Bangkok Banjo Fest lands for one night only

Bangkok doesn’t get many nights like this. On May 23, The Royal Oak hosts a full-evening banjo session that pulls in serious talent from overseas and pairs it with a local scene that’s been quietly building momentum. It’s intimate, it’s focused and with just 100 seats, it won’t hang around.

Catch Takumi Kodera live in Bangkok

Headlining is Takumi Kodera, a Tokyo-based five-string player who’s been at it since he was 11. He placed second at the 2018 Winfield Banjo Contest – one of the toughest competitions going – and has since moved comfortably across bluegrass, jazz and classical. The draw here isn’t just technique (though there’s plenty of that) – it’s how he keeps that driving, old-school banjo feel intact while pushing things forward.

The local line-up holds its own. Bluegrass Underground Bangkok started as casual jam sessions and has grown into a tight community, with international Bluegrass Unlimited magazine recognition and a key role in launching the South Eastern Old Time Gathering in 2024. If you’ve not dipped into the scene before, this is about as direct an entry point as it gets – one room, one stage and players who actually know each other’s rhythms.

On May 23, those two worlds meet. Doors open at 7pm, the show starts at 7.30pm and tickets run B900 in advance or B1,100 at the door – if there are any left. Grab yours here.