The atmosphere felt different at Hu’u bar for their RnB Flava, which also served as a Dimensions Playground pre-party. The venue was loaded with dancers who had shirts that said Time to Change which coincidentally was also the slogan for the Gorillaz and Kelis show at GWK. It was a rocking night with a diverse crowd and a wicked video show behind the DJs.

The One Night in Bali series from Cointreau kicked off last week at Living Room and brought in a hefty crowd for a Thursday night. Cinta Ramlan looked like she hopped out of a time machine and supplied some vocals while DJ Glynn Tandy cranked some tunes. The Cointreau freebies helped the party along.

The four piece rock band from the US, Vertical Horizon took to the Hard Rock Café stage in Kuta last night.  In an intimate but rocking performance, Matt Scannell (vocals/guitar), Steve Fekete (guitars), Ron LaVella (drums), and newcomer Cedric Lemoyne (bass), held the not large but respectable crowd spellbound for about an hour and a half. The solid American rock style went down well in the hallowed grounds of HRC and why wouldn’t it? Scannell has some of the best rock vocals you could ever hope to hear and the technicians nailed the sound down perfectly. It was a crisp, clear sound and Scannell got to work some aural magic in the spaces created by the guitar based band. Classic moments were their big hits, “The Best I Ever Had”, “All is Said and Done”, “Everything You Want”, “Forever” and a couple of tracks off their new album, Burning The Days.

The Grammy Award winning producer and DJ, Morgan Page brought his beats to the decks of SOS Anatara to promote his new album In the Air. The show started before midnight and was dominated by tourists expats who seemed to enjoy Morgan’s tracks. People were dancing, the beats were perfect, it was a good night to be on the SOS deck.

The D’Bagindas had the audience at Akasaka screaming for more. When they played their hits, the crowd sang along with them. It was a very interactive event. The band, known for their hit ‘Cinta’, looked like they were enjoying their second concert at the venue. They were also really approachable that night and didn’t mind it when fans wanted to take pictures with them. The singer even jumped off the stage just to get amongst them.

DJ Sirdee supplied the tunes as Kuta once again descended on Huu Bar for “One Night in Kuta”. Like the previous occasion, the Kuta spirit pushed the people to new levels of partydom. Bintang shirts and beer were the norm and  the venue started to get full at midnight and showed no sign of losing energy until the wee hours of the Petitenget morning.

Being the first one to perform in a line-up of 50-top-Indonesian-DJs, DJ Riri didn’t hold back on his energetic brand of music last Saturday night at Boshe. He effortlessly sent the fully packed auditorium rocking nonstop to the beat.  Local club goers, who made up the majority of the audience, were seen rubbing shoulders with a growing number of foreign visitors to the club. And at the end of the show, Riri’s loyal followers were left wanting for more.

Sponsored by Bali Moon, Tequila Bar on Jl. Pantai Kuta held a show which presented percussion performances and a didgeridoo player, belly dancers, and a DJ who played music all night long. The show started at 7pm and the guests were right loving the fun low beats.

Things got a little crazy at Poco Loco for the Grandmaster Flash show. The Mexican restaurant is trying to reinvent itself as a venue where one can partake in booze and party the night away and so far, it’s working out real well. Stevie G opened the show with Sayerr G-Funk taking over and playing some very classy old school hip hop before the Grandmaster himself took the stage. The three stories of Poco Loco were packed and when Flash took the reins, the place just about exploded in dance. The veteran DJ played a very pop-ish set which greatly departed from his old school roots and the crowd loved it. Hats off to the organizers who set up multiple bars that ensured no one ever had to wait for a drink; because there’s nothing more annoying than waiting for fuel while trying to party.

Guests at Mint were entertained by DJ Nic Fanciulli last week. Just another awesome display of stormsomeness at the Petitenget venue. The place was pumping once again with a colorful mix of local and foreign guests. Some bodies were moving across the dance floor in a dreamlike state while others bopped from the ceiling rafters. Another classic night of music and mayhem.

What would you do with a weekend at the W?

