Goa has plenty of traditional art forms and music, and all of them continue to be popular even today. Alongside all of these, modern and western music styles, such as jazz, are also an inseparable part of Goa’s music scene, with some fine local jazz musicians, performing live at a number of venues around the state.
If you still haven’t had the joy of listening to jazz in Goa, check out these venues where jazz is regular entertainment.
1. CANTARE
Located in the serene village of Saligao, in North Goa, Cantare is far from the beaches and other tourist hot spots. The word ‘cantare’ means ‘to sing’ in Italian, and that is indeed what Cantare is most popular for – its music. An old Goan house, with a beautiful balcony on the first floor, makes for a charming setting for this restaurant, where there is jazz music on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
LOCATION: Saligao
CONTACT: +91 7972548319
2. CIARAN’S
One of the most happening places on Palolem beach, Ciaran’s is a boutique cottage resort that’s open from October till May. Along with good food and great cocktails, you can also expect music to match – reggae, country, blues and jazz. No EDM, here, please!
LOCATION: Palolem
CONTACT: +91 9819403018
3. HIDEAWAY
This is one place, where you will find all kinds of music and artists, from jazz to hip-hop to Grammy award winners to solo artists to bands and independent songwriters. With a veritable mix such as this, it comes as no surprise that Hideaway Café & Bar, in Vagator, can get pretty crowded on gig nights. Over the years, the place has seen numerous Indian and international acts perform live. The place has some of the best coffees and Urrak cocktails in Bardez.
LOCATION: Vagator
CONTACT: +91 9049097014
4. FIREFLY
The Live Music Project (TLMP) is responsible for the live music events at this beachside family restaurant, which specializes in amazing Goan fare. TLMP has been organising music festivals and gigs across Goa and a couple locations around the country, with the main aim of promoting blues, rock and jazz. So, the next time you want to enjoy jazz and blues, head to Firefly Goan Bistro Bar on a Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, which are are gig nights.
LOCATION: Benaulim
CONTACT: +91 9822123535
