Hero Goh and Teena Goh on keyboard singing Ni Zui Zhen Gui during the Wednesday open-mic session. Video credit: Hero Goh https://youtube.com/shorts/CMZloZv4sGo
Felix F on saxophone playing Zhi Shao Hai You Ni (At least got you) with Hero Goh and Teena Goh. Video credit: Hero Goh https://youtube.com/shorts/_mqMTNkO7d0
Mid-Week Highlights at Bistro Monologue
Mid-week is something to look forward to — especially at Bistro Monologue, where food, music, and art bring people together in Bukit Puchong.
Wednesday evenings feature an open-mic session with Hero Goh, where you can take the stage to jam, sing with him, or perform alongside other singers and musicians.
On Thursday evenings, you can sing along, sit back, relax, and enjoy friendly banter, jokes, and nostalgic music with the evergreen trio of Frankie Tan, Alan Lim, and Jimmy Loh.
Bistro Monologue owner Emilyn Chan believes these events make the bistro special and enticing, although they also offer entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
“The open-mic session hosted by Hero Goh,” said Emilyn, “is quite unique. Not many performers and musicians like to share their stage with others.
“But Hero is very generous and willing to do so on Wednesdays. He enjoys it because he wants to give people a chance to explore their singing and musical talents.
“On Thursdays, the atmosphere created by Frankie, Alan, and Jimmy is truly special. They have a strong connection with the guests. It’s fun and friendly. Guests love how they interact and joke with them, in addition to the music.”
So, everyone is welcomed to come here to eat, drink, sing, jam or play their instruments. It’s a friendly, family type of atmosphere here.
Zac, who comes all the way from Kepong on most Wednesdays, singing Mei Li Kai Guo on stage with Hero Goh and Teena Goh. Video credit: Hero Goh https://youtube.com/shorts/pKHhFeDA0pY
Hero of the Wednesday Open-Mic
Hero Goh is the "hero" (for lack of a better word) of the Wednesday evening open-mic session, where he provides a platform for anyone willing to step up and explore their singing or musical talents.
With a warm and patient demeanour, Hero extends a heartfelt invitation to all.
“The stage is there for people to have fun,” Hero explained.
“Sometimes, people just need a little encouragement and an opportunity to sing, perform, and enjoy themselves. That’s why I created the open-mic session.
“We’ve had beginners, ordinary performers, and even some really talented singers and musicians. Anyone can come up and join me. Everyone is welcome. On certain nights, we also have special invited guests — some of them are my friends, singers, and performers I know.”
Hero’s versatility and adaptability with various musical styles and genres — along with his ability to sing in Chinese, English, and Malay — make him an ideal host for the session.
Felix F, who lives in Jalan Kelang Lama, braved heavy traffic to reach Bukit Puchong just to try out his newfound passion — playing the saxophone.
“The saxophone is such a personal instrument,” Felix enthused.
“No two players sound the same. The mouthpiece and reed influence the sound because air blown through the mouthpiece causes the reed to vibrate and produce tones.
“Then, there’s the embouchure — how you position your mouth and apply lip pressure — which affects tone quality, reed vibration, and sound projection.
“Breath control, air support, lung capacity, breath pressure, and air direction all contribute to the volume and tonal richness.
“I enjoy being able to play and experiment with my saxophone at this bistro. Everyone here is so supportive.”
Thursday Sing-Along with the Trio
Frankie Tan says his fondness for Bistro Monologue’s owners, Alex Tan and Emilyn Chan, is one of the main reasons he still performs there every Thursday evening with longtime buddies Alan Lim and Jimmy Loh.
Frankie, a veteran performer from the pub and night-club scene in his heyday and a former Top of the Pubs singing competition winner, could easily perform anywhere.
“But I choose to perform at Bistro Monologue on Thursday nights because I enjoy it here,” he said after his gig.
“The audience feels like an extended family.
“It doesn’t feel like I’m performing for strangers — it feels like I’m just having fun with friends and family.”
The trio’s on-stage banter is lively, good-natured, and humorous. Often, the audience gets drawn into the fun, leading to rounds of laughter.
Frankie’s stage companions are advertising agency owner Alan Lim — who, with his flowing locks and energetic renditions, resembles a Chinese Bruce Springsteen — and the affable Jimmy Loh on bass, a member of Malaysia’s famous group, The Alleycats.
Andersen Chen, Puchong resident & Bistro regular, singing “My Sentimental Friend” with (from left) at a sing-along session with Alan Lim, Frankie Tan and Jimmy Loh. Video credit; Ooi Lay Beng https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INXwiJ56WeI
What Other Musicians Say
Teena Goh, Nutrition Coach & Keyboardist: “I really enjoy the open-mic sessions with Hero Goh. The environment, food, and friendly people make it a great place. We can play our instruments, sing, and perform together.”
Tan J-Ky, Bistro Manager & Drummer: “I’ve been playing drums since I was 10. I used to play piano, guitar, and saxophone, but now I prefer drums. It’s very direct and easy to pick up. My drum kit has only six pieces, and I find it cool to jam with different musicians who come to perform here, especially on Wednesday and Thursday nights.”
Andersen Chen, Puchong Resident & Bistro Regular: “My wife and I make it a point to come here almost every Thursday night. Frankie, Alan, and Jimmy play the kind of evergreen music that we can connect with. We love it so much. Today, I even went on stage to sing for the first time — hahaha! All thanks to Jimmy. We’re all friends here, and that makes it even more enjoyable.”
Zac, Software Engineer & Singer: “The atmosphere here is relaxed, fun, and enjoyable. I live in Kepong but always make the trip to Puchong every Wednesday to sing and have fun with Hero Goh and the rest.”
Felix F, Purchaser Admin & Saxophonist: “This is my first visit to Bistro Monologue, and I love it. I get to try playing my saxophone with different people. When I was young, my parents sent me for piano and violin lessons. During the Covid lockdowns, I picked up the saxophone, and now I’m completely hooked. It feels great to have a place like this to play the instrument.”
Bistro Monologue: 16, Jalan BP 7/11, Bandar Bukit Puchong, 47120 Puchong, Selangor
Opens: Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat: 9.00am to 11.55pm / Sun, Mon, Tue: 9.00am to 9.55pm
Phone: 019-4729117
Email: bistromonologuehq@gmail.com
Facebook: bistro monologue
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