Sound Fix: Miami's Live Music Gems

July 17, 2008 1:41 PM
by

Although Miami may not be the epicenter of live music, it still has its fair share of venues. Sound factories like The Fillmore, Bank United Center and American Airlines Arena have each had their significant amount of big name artists perform and fill up every seat. One area in which Miami doesn't get too much credit or notability for are the local haunts that offer live music, a characteristic that's beginning to show as the talent in the city continues to progress.

CoolJunkie compiled a list of some of the top live music venues for local artists in the area, from a legendary English pub to an underground Little Havana haven.

Jazid
305-673-9372
1342 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

With a tagline like “It’s all about the music,” Jazid takes their sound seriously. With live music and drink specials every night, there’s no miss with going. With music ranging from hip hop to Latin-infused funk and American jazz to raggae, it’s actually the longest running nightclub on Miami Beach, going strong for 11 years. The New York style lounge’s intimate vibe is what’s unique and key for most visitors. Recently remodeled, Jazid is the best small-scale live music venue on the Beach, bar none. If the Mansion’s and Cameo’s don’t work out at the end of the night, it’s good to know that there’s always a place to go where live entertainment is always provided.

The Van dyk Cafe
305-532-1233
846 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach, FL 33139

A staple in South Beach and one of the main attractions for tourists on Lincoln Road, everything about The Van dyk Café is magnetic, pulling everyone in for a drink or a bite to eat. But what many might not know about is The Van dyk’s Up Stairs, featuring some of the best jazz that you can find in an intimate and attractive setting in the city. From 9PM to 1AM on every single night of the week, jazz and sometimes the blues are served up for guests. A perfect place for a date who’s into relaxing sounds and a sultry atmosphere, The Van dyk Café is definitely one of the hidden live music gems in the city for the untrained eye or ear.

Churchill’s Pub
305-757-1807
5501 NE 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33127

Found in the heart of Little Haiti is Churchill’s Pub, a true rock and roll establishment that plays host to some of the best local music that Miami has to offer, not to mention they also feature great beer selection and a classic bar menu that features fresh Indian cuisine...yes Indian. With one of the best jazz nights in the city, the Best of Miami Jazz Jam, and an amazing acoustic scene due in part to Wednesday’s ‘Raffa and Rainer’s Can You Rock a Little Softer’, this true English gem is arguably the best small-scale music venue you can find. Home to local greats such as Rachel Goodrich, Raffa and Rainer, Awesome New Republic and Sam Friend, the talent that’s graced the stage here is endless. Churchill’s little known fact; Marilyn Manson’s first gig was there.

Tobacco Road
305-374-1198
626 S Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33130

Not only is it the oldest bar in Miami, opened in 1912, Tobacco Road is an all around perfect venue. With four stages located on the premises, at times it's difficult to choose where to catch the act; inside, outside and even upstairs. Once again, this is yet another venue that offers live music every single night of the week. Apart from the music, the bar offers up great beer selection and happy hours, but the kitchen is what’s the kicker. With some of the best burgers you can find in the city and dinner specials that range from Maine lobster to all you can eat ribs, this is the perfect place to grab a great bite and enjoy live entertainment on any given night.

Hoy como Ayer Bar and Lounge
305-541-2631
2212 SW 8th Strett
Miami, FL

Definitely the best underground Latin club you can find, Hoy como Ayer Bar and Lounge in Little Havana plays host to some of the best local acts you can find. This is arguably the best place to go on Thursday nights as it’s The Spam All Stars residency. The dimly lit room quickly fills up to catch DJ Le Spam and company provide their usual Latin and funk infused sound. Other residents include Luis Bofil, Malena Burke and Christina Rebull. The room itself, with walls lined with some of the greats (Celia Cruz and even Aretha Franklin), has great sound. There’s no other intimate place that’s sure to keep couples in close quarters and moving around to the salsa and merengue leaking out of the speakers.

The Titanic Brewery and Restaurant
305-667-2537
5813 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, Florida 33146
Craft Brewery with the occasional musical guest

This place is mostly known for their in-house brew, but should be noted for the small stage that’s constantly supplying live music. With one of the best blues nights on Wednesdays and stellar live music on Thursdays and Fridays, including karaoke on Sunday’s, the Titanic Brewery and Restaurant is as good as it gets if you’re in the Gables. Wednesday’s Blues Jam also features $2 award winning Triple Screws from 10PM to close, but it’s their handcrafted IPA’s that you have to look out for. A few of those and you’ll want to get up on stage with the band.