Chiang Mai’s live music scene is enjoying a renaissance
The northern Thai city is a magnet for an eclectic group of musicians from all over the world
Chiang Mai’s music scene is enjoying something of a golden age.
Just over 30 years ago, The Riverside opened its doors and, according to British saxophonist and long-term resident Paul Sugars, the venue became a pioneer of live music in the northern Thai city. Since then, the scene has grown steadily and changed markedly.
Nine years ago, the North Gate Jazz Club opened, offering a space in which musicians would experiment, jamming together in a way that was unprecedented in Chiang Mai. Now a favourite among visitors to Thailand’s “jewel of the north”, North Gate hosts some of the best musicians in the region on a nightly basis.
With new venues such as Thapae East, Gossip Gallery and Roadhouse, as well as a host of others, having opened in recent years, a music lover here can go to an event every night knowing they can expect a treat in terms of talent, technique and ingenuity. Jazz, blues, rock, reggae and myriad blends of styles can be heard.