Bermuda Live: Where To Hear The Island's Musicians
From steelpan drums to energetic rock-infused bands, live entertainment can be found all around the island. Here’s a collection of Bermuda’s best spots for live music.
- Beyond the Beach,
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Music can tell you more about a place than words. You can get a feel for Bermuda’s sound on the radio, but the best way to experience Bermuda is with live music from the island’s talented musicians.
One thing to know about Bermuda’s musical tastes: They’ve been shaped by a mix of cultures over the centuries, with influences ranging from British and American to African and Caribbean. The island’s traditions range from steelpan, calypso, and reggae to more contemporary styles that stem from jazz, folk, and pop-rock. You’ll hear everything from a solo ukelele player to a six-piece band. Check out the venues below to experience some of the best live music in Bermuda.
Piano, Guitar & Steel Drum Vibes on the Water
Local Bermuda music artists play The Reefs Resort & Club during the season (generally April through October) against the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Check out the Clubhouse for live piano music three nights a week. Coconuts, the on-site restaurant, also hosts the celebrated TonyB on guitar every Thursday night. Monday evenings are reserved for Kelvin Cruickshank and his steelpan grooves.
Guitar-Focused Grooves at the Oldest Pub
The oldest pub in Bermuda’s capital, the City of Hamilton, the Hog Penny opened on Burnaby Street in 1957. The dark wooden bar is decorated with items collected from pubs all over England, which creates the atmosphere of a classic British pub. Check out singer-songwriter Jenn Marsh on Thursdays and guitar-loving Gary Foster Skelton on Fridays. Saturdays rotate between karaoke and folk musicians Emily Ross or Chris Fisness playing live – check social media to see who’s performing. On Sundays, the bar hosts Quiz Night with Mike Bishop.
Sing Your Heart Out at the Locals’ Favorite Sports Bar
With its prime Front Street location, Docksider’s is one of Bermuda’s favourite watering holes. Grab a seat at the cedar bar or check out the open-air patio to soak in the street scene while noshing on classic bar food or catching a cricket match on the TVs. On Wednesday nights, “Dockies” (as it’s affectionately called) hosts karaoke, so come warmed up and ready to belt out your favorite tunes.
Smooth Jazz in a Victorian Pub
The Astwood Arms is a popular pub on bustling Front Street, channeling Victoria-era vibes with its ornate wooden bar and old barrels placed throughout the space. Local Bermuda musicians try out their sets at open mic nights every last Saturday of the month. And on the last Sunday of every month, pop in for Gin & Jazz with Ben Payne & Friends.
Reggae & Dancehall in an Artful Lounge
In the heart of Hamilton, the Crown & Anchor – the lobby bar at the iconic Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – is an inviting island lounge mixing elegant traditional styles with splashes of modern art and regular live music. The Working Title Band plays on Thursdays, performing a mix of reggae and other genres. Friday flights are Marina Nights, with DJ Scoobay spinning dancehall music. On Saturday nights, Crown & Anchor hosts a rotation of live bands for Band Jam Session, ranging from cover songs to original music.
