Veteran pop singer Jennifer Kim proved she can still draw the crowds last weekend, quickly selling out all the tickets for both of her “Diva Chinatown” solo shows at Paragon Hall of Siam Paragon.

Music from the Chinese opera was paired with scenes of Yaowaraj beamed on the screens to signal the start of the concert, with the curtains parting to reveal the 51-year-old diva clad in a pink dress sitting on a throne like a Chinese Empress.

She started her show with a cover of Chiang Mai vocalist Kai Phannipha’s most successful song “Kularp Daeng” (“Red Rose”) from 1994 then segued into Chinese songs “Zhi Dao Shao” and “Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin” by Teresa Teng, one of the most famous and successful singers to originate from the Mandarin-speaking world, who died in Thailand in 1995.

Kim handed over the stage to her special guests, Chalatit “Ben” Tantiwut, Pongsak “Aof” Rattanapong, and Phon “Pete” Nopwichai. They performed a medley of The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men”, Carabao’s “Bualoy” and Yui Yatyer’s luk thung (Thai country folk) number “Pok Mia Ma Duay Rer” and had the audience in stitches with their jokes.

“I’m supposed to be a diva. But, in fact, I’m just a Chinese woman who started by singing Teresa Teng’s songs and the soundtracks of Chinese action movies during as a child. But thanks to the love and encouragement of everyone here, I have managed to be on the stage for a long time,” Kim told the audience.

As she prepared to perform her next set, Kim recalled how she has sung covers by Grammy artists for 10 years and now, for the first time ever, she was taking on numbers by RS Public’s artists, among them James Ruangsak’s “Mai Arj Plien Jai”, Anant Bunnag’s “Khor Raeng”, Honey Passorn’s “Rub Bot Mai Mai Mee Ther”, and Stone Metal Fire’s “Yom”.

Ben then came back out on stage for XL Step’s “Nueay Jai”, Pete covered Autobahn’s “Thon Dai Thon Pai” and Aof sang Fundee Funden’s “Muen Kham La”, before joining up for Whitney Houston’s “Run to You”. Each of them also duetted with Kim, with Pete pairing up for Joni Anwar’s “Yak Hai Roo Wa Rak Ther”, Aof for Nittaya Boonsongnern’s “Cham Khue Rao” and “Jeb Nid Diew” and Ben for Koong Tuansit’s “Thang Rak Thang Klied”. The segment wrapped with all of them singing Room39’s “Bok Tua Aeng.”

While most of this sixth concert featured songs from the 1990s, there were some contemporary numbers too. They came courtesy of the next guest, rising rapper Urboy TJ, who performed his EDM-oriented songs like “Wai Rai” (“Villain”) and “Khao Korn” (“Rebound”) before joining with Kim for covers of The Toys’ “La La Loy” and Wonderframe’s “Yoo Dee Dee Kor. The young rapper made the audience laugh when he said rather shyly that he was in the wrong place.

Kim, who is one of the coaches for “The Voice Thailand”, invited three contestants, Bank, Nook, and Fangkhao to show their talent in a medley featuring Ying Thitikan’s “Jan” and Maleehuanna’s “Saengjan” before Nook duetted with Kim on ActArt’s “Nok Jak Chue Chan.”

The next guests were Siriporn “Tuk” Yooyod who performed her hit, “Chan Mai Chai NangEk”, and luk thung singer Sunaree Ratchasima who sang “Motorcycle Noong San” before joining Kim on Stone Metal Fire’s “Sathra.”

Kim was back on stage with three Teresa Teng covers and her own hits, drawing loud applause for “Khid Thueng Ther Thuk Thee Thi Yoo Khon Diew” with saxophonist Koh Mr Saxman before bringing back Ben, Aof and Pete for a dance set and closing out the show with luk thung singer Jintara Poonlarp’s “Tao Ngoi”.

