As Ryan Gosling’s jazz-loving character Sebastian in La La Land says, “Jazz is about the future”. Jazz has been around since the early 20th century, yet the music genre continues to prevail and evolve over time, standing its ground amidst other more contemporary genres.
We already know that the Philippines has no shortage of talented musicians and singers, and in Manila, these artists keep the music alive in some of the city’s bustling venues. Be sure to check these places out for your jazz and blues fix.
Tago Jazz Café
Tucked away in Cubao, Quezon City is an intimate, no-frills jazz café that showcases lively jazz music from Wednesday to Sunday. Discover just some of the fiercest jazz musicians as they deliver some sweet guitar riffs or go crazy on that sax.
#14 Main Ave, Cubao, Quezon City
facebook.com/TagoJazzCafe
Spectre Manila
Meanwhile, leave it to Spectre to remind you of those good old, 1940s-esque jazz clubs where a dapper sense of style was synonymous to harmonious melodies and foot-tapping rhythms. The men’s lifestyle concept store recently launched their Jazz Thursdays, where each Thursday of the week, Spectre’s bar opens up as guests can enjoy free-flowing cocktails and liquor while listening to the lush sounds of jazz.
916 Luna Mencias, Mandaluyong City (9pm onwards)
https://www.facebook.com/SpectreMNL
Salon de Ning
The ornate designs of Salon de Ning at the Peninsula Manila provide the perfect backdrop to a swingin’ night out, and so if you feel like dressing up, head on down and treat yourself to talented live acts playing different genres to keep things interesting. Watch out for the nights that they do play jazz.
The Peninsula Manila, Makati City
Balete at Kamias
Who would have thought that a house along Kamias Avenue would become the go-to venue for just some of the country’s best musical acts? On Mondays, AMP Big Band, composed of 20 top-tier musicians and directed by Mel Villena keep the crowd on their feet with their “sensational big band music”. Aside from jazz, though, Balete also hosts other remarkable acts that bring their own dose of electrifying OPM.
175 Kamias Road, Quezon City
facebook.com/BaleteAtKamias
Sage Bar, Makati Shangri-La
Planning a jazz-filled date night? Then you’re better off at Sage Bar in Makati Shangri-La, with a sophisticated ambiance, curated tapas and cocktails selections, and sweet jazz music. Some of their famed artists include international performer Henry Katindig, Judith Banal, and Poppin’ Jazz.
Makati Shangri-La, Makati Avenue cor. Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Minokaua
Taking the place of bar@1951 in Adriatico in Manila is Minokaua, a gastrobar, live music space, and an art gallery in one, staging talented local acts of various genres. While they host folk, alternative, and indie musicians, watch out for blues and jazz regulars such as Noli Aurillo, Blue Rats, Harder Lichtenfeld Vinoya, and Nicole Asensio.
1951 Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila
facebook.com/minokaua
Pete’s Place Music Room
Meanwhile, those from the South don’t have to look far for their dose of live jazz music. On Fridays, Pete Lapeña opens his home’s music room into a venue and jamming space for musicians and guests alike. No cocktails or bar fare here. It’s literally jamming in someone else’s home so you’ll probably have to BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze), but local beer is available at P50 a pop.
19 E. Quirino St, South Admiral Village, Parañaque City
facebook.com/petesplacemusicroom
