10 of the Best Places to See Live Jazz in Hong Kong
Jazz lovers won’t be disappointed with Hong Kong’s selection of live music venues. From old-school joints to chic new clubs and lounges there are plenty of places where you can go to immerse yourself in some quality jazz. Here are the best jazz venues Hong Kong has to offer.
Peel Fresco
Music Venue
Peel Fresco has been a respected mainstay of Hong Kong’s live music scene since it opened in 2007, offering jazz, rock and blues six nights a week, performed by both local and overseas musicians. Space is tight but the mood and acoustics here are superb.
Orange Peel
Building
Peel Fresco’s newer sister venue, Orange Peel, brings in musicians and singers from all over the world. The music isn’t restricted to jazz — pop, R&B, blues, a cappella and more get their turn in the spotlight. The space features cozy couches and Surrealist wall murals, and the drinks are reasonably priced. Check out the full lineup on their website.
Foxglove
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary
Stepping into this sultry bar and restaurant speakeasy feels like being transported to a bygone era. The moody interior of the main dining room is inspired by a vintage first-class airline cabin. Jazz and other musical performances are scheduled almost every night of the week — check Foxglove’s website for more details.
Ned Kelly's Last Stand
Nightclub, Bar, Pub Grub
Now more than four decades old, this grungy saloon has the remarkable distinction of being Hong Kong’s oldest bar, and is constantly filled with friendly regulars. The resident band is the China Coast Jazzmen, who play rhythmic Dixieland jazz five nights a week.
Blue Bar
Bar, Restaurant, American, Chinese, Japanese
This upscale lounge and bar is located in the Four Seasons Hotel. Jazz nights fall on Friday and Saturday, beginning at eight pm. Cocktails are rather expensive at around $130 per tipple, but the drinks are inventive and the bartender’s skill is superb. Be sure to dress smartly if you’re planning to spend an evening here.
Studio Club
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Nightclub, Italian
Studio Club is a high-end jazz bar offering live music nights, from 9pm until midnight. Wednesday nights are reserved for Latin jazz percussion performances. The sleek wood and copper-accented interior exudes glamor, while the bar specializes in champagne and champagne cocktails. Also on the menu is a careful selection of premium whiskies.
Bert's
Nightclub, Bar, Pub Grub, Japanese, Chinese
Located in the basement of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, this underground bistro and pub is named after Bert Okuley, a former FCC president and a gifted jazz pianist. The house band, led by FCC music director Allen Youngblood, performs on most nights from Tuesday through Friday, but big-name jazz musicians occasionally perform here too. Bert’s is undoubtedly one of the city’s best jazz venues, but there’s just one catch – to get in, you have to be a member of the FCC or come as the guest of a current member.
Visage One
Bar, Chinese, Japanese
Hair salon by day, jazz club by night. Visage One’s owner, Benky Chan, is a hairdresser and jazz lover who turns his Hollywood Road studio into a moody and intimate jazz venue for three hours every Saturday night, starting at 9pm. There’s no entrance fee and no stage – instead, performers and audience mingle and crowd together as one. It’s a unique, highly social gathering that welcomes jazz aficionados and newbies alike.
Fringe Club
Theater, Art Gallery, Building, Theatre
Located in a historic Victorian building built c.1892, the Fringe Club is one of Hong Kong’s most respected arts organizations. The Fringe Dairy, an intimate jazz and cabaret space that retains some of its original 1913 decor, offers live music of all kinds, including swing jazz and big band jazz. Check their website for upcoming performances.
Gecko
Building
A sleek SoHo jazz venue for premium whiskey and jazz. Gecko patrons can enjoy live jazz and blues from Tuesday through Saturday, with open mic sessions on Monday for those who want to try their hand onstage. To see who’s playing this week, visit Gecko’s Facebook page.