drifters bar & entertainment venue

wow!! This was my first visit during one of there Jam sessions I was very impressed.After reading other reviews on TripAdvisor I said to myself this has to go on our must visit list for our next visit to Negril it did not disappoint us My plan for the day was get early sun have light lunch Jamaican meat patties and start the evening at Drifters The jam session is 2-6 We got there at 3 it was rocking we were with two other couples and and we were all amazed everybody was dancing just having a great time outside off the beach they did rock they did blues they did reggae everybody new all the words to all the songs and were singing and dancing the drinks prices were reasonable the crowd was all Negril type people laid back and really into it .From there we want to dinner on the cliffs Just a great day in Negril they do this on Sunday Wednesday and Friday This will stay on our visit list in Negril cant wait to go back. Ps We don't stay up late for the late night reggae shows anymore so this really helped us get our groove on

I'll echo the reviews. We arrived for their Wednesday afternoon jam session and after hearing Luddy, one of the original Drifters, serve up some musical classics, various performers took the stage and kept our toes tapping. Lotsa good energy. Fun place to watch people having a good time.

This place ROCKS ! It doesn't matter if your 18 or 80 it's a good time. Local talent and jam sessions, great bucket beer prices.

We like to fly into Montego Bay on Wednesdays. The first reason is that we had noticed that the airports are much less crowded at Mobay mid-week. But that is only a minor reason that we like to come in on Wednesdays.When we get to our hotel room at around 2 or 3 pm, we check in. We put our bags in the room, and we don't even bother unpacking. Unless, of course, it would be my guitar. That is the only baggage that needs unpacking when we arrive. We have more important issues to which to tend. We have to go to Drifters. I am dead serious. We do not even bother to change clothes. We walk directly to Drifters. We walk directly to Drifters because we know that there will be a bunch of people there listening to some sort of music performed by people who range from the mundane to the accomplished. We know that it will be loud and boisterous. We know that we are going to see people; most of whom we've never met. smiling and rocking to whatever melody is coming out of Luddy Samms' PA system and enjoying their libation of choice. We know that we will be greeted warmly and welcomed back to our adopted second home. We will be reminded that; for the first time in countless months. that life is to be savored and enjoyed. We will be made to feel like we have returned to our family. Luddy Samms is the perfect combination of bar owner, schmoozer, host, and entertainer. His cred is solid. All one needs to do is to Google him and they will find a rather impressive portfolio. Whether there is a mike in his hand or not, he is a stone gas to be around. From open to close, there is a jovial demeanor and a smile for anyone who wishes to partake of an experience that is more vibrant, soulful, and fun than any other trip to a seaside bar. His lady Jan is the same way. She is a truly wonderful lady who could tell some music stories of her own (she loved the Cavern Club, for example). Together, Luddy and Jan have brought forth a unique experience that is unlike any other on Nine Mile (or anywhere else, for that matter.) His trademark drink specials (mentioned on other reviews) are a value. The food is mostly pub food, but it is pretty good as well. Cherie and Camille at the bar hustle pretty hard, but never seem to fail tending to the customers at the bar. The restrooms are a bit rustic, but this is a beach bar, not the Four Seasons. The primary reason to be at Drifters is the music. Reggae rules on Bob Marley's island. Just walking along the beach, one can hear any one of a number of people playing either on the beach or a bandstand. There are reggae performances at Drifters as well. The house band is a bunch of local musicians (most of whom are also dear friends) who back up Luddy and his cavalcade of talent for tips. He has guest performers as well so the afternoon doesn't turn into "The Gong Show."Reggae is performed, but Drifter's is about the R&B. Luddy starts the ceremonies with a four to six song stretch of songs from the heyday of Atlantic and Motown Records. His stint with the Drifter's ensure you will hear fantastic versions of their songs, and Luddy will also do justice to the likes of Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, and scores of other dulcid-toned vocalists of yesteryear. He's still got it, and it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser every time he does it. The only difference is that I don't think these legendary performers I had just mentioned would be as approachable as Luddy is. There are some locals who perform regularly as well. This only adds to the local flavor of this venue and drives home the point that everyone is invited into this wonderful, madcap fray which is the Drifters' Bar Jam Session.We were last down in Jamaica for ten days. We spent six of those afternoon's at Drifters. Live jams are three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) and Karaoke is on Tuesday. You will be sitting on benches and chairs under a thatched roof with some room outside. This is not a bougie, high-end snootfest. Jacket and tie is not required (I would imagine it should be discouraged!) Rather, this is a pleasant beachside bar when you can sit down, knock back a few, make some new friends, and forget your burdens while submerging yourself in a most gratifying human endeavor.Drifter's Bar and Entertainment Venue is a MUST for any traveler to Negril. One would be cheating themselves if they were in Negril and did not spend an afternoon hereMake sure to bring some cash to tip the band. Most people don't have a problem with it when they hear them. Most of these musicians are family men, and they play very well for the guests all day.Drifter's Bar and Entertainment Venue is (and I do not say this lightly) my most favorite place in the whole world.

