A Little Bit Of Irish Goes A Long Way!!

A little bit of Irish goes a long way!!

Being from Irish decent I must freely admit to gravitating towards Irish pubs wherever I happen to be in the World. Just like Irish emigrants around the globe you are never far from an Irish Pub. If you have ever been to Ireland then you know that the majority of pubs are old small and shabby with clutter in every nook and cranny.

Sláinte! "To Your Health!"

 
The Irish Pub as a global concept however, tends to be more like an American Irish Bar with open plan dining and drinking tables scattered over the ubiquitous wooden floors.
To be honest, as much as I love the tiny claustrophobic Public House of Ireland it does not translate that well to warmer climes where you need higher ceilings and large opening doors to get the air flowing and to make the most of the warm weather.

Anyway, a real Irish Pub transplanted to Penang would decapitate most of the revelers once the ceiling fans were installed and that just does not go down well with the locals, it's normally the morning after the night before that you need to be decapitated.

What really sets an Irish Pub apart is the atmosphere (and of course the Guinness!!) and on Saturday night this was most definitely evident at Finnegan's Irish Pub and Restaurant located at Strait's Quay, Penang.

The large open bar could have been purpose built to host bands and as it seats close to 350 people inside and out the atmosphere is created and builds the busier it gets.

On Saturday night the revelers started arriving at Finnegan's as the band was setting up at 9pm and by the time they were ready to start their first set the place was starting to Buzz and by the time of their first break there wasn't a free table in the place.

The able staff were kept busy not just serving food and drinks as they also turned furniture removers when they had to bring most of outsides seating, inside as a little bit of Irish weather descended. This was handled smoothly and efficiently under the watchful gaze of Manager, Derrick Gomez.

You know it's summer in Ireland when the rain gets warmer.

Derrick is quite new to Finnegan's Irish Pub but comes with a wealth of local experience gained in some of the most well known nightspots in Georgetown. Most of his staff have been here since the opening back nearly one year ago in November,2010 and are super friendly and they very professionally keep the craic going.

"craic", pronounced "Crack" is a Gaelic word meaning..... well, it has no exact English translation. The closest you get is "fun." There's the expression "ceoil agus craic," meaning "music and fun" but it is more, much more than this. It is only really found in a social setting where men, drink and woman are at the same time. It is more readily found when there are all three of these ingredients as well as Music.

The holy grail for any 'night owl' on Penang is finding the best places to eat, drink and listen to good music. Food is not a problem to find nor is just a watering hole but finding good live music to listen to as well is more of a challenge.

I grew up in London where pubs were a plenty and band nights were scattered around the larger pubs where live performances could be found varying in quality from world class to bloody awful.

So when I moved to Penang a year ago I set myself the quest in a half-hearted manner to find the best of Penang's live music scene. After tentative searches and long walks around town it was almost impossible to find bars and pubs that had honest to goodness live music.

Now I know that there is great music played in the Hotel bars and that Hard Rock Hotel has a reputation built on their association with music and justifiably so, they have the best of bands. But where else can you find good live music? OK, 'G' spot at the 'G' Hotel on Gurney and you have Slippery Señoritas and Uptown Bar. The trouble was knowing anything about the events in advance, the bands that were playing and how to get there and back again.

When Strait's Quay opened at the end of last year I saw huge potential in this integrated development with apartments, yacht marina and the shopping and entertainment mall. To think that this is only the opening phases of a much larger vision is inspiring.

The Band Begins To Play

Finnegan's Irish Pub and restaurant was one of, if not the first, establishment open at Strait's Quay and has been the trend setter there ever since. Finnegan's is the only venue to have regular live music at Strait's Quay, with them starting out hosting Acidic Bunch, a new collection of tried and tested talented musicians Every Friday & Saturday night from 9.30pm to 12.30am.
Formed as a group in the last year they have showcased at Hard Rock Hotel where they have just finished a run of shows. Acidic Bunch, which numbers 7 members in its full lineup, comes from different musical backgrounds.
1. IZWAN (vocals) is an ex-PAKU member, a local rock outfit who toured London & Ireland with several hit songs and nominated for Best Rock Song in local music awards. He possesses powerful rock vocals and has been singing locally at the Hard Rock Hotel & Golden Sands Hotel.
2. RAY (vocals/rap) is of mix Thai & Chinese origin. He has a smooth voice & is versatile in singing English, Thai, Malay, Chinese & Spanish songs. Ray also raps to the latest hits and often performs in Bangkok, Thailand.
3. JASMINE (vocals) has a sexy, powerful & husky voice. She is a great dancer & performer too. She's an experienced singer who is often in demand for corporate functions.
4. AARON (guitar/vocals) loves to play funky riffs & hard rocking grooves. He has a sweet voice that will melt the hearts of those who listen. Aaron's a seasoned performer as seen at functions like Gurney Plaza's Annual New Year's Eve Countdown concert and other notable corporate functions.
5. ALWYN (drums) is the youngest member of the band. He plays powerful rock beats & grooves. He's currently a drums instructor with House of Drums. He performs regularly in Hard Rock Penang with his acoustic band.
6. CC (bass) comes from a jazz background and he has been playing in music venues like 'G' Hotel, & 32 The Mansion. He played mainstage for the 1st Penang Jazz Festival.
7. EZEKIEL (keyboards), the latest member, is a talented musician with a background in music production & recording. He is also a freelance sessionist & produces music gingles.