The world-famous punk brass band from the Chiemgau area of Germany consists of 7 members:-Stefan Dettl on vocals and trumpet, Manuel Winbeck on trombone, Manuel da Coll on drums, Fabian Jungreithmayr on bass, Stefan Huber on tuba, J?rg Hartl on trumpet and Korbinian Weber on trumpet – and between them will bring the entire audience to its collective feet.

Their style is a wild mix of modern Bavarian folk music, ska, punk, techno, reggae, jazz and, of course, brass.

In 2017, the band celebrated their tenth anniversary with the release of a new album “Around the World” and a six-week world tour that won them countless new fans across five continents.

LaBrassBanda is clearly one of the most successful brass pop bands in the world. What started out as a revolution in the south of Germany, had already won over the whole of Germany by 2013 and meanwhile, half of the world.

The band – always barefoot and clad in leather trousers – already has two gold albums and has given over 1,100 concerts worldwide since its formation 12 years ago.

The Bangkok show is free of charge. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/events/2110559879003479/, or http://www.eventbrite.com/e/labrassbanda-live-in-bangkok-tickets-55326064749?aff=eac2

The second annual festival retains its concept of a small and sophisticated boutique festival, strictly limited to 500 participants with more than 100 travellers attending from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Poland.

The festival features electronic music, beach and boat parties, breathtaking sunsets, cosy afterhour events, sports, relaxing massages and food made by local vendors.

Sustainability is a top priority in every element of the festival.

Providing the house and techno music will be Oliver Koletzki, AKA AKA, Felix Krocher, Klangkuenstler, Phil Fuldner, Tobi Neumann, Domenic D’Agnelli, Markus Fix, Meat, Niko Schwind, Cotumo, Lovra, Dott, Chamapoo, Superstar Panda, Nudsko, Junesis and Casper.

Thaibreak has become one of the most lookedforwardto events on the island, giving consistently to the Thai tourism industry while contributing substantially to the music scene.

Last year it celebrated the longstanding relationship with Koh Mak and its people with respect to keeping the island in the best condition, sustainable tourism and putting Mak on international map.

Admission is Bt3,500. Tickets and hotel accommodations are available at https://Thaibreakfestival.com and http://www.Ticketmelon.com.

Known for hits like “I Believe I Can Fly,” Kelly surrendered to Chicago police Friday night and was taken into custody.

The swift turn of events came after a documentary series drew renewed attention to decades of accusations that the 52-year-old performer had engaged in child pornography, sex with minors, operating a sex cult and sexual battery.

He will appear Saturday before a judge who will decide whether Kelly can be freed on bail. His next court appearance is an arraignment scheduled for March 8, when he will have an opportunity to enter a plea.

A grand jury in Chicago handed down a 10-count indictment Friday of aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, three of them minors between 13 and 16 years of age.

Kim Foxx — the state’s attorney for Cook County, which includes Chicago — told journalists the alleged crimes occurred between 1998 and 2010. The charges carry three to seven years of prison per count, he said.

Kelly’s lawyer Steve Greenberg said the charges were based on old and false accusations.

“I think all of the women are lying,” he said. “Everybody’s trying to profit off of R. Kelly.”

It is the second time Chicago prosecutors have charged Kelly with a sex crime. He was acquitted in 2008 of 21 counts of child pornography after a dramatic trial that also involved a sex tape.

Greenberg said one of the current charges involved the same victim as in that trial.

High-profile lawyers

High-profile lawyer Michael Avenatti and prominent women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred are representing clients linked to Kelly.

Avenatti — who also represents a porn star locked in a legal battle with President Donald Trump — said his office had uncovered previously unreleased footage of Kelly having sex with a teenager, which he had given to the Cook County State’s Attorney.

Avenatti said the approximately 40-minute tape, shot in the late 1990s, “leaves no question” of Kelly’s guilt, and that both the victim and the musician refer multiple times to her age as 14.

He described in graphic detail a number of sex acts shown on the tape, saying the girl refers repeatedly to Kelly as “daddy.”

Avenatti said his team had recovered an additional tape of a similar nature and is in the process of obtaining a third.

Explosive docu-series

Kelly infamously is known for marrying his protege Aaliyah in 1994, when the late R&B star was 15.