1. Briarna Wedges Rp. 490k
Wonderwall Dress Rp. 490k
Lucy Studded Bag Rp. 960k
Natural 4 Set Bangle Rp. 215k
Bea Ten 5 Set Bangles Rp. 220k

2. Rainbow Rosario Rp. 70k
Spring Bling Shoes Rp. 450k
Half Moon Dress Rp. 690k

3. Mary Wood Large Cross Necklace Rp. 120k
Neon Skull Necklace Rp. 120k
Sarah Wedges Rp. 470k
Fringe Shirt Dress Rp. 450k

4. Sunglasses Assorted Rp. 295k
Crochet Sandal Rp. 380k
Honeybee Dress Rp. 490k

Wardobe : Bamboo Blonde | Address : Jl.Laksmana 61 – Jl.Raya Seminyak 63 – Jl.Raya Legian  | Model : Aura Gizella (LV C&C Models) | Hairstylist & Make Up Artist : Paul Andre | Tel: 085 859290869 | Photographer : Adam Rasyid | Ass. Photo. : Rama | Location : W Bali

Max Aloisi (lead guitar & vocal) of locally based band PANDORA has moved onto the final round in the Live and Unsigned music competition in the UK. The competition is one of the largest original music competitions in the UK with over 40.000 musicians entering. He has passed through the regional audition stage and now it’s up to the fans to vote for him to get to the regional final. From there the next step is a chance to play in the final at The O2 Arena in London in July.  www.liveandunsigned.uk.com

The city’s coolest pool party is back for a new season at The 101 Legian’s Rooftop Dine & Music Lounge. The launching of the Sky Pool Party Wet & Sexy will commence on Wednesday, April 25 at 4pm.  What’s so cool about it is the sexy and wet concept of course, which combines the wild atmosphere of bikini-clad girls, bubbles, cool lightings and cabanas with the famous Kuta sunset in the backdrop. The party is guaranteed to last well into the night with cocktails, BBQ and other exciting things going on pool side. So if that sounds good to you, swing by Rooftop Dine & Music Lounge at The 101 Legian every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Local artist Monez Gusmang’s depiction of Jack O’Neill will be traveling to California where it will be auctioned off in Santa Cruz along with a bunch of other artists’ portraits. The exhibition, which was held in Mantra showcased the travelling art show in Bali which went to Japan and will end on the West Coast.

Despite its sheer size and wealth of its natural bio-marine population, the coral reef system in Pacific region, which is half as big as the United States, has not enjoyed its rightful status as the world’s largest coral reef region known as the Coral Reef Triangle; hence the conservation effort hasn’t been as it should be.

The WWF together with Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) are trying to bring awareness to a wider audience by launching the Coral Triangle Day on June 9. The Coral Triangle Day will be celebrated with events held simultaneously in six countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and other countries in the Pacific. During the one-day celebration ocean conservation themed activities like beach clean-ups; sustainable seafood dinners; exhibitions; bazaars; and beach parties, among others will be conducted at different locations within the region.  More info on the event can be accessed at www.coraltriangle.com

Photographers young and old, you can help save the earth by raising awareness with your photographs and have fun doing it. Hard Rock Hotel Bali wants to see you doing anything to reduce the effects of carbon pollution. Basically you need to send in a picture of your interpretation on how you can contribute to the fight against climate change. Send the shot to marcom.bali@hardrockhotels.net.  The best submitter will be awarded with a one week of free accommodation in a deluxe room, including breakfast and lunch or dinner, at Hard Rock Hotel Bali and a one time spa treatment for two at Rock Spa.

There’s a new mall on the beach in Kuta for those of you that love to shop and tan at the same time. Sahid Kuta Lifstyle Resort has opened up Beachwalk, a 3.7 hectare retail and lifestyle hub for tourists and locals to enjoy. The mall was architecturally inspired by rice field terraces and has an eco friendly low rise design and large open spaces. They’ll be food vendors, they’ll be shops… but what we at The Beat are most excited about is a new XXI Cineplex! This will be the first new theater in Bali in over 10 years! Another notable venue is the Sienna Café brought to Beachwalk by Ku De Ta. Now that’s what I call dinner and a movie.

A home for the holiday right in the center of Seminyak’s entertainment district.

Location
The spacious private villa is strategically hidden in the quiet part of the Dhyana Pura entertainment district in Seminyak, Kuta. With acclaimed international eateries, hangout spots, and beaches located a short distance away guests are in for both the tranquil as well as the exciting scenes of Seminyak.

