Five places in Hong Kong where you can still see live music if Hidden Agenda closes
As the future of the indie music venue hangs in the balance, here are five other live venues for fans to visit in Hong Kong
With troubled indie venue Hidden Agenda warning it may be forced to close next month under the weight of a government crackdown, Hong Kong’s live music fans may be wondering how they will continue to get their fix.
Foreign musicians, club owner and two others arrested at Hong Kong indie music venue are released on bail
But fear not - there will still be a number of respected live music venues scattered throughout the city. Here are five of the best.
MOM Livehouse
This basement venue in the unexpected location of North Point is best positioned to fill the gap that would be left by Hidden Agenda. It has already hosted gigs by the likes of The KVB from London and Belgian chanteuse Axelle Red, and its next concert featuring an international performer takes place on June 12 with Evan Dando from US band The Lemonheads.
Where: B39, Seven Seas Shopping Centre, 117-121 Kings Road, North Point
1563 at the East
This live house and restaurant was opened in Wan Chai’s Hopewell Centre last year by one of the co-founders of the much-missed Central live music venue Backstage Live. The venue provides a stage for upcoming Hong Kong musicians and more established international performers, with a focus on pop, and its well-designed acoustics have impressed more discerning listeners.
Where: 6/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road Central, Wan Chai
Music Zone
With a capacity of about 500, the Music Zone has capitalised on its status as the city’s only mid-size venue by monopolising gigs by bands too small for AsiaWorld-Expo and too big for venues such as Hidden Agenda. A steady stream of international acts have appeared on its ample stage since it opened in 2007, from UK punk legends The Damned to British Mercury Prize winner James Blake.
Where: Kitec, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay
Peel Fresco
This cosy little SoHo bar offers live music almost every night of the week, from jazz to rock and even Canto-pop. Some of the city’s top professional musicians also often swing by for a jam session, including guitarist Eugene Pao, vocalist Ginger Kwan and pianist Allen Youngblood. Budding musicians wanting to play before a live audience should also keep an eye out for their regular open-mic nights.
Where: 49 Peel Street, Central
Fringe Club
This Hong Kong institution often gets overlooked when it comes to live music, and this is a shame. The late 19th-century historical building has a wonderful atmosphere and has given many a budding Hong Kong band a boost on their road to stardom. Jazz tends to dominate the Fringe’s live music calendar, but you’ll also catch pop, indie and world-music bands gracing its stage.
Where: 2 Lower Albert Road, Central