Kelly, then 27, had produced the teenage singer’s debut album titled “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number.” Their marriage was later annulled, and Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001.

Despite the slew of disturbing claims against him, the award-winning musician has continued to perform for years and maintains a solid fan base.

But last month’s release of an explosive docu-series entitled “Surviving R. Kelly” once again brought accusations against him to the fore, while a #MuteRKelly movement aimed at preventing his music from airing has gained steam.

Two other women came forward against Kelly on Thursday, saying he invited them to a show’s after-party in Baltimore in the 1990s — when they were teenagers — giving them alcohol and drugs before cornering them in his hotel room and demanding sex, with one of them complying.

POP ROCKERS The 1975 stole the show at British pop music’s annual celebration on Wednesday, winning the coveted Best Album Brit award with US singer Pink also honoured.

The Manchester four-piece claimed the prize for their raw number one album “A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships” ahead of Florence + The Machine and indie singer George Ezra.

The band also claimed the best British group award – speaking out against misogyny in their acceptance speech – before performing “Sincerity Is Scary” for the thousands packed into the London’s O2 Arena at the 39th annual ceremony, which recognised Britain’s top talent of 2018.

British band The 1975, from left, Matthew Healy, Ross MacDonald, George Daniel and Adam Hann, were the biggest winners at this year’s BRIT awards. /AFP

Australian A-lister Hugh Jackman kicked off proceedings in a blaze of Hollywood razzamatazz, performing “The Greatest Show” from hit musical “The Greatest Showman” accompanied by scores of gravity-defying dancers.

George Ezra was the night’s early winner, taking the Best Male Solo Artist award, beating off competition from garage pioneer Craig David, veteran avant-garde techno producer Aphex Twin and soul singer Sam Smith.

He followed up by performing upbeat summer chart-topper “Shotgun”, shortly before 21-year-old soul diva Jorga Smith was named best female solo artist.

US superstar Ariana Grande and hip-hop giants Drake and The Carters – comprised of power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce – scooped the international awards, with the latter sending a video thank you message in front of a regal painting of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

British DJ and musician Calvin Harris, right, and British singersongwriter Dua Lipa, left, collect their British Single award during the BRIT Awards./AFP

Dua Lipa, the big winner of last year’s Brits, made a show-stopping performance as part of a superstar collaboration with hit producer Calvin Harris and singer Sam Smith.

Rising star Anne-Marie, who shot to fame as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s worldwide hit “Rockabye”, was nominated for four awards, including for the Britney Spears-inspired video to “2002”, but left empty-handed.

Multi-million record selling US artist Pink closed out the show with a medley of hits after being presented the outstanding achievement award recognising her 20-year career.

“This is all too much, my dad’s really excited,” she told the crowd. “It’s beyond anything my brain can comprehend. It’s been an awesome journey.”

US singersongwriter Pink speaks after collecting her Outstanding Contribution winner award during the BRIT Awards./AFP

The Brit Awards have recognised the cream of British pop music since they were first held in 1977, and have often been peppered with scandal and farce.

The 1989 Brits are best remembered for the shambolic presenting skills of model Samantha Fox and Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood and a comical series of mishaps.

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker stormed the stage in protest while Michael Jackson performed surrounded by children in 1996.

British singer Jorja Smith speaks after collecting her British Female Solo Artist award during the BRIT Awards 2019./AFP

In 1998, Chumbawamba vocalist Danbert Nobacon dumped a bucket of iced water over then deputy prime minister John Prescott.

And Madonna suffered whiplash injuries at the 2015 edition when she fell off the stage wearing a giant cape and surrounded by dancers wearing bondage-style costumes and horns on their heads.

The awards have also been criticised for failing to be bold in their choice of performers in recent years.

The British music industry contributed 4.5 billion pounds (Bt180 billion) to the UK economy in 2015, and British artists accounted for one of every eight albums purchased worldwide.

Singer Alex Taylor, guitarists Konan Hall and Josh Baines, bassist Wilkie Robinson and drummer Charlie Thorpe play a mixture of modern metal and hardcore punk.

