By TOM KHOO – The star.com – Saturday December 25, 2010

 Soju Club at the Penang Times Square Mall is adding excitement to the Penang nightlife scene.

The Soju Club is a hot, new nightspot that has just opened at the Penang Times Square, much to the delight of nightclubbers and out-of-town visitors looking for a sophisticated night out.

Crush performs nightly at Soju. -— MAU HORNG

Comprising a club, beer garden and café on the ground floor of the soon-to-be revamped mall at Jalan Dato Keramat in George Town, Soju attracted some 1,000 party-goers on its opening night recently.

With a titillating fashion show complete with leggy models, the opening extravaganza even featured fire-eaters, stilt walkers, magicians and costumed characters, all of which added to the atmosphere. And when the “Lady Gaga” showcase of dancers came on to the tune of Bad Romance, the crowd was truly pumped-up to enjoy themselves.

Soju is the perfect place for music lovers to enjoy the lively performances. Internationally-acclaimed resident band Crush performs nightly from 10pm, except on Sunday. The band members play a wide repertoire from the latest Top 40 hits, R&B, hip hop, rock, reggae to the hottest Latin tunes. They are equally adept at dance music (like Lady Gaga’s Poker Face) and feel-good tunes like Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called to Say I Love You, even Chinese crowd-pleasers like Teresa Teng’s The Moon Represents My Heart.

Led by accomplished lead singer and frontman, Mickey or Michael Willingham, this nine-piece band has performed in numerous cities, attracting night-clubbers out for a rollicking good time.

The group got together in 2002 and includes female vocalists Myra Quirante and Junko Aquino from the Philippines, as well as dancer Rosimere Ramos da Silva from Brazil. Other band members are drummer Richard Anthony Harry from the US, singer Lukeson Pajchimkaanthong and guitarist Narathip Kulwiboonanunt, both from Thailand. Canadian bassist Ronald Rothenberg and Columbian keyboard player Harold Mendoza round off the band.

A fire-eater at the Soju opening.
Soju boasts a casino-themed interior and a state-of-the-art sound system. At the opening, resident DJs Chin and Soya from Kuala Lumpur had clubbers on their feet all night long, spinning great music and showcasing nifty video mixing.

For those who want a quieter place to chill or to chat with new acquaintances, the outdoor beer garden is another winning spot. And for those who feel peckish after a night of dancing, the sidewalk grill (pork-free) offers a variety of local and Western cuisine, especially barbecued seafood.

For those who are entertaining clients with a big appetite, the adjoining café serves not only substantial meals and snacks, but also gelato, gourmet coffee and juices, all priced affordably. The Penang Times Square Mall will soon be revamped into a distinct F&B destination.

o Special party events have been lined up for the Xmas-New Year celebrations and Chinese New Year festive season. For details and reservations, call (04) 210 3080.