Where to Hear Live Music
From beachfront bars to dance clubs, our islands sway to the beat of live music and soulful performances. USVI’s vibrant and diverse music scene blends the rhythms of the Caribbean with a range of international influences. Whether you’re visiting St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix, you’ll find a variety of venues that cater to all types of musical tastes, from soca to country.
ST. CROIX
Free dance lessons kick off most evenings at Dazzled STX, a cabaret-style social club where St. Croix swings to the beat of live salsa, reggaeton, bachata, disco and dance hall. The colorfully lit, open-air space is one of the best spots on the islands for dancing the night away in style. Plan on making new friends on the dance floor at this upbeat, friendly social venue. Fuel the dancing fun with handcrafted cocktails and Caribbean cuisine, served at your table beside the dance floor so you can watch the dancing while you dig in.
In the heart of Christiansted, Levels is a vibrant live music venue and creative space that aims to create a platform for local creatives to showcase their art, whether it’s music, performance, film or mixed media. International and local artists like Midnite, Pressure Busspipe and Umoja have all graced the stage of this popular multilevel club. Pop in for live music every Friday (except June through August) and check the club’s calendar for other music events like pop-up concerts and the popular Playlist Thursdays.
Situated less than a 10-minute walk or short cab ride from the cruise dock in Frederiksted, Rhythms at Rainbow Beach boasts one-of-a-kind sunsets, authentic Caribbean cuisine and beautiful views. Even the palm trees here sway to the beat, thanks to the sea breeze. Dance under the stars and into the wee hours of the night. From soca to salsa, you’ll groove to the rhythms of St. Croix. Fuel the fun with Rhythms’ signature cocktail, the Lime in the Coconut.
Settle into Blues’ Backyard BBQ & Grill for live music, succulent BBQ, juicy burgers and a relaxing backyard vibe. Blues’ Backyard BBQ & Grill hosts live music on Wednesdays, DJs and solo artists on Thursdays and Fridays, and special events on most Saturdays during the season. Expect a mix of musical genres and talented international and local performers.
ST. THOMAS
Live music and tropical cocktails come together at Virgin’s Haven in Charlotte Amalie. The festive atmosphere resonates with the spirit of the islands when talented local artists hit the iconic stage most evenings, playing everything from calypso to dance hall and reggae.
On St. Thomas’ eclectic East End, pull up to Duffy’s Love Shack, a casual “parking lot bar,” where you’ll always find upbeat music, over-the-top cocktails and good cheer. If you’re a fan of retro music, Duffy’s is the place to be every Wednesday from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., when they host their popular Ladies Night. Ladies get free drinks, while everyone can enjoy the nostalgic beats of the ’70s and ’80s. Order a Flaming Volcano and your fiery 64-ounce drink will be paraded to your table to the tune of Jimmy Buffett’s Volcano.
Imagine sipping your favorite drink while gazing out over the ocean. Sapphire Beach Bar is nestled in the powdery sands of Sapphire Beach, where breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean await. Live music is on the menu most evenings. Enjoy discounted drinks and soak up the laid-back atmosphere at their daily happy hour from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Catch intimate concerts by local acts at The Tap & Still, a casual sports bar serving gourmet burgers and handcrafted beers from local Rock City Brewing Co. Cheer on your favorite teams at one of their three locations, in Red Hook and Havensight on St. Thomas, or the Cruz Bay outpost on St. John. The friendly venue hosts several special events, including themed parties and karaoke nights, throughout the year.
ST. JOHN
You may just spot a star at Woody’s Seafood Saloon, a rooftop bar in the heart of Cruz Bay where celebrities like country singer Kenny Chesney have been known to hang out. Come for the specialty drinks, hopping happy hour and casual fare — think shark bites, conch fritters and crab cake sliders. But stay into the wee hours of the night for the live country music and laid-back island vibe. You can find the Key to Paradise here, though it won’t open any doors. It’s a potent shot of creamy Key lime, banana and coconut rums that will have you dancing to the beats.
Sip your favorite cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon at The Windmill Bar, named the best spot to catch a sunset by locals. Perched on St. John’s North Shore, the bar hosts live music most evenings. As the sun sets and the stars come out, you can dance to the Caribbean rhythms of local musicians. Don’t miss the annual VI Jam Fest, a lively music festival that brings reggae artists from around the world to The Windmill Bar every March.
Pair a world-famous Painkiller — a fruity cocktail with pineapple, orange, coconut and a punch of rum — with live music at The Beach Bar, St. John’s landmark beach bum-style bar. Located just steps from the ferry dock, locals and tourists gather here for live music and beautiful sunsets every night.
Indulge in handcrafted rum-based cocktails and breathtaking vistas of Cruz Bay at Lovango Rum Bar. Live music most evenings, concerts by popular local and international acts, and themed parties add to the fun on tap. From classic concoctions to innovative creations, the mixologists here know how to elevate your drinking experience, whether you’re a rum enthusiast or prefer other spirits. And though it bills itself as a rum bar, the venue is also known for its wood-fired, hand-tossed pizzas.
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