They may all come from different beginnings but they sure do blend together in one tight group with vocals and musical ability at the top of their game. The problem for all new bands is finding their sound and as the majority of gigs on offer call for cover songs that is what Acidic Bunch provide for now.

When I spoke to the band at the start of the evening I asked where the name of their band came from and Aaron told me that they gravitated together around acid jazz and the name grew out of this association. They are still finding their own sound but it won't be long before we hear some new and original music from these guys and we at 'What's On Penang' will keep you updated.

The guys also answered a few questions that had been burning in me for the last year. Namely, why were there not more live music venues? They put it down to the fact that most places feel that they cannot afford to have a band. This is a little like saying that a business cannot afford to advertise, if you do not advertise you will never have the money or trade to keep going or expand, the same with a live band. There is no denying that a live performance, coupled with promoting the fact, will bring you more customers and once customers come and like the place you can start to build a loyal fan.

'What's On Penang' Gig Guide

'What's On Penang' has was started a year ago as a website to put all this information together for local Penangites and tourists (domestic and foreign) to this great island and State of ours, Penang.

In the last couple of weeks we have decided to put all this together in a monthly magazine printed and distributed free of charge to our readers. We will give you gig guides, restaurant reviews and let you know the best pubs, clubs and venues to head off to each and every week of the year.

We need help from business owners and readers to keep the information current and up to date. We need to know about events well in advance so that we can inform our readers in print monthly and online instantly with any alterations or adjustments to any schedules.

So if your business has any event planned let us know at the planning stage and we will keep in touch to get the updates as they happen.

'What's On Penang' is organising a Bloggers Meet kindly hosted by Finnegan's Irish Pub and Restaurant and we invite all Bloggers to contact us for details and invitations. Click Here for Invitation request.

May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong.
May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead. Sláinte! "To Your Health!"

Steve Jobs Died Today At 56 Years Of Age

RIP - Steve Jobs 1956 - October 4th, 2011 - The Man

Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder and former CEO, has died at the age of 56 after a long and highly public battle with cancer.

IF.....

IF you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;


If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:



If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:



If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'



If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Happy Birthday Bash at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Are you ready to get wet?

This is what the promotion flyers were asking and last night (Saturday 17th September 2011) those Hard Rockers at Hard Rock Hotel Penang pulled off yet another excellent event and boy, did they get wet for the celebration of their 2nd anniversary with the kick-off of their first Ultimate Foam Party.

The team (or should we call them the "cast" or "crew") behind the scenes pulled off this exciting and funky fun party with their usual style and professionalism and a great time was had by all.


Speaking to John Primmer, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Penang since its opening, said of the anniversary event; " It has been a great two years and we have successfully created unbeatable exciting events, parties and various music showcases in Penang. For holiday goers, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is the choice for all those who are looking for a fun and happening vacation. It's going to be pretty awesome as we move forward."

The Ultimate Foam Party may have been the Hard Rock Hotel's first foam party but it is set to be a permanent fixture on the Calendar. Starting with this Ultimate Foam Party, situated alongside the Hotel's massive swimming pool, weekly Foam Parties have been slotted into the schedule every Saturday night.

Over 200 people had paid the RM 20 net per Little Rocker (under 12 years old) or RM 30 net per Hard Rocker (12 years+), with the kids fun and excitement in the vanilla flavored foam starting at 5pm until 7pm and then the older Rock Stars (Adults to you and me) started at 7.30pm until midnight.

Smashing Good Time

The tradition of Guitar Smashing has been part of the Rock Star livery since the start of Rock 'n Roll and at 10pm General Manager john Primmer, Executive Assistant Manager Shane Coates, and two other Rockers had a smashing time with their guitars. Similar to the way in which a ship is christened with the smashing of a bottle of Champagne on the bow at its launch, Hard Rock hotel Penang christened the 2nd Anniversary of their opening in Penang with the smashing of 4 guitars. This was immediately followed by a sky smashing pyrotechnic display that had the crowd gasping in awe.