Look
Villa Barissan is the brainchild of Zohra Boukhari, a Morocco born artist/designer, who uses her love of vintage and Middle-Eastern adornments as the main inspiration for the establishment. The villa blends the serene tropical ambiance of Bali, elaborate Javanese arts and earthy tones of  the North Africa cultural landscape.

Atmosphere
Quiet and private, Villa Barissan offers ample space for everyone to play and relax all day by the pool or in its large living room area. All of the three large bed rooms open up to a lush garden and swimming pool area, letting the cool breeze in and leaving the occupants connected with nature at all times.

Features
Villa Barissan stands on more than 450 square meter plot of land. Its three bedrooms – two located in the main house, one in a separate building by the front gate – are furnished with large double beds. Each bedroom comes with a private bathroom.

The large open-style dining and kitchen area is the central focal point in Villa Barissan. It overlooks the pool area and is equipped with a large table where family and friends can gather around for a feast or just an afternoon tea. Two friendly staff members are on standby every day until 8pm or longer upon request. They will happily provide assistance from making arrangements for a spa treatment, finding a rented bike or anything else to make for a more enjoyable stay.

Villa Barissan
Jalan Dhyana pura gang Jamu-Jamu N0. 1, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 734 553
Email: info@balquisse.com
www.villa-barissan.com

Look:
This relatively new Spa is on the second floor of the Kuta Station Hotel in Kartika Plaza.  The first impression is of your basic hotel spas with white tiles and traditional Bali paintings.  But the pleasant but efficient reception staff in the open entrance area gives you the feeling that there is more here than meets the eye.  Once inside the clean modern spa room with its ikat print covers, deep bath and large shower sets everything right

Feel:
The treatment starts off a delightfully relaxing foot bath by a competent but gentle therapist. Next step is a Balinese massage which reminds one of the goldilocks story when she visited the bear’s cottage and tested the beds – not too hard, not too soft – just right. Following the soothing massage, comes a body scrub with sea salt. The coarse salt on the oiled body is a gentle awakening.  Feeling alive you are treated to a warm shower in a generously sized shower room, followed by a yogurt body mask.  Ice cold yogurt further tightens up your pores and then you are given five minutes for the mask to do its work.  A final wash under the shower before an exotic lime ginger tea.

Ingredients:
Traditional Balinese oils are used and the sea salt is also a local product.

Magic:
Greeted by a choo choo train doesn’t promote the feeling that pampering is in the mix however, it is possible to produce an amazingly good spa treatment in a rather basic place. It is the feeling of being taken away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta into a centre of old Bali with the delightful therapists and simple but expert treatment. After the 90 minute treatment you feel completely rejuvenated and refreshed.

Kuta Station Hotel
Jl. Kartika Plaza 8X, Kuta – Bali
P. +62-361 758880, 758828
F. +62-361 758829, 758882

Jesse Parrotti is an American, multi-disciplinary artist and designer with a focus on image making. As a painter, he works primarily in oils; while drawing and illustrating in chalks, graphite, watercolor and digital processes. Working with themes and finding inspiration in many aspects of life and imagination; from exploration, experimentation and escapism to ritual, occultism, the banal and beyond.

Studying graphic design and fine art at Ohio University, Jesse graduated with a BFA in graphic design in 2004. In his paintings and drawings he pulls heavily on his education in the International Style of design; inferring correlations between the principles of design and the various aspects of image making. His work has been exhibited in a number of galleries throughout the United States; in addition to being featured in design magazines and numerous art blogs over the years.

Originally from the Appalachian region in the United States, Jesse now calls San Francisco home. However, he has spent the past three years painting and studying in Bali.

Just two years ago, Jesse began a rigorous and intensely focused period working in oils; His upcoming exhibition displays his most recent paintings. The work represents a personal reflection on time spent, lessons learned and people encountered, here in Bali.

The exhibition will be opened on May 10 at 7pm and runs till June 9 at Mantra, Jl. Petitenget 77x, Seminyak, Bali (near to Biku). Let’s go and see what he has been doing with his time.

www.jesseparrotti.com

With more than ten years of painting under his belt, Ketut Permana has an opportunity to exhibit his own works. The concept of “Rupa Rupa Raga” (various forms) summarizes his work and is the theme of his solo exhibition debut. A man who adores the masterpieces of Antonio Blanco, WG Hofker, and Le Mayeur, he has found an appropriate style that extenuates his art. He exposes humanity in its almost nude form that’s conveyed both in mood and gesture. The exhibition will be held at Warung Yaya, Jl. Sekar Waru no. 4 Banjar Belanjong, Sanur, Bali. Tel: 270 335.

