International Jazz Day is just around the corner on April 30, and some Bangkok venues (plus one in Hua Hin) will celebrate with some croons and tunes. Also, ‘90s smooth jazz sensation Kenny G is coming to town.
Siwilai Sound Club
A wide range of jazz subgenres from Swing to Bebop and New Orleans will strum through this swanky cocktail and jazz bar in old town Charoen Krung for three days. To compliment the tasteful evening, some may want to grab a music icon-inspired cocktail downstairs. Just make sure to arrive with a full stomach since the venue won’t serve food.
Tickets available online are THB350 for a one-day pass, and three-days passes are THB900. The event runs April 28 to April 30 at Siwilai Sound Club. The venue is tucked inside the Central: The Original Store.
Foojohn Jazz Club
Foojohn continues to impress serious jazz fans and live music-lovers alike with spirited shows. For the Foojohn International Jazz Celebration, the venue will throw a three-day party with notable performances by Australian jazz musician Dale Barlow and local musicians paying tribute to the late legendary Miles Davis. Stay tuned to Foojohn’s social media for more information.
The event will run April 28 to April 30. Entry each day is THB150. Booking in advance is highly encouraged.
Smalls
What an amazing coincidence: David Jacobson’s Smalls in Soi Suan Phlu will turn eight years old on the In’t Jazz Day. So, go in to say HBD, relax with some jazz and bites like El Hefe’s tacos or Gallery Pizza’s slices.
If you can’t make it on April 30, drop by any other day.
On April 27, local band 3MCIA will put on a show while the kitchen welcomes Vietnamese-American chef Peter Cuong Franklin for a pop-up. Expect dishes and drinks with Vietnamese touches like “phojito” cocktail, foei gras spring rolls, and bone marrow pho. If you show up April 28, prepare for jazz with Indian undertones as Vanguard Masala takes the stage and to improvise on sitar and tabla.
Crimson Room
Langsuan’s Gatsby-esque, cabaret-style jazz speakeasy will throw a seven-day event full of jazz for Crimson Room Jazz Fest. The week will see up to 25 artists take the red-carpeted stage with several styles of jazz from progressive and electronic to hard bop.
The event will take place in the evening from April 25 to May 1. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Commons (both Thonglor and Saladaeng venues)
Laid-back jazz vibe awaits at the popular community mall, maybe with a good cold one in your hand as well. After a two-year hiatus, the International Jazz Day makes a comeback at The Commons Thonglor. The event this year is even more special as it will be held at its sister branch in the Saladaeng area, too.
Visitors will be hearing from local talents like Pamai Chirdkiatsak Trio, Thailand Saxophone Summit group.
Admission is free. The event will take place at both locations of The Commons: April 29 at the Saladaeng branch; April 30 at the Thonglor location.
True Arena Hua Hin
Although not in Bangkok and a week late for jazz day, who cares since it’s the legendary fucking G in da house. American smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G, will come to perform 90 minutes at the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Other artists to take the stage will be Brazilian sextet Mellow Motif and Thai saxophonist Pae Sax, while blues guitarist Yamin will be joined by three-piece The Symbolic of Star.
The one-day event will take place May 7 at True Arena Hua Hin, a multipurpose sporting venue in Hua Hin city. Entry starts at THB2,000, and tickets are available online.
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