One of the best music scenes on the Big Island, Gertrude’s Jazz Bar is known for high-end cocktails, classic comfort foods, and a vintage atmosphere, all in an open-air, tropical setting. With the Pacific Ocean breezes gently drifting from stage left, and live jazz playing almost every night, Gertrude’s Jazz Bar is treasured for its talented musicians and wonderful 1930’s vibe fused with a tropical twist. The club debuted in 2016, and is the creation of artists Marlina Lee, Greg Shirley and Kira Kamamalu. In search of an island lifestyle, Marlina moved to the Big Island in 1979 from California and Greg from California and Washington state in 1999. The two met at a Tango Geisha Dance event at Kona Coffee and Tea and that’s when the music started. Located along Ali’i Drive in historic Kailua Village, once a fishing community and retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Gertrude’s is a zenith of culture, art, music and dance. Marlina had always wanted to open a bar but not a ‘typical’ one and Greg always wanted to open a jazz club. When Greg saw that the location was available, united with Marlina knowing the building’s owner, it was Gertrude’s at first sight! As you enter the second story oasis, you feel transported to a sexy, jazz club along Bourbon Street in the heart of New Orleans’ historic, French Quarter. It’s no wonder why they named their club after Gertrude Stein, and her Paris salon, where leading figures in art, literature and music flocked. Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald all sat at her round-table. As an American in Paris in the 1920’s, she was considered the “mother hen” of leading art figures during the modernism era. Gertrude’s vintage, inspired interior is graced with original art work by Marlina’s daughter Kira Kamamalu, who also coordinates all of Gertrude’s art events and openings. Kira’s renditions in oil capturing subjects in muted colors, light and shadows are reminiscent of the great Impressionists.
Gertrude’s Jazz Bar
