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Best places for live jazz

Catch this sexy, groovy style of music throughout Honolulu

By Tracy Chan

Metromix
August 18, 2008

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Ginai performing at The Dragon Upstairs. (Credit: Advertiser library photo)

Jazz is a sexy, groovy style of music, popular among young and old alike. Because jazz values the ability to improvise, a live jazz show is a great place to see impressive musical geniuses at work. Here in Honolulu, the level of formality depends on the club. Yet, most local jazz lovers aren't as concerned about dressing to being seen as being comfortable and enjoying the music. Here are some of the best places in town to hear live jazz.

Jazz Minds Art & Cafe

1661 Kapiolani Blvd. - Honolulu

808-945-0800

Everyone in this place, from the owner to the patrons really are passionate about jazz. Slip into this club before 9 p.m. to get past the cover charge, and enjoy nights full of rhythm, blues and cocktails. Some of the funkiest performers appear here, such as Paisley and the Temple Valley, Toyz of Pleasure, and the Honolulu Jazz Quartet.

The Dragon Upstairs

1038 Nuuanu Ave. - Honolulu

808-526-1411

Cool jazz trickles down the steps. Up the stairs, the intimate space and dim lighting make it seem more like someone's parlor that an actual business. It features a stage, but it's really just the same floor space everyone shares. Patrons are close enough to the musicians to hold a conversation with them. This Chinatown bar is limited but tasteful, and the calm ambiance makes it a perfect night cap for dates.

Brasserie du Vin

1115 Bethel St - Honolulu

808-545-1115

Food, wine and jazz, all week. Live performers include Thomas Chun on jazz guitar and Shoji Ledward , whose 1997 album, "Live at the Contemporary Cafe," was a Na Hoku Hanohano nominee for best jazz album that year.

Lewers Lounge

2199 Kalia Road - Honolulu

808-923-2311

Check out the piano performances. Saturday is the night for sophisticated jazz. A good spot for early evening cocktails or after-dinner drinks.

Chuck's Cellar

150 Kaiulani Ave. - Honolulu

808-923-4488

Stop by for the piano bar from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night. Wednesday is a good night to go.

Don Ho's Island Grill

1 Aloha Tower Drive - Honolulu

808-528-0807

Molokai Jazz West performs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. Friday is also a big night for jazz.

Indigo

1121 Nuuanu Ave. - Honolulu

808-521-2900

Stop by every Tuesday from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm for Falling Down Romance, the weekly jazz night, held in the Green Room. The Deadbeats also perform every Thursday at 9 p.m. Along with the music, they've got great martini specials.

Paparazzi

1200 Ala Moana Blvd. - Honolulu

808-596-8850

Join local guitarist Sonny Silva for Sweet and Lowdown Tuesdays, featuring jazz guitar guests. Other nights feature jazz players and vocal artists.

The Honolulu Club

932 Ward Ave. - Honolulu

808-543-3910

Honolulu's finest jazz musicians and visiting artists come together at this classy jazz spot. Wednesday performances start at 6:30 p.m.

Pearl Ultralounge

1450 Ala Moana Blvd. - Honolulu

808-944-8000

Join Sunway and the Positivity for live jazz, rock, and pop every Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Kona Brewing Company

7192 Kalanianole Highway - Honolulu

808-394-5662

Sit outside on the nicely lit deck and listen to cool jazz against the stunning backdrop of Koko Marina.

Hanohano Room

2255 Kalakaua Ave. - Honolulu

808-922-4422

After an express glass-elevator ride up to the 30th floor of the Sheraton Waikiki, you step into sophisticated surroundings, enhanced with expansive views from Diamond Head to Ewa. Piano accompaniment and live jazz provide the musical backdrop for this elegant bar and restaurant.