 50’s and 60’s in Malaysia.Trading, food and beverages served, entertainment and social gatherings; various races from different walks of life interacting with each other. See the societal values that have been discounted, the past Malaysia is almost foreign to some.

Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. Free admission

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF HOKKIEN EXHIBITION, Cheah Kong Si, 8 Armenian St, Until October 25th

The southern Chinese language Hokkien, widely used in Penang, has 25 million speakers; two and a half times the population of Sweden. While the Swedish language faces no threat of extinction, Hokkien is set to vanish as its speakers abandon it for Mandarin.
In this exhibition, you will see that the root cause of decline in such languages is an ideology, which emerged in the 19th century. This is also an exhibition that challenges our preconceived idea about Chinese. A pre-historic bronze drum and old books printed in southern Chinese languages are on display for the first time in Malaysia. 9am-5pm daily. 

ART COMPETITIONS

BALIK PULAU FESTIVAL ART COMPETITION, Until September 30th

The Balik Pulau Festival Art competition is now open for submissions by Malaysians aged 7-17. Cash prizes for winners. For more details see the website here.

SPOTLIGHT BY PENANG ART DISTRICT COMPETITION, Until October 1st

Spotlight by Penang Art District returns with its 2020 edition, offering young aspiring and emerging artists the opportunity to undergo an intensive mentorship with an art professional and showcase their body of works in a solo exhibition. Welcoming applications from all over Malaysia, Spotlight 2020 is an open call for artists aged 30 and below. For more information, visit the website.

“LANDSCAPE” AND “FLORA” ART COMPETITION, Until October 1st

Open to all artists aged 15 and above, using Any painting medium (oil, acrylic, watercolor, ink, gouache etc) and any size of painting. Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded by a panel of 6 well-known artists and 2 international gallery owners. Entry fees for non Malaysians USD 18 for up to two images and USD 6 for each additional image; for Malaysians RM 75 for up to 2 images and RM 25 for each additional image.

Send entry form, proof of remittance along with artwork images, or enquiries to this email address.

Warrior Fitness now offers coach-led training both outdoors and live online via Zoom from Mondays-Fridays. Our training system is designed and planned for all fitness levels. All are welcome. Imagine being fitter and healthier and while also feeling better than ever. Now is the right time; do come and join us for our 7-day FREE TRIAL.


For more details on the schedule and how to join WhatsApp 018-2827567 or email here.

EVERY WEEK IN PENANG

HERITAGE TOURS AND WORKSHOPS, George Town, By Prior Arrangement

Learn more about George Town’s history and heritage with the Penang Heritage Trust’s walks and workshops. Email for more information and to arrange a date, minimum 3 working days in advance for walks and 1-2 weeks for workshops..

Walks: (3 hours, RM160/pax for 2 pax, RM130/pax for 3 pax & above)

Trail A: Street of Harmony & Clan Jetties

Trail B: Colonial District & Little India

Joss Stick making workshop (RM400/pax, including materials) - 3 hours, 6-8 pax,

Rattan weaving workshop (RM180/pax including materials) - 3 hours, 4 - 6 pax,

Beaded bracelet making workshop (RM100/pax for PHT members, RM130/pax for non-PHT members) - 2.5 hours, Min. 8 - 10 pax

NATURE WALKS AT PENANG HILL, Penang Hill, Daily 9.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm & 4.30pm

Free of charge nature and heritage guided tours of Penang Hill. Spaces limited so registration essential at 016-4201189. More information on Facebook here.

GUIDED TOUR OF CHEONG FATT TZE BLUE MANSION, Lebuh Leith, Daily 11am & 2pm

A 45-minute guided tour through the history of the spectacular UNESCO award-winning mansion, revealing stories of its original owner and extended family, and of the house’s design philosophy and stunning architecture.

RM 25 for adults, RM 12.50 for children. Tickets can be purchased online here.

GUIDED TOUR OF PENANG HOUSE OF MUSIC, Level 4 Komtar via ICT Mall, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11.30am & 2.30pm

Tour this unique curation of Penang's popular music heritage with faithful depictions of the era. Strictly by appointment (maximum 10 people per tour) 012 416 1550.

Admission prices (Malaysians): RM 20 for adult, RM 10 concessions, children under 5 free. Admission prices (non-Malaysians): RM 30 for adult, RM 15 concessions, children under 5 free.

SUNSET WALK, The Habitat, Penang Hill, Saturdays and Sundays 5.30pm

The Habitat Penang Hill Sunset Walk is back!
Enjoy a Self Guided Walk to watch the sunset from Curtis Crest, the highest point in Penang, or email to book in for a guided walk with a guide to point out the nocturnal jungle life to you. RM 65 per adult, RM 45 per child for self-guided walk, RM 95 per adult and RM 65 per child for a guided tour.

PAINTING WORKSHOPS - ARTSY SIP, Prima Tanjung, Saturdays and Sundays 2.30pm-5pm

No art skills required. You will be guided throughout the process. A different theme every week. All materials provided. RM 88 including coffee/tea or RM 95 including a cocktail. For reservations call 0124417100. More information on the Facebook page here.

OPEN MIC & PRO JAM, D’Loovi’s, 24 Lebuh Melayu, Sundays 8pm-11pm

A rare opportunity to watch live music in person during the pandemic and for budding singers, musicians and indie artists to perform in public. Bring your own instrument if you wish to play. More information here.

EXPAT COFFEE AND CHAT, Mondays at Brown Pocket, Gurney Paragon, and Saturdays at Kim Haus, 9 Lebuh Campbell, 10.30am-12.30pm

Get together for expats and newcomers to Penang. Email here do WhatsApp +61411735011for more details.

WEEKLY WRITES, Luma, Hin Bus Depot, Every Monday 2.30pm-10.30pm,

Hosted by #MYWriters Penang, the weekly write-ins at LUMA allow writers to gather in one place with their laptops or notebooks and set aside time to do some serious writing. More details on their Facebook page here.

ACTORS STUDIO CHORUS, penangpac, Straits Quay, Every Monday 8pm-9.30pm

Large mask-wearing choir welcomes singers to practice for 3 concerts a year. Email for more information.

QUIZ NIGHT, Healy Mac’s, Straits Quay, Every Monday 8pm

Weekly pub quiz, now with social distancing and maximum of four people per team.  More information on Facebook here.

HIN BUS DEPOT MARKET, Hin Bus Depot, Every Sunday 11am-5pm

The Hin Bus Depot Sunday market is back, with social distancing and SOPs in place. A reduced but still vibrant market place of the products of local entrepreneurs, crafters, artisans, with indoor busking by local musicians, and the relaxed vibe we love. More details on their Facebook page here.

FITNESS - TABATA, Online, Every Wednesday 5pm

Tabata is an interval style workout where you push yourself as hard as you can for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds. A great way to improve muscular endurance as well as cardiovascular.

Free of charge, to join this workout, click here.

MEDITATION CLASSES, Online, By appointment

Learn to mediate for peace, calm and inner strength. Classes via zoom, at no cost. For more details and to sign up WhatsApp Helen 013 430 1229.

A community service of Brahma Kumaris Penang.

SUNDAY SOUL SESSION, Online, Every Sunday 5pm-7pm

DJ Carl Hinds invites you every Sunday for a late afternoon dose of two hours of chilled soul music. The stream starts at 5pm through mixcloud here.

COMMUNITY Ongoing

Due to Covid-19 the meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are temporarily suspended.  Instead, the Penang AA Group have scheduled several online meetings accessible via Zoom.  If you would like more information about the AA Penang online meetings, please call 011 512 31396.

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