Gecko Lounge
Gecko has the city’s most chilled-out jazz sessions on Wednesday nights. Regular pianist Jason Cheng and friends kick things off around 10pm. Expect a motley array of characters to drop by for impromptu jams. Musicians sitting in can range from budding local talents to big international names taking a break from the tour. If the cozy interior gets a little too packed, take a breather outside, where players and punters get more friendly with one another as they get a bit tipsy. And they do get a bit tipsy.
LG/F, Ezra Lane, Lower Hollywood Rd., 2537-4680.
Le Rideau
Designed to evoke a classic Parisian café-theatre, Le Rideau lends a light but elegant ambience to its jazz nights, among its other performance arts evenings. The best jazz nights usually fall on a Friday or Saturday, stretching on into the early hours of the morning. The music ranges from easy jazz and blues to more artsy fartsy fare, featuring both local and overseas performers. Expect to pay a cover charge when bigger names are playing.
1/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2850-8833.
Bohemian Lounge
Now frequently referred to as “BO Lounge” and boasting a new lineup of regular live music, this spacious venue has the comfiest setup right before its main stage. Weekly performers include singer Michelle Carrillo, pianist Mark Peter, blues master Henry Chung and Latin jazz band Red Taurus. Fun bar snacks accompany even more fun drink specials through the night. And yes, bongo drums do feature prominently here.
3-5 Old Bailey St., Central, 2526-6099.