Live music venues. I have a number of friends traveling to Bali this month. Having just returned they asked me to give details of where we were going to watch some bands. As I compiled this for them, I thought I would also post it on BTF. There was a post earlier in the week about places to go to see bands or where to be able to get up and dance for over 35's from Monsta.
Some of this info is relevant for people traveling in June and other nights are regular weekly gigs.
Legends - Jalan Sahadewa
Monday & Thursday nights - Hotline Band. - 8.00pm
I am biased when it comes to watching Koming, Yande and Made. They are good friends of ours and I enjoy the obvious fun that they have up on stage. Koming is a character to say the least and will hand over the microphone or his guitar to anyone willing to give it a shot up on stage. We had a ball with them each Monday and Thursday.
From mid June Koming will be temporarily replaced by Andre [recently returned to Bali from living in Holland]. He and Yande have a great connection when they play together and Yande is probably one of the finest blues guitarists you will see. Go watch them I am sure you will enjoy. They also usually manage to coax Antoni [the owner /manager of Legends] to get up for a song or two.
Wednesday nights - Yellow Band - 8.00pm
I know this band is a favourite of many on BTF. Much has been said before I am sure you wont be disappointed, we weren't.
Billys Bar - Jalan Sahadewa
Wednesday night - Renegade - 7.30pm
This band has only recently formed, however 3 of the 4 members have been playing together for some time. Originally we organized for a one night show, a last minute affair so we could see 2 friends Andre and Yande play together for the first time in 3 years. We left it up to the guys to sort out who would play and we ended up with 4 in the band. Roy plays acoustic and sings / Yande lead guitar and vocals / Jeffrey keyboard and vocals / Andre lead / rhythm & lead and sings.
The guys interchange through the night and all come together at various times. Their mix of songs appeals to a wide range of musical tastes. From the classic Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding, through the Eagles and Dire Straits classics to the best rendition I have heard of Gary Moore's Still Got the Blues. I seriously say do yourselves a favor go watch them.
Billys is a great little bar and restaurant and it was amazing to see it pumping with people up dancing and watching from the street. Don't miss it - Wednesday nights. This is now a regular gig for these guys. Go and enjoy.
Bali Rock - Jalan Melasti - from around 9.00pm
I can't say I really like the new Bali Rock, it's big and the nights we went there were not a lot of people there. The toilets are fabulous though.
Thursday nights Crazy Horse play. This band. is an institution in Bali and have been around for many years. Probably one of the best outfits you will see on the island if you like good rock music.
Saturday nights you can see Rhythm Voice play. Always enjoy these guys. Their other regular gig is at Espresso on Jalan Legian virtually opposite Paddys. Nyoman the lead guitarist is a good friend and his new custom made double neck guitar is a beauty.
Santa Fe - Jalan Dhyana Pura
Sunday Night - Crazy Horse
There is only one night I go to Santa Fe and that is Sunday when Crazy Horse play from around 10.00pm . I don't need to say much. Great band, good venue. They speak for themselves.
Peanuts - Screaming Eagle Bar - Jalan Legian
Saturday night - Crazy Horse
This is the only night you will get to see Endro sing with the band. All other nights the lead vocalist is Sana. Crazy Horse have played this gig since I can remember.
Reflections Restaurant - Jalan Laksmana [formerly Oberoi]
Friday Night - Renegade from around 8.00pm
This charming little restaurant is very laid back. Food is excellent. Danny and Nikki are charming hosts and you will generally find them there on Fridays.
The music on these nights is for relaxing. Some old classics, mainly ballads. We have been trying to get Nikki up to sing, encourage her, she will kill me. Haha!! We all sat there one Friday until 2.00am drinking and chatting after the guys had finished.
A SPECIAL TREAT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE ONLY -
SECRET GARDEN - Poppies 1.
An Australian guy named Paul Felton - The quintessential rock and roller. He and some other mates from Oz will perform 8 gigs at the Secret Garden in Poppies 1 during the month of June. I don't have dates but go down and ask when they are performing.
If you have the opportunity to see this guy play then go, I beg you.
Paul is a W.A. based muso. A fabulous guitarist, he is pure magic. You may also just be lucky enough to see him get up and play elsewhere for one or 2 songs. Most likely with Crazy Horse or his mate Yande. If you don't go to any of the other venues mentioned then do go to Secret Garden in June.
It's so tempting to just get back on a plane to see Pauly play. A nicer guy you couldn't hope to meet.
Hope this info is useful to some of you. Cheers :- )