Top 5 Live Music Bars in Singapore
Although Singapore is not that famous for live music, if you look around, there are a handful of live music bars that you must pay a visit to. You might also stumble across a venue on a night with live band playing or acoustic singer, but there is no guarantee of the quality of the act. We have assembled in this piece of information top 5 live music bars in Singapore where you’re sure to be in for a great night with some of the amazing blues, jazz, rock, pop and even Latin music around town.
1. Hood Bar & Café
In Singapore, live music bars can be found in all shapes and sizes. Hood Bar & Cafe is located in the center of a mall (Bugis+) and hosts some of the best local musical talents who play a wide range of indie, jazz, acoustic, and soft rock. Packed with lots of colorful artwork, you can also witness some really interesting pieces hanging from the walls and can explore the funky main central bar sector also, which is inspired by a typical Chinese temple theme complete with a conventional red roof and Chinese engravings. Although the area is quite huge for a ‘cafe’ still it is packed on the weekends – so it is suggested to arrive early for the best seats before the concert start.
2. Blu Jaz Cafe
Bursting with vibrant colors and personality, you cannot miss out Blu Jaz Cafe, which you can find at a short walk from Bugis MRT on Bali Lane. It features a pleasant outside garden which is a vibrant spot for people watching. Inside is the place where real fun and entertainment happens in two different live music stages over three floors. Complementing the name, the focus of the music is basically on the jazz, but you find here a fusion of soul, blues, soft rock, and a live DJ as per the night. The café keep changing the calendar showing their events on their website or you can also call them to get other details.
3. Cuba Libre Cafe & Bar
When it comes to live music and feel-good vibes, Cuba Libre Café and Bar and its lively bar win top marks. Not many locals are found here, but that becomes irrelevant with cozy venue jumping every night, except Sunday, with their amazing house bands who play Cuban music and some specific fun Latino combined covers of pop songs. It all starts at 22:00 and you should also try out the signature Mojitos which is highly recommended despite the $S24 price. You should visit there between 18:00-21:00 and do not forget to ask about their promos for discount drink offers.
4. The Crazy Elephant
This music bar owns a legendary-like status where you will find people who are both rock fans as well as the passing crowds at Clarke Quay who are engaged in the great live music here every night. The Crazy Elephant has an edge over other music bars due to its scruffy graffiti-lined walls and no-frills furnishings, allowing the music take center stage rather than anything else. The bands start at around 22:00 every night and you can enjoy rock music with every sub-genre under that. You can also get drinks at some reasonably priced too; at just over S$10 for a beer. It is one of the most inexpensive live music bars to drink at in Clarke Quay, as well as the best live music bar in Singapore.
5. SingJazz Club
This swanky little venue is known to offer some serious music, with a whole host of local and global acts taking to their intimate stage all five days a week. Unlike other live music bars nearby, the acts here is something close to jazz genre – although they do host the occasional DJ night with funk, house and soul music also. You can find drinks here at a reasonable cost, not too extensive, giving all the center stage to the bands. You can take your pick from a limited selection of beers, wines, and spirits, wherein the drink of choice here is whiskey to go hand-in-hand with the refined atmosphere here. This music bar is located right in the center of Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Arab quarter.