The foam pit has a capacity for 100 revelers at a time but with the dance area next to the pool and the floodlit beach beckoning, with additional security guards patrolling the beach for guest security and safety, the venue could easily cater to over 500 people.

A number of top local celebrities were spotted at the event including top Malaysian singer Zainal Abidin; Fly FM Radio Announcers, Ben and Fabes; and Astro TV-Host, Roshan Narayan to name a few. I am sure that future events will have a few well-known faces scattered amongst the crowd too, although with all that foam around will you be able to spot them?



The night featured DJ Desire, an icon to the regular punters of the KL dance scene which is rapidly growing. Regionally, DJ Desire has had her fair share of tours including Singapore, Osaka, Tokyo, Cheng-Du, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taiwan, Jogjakarta, India and Jakarta.

The party really got swinging with Top Malaysian Rap Rock band Dragon Red, whose charismatic front man had the foam covered Rockers partying on throughout the night. To add to the Party, fun and games as well as competitions kept the happy crowd on their toes and a few went home lucky winners of commemorative platinum discs that were originally cut at the opening ceremony of the Hard Rock Hotel Penang two years ago. These highly collectible discs are becoming quite the collectible to have and due to their rarity could be more valuable in time.

In addition there was a dance competition with several bikini and foam clad girls getting up on the side of the foam pool.

Turning Two For The Record Package

In conjunction with the 2nd anniversary, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is offering an exclusive anniversary package, where guests will get a limited edition Gold Record during their stay.

The anniversary package which includes, one night's accommodation for two, a full buffet breakfast, a Limited Edition Anniversary Gold Record and internet access are as priced below.

Hillview Deluxe Room – RM399++
Seaview Deluxe Room – RM499++
Lagoon Deluxe Room – RM599++

A minimum of 2 night's stay applies and prices as usual are subject to 10% service charge and 6% Government taxes. Offer valid from now until November 18th, 2011 and blackout dates may apply. For more information contact the Hard Rock Hotel Penang directly – penang.hardrockhotels.net or             +604-8811-711     

Ultimate Foam at Hard Rock Hotel

Rock To Rock Run Returns to Hard rock hotel Penang E-mail Elvis Spotted On Penang!!

Elvis Spotted On Penang!!

Last year it was rumoured that Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Superman and Spiderman had all been seen running out of the Hard Rock Hotel car park at 7am. No these were not ghostly apiritions but runners in the first Rock To Rock Fun Run organised by the Hard Rock Hotel.

Rock To Rock Run Returns

The official launch of the 2nd Rock To Rock Run took place today at Hard Rock Hotel Penang in their legendary Hard Rock cafe.Following the success of last years event this charity fun run has returned for bigger and better things. Last years Rock To Rock Run raised over RM40,000 and they have set their sights a little higher this year with a target of RM50,000.

Rock To Rock Run is organised by the Hard Rock Hotel with the support of Penang State Government, Penang Amateur Athletics Association (PAAA) and Majlis Sukan Negari (MSN) is scheduled to be held on November 13th, 2011 from 06.30am at Batu Ferringhi to Teluk Bahang.

All funds raised from this run will be shared between the Crystal Family Home (CFH) and Association of Rehab of the Disabled (ARD). CFH are currently supporting 11 kids and it is hoped to allocate funds to support the kids for the next 2 years.

The run itself will take place early in the morning to avoid the heat and cause the least amount of disruption to the traffic as possible. Starting at the Hard rock Hotel runners climb up to the Tropical Spice Garden and then back again. The 3.8km course could not be more scenic if it tried. The coastline here has wonderful beaches and fishing boats moored just offshore to one side and the tropical tree covered hills rising steeply on the other side.

Last year's sponsors AMD (who have generously donated RM20,000), Lions Club Gold Coast and Tropical Spice Garden have all returned and proceeded to hand over their cheques today in support of this charitable event. New sponsorship has been donated by the Penang Turf Club, Agilent Technologies and Brooks.

The event was MC'd by Hard rock Hotels Director of Human Resources, Thomas Ch'ng who introduced the charities and the sponsors as well as explain the event details. The press were there in strength and ably organised, fed, watered and informed as always by the Hard Rock Hotel Marketing and communications Manager, Elisa Saw.

Hard rock hotel Penang's Executive Assistant Manager, Shane Coates was there to thank everyone from the co-organisers, sponsors and press to all last years participants.

"In 2010, we witnessed a great success from the first Rock To Rock Run. Our first charity together with our generous sponsors successfully raised over RM40,000 for a charitable Home in Penang. This year, we are confident to exceed our past success based on the support from the sponsors and the response that we have been receiving from the runners. Everyone is looking forward to this event" Said Shane Coates.

