Jamaica’s musical history and culture is rich yes. Like all (most?) places in the world though, support for the arts becomes harder and harder to find.
In that environment, Kingston’s Redbones Blues Cafe is a cultural treasure to be savoured.
Kingston’s Cultural Institution
Redbones Blues Cafe is a cultural institution in Kingston. Its 15 year anniversary book is testament to that – full of positive commentaries from Jamaicans and foreigners about their experiences there.
Further testament is Redbones’ regular and loyal clientele. They keep going back to Redbones for a lot of good reasons- all of which put together, create a really special experience of being there.
Redbones Blues Cafe Specialties
Jamaican and World Music
Really importantly, Redbones Blues Cafe is one of a handful of Kingston venues supporting live Jamaican music.
You can sit in a beautiful courtyard setting and hear original live music gigs there at least 2 nights a week – with DJ’s on other nights. The music you’ll hear will cover genres of all sorts from all over the world – including reggae yes :).
Supporting other Jamaican and foreign art forms
Redbones Blues Cafe regularly hosts visual arts exhibitions, film showings, theatre productions, vibes verse poetry nights and other arts events.
Friendly, Passionate People
The family that runs Redbones (since 1996) and their loyal staff, are welcoming, friendly and great company.
They are also passionate about the cultural space they want to create for people to enjoy. That passion and their creative vision shows in every aspect of the Redbones venue and the experience you’ll have there.
Food, Glorious Food
Redbones serves up really delicious Caribbean fusion meals –at reasonable prices in what is generally a pretty expensive country.
Character, Style and Ambience
Each different space at Redbones – indoor dining, outside dining, courtyard and bar – is oozing musical character, history and art.
Beautiful ambient lighting everywhere- walls decorated with vinyl records, musical instruments, photos and art works – your pick of bar stools, couches or chairs – make every space a pleasure to hang out in, and hard to leave.
Blessed Be All
Blessed is Kingston and Jamaica that Redbones Blues Cafe exists. There are not enough places like it left in the world.
Blessed am I that I found Redbones and was able to spend many delightful hours there in good company listening to great music.
If you get to Kingston, find Redbones, and you’ll keep finding it again and again.
If you make it there in June, check out the annual KOTE (Kingston on the Edge) Urban Arts Festival. It’s a 10 day event held at Redbones and other Kingston venues, showcasing a wide range of Kingston artists of every sort.
Thanks be to Redbones Blues Cafe for helping to keep Jamaican music and arts alive for us all.