Club nights at Blue Note are as hot as ever in August with the usual throng of international DJs heading to Kota Kinabalu to rock KK’s nightlife. Featuring some (pretty) new faces and old favourites, August’s Generation Y is set to please.

1 & 2 August
The ever popular DJ Nikki starts off the month’s clubbing action on the first weekend of August. One of Malaysia’s most prominent DJ celebs, DJ Nikki’s passion for dance music can be heard and felt in her thumping beats.

8 & 9 August
August’s 2nd weekend belongs to DJ Fono as he brings his highly sought after progressive trans music from KL to KK. Locally acclaimed, DJ Fono has supported big name acts like Sasha, Dave Angel and Pete Tong and have played alongside greats such as Paul Oakenfold and Daniella Davoli.

15 & 16 August
As we reach the 3rd week of August, it’s all DJ Terence C. Having played alongside a slew of well-known DJs and known himself as the stable of Zouk Kuala Lumpur, DJ Terence C isolates the funkier elements of progressive and house for the benefit of KK clubbers.

22 & 23 August
DJ Gabriel, better known as one of the resident DJs on 88.9 Capital FM, is as dedicated to dance music as the show, Turn It Up, that he co-hosts. Eager to please the crowd, you can expect funky R&B, hip-hop and soul music.

29 & 30 August
On the last weekend of August the ever popular DJ Shazz returns to Blue Note. Popular for his devotion to true house music, DJ Shazz is not to be missed as he rounds up Blue Note’s August chapter of Generation Y at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

18 & 19 July

DJ Shazz is back in KK’s Blue Note on the weekend of 18 & 19 July with his stirring rhythmic intensity that elicit a soulful spiritual and inspirational vibe.

DJ Shazz, who grew up in New York, appeared at Lovezoo at The Lost Weekend, Progress in Derby, The Que Club in Birmingham and The Sub Club in Glasgow and promises Kota Kinabalu’s club scene a party to remember.

25 & 26 July

On the weekend of 25 & 26 July DJ Fine China, also known as Jonathan Ngu, is doing his thing at Blue Note at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

Hailing from Perth, Australia, Dj Fine China has the ability to cut, fade and scratch with effects. Part of some of Perth’s big gigs and with appearance at famous clubs, DJ Fine China promises not to disappoint Blue Note’s punters.

Blue Note is located at Kota Kinabalu’s Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa and is open daily. Watch out for Ladies’ Night on Thursdays and Generation Y brining international class DJs to KK’s club scene on Fridays and Saturdays.

In what must surely be a record of some sort, Blue Note at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa closed down for just four days and underwent a complete transformation.

The result – a sleak, modern looking upmarket bar, ready with groovy tunes for the hip and beautiful.

With a look that will undoubtedly impress first-time visitors and regulars alike, the blue of Blue Note has been covered by a predominantly white theme.  A red wall along the back of Blue Note contrasted by blue lighting behind the main bar, lends to the new Blue Note a vibey atmosphere.

A feature that keen observers will recognise, hang from the ceiling to adorn the centre of the dance floor.  Blue Note’s much talked about titillating lamps have combined to create a unique, organic light source and an equally unique conversation piece.

And for conversation Blue Note provided in their new look.  With thumping club rhythms the talk of the town and the envy of many, it’s nice to notice that the back portion of Blue Note is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, allowing a quieter environment without being segregated from the club atmosphere.

The revamp has enabled Blue Note to now accommodation 175 seated party goers, good news for those attending club nights on Fridays or Saturdays or Cover Girl Night on Thursdays.

Beauty comes at a price though as Blue Note now charges a RM 30 cover charge at the door. On the upside, it includes a house-pouring drink.

For the uninitiated, Blue Note Bar provides premier nightlife and is located at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu (KK) and operates from 6pm to 1am, Sundays to Thursdays, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturday.

A hot line-up of international DJs sets the night club scene in Kota Kinabalu alight, with dance tunes of all varieties.  Check out this post for the skinny on Generation Y in May.

Making his first appearance on the 2nd of May, is DJ Zaskar.  His source of inspiration is evident as he admits to his admiration of Djs Richie Hawtin, Sven vath, Sasha and John Digweed.  All for educating his countrymen about the borders beyond house and trance, DJ Zaskar’s originals are regarded by those who like Gabriel Ananda and Sebastian Ingrosso.

