On a quest for some live music

Since I’ve been back in Tel Aviv, I’ve been trying to make an effort to do a few new things.  After having two weeks of fun in the sun, it really got my social side to come alive again.

One of the things I love to do is watch live music.  I’ve always enjoyed it but I started to really get into it when I travelled on my own for business about 8 years ago (wow…can’t believe it was that long ago!). There were times where I had to stay in a city over the weekend and I got tired of sitting and having dinner by myself on a Saturday night.  I ended up finding a number of cities that had live music where you could also have a meal.  The passion grew from there.

Following this, my passion for travelling on a personal level really grew and so did the interest of listening to live music.  I love finding a small club and watching a local band either play their own tunes or covering the classics.  When I moved to Jersey there was also a great local scene of bands there.  I was actually surprised considering its a fairly small community but it tends to attract a lot of local musicians so that was something I got into, especially towards the end of my time there.

Since I’ve been in Tel Aviv I haven’t had a chance to check out the local music scene but I knew there was one.  I asked a friend of mine here if he’d be interested in checking some live music out last Wed so we did.

The bands starting...woo hoo!

I’m all about doing my research so before we ventured out I tried to find some places to go.  If I’m honest, the search came out with very few results.  I was a bit surprised.  Unfortunately, I believe one of the downfalls in Israel is trying to find websites with good information on what to do and see.  There are a few out there – Janglo, Craigslist – but I do really think they don’t do the best of jobs (sorry guys!).

I found 2 live music places (The fifth dimension & Hangar 11) in the Old Port – the area I spotlighted back in May.  I wasn’t 100% sure either of these were what we were after.  They both appeared to be very formal, big venues.  I would be fine with that but I find most of these clubs don’t offer live music daily but typically have 1/2 nights where they host a big event and a cover charge is pretty standard.  I don’t mind paying but I just wanted some down home music to listen to while sipping on a glass of wine.

My friend found out that there was a band playing at this bar called Mike’s Place.  Most people who’ve visited TLV have heard of this place.  Its just on the other side of the promenade across the street from the beach.  So its definitely easy to find.  It’s also known to stay open most of the night – someone said it’s open until 7am!  Anyway the band was called Da Good Vibrations, there wasn’t a cover charge – we thought it was worth a try!

Me at Mike's Place

Off we went!

Wow…what a great night.  We managed to somehow get seats right in front of the stage and got there right when they were setting up.  Just enough time to order that glass of wine I’d been waiting for.  As soon as the music started I knew that it was a great choice.  The best thing about the band, Da Good Vibrations, was that all of the musicians were so into playing – they loved the time they spent up there.  They looked so happy to be there and you could tell that they were passionate about what they were doing.  Love that!

The music ranged from chill out tunes like Bob Marley to the Eagles classic Hotel California.  Even though covers can sometimes be cheesey we all love them, don’t we?

I’ve posted a video of the band on YouTube.  Check it out -

A few hours in, I was steaming (and I don’t mean in an ironing sense of the word).  Too much white wine and probably the shot of SoCo (Southern Comfort) didn’t help matters.  Throughout the evening music and sing-a-long, we tried to actually talk to one another.  By about 1am, we moved our little party outside to the patio where we could have a proper chat. It’s nice that there is this option.  I like that in Israel most pubs & bars have a sizeable outside area so it gives you variety for your evening.

The band - Da Good Vibrations

I’ve gotta say, having a night out where you can listen to some good tracks by good musicians, followed by a good old chin-wag (as the brits would say – means chat) always feels like a top night.  I really enjoyed myself – (da) good vibrations indeed:).

I’m hoping to go back to Mike’s Place again as the atmosphere was great, staff were friendly and the live music was fab.  I definitely recommend checking it out sometime if you are in Tel Aviv and looking for something to do – at any hour apparently.

Enjoy, Miriam x