There are not many better ways to spend an evening than to unwind with good friends, chill out with a few drinks and enjoy great music. In Macau, there are no shortages of places to listen to live music. Here are some spots where you can listen to awesome live music that caters to just about any taste on most evenings of the week.
LIVE MUSIC ASSOCIATION (LMA)
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Commonly known as LMA by live music lovers, the Live Music Association is a small concert and gig venue in one of Macau’s oldest districts. LMA has changed venues several times over the years, but they have found a nest and stayed there for some time now. The good thing with this spot is that you never know what’s coming next! They usually announce future concerts on their Facebook page, but there is always something different. From jazz to electronic duos, punk rock series or jam sessions, LMA has it all. If you are looking for some more underground and off-the-beaten track action, this is the place to be. Be careful not to miss it, since the venue is on an industrial building’s upper floor and the entrance can be easily mistaken for an abandoned factory. They also serve drinks!
Live Music Association 11B San Mei Industrial Building, 50 Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, Macau
HARD ROCK CAFE
True to its name, head to the Hard Rock Cafe for a rocking good time! The house band covers classic rock songs, ballads, as well as recent hits. Their charismatic singers will be sure to have you singing along from the top of your lungs with them and we guarantee that after a few drinks, you’ll be on your feet dancing the night away with your friends and fellow fans. Hard Rock Cafe is known for its amazing cocktails in jumbo size which are perfect for sharing! Why not go for a margarita or a mojito with your friends and just stay until it closes?
Hard Rock Cafe Level 2, Hard Rock Hotel, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai
SKY 21
If you’re going to Sky 21, don’t forget to bring a sweater. FYI, we’re not suggesting that only because of the weather. Listening to live music at Sky 21 is the ultimate definition of “cool” (get it?). This place is a hit with both locals and foreigners because they not only have a great band that plays music in Chinese and English but also have amazing panoramic view of Macau and exquisite cocktails. It’s the perfect choice for both intimate affairs as well as large gatherings. Go during happy hour to save a little money since drinks prices can get quite steep. Smoking is allowed outdoors too.
AIA Tower 21/F, Av. Comercial de Macau, Macau +853 2822 2122, www.facebook.com/sky21
THE RITZ-CARLTON BAR & LOUNGE
With its chic atmosphere this fabulous bar is perfect for music lovers, particularly those who love jazz. Enjoy your drink as the singer’s sultry voice fills the room, accompanied by the smooth long notes of the saxophone and the pianist’s hands gracefully dancing around the piano keys. It all adds up to one sophisticated night out. This is the only bar in Macau that specializes in gin. Thus, they have an extensive menu with all types and brands of gin you can imagine, from the most trendy and common, to some pretty rare bottles. The team is also eager to satisfy everyone, so they are full of suggestions and tips to make your cocktail the most amazing drink you’ll have. Opposite the bar, there’s a cigar shop with a smoking lounge, so don’t worry if you’re thinking the 51st floor is too far to head outside for a smoke as you can still sip on your drink and smoke in the lounge.
The Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge 51st Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Galaxy Macau +853 8886 6868, www.ritzcarlton.com
THE ROADHOUSE MACAU
Who’s ready for some good old blues, rock and booze? Check out the Roadhouse Macau to roll with musicians and prepare to be blown away. Come as you are and let your hair loose as you indulge in heaping portions of food and get carried away with their happy hour, but most importantly, tire yourself out by singing and grooving with the music! They serve all types of snacks such as chicken wings, French fries and hamburgers. There’s also a wide selection of beers and other drinks. Head to Roadhouse if you are looking for some local musician jams and comfort food. And the best thing about it? There’s an alfresco area as well!
The Roadhouse Macau Broadway Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, +853 2875 2945, www.facebook.com/theroadhousemacau
JAZZ TRIO AT GRAND HYATT MACAU LOBBY LOUNGE
A new trio is performing at Grand Hyatt Macau, jazzing up the evenings of the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. Formed by three talented musicians from Italy, the Kiara, Matt and Gabriele trio is a unique, acoustic blend of several instruments, including hand percussion (Cajon), guitar, saxophone and piano.
The trio has performed before at Grand Hyatt Seoul, Emirates Hotel Dubai, Sheraton Kuwait Luxury Collection and other regions. They also played together for a tour in Europe highlighting the fashion week of Vogue Italy. Guests are invited to indulge in an evening of music and cocktails, or enhance the experience with a glass of champagne surrounded by the beauty of the art piece—“The Dance of Clouds and Rain” designed by leading Chinese artist Danny Lee.
Band Performance Schedule: 8:15pm–00:00am, Monday and Wednesday–Friday
3:15pm–5:00pm, 8:15pm–00:00am, Saturday and Sunday
Lobby Lounge Grand Hyatt Macau, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 886 81234
This article was originally written by Nisa Reyta in January 2017 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in December 2018