DJ Ben Katana is captain of the decks on Saturday, 3 May as introduces Kota Kinabalu to his passion; electro-clash.  Having honed his skills alongside DJs Derrick May, Ben Sims, Jeff Mills, Takkyu Ishino, DJ Taska, Ken Ishii and Richie Hawtin, DJ Ben Katana also worked with producers and remixers the likes of Deep Dish, Erick Morillo and Sister Bliss.

DJ Khai, also known as BananaRpublik, will set the tone for the weekend starting May 9.  With a collection of dance music and an addiction to electro and techno from greats such as Steve Angello, Carl Cox and Sven Vath, DJ Khai knows how to rile the crowds.

Saturday, 10 May sees DJ Van descending upon Blue Note to uplift the crowd with new beats, new rhythms and new desires.  This he converges in urban vernaculars to bring a new style, story and identity to global dance culture.

Back by popular demand, DJ Terence C graces Blue Note with his presence once again, when on 16 & 17 May he wields the party.  With numerous performances in South East Asia, alongside internationally acclaimed DJs, DJ Terence C is no stranger to Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Chicane, Omid16B, Anthony Pappa, John Digweed and Hernan Cattaneo.

On 23 May, DJ Hooi, better known as C-Master, follows in the footsteps of progressive vibe DJs John Digweed, DJ Moshic and Chris Micali with progressive vibes at Blue Note.  A semi-finalist in the Pioneer Digital Battles in 2006, DJ Hooi reached th semi-finals of The Juice DJ Quest in 2007 and is reaching for greater heights in 2008.

Saturday 24 May sees international DJ Mike Ho hotting up the dance floor.  Semi-finalist in Thirsts Heineken DJ Battle, second runner-up in The Juice DJ Quest and also Pioneer Digital Battle, DJ Mike Ho has a thirst for beat.  With a funky break-beat vs. post Rock ‘n Roll, Indie and hip-hop, in the blender with electro beats and bass with Eltro Disco as garnish, DJ Mike Ho is bound to deliver a dancing sensation.

May’s Generation Y concludes with an old favourte.  DJ Bryan Burger is back at Blue Note in KK on 30 and 31 May.  Having rubbed shoulders with BT, Dave Seaman, Steve Lawler, John Digwed and Paul Van Dyke, DJ Bryan Burger is a virtual legend by association.  Not to be preceded by his reputation, DJ Bryan Burger will demonstrate his ability to move the dance floor to an orgasmic crescendo at Blue Note at the end of May.

Blue Note at Shang-ri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa in Kota Kinabalu continues to bring well-known international DJs to KK’s night club dancing scene and promises more of the same in June.

4 & 5 April: DJ Jonvu

The first weekend in April sees DJ Jonvu making his first appearance at KK’s Blue Note. A regular on the circuit at clubs like Zouk, Palate Palette, Maison and Atrium, he gained international experience along side DJ Raysoo, Bryan Burger and Ben Katana.

11 & 12 April: DJ Victor

Spinning the decks with names such as Mauro Picotto, Eric Enterna, Hybrid, Luke Chable, Dano, DJ Tatiana, BT and Dimitri, DJ Victor promises to bring something special to KK’s club scene on the weekend of 11 April. Experiences under his belt is having hosted his own dance show, Wicked, on Red FM, winning the Heineken Juice Magazine DJ Quest and Vestax Extravagazna DJ Competition’s mixing category.

18 April: DJ Terence C

Not new to KK’s club circuit, DJ Terence C has rubbed shoulders whilst spinning decks with Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Chicane and John Digweed. In a collaboration with Callen Thama nd Didjital, he performed part of Altered Image Collective and won the Heineken Thirst Malaysia Championship.

19 April: DJ Blink

DJ Blinks brings a unique sound to Blue Note when on the 19th of April he will show off his persistence and innate turntable skills. His distinct sound is polished by spinning with DJ Tony Tay from Zouk Singaore, DJ Hyper, Meat Katie and Hybrid. He’s also won several competitions including Vestrax and Heineken Thirst.

25 April: DJ Elf

Through experimentation with various methods on the decks, DJ Elf has built up a range of sounds ranging from down tempo, house and trance, to techno and electro. Having attended the Royale DJ Academy, DJ Elf is also a film editor, and although he doesn’t have a musical background, his rapid intuition enables him to produce astonishing results.

