Unveiling Groningen’s Weekly Live Music Scene
Unveiling Groningen’s Weekly Live Music Scene
Looking for a perfect place to enjoy some live music in Groningen?
The quest to find places with live music in any city can be both exciting and at times a puzzling task, for both newcomers and long-timers alike. Fortunately, we have done the legwork for you, compiling a list of five of Groningen’s most grooviest bars and venues to catch live music, each with its own unique charm and music styles — ranging from intimate folk music to more energetic jam sessions. The beat never fades in this city, as these nights are arranged each week and often multiple times a week.
1. Nachtcafe Warhol
Warhol is a club bar in Papengang known for its alternative rock/pop music and yummy cocktail menu. The clubs’ vibrant aesthetics are inspired by the American artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol, whom the club is also named after. On Wednesdays at 10 p.m, the club turns into a platform for up-and-coming artists, both local and international, with varying styles of metal, rock, indie, pop and much more.
2. Cafe De Zolder
Cafe De Zolder first opened its attic doors in 1987 and has since been a staple spot for the more alternative music crowd. If you feel at home jamming to reggae, blues and rock, De Zolder is the place to be!
Zolder holds live music nights twice a week; on Wednesdays you can catch jazz music at JazzZolder, starting at 10 p.m. On Thursdays, the bar organizes Zolder jam nights which are more rock and blues-oriented, starting at 9 p.m. As the name foretells, Zolder jam is a more improvised experience, with everyone welcomed to join in on the jamming.
3. VERA
Located in one of the oldest buildings in Oosterstraat, Vera is a central hallmark of Groningen’s underground pop culture and music scene. The venue offers live music multiple nights of the week for a wallet-friendly price. The music keeps you on your toes, ranging anywhere from hip-hop to punk and techno. Vera is internationally prominent as well, with big names such as Nirvana, Dua Lipa and Joy Division being some of the artists who have appeared on the stage over the years.
4. O’Celleaigh Traditional Music Bar
A cozy and authentic Irish pub O’Celleaigh situated on Gedempte Kattendiep is a definite gem to be visited. With its colorful, traditional interior style and mean pints of guinness, it’s perfect for an evening hangout with friends. Every Sunday, the pub holds traditional Irish music nights, starting from 6.30 p.m. Artists vary from known to unknown.
5. The Buckshot Cafe
If you like to dabble into a variety of music genres, especially funk, soul, jazz, americana and indie, yet want to still keep it lowkey, you will fall in love with the Buckshot cafe. Situated in Gedempte Zuiderdiep, the bar was founded in 1999 and has since then loyally held live music nights every Sunday, at 4:30 p.m. On top of that, for those feeling extra adventurous, open mic nights are held every fourth Monday of the month, with everyone welcome to join.
Groningen is a city where music echoes throughout the streets almost every night. Whether you are allured by the nifty sounds of Zolder, cozy vibes of O’Celleaigh or the variety of Vera, the city offers experiences for music lovers of all kinds.
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