DJs have seemingly taken over the world, but some people still prefer live music. In fact, there is nothing like watching a musician take centre stage and play the first few chords on his guitar, or watching a band take their place behind a piano and set of drums. Here are five places in Joburg that encompass the live music scene, inviting you to fall in love with music all over again.
Sundowners are reimagined at Mix Cocktail Bar, nestled in the heart of Rosebank. It takes over the Keyes Art Mile with music, art and cocktails, combining to create a multi-faceted experience for all. Furthermore, they often host monthly events and they have live music accompanying late lunch or dinner on Mondays through to Saturdays.
In the small, but buzzing suburb of Bedfordview lies Bailey’s Live, an upmarket live entertainment bar and restaurant. Every month, Bailey’s has a full line-up of events like game nights, karaoke nights and professional bands and musicians taking centre stage. Of course, the favourite night for live music is Thursday Night Live and the occasional Friday and Saturday.
This 1920’s Gatsby themed bar is Joburgers’ playground in Randpark Ridge. One can shimmy and jive to music hits from the 20s through to the 90s. Consequently, with two bars, two dance floors, casino slot machines, live entertainment and a buzzing restaurant, guests are in for an experience of a lifetime. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, you can listen to tickling ivories that take you back to the days of flapper ladies and gangsters.
Similarly, Katzy’s Live also contributes to the heart-throb that is Rosebank. This bar, restaurant and live music scene just keeps on giving. With three resident bands and first-timers playing three times a week, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are filled with music and vibes at Katzy’s. Therefore, guests are invited to enjoy the beats of the bands whilst sipping on cocktails, browsing the wine bar, smoking cigars and dining at the adjacent Grillhouse.
Lastly, one of the favourite spots for listening to live jazz is The Marabi Club. This has been a central part of Joburg’s live music scene since 1920. ‘Marabi’ is the name for an urban culture that places jazz music at its centre in order to escape the hardships of life. Furthermore, tucked into the basement of Hallmark House, The Marabi Club is a living time capsule in Maboneng. This vibrant space relies on the tunes of jazz to power it through from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Let loose and dance to the beat at one of these live music scenes in Joburg. Finding a spot that guarantees live music isn’t always easy, but we hope these five places make it a little less of a hassle to fall in love with live music again.
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