26 April: DJ Groove Doctor

Blue Note’s April edition of Generation Y concludes on the 26th when DJ Groove Doctor rocks the scene with his roots firmly in house. Reputed to be Malaysia’s pioneer club DJ he boasts the title of Malaysia’s Godfather of House. Providing his groovy recipe of dance floor madness in China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, DJ Groove Doctor made history when he became the first Malaysian DJ to be invited to play in the US at San Francisco’s famous Red Melon Party.

For a clubbing vibe, house music and serious dancing or just a good night out clubbing in Kota Kinabalu, be sure not to miss Blue Note’s Generation Y.

An entertaining line-up of internationally experienced DJ’s will rock the house every weekend with hard core clubbing tunes, promising to keep pumping up the night club scene in Kota Kinabalu.

Refer to the Generation Y write-up for more detail.

DJ Bryan Burger

Breaking the ice at Blue Note as the next session of Generation Y commenced on March 1st, was DJ Bryan Burger, known for tribal inspired grooves built around funky electro baselines. Said to induce orgasmic crescendos with the spin of his discs, DJ Bryan Burger has played alongside international legends such as John Digweed, Paul Van Dyke, Circulation and other international DJs.

DJ Shazz

From a childhood on the streets of New York City, DJ Shazz brings true house to Blue Note on March 8. With solo experiences at the Sub Club in Glasgow, Que Club in Birmingham and Lovezoo at The Lost Weekend under his belt, DJ Shazz is loyal to house music in it’s pure form, eliciting a rhythm characterized by intensity and soulful inspirational vibes.

DJ Leonard T

Bringing a wealth of dance music knowledge to Blue Note on 15 March, DJ Leonard T promises KK clubbers the benefit of sampling the spectrum of his astounding repertoire ranging from credible to commercial. With Berlin’s Love Parade still ringing in his ears, DJ Leonard is fired up and ready to bring his international experience to the local club scene and will give KK clubbers something to talk about.

DJ Nikki

Hot on talent and looks, international DJ Nikki is set to thump the party at Blue Note on 22 March. Living proof that a female DJ can also get recognition away from the dance floor, DJ Nikki’s passion for dance music is is also her career. Crowned Heineken Music presents Juice DJ Quest champion in 2007, DJ Nikki was the competition’s first female winner yet and brings girl power to the dance floor.

DJ Anatta

On 29 March Generation Y wraps up when DJ Anatta handles decs at Blue Note for the grand finale. A breakthrough female DJ, Anatta shot to fame in 2004 when she pipped nine male opponents in DJ competition on the local scene. In 2005 DJ Anatta became the first female DJ to control the decs on Red FM’s Wicked Session, one of the most popular local radio shows.

Looking forward to April, Blue Note, as Kota Kinabalu’s top purveyor of soulful grooves, pledges to continue bringing more international DJs to the local scene. Happy days for KK clubbers.

March 1 – DJ Bryan Burger

March 8 – DJ Shaz

March 15 – DJ Leonard T

March 22 – DJ Nikki

March 29 – DJ Anatta

Check out Sabahbah.com’s Clubbing at Blue Note with Generation Y DJs for information.

Ladies Night at Blue Note

Thursday nights are Ladies Nights and, unlike anywhere else in Kota Kinabalu, ladies really get pampered and it’s not just about the free drinks either. With Blue Note’s Cover Girl theme, ladies can get dolled up by professional make-up artists, and if that isn’t enough, they then have a series of pictures taken by a professional photographer.

A selection of photos are produced during the following week, framed and displayed on the Cover Girl Wall. Additionally, Ladies Nite at Blue Note provides a boon for everybody, as the Fondue Corner supplies complimentary fruit and marshmallows dipped in hot chocolate for the enjoyment of all.

Entertainment at Blue Note

As is standard for bars and pubs in Kota Kinabalu, Blue Note in KK features a live band for entertainment, singing pop hits and favourites, doing their best to entice punters to the dance floor.

In February, Blue Note’s Generation Y promotion sees international quality DJs being imported, providing a clubbing feel for the pleasure of discerning clubbers in Kota Kinabalu.

With a variety of entertainment, bar snacks and the usual variety of drinks, a thumping good time is promised at Blue Note at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu.