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Bangkok does a lot of things brilliantly. Traditional folk music from the hills of Appalachia and the pubs of Ireland? Not typically on that list.
The Bangkok Trad Social happens on Saturday February 28 at Royal Oak Pub, and it's basically a jam session disguised as a gig. More than 10 bands take part, but here's the twist. Musicians form temporary duos and trios specifically for this one night, so you watch people who've never played together before figuring it out live on stage.
If you're wondering what 'old-time' music actually means, it's folk, bluegrass, Irish and Scottish tunes that all come from the same traditional roots. With so many styles in the mix, something catches your ear eventually.
The real draw is the instruments. Bangkok doesn't exactly overflow with live banjo and mandolin performances, so this is your chance to hear them up close. Fiddles, harps, the lot. All acoustic, all raw, all in a cosy pub where you can actually chat to the musicians between sets.
Doors open at 7pm and music starts at half past, and it’s free entry. The whole thing runs as a continuous session with no repeated songs, so you get fresh performances all night long.
Royal Oak Pub, Saturday February 28. Free entry, just turn up.