Bangkok is humming for International Jazz Day, celebrated annually on April 30. With a selection of jazz fests dotted all over the city, a few downtown venues have already been preluding the big day. So, get ready to tap your feet, snap your fingers and let your body groove to the music as Guru By Bangkok Post brings you a comprehensive guide to the events to jazz it up this weekend.
International Jazz Day Celebration
Where: Buddha & Pals, 2F, Kanvela House, Krung Kasem Road
When: Until April 30
What most people don't know about Kanvela House, an unassuming hostel within the wall of a 120-year heritage building, is that it's home to one of the best jazz bars in the city: Buddha & Pals. The cafe by day and the jazz bar by night is throwing a Jazz Day celebration. From early evening till late at night, get ready to be swept away by non-stop jamming sessions, joined by a lineup of six jazz artists and bands, local and international names alike. We have heard that Campari Thailand brand ambassador Thanamon "Still" Suthon will helm the bar, perhaps a glass of Negroni to raise a toast for jazz and the live bands, anyone? Entry for B150 per person or book a table with minimum spending of B2,400. Call 061-585-9283 for reservations.
The International Jazz Celebration on Charoen Krung 2023
Where: Siwilai Sound Club, Charoen Krung 36
When: Until April 30
Stroll down a musical lane at Siwilai Sound Club, which commemorates this year's International Jazz Day with a three-night event accompanied by six incredible jazz bands. Prepare yourself for a musical journey where each night will transport you to a different world of jazz in a distinct music genre. The Steve Canon Coolte and Teerapoj Plitakul Trio hit the stage for fusion jazz on Saturday (April 29), while the talented Thai Gypsy jazz band Swing Dude, alongside jazz vocalist Cherryl Hayes and her band, take you back in time for an old-school night on Sunday (April 30). Tickets cost B350 via bit.ly/41WlUYp and B400 at the door.
Beam Jazz Fest
Where: Beam, 2F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit 55 (Thong Lor)
When: April 29
A jazz celebration in a nightclub? What an odd thing to do. However, if Beam has taught us anything, it's that they sure know how to throw a music event with top-notch sounds, as well as visuals and lighting. Working in collaboration with Surround Living, Thong Lor's beloved nightclub is throwing Beam Jazz Fest on Saturday, transforming the whole place into a soulful jazz haven. Taking over four stages, both indoor and outdoor, is a mix of international and local artists and DJs alike; think of Japanese duo Kyoto Jazz Massive showcasing their jazz-electronic crossover; and New Zealand's Avantdale Bowling Club, whose trailblazing hip-hop and jazz ensemble are sure to keep the good time rolling. Tickets are priced at B1,090, including a drink, via ticketmelon.com/beamclub/beamjazzfest.
Foojohn International Jazz Day Celebration 2023
Where: Foojohn Jazz Club, Charoen Krung 31
When: Until April 30
Charoen Krung's beloved jazz club, Foojohn, is pulling out all the stops for International Jazz Day 2023 with a five-night celebration. American soul singer Prince Von Hudson performs on Saturday (April 29) and will be accompanied by in-house quartet, comprising Roykhien Wangler on piano, Songpon Amantrachaislip on bass and Mr Sticks on drums. On the big day, jazz vocalist Penny Pichpunny and her orchestra will take you on a magical journey through Disney's greatest hits, performing a repertoire of 24 songs in a fresh and jazzy style. Expect to hear classics such as Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King, Once Upon A Dream from Sleeping Beauty, A Whole New World from Aladdin and Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid. Make sure to book a table at fb.com/foojohnjazzclub.
Crimson Room Jazz Fest 2023
Where: Crimson Room, Langsuan Road
When: Until April 30
If you're someone with a fairly modest interest in the Roaring Twenties, namely the golden age of jazz, then Crimson Room is an absolute nirvana for true jazz aficionados. The cabaret-style jazz bar boats a glamorous retro flair, taking design notes from The Great Gatsby. Art Deco glamour? Check. Polished brass fittings? Tick. A majestic chandelier? Yup. Plush velvet furnishings? You bet. For this year's Crimson Room Jazz Fest, a line-up of more than a dozen of jazz greats will perform live over the five-night jazz extravaganza. Led by Dr Denny Euprasert and assisted by Arnupap Kammar, Rangsit University Jazz Orchestra is among the headlines and will deliver sensational big-band energy on Saturday (April 29). Call 062-259-2525 to book a table.
Sarnies Night Live: International Jazz Day Edition
Where: Sarnies, Charoen Krung 44
When: April 30
Sarnies is probably on everyone's cafe-hopping list when visiting the hip and happening neighbourhood of Charoen Krung. You might not know that this coffee spot turns into a live lounge every Friday and Saturday, with local and international musicians taking the stage on their Sarnies Night Live (SNL). In celebration of International Jazz Day, the cafe throws a special music programme on Sunday, starting at 7.30pm. The star of the night is no one but Najwa and the Band, who will jazz it up their bluesy way. The event is free, but a reservation is a must at bit.ly/SarniesBKKxChope.
International Jazz Day 2023
Where: The Commons Saladaeng, Sala Daeng 1 / The Commons Thonglor, Thong Lor 17
When: April 29-30
If you can’t make it to the jazz fest at The Commons Saladaeng, don't worry. You can hop over to The Commons Thonglor to get your jazz fix on a different day. The Commons has teamed up with Sweets Records, a jazz community and organiser, to bring an exciting line-up of talented musicians for International Jazz Day events. After successfully hosting their first-ever celebration last year, The Commons Saladaeng will strike up the band for the International Jazz Day celebration on Saturday (April 29), with Siam Jazz Orchestra closing the first night.
On Sunday (April 30), join the global jazz celebration at The Commons Thonglor, where funky modern jazz takes centrestage with a touch of Thai style. Who hasn't played Lofi Girl on YouTube in a loop while studying or working? Now you can catch similar groovy lo-fi with a jazzy twist in a live performance by CFB Lo-Fi. Saxology will deliver a soulful mix of alto, tenor and baritone saxes, while Banglumpoo Acoustic Band will relive the regional style of Mississippi Delta blues in the heyday of early 20th-century American folk music. Go to thecommonsbkk.com.
