Live Music In Nassau: The Best Spots For Hearing Local Tunes On The Island

There’s nothing quite like a night on the town, sipping cool cocktails and listening to a live band croon to the melodies of the island. Here in The Bahamas, live music is a sought after source of entertainment, and remains an important traditional medium of storytelling and cultural expression. For such a small country, The Bahamas has produced a noteworthy repertoire of music amid a deep pool of Caribbean talent- including regional legends and global contemporary stars such as: BahaMen, Sweet Emily, Ronnie Butler, Julien Believe, and even Lenny Kravitz.Traditional Bahamian music is rhythmic and playful, utilizing percussion (especially the goatskin drum), string, and free reed instruments such as the accordion and harmonica. By and large, there are three major genres- Goombay, Rake n’ Scrape, and our world famous Junkanoo that form the foundation of Bahamian musical roots- each one borrowing elements from the other to create a distinct sound that is uniquely true to our islands. These days though, you’re most likely to experience an impromptu jam session involving these patented sounds outside of New Providence, while visiting one of our many Bahamian family islands– particularly during lively summer festivals and sailing regattas.Nassau’s live music scene here in the capital is more eclectic and offers a wide range of musical styles: from foot-stomping rake n’ scrape, to sultry jazz, R&B covers, local reggae rhythms, and even mini-Junkanoo rushout performances. In the summer months, weekend music festivals such as Junkanoo in July and Goombay Summer Festival every Friday in August are popular among locals and visitors alike. Expect cultural displays of music and dance, craft vendors, and traditional Bahamian food and drink!Today, Nassau’s performer circuit is buzzing with talented local artists, many of whom are young in age and eager to show off their original songs and instrumental skills as they launch their musical careers at events, hotel bars, clubs and restaurants across the island.Whatever your musical predilections are, we insist that you dedicate an evening (at least!) to hearing local tunes during your stay on the island. To start you on your musical journey, we’ve put together all you need to know about where to find the top places to experience Bahamian live music in Nassau.

Green Parrot Bar & Grill

Credit: Green Parrot Bar & GrillThis harbourfront bar is an excellent choice for the goombay, soca, and rake n’ scrape enthusiast. Live bands like The Long Island Connection, Judah Tha Lion, I-Rate, and Da Rhythm Band play often, alongside a well-stocked bar majoring in Bahamian cocktails and beers, so it’s the perfect place to experience good ol’Bahamian culture!Best Bet For Live Music: Fri-Sat: 9:00pm – 11:00pm / Sun: 5:00pm – 8:00pmAmbiance: Chill outdoor atmosphere, lively bar next to a buzzing marinaFood & Drink: Bahamian and American classics including conch salad, burgers, and beersCover Charge: None, easy listening for bar and restaurant customersLocation: East Bay Street, HarbourfrontContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 328-8382

Pirate Republic Brewing Company

Credit: TripAdvisorA recent addition to the Woodes Rodgers Walk in Nassau, Pirate Republic has quickly become downtown’s bar of choice, especially since it makes its own craft beer! Along with those cold IPAs comes live Bahamian music from entertainers like Kamilah, Tim & Dave, Tebby, and Drew Harmony. This awesome spot, convenient for cruise ship passengers and downtown explorers alike, promises even more local entertainment as their microbrewery continues to grow.Best Bet For Live Music: Fri-Sat: 8:00pm – 12:00amAmbiance: Modern alehouse and biergarten, crafted wooden finishes and pubby atmosphereFood & Drink: Beer battered chicken wings, German sausage, pretzels and mustard, in-house selection of IPA microbrewsCover Charge: Free to enjoy unless otherwise stated for a special eventLocation: Woodes Rodgers Walk, Downtown NassauContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 328-0612

The Plantation Bar & Grill

Credit: The Plantation Bar & GrillPlantation Bar is another down-home bar with strong drinks and authentic Bahamian food served under the canopy of silver top branches and creaky wooden shacks. It’s simplistic style and great service attracts hard working business professionals on their way home to the suburbs of western New Providence, as well as live musicians like Tony Seymour and Loose Crew, playing calypso, reggae, and rock all weekend long!Best Bet For Live Music: Thurs-Sun: 8:00pm – 11:00pmAmbiance: Low key island-y vibes, set in a wooden bar protected by a canopy of native treesFood & Drink: Bahamian bar foods: tamarind ribs, conch burgers, fish sandwiches, and cold beveragesCover Charge: Kick off your shoes and relax, there’s no charge hereLocation: West Bay Street, Western New ProvidenceContact: Facebook, Phone: (242) 359-1963