Do you like theatre shows? If you do, there is a venue in the center of Kuta that presents a spectacular daily (except Wednesday) show. The show is a story of Balinese friendship crushed in the modern world. In Early 2008, when a five-star hotel and resort leased 70 acres of Gusti Atmaja’s inherited land, his life changed upside down. Not only did Gusti abandon his culture, he also hurt the feelings of his best friend, Ni Ulantari. With a strong belief in her Gods, Ulantari prayed for Gusti. Then, the god Shiva finally answers her prayers and sends the Legong dance down to Earth to make a miracle. Discover the miracle in this magical show with an admission fee of USD 10 per person. The show starts at 8pm at Kuta Theater at Kuta Centre building 2nd floor, Jl Kartika Plasa. Reservations tel:  762 750.

Poor old Jack White. A cursory listen to brand new solo album Blunderbuss would suggest that he hasn’t been having a very good time lately in the romance department. Recently divorced from partner of six years, Karen Elston and no longer gracing stages with sister/ex wife Meg White (depending on which tabloid you’ve been reading), it’s understandable that he may be feeling a tad miffed with the fairer sex.

However, if it’s a string of soppy breakup ballads you’re expecting, think again, as Blunderbuss bashes us about the head with love in its most destructive, inequitable form. “I want love to roll me over slowly / stick a knife inside me / and twist it all around” he sneers on Love Interruption, clearly still smarting from the breakup.

All of this should be taken with a pinch of salt though, as the erstwhile White Stripe, occasional Raconteur and country duet aficionado is well known for flinging around a bit of artistic license in the name of blues “authenticity”. “I’m Bo Diddly” he boasts on the rockabilly I’m Shakin’ – tongue stuck firmly in cheek to make sure no one takes him too seriously. It’s also worth noting that Elston sings backup on a couple of the tracks, so I suspect things aren’t all that bad for our Jack.

Musically, Blunderbuss will slide in perfectly between The White Stripes’ DIY garage blues and the Raconteurs’ indie swagger on your record shelf – White’s caterwauling screech powering along tracks like Missing Pieces and the most White-Stripesy track on the album Sixteen Saltines. By track four though he really hits his stride, with Love Interruption, Blunderbuss and Hypocritical Kiss providing a glorious suite of country blues, all washed in sweeping Nashville piano and pared down acoustic guitar.

While no great departure from the kind of music we’ve all come to expect from this inimitable musician, Blunderbuss succeeds in being a fantastically inventive ode to broken-hearted blues for those who just don’t do soppy.
Dan Ashcroft

Teman Baik Self Storage now offers bulk storage which is perfect for travelers. You can store your main luggage and other things you don’t need while enjoying your stay in Bali. Sometimes you don’t need an entire storage unit for a few bulk items, that’s why it’s ideal for people who want to stow and go. For more info visit www.temanbaikselfstorage.com

With the summer around the corner it’s time to get ready for the never ending outdoor activities on the island. That’s why sunglasses are always right there on the top of the must-have list for summer. This year Oakley is giving away a complimentary water bottle for every purchase of Oakley sunglasses in any of its authorized outlets in Bali while stocks last.

Watch brand Nixon has finally opened a store in Bali so that all you watch enthusiasts out there can finally get some stylish time pieces. The store, which is located in Kuta, will feature Nixon’s sweet designer watches that are so diverse you’ll be able to find a specific watch for just about every occasion. Jalan Legian No. 135 T. 751742

Ku De Ta has some new innovative cocktails by way of a weekly cocktail competition. Their bartenders each try to make a new creation using local ingredients every week and hold a taste test to see which one wins. The winner becomes their weekly cocktail special and every one so far has been nothing short of delicious. We tried their former winners like the Kayumas (Gold Label, peach syrup, honey infused Earl Grey), As Cool as a Cucumber (Tangueray, passion fruit syrup, apple juice, limes, cucumber) and Vanilla Passion Foam (vanilla vodka, lime and apple juice, passion fruit) and everyone of these was a definite treat for our tastebuds.

