Hong Kong Music Scene: Where to Listen to Live Music This Month

Check out what HK’s musicians have to offer

The music scene in this wonderful city of ours seems sparse, especially when compared to the likes of New York and London. As a musician myself, I’d say you must be in the know to actually know where to go. Whether it’s a cosy open mic night you’re looking for, or a hip shaking Latino fiesta, rest assured, Sassy has you covered.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide To Music Venues and Nights In Hong Kong

Foxglove

If you’re not ready to call it a night after hitting happy hour on a Thursday, then look no further than Foxglove. The Azucar Latina Band are sure to get those hips shaking and open up a new wave of sass you never knew you had. Their lineup is truly authentic with band members from the likes of Dominican Republic and Colombia oozing soul and scintillation. 

The lineup of singers this month and next at Foxglove looks incredibly promising. We hear there are three performers you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check out Sybil Thomas, a purveyor of R&B and jazz music, who’ll be singing tonight and on 21 November at 8:45pm, free of charge. Precious, an R&B, jazz, blues , African music and rock ‘n roll singer, will be crooning every Wednesday night in December. And on Friday, 17 and 24 November, from 10:15pm to 1:30am, as well as every Friday in December, catch Janaia Farrell (she’s got a five-octave vocal range!). She’ll be belting out funk, soul, R&B, old school tunes and pop (you may want to don your dancing shoes for this one!).

Where: Foxglove, G/F, 18 Ice House St., 6 Duddell St, Central, Hong Kong
When: Thursday, 16, 23 and 30 November, 9pm until late
How much: Free

Visage One

Hidden down the backstreets of Soho, look for the not-so secret venue that sometimes creates a queue that snakes all the way down to Gough Street. Barbershop by day, jazz bar by moonlight; every Saturday, ‘Visage One. Hair. Music’ opens its doors to some of the most talented musicians this city has to offer. The intimacy of this venue is second to none and we recommend you get there early to avoid the wait (unless you’re in need of a trim of course!).

Where: LG/F, Po Lung Building, 93 Hollywood Road, Central
When: Every Saturday from around 7pm
How much: Free

Peel Fresco

Looking for something more laid-back? Maybe even somewhere you can participate? Head down to the open mic night at Peel Fresco. But don’t be assuming, this is no amateur karaoke. Gifted musicians both young and old come to participate in this ‘jam’. You won’t just hear songwriters, but storytellers; performers who do it for passion, not for pay. Whether it’s the swampy sounds of an aspiring country singer or an experimental French rapper, you won’t get bored in this venue. And what’s more, they have just been granted the license to perform live music until 1am.

Where: Peel Fresco, 49 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong
When: Every Tuesday & Sunday, starting at 8pm
How much: Free

The Champagne Bar

If it’s a sophisticated evening you’re after, head to The Grand Hyatt Hotel. Listen to the sultry sounds of Danielle Chapuk, who will be entertaining the crowds with some classic jazz throughout the month of November. A talent that’s definitely worth putting some time aside for, Chapuk’s intimate performance will no doubt transport you to the former century, and make you forget where you really are.

Where: The Champagne Bar, Lobby Level, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
When: Monday to Saturday, 9pm to 12:45am
How much: Free

The Wanch

For those of you who don’t quite know what you’re looking for, but you just know you want to be sipping cider to the sounds of singing strings, check out The Wanch. From canto-pop to heavy rock, these guys have you covered. This infamous music venue opens its doors to professional cover bands and original musicians alike. With regular original showcase nights, this is a great place to check out the new talent that this city has to offer.

Where: The Wanch, 54 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
When: Almost every night of the week, check out its calendar here
How much: Free

Hong Kong Baptist University

If you dig classical and contemporary, the collaboration of Ugo Mahieux & Olivia Steindler has finally arrived in Hong Kong. This violin-piano duo has spent the past couple of years touring Latvia, France and Italy with their exquisite performance. The program includes a number of classical sonatas and variations for violin and piano.

Where: Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon
When: Thursday, 16 November, 8pm to 9:30pm
How much: Free

Whether you’re a music lover or simply just looking for something new to check out, I can promise you that these suggestions won’t disappoint. It’s very difficult to put a melody into words or even show the beauty of a chord, but as the maxim goes, “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” Go and check them out for yourselves!