From Pubs to Live Houses: An Insight into the Development of Kaohsiung's Music Performance Spaces by Senior Operator—Special Feature: Blue Rhapsody Founder, Chi Hwa-lin.
Auto-TranslationMusic venues are considered an essential part of cultural tourism in cities. A trip to New York is incomplete without a pilgrimage to "Blue Note," and in Tokyo, one must visit "LOFT" and "THE WALL," which was once selected as one of Taipei's top ten attractions by *New York Magazine*. When discussing Kaohsiung's live houses, "Blue Rhapsody" is always mentioned. In this interview with founder Chi Hwa-lin, we uncover the secrets behind "Blue Rhapsody's" enduring trend for over 30 years.
Urban music culture has evolved organically with economic development, political changes, and social trends. Before the term "music performance space" became common, venues featuring live music journeyed through phases of folk music restaurants, garden cafes, live pubs, and disco pubs. In the 1990s, bands began to try their hand at performing original songs. In 1999, Freddy, the lead singer of the band Chthonic, opened "Holy Ground Live House" in Taipei, borrowing this term that originated in Japanese rock music and has been popular for a long time, to declare it as a space centered around music. It was only then that the term "Live House" started to be widely used.
Whether it's the former Live Pub or the current Live House, these small music venues serve as stages for emerging talents to hone their skills and gain recognition, while also providing opportunities for more non-mainstream and independent music to be heard. Well-known artists like Mayday, Wu Bai, Sodagreen, and Cheer Chen all performed in Live Pubs or Live Houses before they became famous.
As Taipei developed various types of Live Houses to cater to music fans, how did the musical culture evolve in southern Taiwan? Back in 1990, when live performance venues were rare even in Taipei, jazz pianist and composer Chi Hwa-lin took the initiative to open a multi-function space on Wufu Road in Kaohsiung that combined live music performances, dining, and a pub, thus promoting the trend of Live Pubs in Kaohsiung.
Inspired by "Rhapsody in Blue," this venue was named "Blue Fantasy" (hereafter referred to as Blue Rhapsody), paying tribute to the innovative spirit of American composer George Gershwin. Chi Hwa-lin recalls with ambition, "Since there was no Live Pub in Kaohsiung, we decided to be the first."
Blue Rhapsody hosts live band performances seven days a week, mainly focusing on cover songs of Western pop music. In addition to Chi Hwa-lin's own "Super Band," the venue often invites competition singers or artists to perform. Unlike typical bars, Blue Rhapsody has a comprehensive indoor smoking ban and a simple environment, making it a family-friendly place where everyone can enjoy music and meals together. This model of a music restaurant pub was once popular in both northern and southern Taiwan; however, with the rise of independent bands, many have gradually disappeared or transformed. Yet Blue Rhapsody has maintained its classic operations for over 30 years, with the venue bustling every weekend night, filled with patrons enjoying food, listening to music, writing song requests, and swaying along to familiar tunes.
What is the charm of Blue Rhapsody that has allowed it to sustain a traditional yet classic business model, remaining a favorite among the younger generation? This special interview with Chi Hwa-lin, who is both a creator and operator, offers insights into the development of music performance spaces in southern Taiwan and the regional characteristics from his decades of experience in running a music restaurant.
Whether it's the former Live Pub or the current Live House, these small music venues serve as stages for emerging talents to hone their skills and gain recognition, while also providing opportunities for more non-mainstream and independent music to be heard. Well-known artists like Mayday, Wu Bai, Sodagreen, and Cheer Chen all performed in Live Pubs or Live Houses before they became famous.
As Taipei developed various types of Live Houses to cater to music fans, how did the musical culture evolve in southern Taiwan? Back in 1990, when live performance venues were rare even in Taipei, jazz pianist and composer Chi Hwa-lin took the initiative to open a multi-function space on Wufu Road in Kaohsiung that combined live music performances, dining, and a pub, thus promoting the trend of Live Pubs in Kaohsiung.
Inspired by "Rhapsody in Blue," this venue was named "Blue Fantasy" (hereafter referred to as Blue Rhapsody), paying tribute to the innovative spirit of American composer George Gershwin. Chi Hwa-lin recalls with ambition, "Since there was no Live Pub in Kaohsiung, we decided to be the first."
Blue Rhapsody hosts live band performances seven days a week, mainly focusing on cover songs of Western pop music. In addition to Chi Hwa-lin's own "Super Band," the venue often invites competition singers or artists to perform. Unlike typical bars, Blue Rhapsody has a comprehensive indoor smoking ban and a simple environment, making it a family-friendly place where everyone can enjoy music and meals together. This model of a music restaurant pub was once popular in both northern and southern Taiwan; however, with the rise of independent bands, many have gradually disappeared or transformed. Yet Blue Rhapsody has maintained its classic operations for over 30 years, with the venue bustling every weekend night, filled with patrons enjoying food, listening to music, writing song requests, and swaying along to familiar tunes.
What is the charm of Blue Rhapsody that has allowed it to sustain a traditional yet classic business model, remaining a favorite among the younger generation? This special interview with Chi Hwa-lin, who is both a creator and operator, offers insights into the development of music performance spaces in southern Taiwan and the regional characteristics from his decades of experience in running a music restaurant.
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