KU DE TA
Jln Kayu Aya 9, Seminyak
T.  736969
www.kudeta.com

No self-respecting Irish pub would be complete without mention of Ireland’s world famous beverage, stout. In the case of Blarney Stone Irish Pub at the Sky Garden in Kuta, one can even savor the rich flavor of stout in their sumptuous Steak, Mushroom and Guinness Pie that is part of their very Irish menu. The dish is indeed based on a traditional Guinness family recipe. It contains chunks of slow cooked Angus beef simmered in stout gravy along with fresh onion, carrot, and mushrooms that makes for a scrumptious and authentic Irish treat. The sheer size of the top-crust pie is guaranteed to keep you satisfied through a whole game of football on those big screens or a night of dancing in the club above.

61 Legian Street, Kuta, Badung.
Telp : 0361- 755423

1. Grilled Chicken Salad : 55k++
2. Beef Wellington : 95k++
3. Triage of Brulee :  45k++
4. Espresso Martini :  65k++
5. Cucumber Martini :  65k++

Normal Price: 325k++
VIP Price: 276k++

Bistro Batu Kali offers a large selection of delicious dishes and fine drinks. If you’re in Seminyak or Jalan Oberoi to be exact, this is a place you won’t want to miss. Bring your VIP card along to get 15% discount for all of the foods and beverages there.

Bistro Batu Kali
Jl. Laksmana Oberoi 55 Seminyak
Phone : 0361 8060729

As far as Kuta landmarks go they don’t come much more recognizable than the enormous electric guitar sticking out of the pavement on Jalan Pantai, that marks the spot where one of the world’s most iconic restaurant chains has been dishing up good music and great food for almost 15 years.

With it’s inimitable musical heritage and American diner style fare, the original hard rockin’ café has been packing them in since ‘93 on our little tropical isle, but moved to the beach-side location in ‘97. Regularly playing host to some of the best local and international talents on their well-trodden stage, the Hard Rock Café is well known around the world for its devotion to real music and good old Southern style food that comes in super sized portions.

Music memorabilia such as platinum disk editions and an array of guitars cover the walls, ensuring your dining experience is always within the presence of the greats. Buddy Holly, The Beatles… they’re all up there. Zep fans should keep an eye out for John Bonham’s actual drum kit standing watch over the stage.

Whip open the menu and choose from an assortment of scrumptious startersand entrees, legendary burgers, smokehouse hunger busters, super sandwiches and sweet dessert treats.
Lunchtime is a casual event, with the cool air conned family-friendly restaurant buzzing with welcoming wait staff a nice respite from the midday beach heat. I meet up with a good mate who’s keen to sample some of the HRC goodness, and we immediately get chatting over a signature hurricane (109k++) from the ‘keepers’ section of the drink menu, and a wild berry smoothie (109k++) from the ‘alternative rock’ list. All drinks come in a special souvenir glass, which for just a little extra coin you can take home with you when you’re done.

A massive sharing plate of HRC’s famous nachos (119k++) opens play for the day – the crunchy imported corn chips completely smothered in home made pico de gallo, jalapenos, ranch beans and sour cream. Highly recommended.

On to the mains and it’s a tough choice but we eventually order up the hickory-smoked bbq pork ribs (259k++) and the legendary burger (169k++). Ordinarily 10oz of imported Aussie beef with crispy bacon and cheese in a fresh burger bun would be impossible to beat, but when it’s up against an 800gm rack of slow roasted pork ribs it starts to get pretty difficult to choose a favourite…

Dessert-wise we split a portion of the home made hot fudge brownies (99k++) that are all the things a good brownie should be – warm and gooey on the inside, a little crispy on the outside, and most importantly, doused in creamy HaagenDazs ice cream. Amazeballs.

Open for lunch and dinner from 11.30am ‘til 1am on weekdays and 2am on weekends, and with the legendary Siluet band playing regularly after 10pm you can be sure of a hard rockin’ time whenever you drop by.

Don’t forget to use your BCA credit card if you have one, as every time you swipe at HRC you could be in with a chance of winning two all-expenses paid tickets to the Hard Rock Calling concert in London this 13-15 July.

Dan Ashcroft

Hard Rock Cafe
Jl. Pantai Kuta
+62 361 755 661
www.hardrock.com