Enjoy live music in Groningen city of music, whenever and where ever you want. Dip into one of the many concerts or jam sessions that take place during open stages at numerous locations. We put on our research boots and listened attentively to hear what’s in store. Groningen features live music any day of the week. And this is without even mentioning main stages such as Vera, De Oosterpoort and Simplon. All you have to do is find out where to go for live music for your evening on the town.
Buckshot Café | Every Sunday
Gedempte Zuiderdiep 58 – Since its opening in 1999, Buckshot has been the beating heart of live music, featuring performances each and every Sunday. Over the years, hundreds of bands have performed in Buckshot, the pub that has been the backdrop for bands during GrunnSonic and Eurosonic for many years. Whenever a main event is scheduled – such as King’s Day or Swingin’ Groningen – an outdoor stage is erected. Refer to the concert calendar for who’s playing in the coming weeks. Every Sunday from 4:30 pm. Genre: jazz, soul, jazz dance, lounge, funk, fusion and jazz rock.
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JAMundo | Every other week on Friday
Smoke, Grote Markt 21 – JAMundo was set up by young artists as a platform for young talented musicians to meet and play musical styles from all over the world. This is where you enjoy a globally-oriented jam session without borders or boundaries. The varied experience on stage ensures JAMundo is always an exciting venue. Every other week on Friday from 10.00 pm. Genre: world music, jazz, pop, funk.
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Le Petit Théâtre | Every Thursday through Saturday
Turfsingel 18 – Located in the House of Cooking, Le Petit Théâtre – the smallest theatre in Groningen – is highly popular among professional (jazz) musicians. Le Petit Concert & Session is open for visitors from Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 pm to enjoy a good glass of wine and premium jazz music in a convivial atmosphere. Jazz enthusiasts and musicians from all over the province come here to listen and play music, and each evening a concert is scheduled. Admission: €3.00 (unless stated otherwise). Every Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 pm until 11:00 pm. Genre: jazz.
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Cappuvino | Every Saturday
Vismarkt 1 – On any given Saturday from 9:30 pm, Cappuvino is the ultimate place to conclude the day and relax with a drink, a snack, live jazzy lounge music by Groningen jazz scene musicians and a grand view of the Vismarkt; what more could you wish for? Every Saturday from 9:30 pm until 11:00 pm. Genre: lounge jazz.
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Café The Crown | Every Monday, Friday and Sunday
Gedempte Zuiderdiep 2 – Well begun is half done, so start your week at The Crown for a Jazz Jam Session by Prins Claus Conservatorium students, followed by an open jam session for any musician present. Things get a bit rougher on Fridays when The Crown house band plays rock covers. If you are into rock and blues, be sure to step into The Crown on a Sunday evening for a jam session featuring blues and rock musicians. Every Monday, Friday and Sunday from 9:00 pm. Genre: jazz, rock and blues.
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Eetcafé De Smederij | Every Tuesday
Tuinstraat 2 – The year 2020 will herald the 29th anniversary of Tuesday evening concerts and live jazz sessions in the Smederij, a popular venue for advanced jazz musicians and music students, as well as fans who like to go out on the town early in the week. Pianist Diederik Idema conducts jazz, world music, funk, Latin and big band music. Every Tuesday from 10:30 pm. Genre: jazz.
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Hemingway’s Cuba | Every Friday
Gedempte Kattendiep 23-1 – For years on end, from 9:00 pm on Friday evening the Hemingway house band has performed on location. Inspired by the Buena Vista Social Club, over the years they have developed an entirely distinctive sound by combining Son and modern salsa influences. So come on, get those chairs out of the way and get those hips moving. Every Friday from 9:00 pm. Genre: salsa.
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DOT | Every Sunday
Vrydemalaan 2 – DOT weekends are all about music, featuring performances by various DJs, so visitors can really hit the floor. If you are more into pleasant acoustic live music, or fancy a mellower close to your week, be sure to come to DOT on any Sunday for the Sunday Sounds, starting at 4:00 pm. Every Sunday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Genre: mellow contemporary music.
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O’Ceallaigh Irish Pub | Every Sunday
Gedempte Kattendiep 13 – This Irish pub features weekly performances by well-known and somewhat more obscure acts and bands, mainly Irish. Every other Tuesday, a public ukulele rehearsal is scheduled in the café. Take in a singer-songwriter performance on Wednesday during their ‘open mic night’. Every Sunday from 5:00. Genre: traditional Irish music.
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Kroeg van Klaas | Every Sunday
Oosterweg 26 – You can find the traditional Kroeg van Klaas pub in the charming Oosterpoort district – one of the nicest parts of the city. African jam sessions are held each Sunday afternoon, featuring a band and top musicians. Visiting musicians are more than welcome to join in. You might like to know that from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm, delicious African meals are served for a mere 6 euros. Come and dance, eat and drink the night away while enjoying music and song in the Kroeg van Klaas. Every Sunday afternoon from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Genre: African music.
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New Orleans Jazz Café | Every weekend
Gelkingestraat 17 – You will find an authentic jazz café around the corner from the Grote Markt and d’Olle Grieze, in the middle of the Gelkingestraat 17. The New Orleans house band performs every Saturday from 6.00 pm, followed by a different act every week. Sunday afternoons are also open for themed live musical performances, such as blues or acoustic. Every weekend from 9:30 pm (changing calendar). Genre: jazz, pop, soul, fusion.
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More live music in store
The above venues with a weekly or monthly programme is by no means an exhaustive list of pubs and cafés that feature live music, and chances are that you will stumble upon live music during a spontaneous night out at Brouwerij Martinus, Atelier Il Sole in Cantina or Lola. Other – weekly – jam sessions take place at O’Malleys Irish Pub, Café De Zolder and the Oude RKZ.
Main stages
We haven’t even come to the main stages in the city where weekly or daily concerts are scheduled, so be sure to check the stages below for even more musical entertainment: Vera, Simplon Poppodium and De Oosterpoort / Stadsschouwburg.
