Ward’s Rafters

A welcoming space for anyone interested in relaxing and appreciating live jazz. I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon sipping on ‘byob’ wine and snacks. I could feel the years of music that have warmed those attic walls. A one of a kind venue with a whole lot of heart. Do arrive early if you want a table.

I was invited to Ward’s Rafters by a friend. It wasn’t made clear to me at the time it is by invite only. This has recently been brought to my attention.
Sorry for the confusion.
Ward’s Rafters is awesome! I hope you are lucky enough to score an invitation like I was.

Ward’s Rafters has been a favorite my favorite venue for music for years. The music can’t bee too loud because it is in a residential neighborhood. And you bring your own food and drink. You can get on their E-​mail list so you know who will be performing when. The roof and air conditioning have been fixed for some time now. I really appreciate that they have managed to keep blessing the community with this place.

I saw some of the best jazz of my life. I don’t know if it was the seating, the ambiance, the talent or the fantastic wine I brought… maybe a combination of all. One of the few hidden gems in Oahu.

A friend invited me to listen to music at wards rafters tonight. LOVED IT! the guitar player told us due to neighbor noise issues we had to keep it down, sadly, he then proceeded to rile us up and get us to cheer loudly as they played. bad move, soon the cops were called and the band sat down a while. ok suggestions, if they listen, great, they may stay operating, if they dont, well, their choice. change the way they do things or get shut down. instead of clapping and cheering, ensure crowds either snap fingers or wave their hands silently in the air, no rowdy cheering in the night. instead of high powered amps, which were there tonight, ensure only accoustics are played. Take a REAL moment, describe the issues the places faces with the area and get all to agree to be on their best behaviour as they leave. I had no idea relations were that bad, even after the vague and cheery pep talk from the guitar player. I loved this place and want to go back, but sadly, if they dont adjust to the conditions, they will be gone soon. How sad is that?

Simply: great people, great music, intimate home setting. Their home with invited musicians to entertain your friends (both new and old).
Kudos to Jackie for opening up her home to this experience for all. The world would be a better place if there were a Rafters’ experience in every city of the world!
They have gigs as scheduled Fri & Sat, and Jazz all Sundays 3−6pm. Read the below for more info and sure it’s all subject to change eh?! :-)
Good primer from the Unilocal crowd thank you; I definitely left a tip as should all to help keep this unique community resource available. Do respect that it’s a residential area — so a gem to be handled with respect :-)
MAHALO to the Ward family!

Ward’s is relaxed and intimate, set in the open-​rafter, second story of a house. Where else can you get that? Live jazz, blues, classical, Celtic, sometimes you’ll even get some improv comedy on a Friday night.
It’s in a residential area, it’s all street parking so park carefully. Also, for the sake of Ward’s Rafters, try to respect the neighbors and keep the noise level down around your car and on the walk to and from. Wouldn’t want irritated neighbors.
I went here with a few friends on a warm Sunday afternoon not knowing what to expect. It blew my mind! I’d never experienced live Jazz like this. At times the musicians would ask for requests, other times they’d just go off jamming whatever they were in the mood for. A few kids dancing around, some folks (younger at heart) enjoying their glasses of wine, and cheese and crackers. So chill! Yeah, it’s in the middle of hot ‘n dusty Kaimuki, but they blast the AC in the afternoons to keep in comfortable. This place is a must for music lovers.

Me: What is this place?
Friend: I don’t know, I’ve never heard of this place before.
Me: It’s somebody’s house… I think they have concerts or entertainment here.
Friend: how can? This is zoned for a residential, can’t have that here.
Me: I don’t know.
If it wasn’t for the request of being an extra, I would have NEVER known about this place after living on Oahu all my life. Located on the 3^rd floor of a house, there’s a stage with chairs all over the room. It is an old house and not much has been updated, so it has a nostalgic feel, back to the late 70’s or early 80’s. The view out the window is beautiful! I would like to come back for at least one of their regular jam sessions.

This is a private residence; the lady that runs the joint is 92; her son and daughter in law help out. Be sure to bring friends with you as well as food and drink and maybe something to read or keep you occupied because it’s sort of a concert performance. Bring some cash so you can tip the band and help keep the place alive; about $ 10/​person?

Awesome atmosphere to experience! Small & intimate, cozy like home. Jackie is the sweetest & generous enough to open her home to music lovers. I will defiantly be coming back for more!!!

Jackie Ward is an amazing lady with great story! She has converted her attic into a nice place for people to gather and listen to great music. Bands come from all over to play here and you never know what you will see or hear up there. I went on a Saturday night with friends and saw «The Geezers» play; they were great and the country music was nice. Bring your own food and drink but dont forget to leave a little Aloha in the «kitty» for the band and for Jackie’s up-​keep.

To paraphrase Tyler Durden, the first rule of Ward’s Rafters is you don’t talk about Ward’s Rafters. Pressure from the neighbors to shut this place down because of over-​capacity crowds and disorderly conduct in the streets after performances has been mounting over the last few months. If you care about this little place, keep it to yourself and your most intimate circle, and for all our sakes, be f’ing respectful to the neighbors.

eh, don’t worry squid. i think jazz enthusiasts will be happy to know a place like this exists. the location alone makes it one of those «you only go if you really WANT to go» spots. you know?
i’m rating this 4 stars for sure. i saw newjass record their live cd here and it was the best sunday afternoon i’ve had in a long time.

I am hesitiant to write a review about Ward’s Rafters for fear that I might remove the venue from the «underground» scene. Ward’s Rafters is actually the home of Jackie Ward, who converted her upstairs home to a place to listen to some quality Jazz. If you attend, you kind of feel like a guest in a stranger’s house, but after a few solid jazz tunes you start to feel at home. Some good local artists that have frequented the place have been Noël Okimoto, Les Petz, Gabe Baltazar, among others. It’s free, but I encourage you to put a few $$$ in the musician’s kitty — they don’t get paid after all and do it to get the art of Jazz alive and well in Hawaii. You can bring your own beer/​food if you want, it’s BYOB, even share it with other people — I sat next to the piano once and let the Pianst drink a few beers.