Lukka Kairi Restaurant

Credit: Lukka Kairi RestaurantNassau Cruisers will love the convenience of this location (directly on the wharf 3 minutes away from the Port) and all guests of the restaurant and bar will enjoy its live music offerings. Performances ranging from lone percussionists on steel pan drums, trendy artist performances like that of Wendi, to 12 piece bands such as Ting ‘Um Dem make Lukka Kairi’s stage one of the most exhilarating on the island. The restaurant’s menu featuring fresh Bahamian flavours with a contemporary twist further enhances the evening entertainment.Best Bet For Live Music: Mon-Sun: 6:00pm – 9:00pmAmbiance: Lively and upbeat, local art murals, and large harbourfront balcony adds an open-air fresh feelingFood & Drink: Modern Bahamian cuisine served tapas-style, signature cocktailsCover Charge: Guests of the restaurant will enjoy live music included with their meal but after dinner events may have a chargeLocation: Woodes Rodgers Walk, Downtown NassauContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 326-5256

Jacaranda House

Credit: Bahamas LocalWrap up your weekend with the melodies of Jazz at Jacaranda, which takes place on the first Sunday of each month. Once an old colonial home owned by the renowned Sir Harry Oakes,Jacaranda House has become a swinging cultural hub frequented by the searching souls of old-time elegance. The lush gardens and tranquil poolside venue sets the stage for jazz musicians likeAdrian D’Aguilar and the Jazz Etcetera group, and Anuschka Wright, whose rich voices and instrumentals will leave you swooning after each monthly performance.Best Bet For Live Music: First Sunday of every month: 6:00pm – 8:00pmAmbiance: Colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and poolside bars with a fantastic Old Nassau City viewFood & Drink: Bahamian and Caribbean fusion dishes like lionfish ceviche and guava gelato, with wine and spirits aplentyCover Charge: General admission on Sundays is $10, but expect to pay $15 during special eventsLocation: East Hill & Parliament Street, Downtown NassauContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 322-2275

Compass Point Beach Resort

Credit: Compass Point Beach ResortIn addition to its beautiful location on the beach with the most amazing views of golden sunsets, Compass Point hosts a series of happy hour events, where live performances from some of The Bahamas’ most beloved bands and musicians come to entertain crowds of weekend revelers. Regular performers include: Ira Storr and The Spank Band, and Willis and The Illest.Best Bet For Live Music: Tues: 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Fri-Sun: 6:00pm – 11:00pmAmbiance: Relaxed, outdoor scene overlooking the ocean and surrounded by inspiring island coloursFood & Drink: International fare from oven fired pizzas to quesadillas and Bahamian conch chowderCover Charge: General admission is free but beer and mojito buckets are expectedLocation: West Bay Street, Western New ProvidenceContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 327-4500

The British Colonial Hilton

Credit: The Nassau GuardianAs far as The Hilton is concerned, Fridays are “Fantastic Fridays” at their Bullion Bar, where drinks flow as profusely as they once did in the golden era of Prohibition. Infamous bands such as Visagebring down the house with high-energy musical performances! Those looking for something more low key will likely enjoy local powerhouse, Naomi Taylor, who is revered for her soulful jazz covers at the hotel’s bar during happy hour as well as Vice Versa Band with frequent vocal performances by Tru Bahamian Food Tours very own Italian-Bahamian guide, Sara Volponi!Best Bet For Live Music: Tues+Thurs: 7:00pm – 10:00pm / Fri: 6:00pm – 11:00pmAmbiance: Upscale adult libations, easy listening, and all around good timesFood & Drink: Handcrafted signature cocktails, and gourmet small bitesCover Charge: Happy hours in the lobby bar are free, $20 admission during Fantastic Fridays eventsLocation: Bay Street, Downtown NassauContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 322-3301

Marina Village at Atlantis Resort

Credit: Nassau Paradise IslandFor Atlantis guests, there are myriad opportunities for musical performances throughout this expansive property, making it easy for resort-goers to hear any number of live acts during their stay. Marina Village at Atlantis is unique since the open plan allows evening strollers to bounce from one performance to the next in an al fresco atmosphere. Groups such as Falcon Watson’s Traffic Band, Jazz Etcetera, and Ting ‘Um Dem offer varying tempos to suit any ear. Best of all, the property features a live hour-long Junkanoo rush out by the Marina Village Junkanoo Troupe every Wednesday and Friday night!Best Bet For Live Music: Wed-Sun: 6:00pm – 8:00pm / Wed+Sat: 8:00pm – 9:00pm (Junkanoo)Ambiance: Breezy, casual, and colourful pedestrian passage dotted with boutique shopping and international cuisinesFood & Drink: Many, many dining options from upscale celebrity chef menus to family favourite eateriesCover Charge: Zero cover for guests of the hotel, diners, and foot traffic through the marinaLocation: Atlantis Resort, Paradise IslandContact: Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 363-3000