50 things to do after dark: Chill to live music

42-46. Chill out to live music

• BluJaz Cafe. With Greg Lyons dropping the groove with his talented jazz ensemble, vocalists like Fendi and Alemay Fernandez belting it out, and Aya Sekine mashing it up with turntabalist KoFlow and Budi from percussion group Wicked Aura, music is kept raw and real at the otherwise quirky BluJaz. The bar snacks and drinks menu don’t take long to figure out, but choose your seating area wisely as the dining and alfresco area on the ground floor, bar and dance floor on the second and lounge on the third all offer a different vibe. 11 Bali Ln (6292 3800, www.blujaz.net). Nearest MRT: Bugis. Mon-Thu noon-midnight; Fri noon-2am; Sat 4pm-2am.
  
  
• Crazy Elephant. If you like beer, raucous live music and huge servings of greasy American food such as burgers and lamb chops, then it’s a wonder you haven’t found this joint on your own. Bumpin’ on a weekend night, the place is packed to its wooden rafters with folks looking for a grand ol’ time. The laidback atmosphere is a plus for anyone who doesn’t fancy getting all dressed up. #01-03/04 Clarke Quay Blk E, 3 River Valley Rd (6337 7859, www.crazyelephant.com). Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay. Sun-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri & Sat 5pm-3am. Live performances 10pm-late.
  
  
• Hard Rock Cafe. This international tourist mecca is decked out with old records, vintage guitars and memorabilia from the golden age of rock. Known for having one of the best burgers in town, they are also popular for live performances. Blondie has even made a guest appearance on their stage. 50 Cuscaden Rd (6235 5232, www.hardrock.com). Nearest MRT: Orchard. Tue-Thu & Sun 11am-1am; Fri, Sat & Mon 11am-3am.
  
  
• Prince of Wales. This modest, yellow-painted pub and backpacker hostel is a slice of Down Under. Aussie draught beers include Gippsland Gold and Brewers Pilsener. Outside, you’ll find wooden benches, barbecues and revelry aplenty. Most musical acts performing here are students from international schools, and those that carry a decent tune are invited back to become resident performers. The music covers a wide spectrum, from rock to jazz and indie pop, which goes down as well as the competitively priced beer. 101 Dunlop St (6299 0130, www.pow.com.sg). Nearest MRT: Little India. Sun-Thu 9am-1am; Fri-Sat 9am-2am.
  
  
• SkyLoft. Pseudo-freefalling wannabes in a cylinder won’t be the only ‘live’ thing you can gawk at over at iFLY. Head up to the rooftop, where top local bands like Jack & Rai, Shirlyn and the UnXpected and 53A play from Thursday to Saturday at the modern bar and restaurant. Taking advantage of an idyllic view of Siloso Beach, and the lush foliage that surrounds it, SkyLoft intentionally seats more patrons outdoors (capacity: 140) than indoors. Serving modern European cuisine and signature bites on toast, the music joint takes flight in its own way by straying far from the usual beach bar and club offerings. 43 Siloso Beach Walk (6270 0602, www.skyloftsentosa.com). Nearest MRT: HarbourFront, then Sentosa Express. Tue-Sat 4pm-2am; Sun 10am-10pm.

47. Chinatown newcomer

Fomerly an OCBC bank from the late 1930s, The Vault has been converted into a cavernous two-storey bistro, bar, performance and art space with a New York warehouse feel. Half the original architecture has remained, including the original bronze-steel vault door at the entrance – think exposed red brick, pillars and high ceilings. They have been packing out the upstairs, an elegantly untouched space with high beam ceilings and archways through the brick, where a selection of talented DJs man the decks. 237 South Bridge Rd (6222 5001, www.thevault.com.sg). Nearest MRT: Chinatown. Wed-Sat 5pm-late. 

48. Get up and sing

Limelight lovers can get their five minutes of fame, give or take, for little more than the price of a pint. Make for a three-song quickie – from classic rock to the latest hits – at Actors, where every spot in their friendly house band is free for rock-star wannabes to occupy. 13A-15A South Bridge Rd (6535 3270, www.actorsthejambar.com). Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am; Fri & Sat 6pm-3am; Sun 6pm-2am.

49. Party on the beach

A bustling downtown and spectacular skyline can often make us forget we are sitting on a tiny little island surrounded by beaches. Head to Sentosa after hours to a bumpin’ beach bar. Tanjong Beach Club is a hip yet all-welcoming hangout that’s the perfect spot to frolic in the sun among scantily clad babes and Speedo dudes. Sip up TBC’s signature Tanjong Martini while grooving to discerning house tunes from DJs Mr Has and KFC. Sentosa Island, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk (6270 1355). Nearest MRT: HarbourFront, then take a taxi or Sentosa Express. Tue-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri & Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-midnight. See ‘The Hottest F1 Parties in Town’.

50. Climb the famous Four Floors

During the day, Orchard Towers looks like another mall that has seen better days. After about 10pm, the ‘Four Floors of Whores’ really gets busy. Although we have never been there ourselves (or so we claim) we are told by others that FFoW is an almost delightful parody of itself and well worth a visit if you have brought your sense of humour. In the quieter tower at the back there’s a Harry’s bar, but even this has a higher ratio of ladies to men than you might usually expect in a pub. Ipanema is the most mainstream bar and is pretty bumpin’ – it is always busy and the live bands rock all night long. #02-43 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd (6738 3483). Nearest MRT: Orchard. Mon-Sat 7pm-6am; Sun 6pm-4am.

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