Tickets are Bt900 available at The Rock Pub (Ratchathewi BTS station exit 2), or visit http://www.therockpubbangkok.com, Line: @therockpub, email: therockpub1987@gmail.com, or by phone: (099) 191 5666.

All out with Olly

Newcastle born and bred DJ and producer Olly James is out to take Bangkok by storm and will be spinning his hottest hits at Insanity Nightclub on March 6.

Recognised as a new EDM talent, the Briton puts out monthly releases on big labels and makes guest appearances all around the world. He has collaborated with Blasterjaxx, Vinai, Moti and Julian Jordan and his solo releases “Code” and “Aruna” made it into the top 10 of the Beatport rankings.

Tickets are Bt500 for men and Bt400 for women with one free drink.

Book a table at (082) 731 8885.

In the groove

A distinctly charismatic DJ with a high level of experience as an electronic all-rounder, Mark Bale brings his powerful sets blending deep house, EDM, basshouse, trap, festival bigroom sounds and everything inbetween to Bangkok. You can find him at Insanity Nightclub on March 1.

Tickets are Bt400 for men and Bt300 for ladies with one free drink.

Call (082) 731 8885.

Wild and very wet

The Songkran boat party returns for its second year at Asiatique The Riverfront on April 13 in celebration of Songkran Day and this year is under the management of Singha Music & Mustache Takeover.

The lineup includes Atma (Kolour crew), Aneesh Medina and Peking Opera as well as underground international house and tech house DJs. Water guns and free water tanks are also part of the fun.

Early bird tickets are selling for Bt500 and Bt750 at http://www.eventpop.me and Bt1,000 at the door.

Loud and also very wet

Show DC is also marking the Thai New Year by hosting the Siam Songkran Music Festival at Oasis Outdoor Arena from April 1215.

The festival will have two stages – Siam Stage and Silk Stage – and feature EDM spins by artists such as Yellow Claw. Festival-goers will also get to experience Thainess through workshops and activities on everything from som tam to muay thai.

Find out more at Line: @siamsongkran.

As part of their 2019’s Thailand tour, the big band will bring to the hotel the ambience and excitement of the Swing era and beyond with tunes from their amazing musical repertoire such as “In The Mood”, “Come By Me”, “Fly Me To The Moon”, and many more famous jazz classics recreated with their well-known contemporary styles.

For the evening, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin also presents a notless-spectacular Surf ‘N Turf buffet dinner presenting fresh seafood and top-quality meats. A truly tantalising feast, the mouthwatering spread will feature rock lobsters, and Pacific blue crabs, a live carving station for prime ribs and whole-baked sea bass and much more.

Highlights of the glittering evening will also include the big band’s live performance of “Sansoen Phra Barami”, the royal anthem of Thailand, and an exclusive lineup of live entertainment.

Tickets costs Bt2,000-plus per person with Surf ‘N Turf buffet dinner.

For more information or reservations, call (032) 512 021.

Gianluca Petrella is considered one of the world’s best young jazz trombonists. In 2001, he won Italy’s “Django d’Or Award” as well as the Musica Jazz annual critics poll as “Best Young Talent”. In 2006 and 2007, he was named by Down Beat magazine as Best Emerging Artist.

He has worked with numerous top musicians including Pat Metheny, Jimmy Owens and Carla Bley. Petrella, who is influenced by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and Sun Ra, uses modern techniques such as loops and sound effects in his performances.

Pasquale Mirra is one of the most exciting vibraphonists on the Italian and international jazz scene today. For three consecutive years he was named “Best Italian Vibraphonist” by Jazz It magazine. He has collaborated with great improvisers such as Michel Portal, Jeff Parker, and Michael Blake, and regularly performs in America and Europe with distinguished American percussionist, Hamid Drake.

Pasquale is also the founder of Bassesfere Collective, a cultural association based in Bologna that promotes the development and the spread of the improvised music and research.

Book a seat at (02) 649 8353 or email: dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com.