We have just returned from our second holiday in Jamaica, had a fantastic time, what an amazing and beautiful island. We tried lots of bars, restaurants and hotels and The Drifters bar was by far our favourite. It’s owned by Luddy & Lady Jan Samms who endeavour to make sure every visitor has a fun time at their place. They make every person feel at home with their welcoming conversations and attention to detail. The fabulous live music jam sessions on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays are absolutely amazing. I love going to see live musicians, it’s my favourite thing to do and I can honestly say I’ve heard some of the best musicians ever during these sessions. Luddy (who sang with the Drifters) starts off the party with his amazing soulful renditions of Drifters and soul classics which has everyone singing and dancing along, he then opens the mic to whomever wants to take part. He is backed by a band who can turn their hand to any type of music and support all singers. During the sessions we were at we heard Joy from Jamaica, who blew me away with her energy, Jimbo on the mouth organ was absolutely amazing, a Doctor from America singing reggae and the blues, a country western couple from Canada and a reggae singer from Sweden, truly international talent on this stage. The atmosphere is always electric, and all for free!.This year they now have the restaurant which is perfect because it means you can now have something to eat without missing out on any of the music. I raise my hat to Chef who makes the best goat curry that I have ever tasted, wish I’d got his recipe.To top it off the deals they have on buckets and 2 for 1 rum punch are very great value. I think I must have tried every cocktail on their list, amazing, especially the “Baggy Dropper”. Sharice and Camille who run the bar could not have done anymore to make us feel at home, likewise Delroy, Chef and Xaviour, nothing is too much trouble.I’ve taken lots of photos and videos which I’ll be uploading soon, just sifting through them all.We will definitely be coming back and I would recommend that if you are ever in the area, drop in to see what’s happening, you’ll always get a friendly welcome and you’ll feel like you’ve known them all forever.

I went to Drifters yesterday for the music hour. Nice vibe and a whole different group of people than I have ever seen in Negril. I heard some really nice music and had a relaxing time watching the sunset. You might like it a lot.

Once again I made it to the Drifter's bar in Negril. It has only improved. Now open Fri, Sun and Wed from 2-6 there is entertainment live three nights a week. Anyone can sit in for a jam session or take the mike to sing a song. This is great music, no dancehall, just old time reggae, a bit of blues and jazz and when Luddy Sam's, one of the original Drifter's, takes the mike, oh wow! Try a few classics like Under the Boardwalk, or My Girl and you are transported to another time and era. This is a place to go. The beers are cheap, the rum punches are wonderful and the ambiance is not to be forgotten.

Just got back a couple of weeks ago from my 5th trip to Negril. Drifters was high on my "to do" list. They had their first Wed jam session while I was there. Small crowd as it was the first, which was great to really enjoy Luddy's performance. Went back two days later on Friday and it was packed (Friday and Sunday jam sessions are well established). A guitarist from Toronto joined in with the band, great young female vocalist, another one or two male vocalists. Great 2 for 1 rum punches $400j, and good bucket of beer specials. The vibe was fantastic, best performance I've been to in Negril and the most fun! Not to be missed.

The music was great and the staff are polite and helpful. The place is very American, a lot of people trying to relive their youth and trying to get as high as possible. To be honest the noise was quite overwhelming at first, I didn't realise people actually spoke that loud in general conversation and we were going to leave. However, the staff, band and amazing music totally out weighed the overbearing guests.

We went to Drifters twice, once for Karaoke on a Monday, then back on Friday for the open Jam session. Great music, and Luddy was wonderful. I haven't danced so hard in years! If you loved the Drifters music you will love this place. This is a must if you are on 7 mile beach in Negril! Will definitely go back the next time we go to Jamaica. Luddy sang many of the Drifters hits including Under the Boardwalk and many many others. Check it out!

The Drifters Bar is the best place to be on Friday and Sunday afternoon. If you like good music and cold red strip go to this place. They have a open mic then and you just don't know who will sing. The owners and staff are the nicest people you'll ever meet. Six cold red strip for 1300 ja and good fried chicken and fries for 500 jaLove this place Cant wait to go back

the drifters bar sets right behind merrils resort where we were at this oct.we could hear the singing over there one afternoon and decided to walk over and check it out.so the 4 of us got there in just a few min.and was treated very good by jan,luddy, the bartender and locals.we got a table and there was 3 girls there who were pretty buzzed but haveing a good time.when one of them got up and took the mike.we thought oh no shes going to be terrible lol but she was great and in middle of the song her other friends joined her and they were good also.other people got up to do kareoke and there was only one who didnt sound to good but thats what kareokes all about haha.we found it to be alot of fun and is great to walk over to on a rainy afternoon or anytime.they just have started a new jerk chicken resturant there also which is finger licking good.the food and drinks are very resonable.theres a guy from there who walks around the beach and hands out cards with discounts on certain foods and drinks so if you want to try it out make sure you get one

I have to say after visiting the drifters bar one Friday afternoon with some nice friends we met at the Riu tropical palace we had the best afternoon, we were made to feel very welcome by jan and luddy and the rest of the people in the bar.. One of our friends ended up playing a tune on the key board and one was singing and dancing, I'm sure you will remember us all lol....can't wait to come back for a visit.. Hope everyone is well and thank you for making our afternoon .. A big shout out to Jeff and his lovely daughter without u we wouldn't have known about the bar...good priced beers as well .. Chris, gav the dancer, Nic and Jim the key board player... Joanne and friends and rose and mark, frank and tye...

friday afternnon at drifters was one of the high lites the entertainment was great the drink prices are great and listening to Luddy sing and interact with his wife was very nice. we visit jamaica each year and will certainly be spending at least every friday there

The location is mediocre, the ambiance just OK but when Luddy Sams, one of the original Drifters starts to sing, you are transported "Under the Boardwalk". His voice is mesmerizing and his charm unequalled. His lovely wife, Lady Jan makes one feel as though they are guests, not customers. The prices are excellent as well. Do give this bar try, especially on Friday afternoon during open mike!