The launch was officiated by the Y.B. Lydia Ong Kok Fooi, Exco of Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development. Also present were Mr. Leong Chee Cheow from AMD, Mr Francis Goh from Lions Club (Gold Coast) Penang, Mr. Govindasamy Veeriah from Penang Amateur Athletics Association (PAAA), Mr. Haji Mohamed Akbar Bin Mustapha, the director of Tourism Recreation Department of International relations of Majlis Sukan Negari (MSN), Pastor David Barnabas and Sister Esther Barnabas of Crystal Family Home and Dato' Haji Azmi Merican; Honorary Chairman of Persatuan Permulihan Orang-Orang Cacat Negeri Pulau Pinang.

Crystal Family Home

Crystal Family Home (CFH) is a non-profit voluntary welfare organisation established by coupleDavid and Esther Barnabas in 2009 to help children who need a home. Children in need at the home include those who are being raised by grandparents who are no longer able; children who have been abused, neglected, orphaned, troubles or poor, and children from dysfunctional families.

Association Of Rehab Of The Disabled

Association Of Rehab Of The Disabled is a non-profit organisation established in 1989 at Jalan Besi, Green Lane. The Association provides opportunities for disabled persons - both physically and intellectually - to gain employment. By sub-contracting parts from local factories, the disabled are trained to repair electronic components as well as to assemble jewellery boxes. As such, they get to contribute at work while making a decent wage.

Registration - Get in fast!!

Rock to Rock is open for a maximum of 7 days (or until all 1500 spots are filled, whichever comes first) to register from October 1st until the 7th. registration fee is RM50 per person (inclusive of a Hard Rock Hotel special edition T-Shirt). More information about the run and registration forms are available at penang.hardrockhotels.net

Finnegan's Irish Pub Goes Live

Finnegan's Irish Bar & Restaurant is located opposite the marina at Straits Quay and a more picturesque setting could not be found.
Finnegan's has a capacity of around 400 people and 150 of this is outside overlooking the yachts and cruisers moored in the marina with views over to the mainland and the hills beyond. Straits Quay really comes alive at night visually and literally.

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Starting this Friday and Saturday night at 9.30pm - 12.30am live music becomes a weekly event at Finnegan's Irish Pub and this large venue is ideally suited to seeing and listening to a great band. The band - Acidic Bunch, who have showcased at Hard Rock Hotel, Bayview Hotel, G Hotel and many other popular music spots - are an acoustic cover band that should not be missed.
Finnegan's Irish Bar has been open at Strait's Quay for just under 1 year and is proving to be a very popular venue. The choice of beers (Guinness, Kilkenny, Old Speckled Hen, Tiger, Paulener Brau and Strongbow Cider) Food and an excellent marina fronting location makes this the place to go anytime of day or night.

Finnegan's new Outlet Manager, Derrick Gomez, comes with substantial local experience having worked at many of Penang's major nightlife venues. He hopes to make Finnegan's Irish Pub an even more popular place to be, with more musical events such as Acidic Bunch which as mentioned will be playing every week on a Friday and Saturday night.
Finnegan's has just introduced a lunchtime special menu - all coming with free flow soft drinks - featuring 7 mouth-watering items to choose from.
 Finnegan's Irish Bar & Restaurant has 3 sister branches in and around KL but this is their first venture into Penang. Irish pubs have always been as popular outside of Ireland as they have in Ireland, just like the redoubtable Irish themselves.
As an englishman with most of my genealogy coming from County Cork I often consider myself more Irish than English! Add my love of the "Liffey-water" (better known as Guinness - The River Liffey is the main river running through the centre of Dublin - the home of Guinness - and loosely means The River of Life. So the double meaning, and the Irish love double meanings, for Liffey Water is Water of Life - Guinness) and I am sure I have more than a little Irish in me.
Come join the crowd at Finnegan's Irish Pub this weekend and make sure you get some Irish Liffey Water in you too!!

A little bit more about a drop of the "Black Stuff" - Guinness Information

Sales of Guinness in Ireland and Britain accounts for more than a quarter of all beer sold in Ireland.
Guinness has a significant share of the African beer market, where Guinness has been sold since 1827. About 40% of worldwide total Guinness volume is brewed and sold in Africa, with Foreign Extra Stout the most popular variant.
Guinness Stout is brewed under licence internationally in several countries, including Nigeria, the Bahamas, Canada, and Indonesia.The unfermented but hopped Guinness wort extract is shipped from Dublin and blended with beer brewed locally.
The UK is the only sovereign state to consume more Guinness than Ireland, and the third largest Guinness drinking nation is Nigeria, followed by the USA.