Singapore heard: Bars with the best live music for expats

Whether you’re a music lover or are simply keeping a lookout for decent spots to unwind after a long day at work, we’ve got you covered. Here are some recommended spots with great live music and winning atmosphere which will undoubtedly leave you with an unforgettable experience. And we’ve thoughtfully listed them by genre for your convenience.

Blues

Crazy Elephant

A mainstay of Singapore’s live music and nightlife scene, Crazy Elephant is a well-loved rock and blues station known for its spirited live performances. Boasting appearances by international acts such as Deep Purple, Robbie Williams and John Jorgenson, this humble venue certainly isn’t one to be casually dismissed. Tuck into the cosy ambience of the place for a night of musical wonder by resident act Roach & The Blues Machine. Relax and be entertained as a good selection of hilarious jokes are screened on television. It’s all cool even if you feel like flexing your vocal chords. Drop by on Sunday for special jam sessions where you – or anyone for that matter – can enjoy some airtime on stage.

Address

#01-03/04 Blk. E Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd. | Tel:6337-7859

Opening hours

Mon 5pm-1am

Tue–Thu 5pm-2am

Sun 5pm–2am

Fri–Sat 5pm–3am

Live music performance

10pm onwards

 

Jazz

Blu Jaz

Let your hair down and join the chill-crowd’s club. Blu Jaz is an ambient cafe which boasts an eclectic interior and which hosts live jazz and blues sessions on its ground floor. True to the eclectic vibes of this venue, its second floor juxtaposes wonderfully against the first with local and international DJs who will have you willingly tripping into the night. To foster a culture of getting together and involvement in the local music scene, free music jams are organised every Wednesday night with a jazz jam session the first Wednesday of every month.

Address

11 Bali Lane | Tel:9199-0610

Opening hours

Mon–Thu 11am–12midnight

Fri 11–1.30am

Sat 2pm–1.30am

Live music performance

9.30pm onwards

 

B28

If you prefer unwinding in a more intimate and luxurious setting, B28 is here at your service. At this swanky underground bar revamped not long ago, you’ll find the perfect combination of whisky and jazz. Boasting an impressive array of malts, dark ambient vibes and relaxing live jazz performances, B28 is the kind of place you won’t feel like leaving once you’ve had a taste of it. Regular jazz performances are on from Wednesdays to Saturdays, featuring resident band, Nicole Duffell Organ Trio as well as other jazz talents and occasionally, renowned guest performers.

Address

B/F  The Club, 28 Ann Siang Rd. | Tel:6808-2188

Opening hours

Mon–Wed 5pm–1am

Thu–Sat 5pm–2am

Live music performance

Wed 9pm, Thu 9.30pm, Fri & Sat 10.30pm

 

Alt-/Rock/metal/pop

Hood Bar and Cafe

Switch to chill mode as you enter this dimly lit hood, surrounded by back street graffiti and multi-coloured stage lights. When it comes to the latest music drops and hottest bands in the local arts scene, Hood Bar and Cafe marks the spot. If you have a thing for edgy original music and local popular culture, this place is not to be missed. Do check their Facebook page for updates on bands that will be playing, especially if you are the picky sort when it comes to music genres.

Address

Bugis+, 201 Victoria St, #05-07, Singapore 188067 | Tel:6221-8846

Opening hours

Mon–Wed 5pm–1am

Thu–Sat 5pm–3am

Sun 5pm–1am

Live music performance

Usually from 8pm onwards (check their Facebook page for updates)

 

Rock & Roll

Wala Wala Cafe Bar 

Nestled in the charming expat enclave called Holland Village, Wala Wala Cafe Bar is strategically located among a slew of exciting places for dining and nightlife. Living up to its 20-year reputation for serving captivating live music every night, it’s no wonder this bar is abuzz with life and a well-loved hang-out for locals and expats alike. Couple ice cold beer, good live music and great company – that’s the Wala Wala experience. While you’re here, keep a lookout for resident acts Reverie every Friday, and Shirlyn & The Unexpected on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 9.30pm onwards.

Address

31 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277689 | Tel:6462-4288

Opening hours

Mon–Thu 4pm–1am

Fri 4pm–2am

Sat 3pm–2am

Sun 3pm–1am

Live music performance

Mon–Fri 7pm

Sat–Sun 9.30pm

11 Apr 2017
Maxine Loh