We’re totally spellbound by the live music scene in our city – although there’s so much on offer that it can sometimes be a little overwhelming! We’ve hand-picked our ten favourite live music venues – whether or not you’d prefer to perform a set yourself or simply enjoy other artists’ work is entirely your call.
- Klunkerkranich – This rooftop gig venue is worth a visit for the striking panoramas alone! You’re guaranteed a crowd in summer – on warm evenings it’s completely packed.
- Cassiopeia – A former industrial hall (where BIMM Berlin hosted our Christmas End Of Term show), this Friedrichshain setting boasts a melting pot of music events of every genre and form imaginable. Blurring the lines between mainstream and subculture, Cassiopeia moonlights as a nightclub when it’s not presenting hardcore bands and hip hop collectives.
- A-Trane – This world-famous and critically acclaimed jazz club should be at the top of every music aficionado’s list. Even if you’re not overly familiar with the genre, there isn’t a bad seat in the house and you won’t leave disappointed.
- Pratchwerk – A singer-songwriter’s dream, Neukölln’s Pratchwerk offers exceptional acoustics alongside delicious coffee. Side note: the venue hosts a sporadic but very good musician’s flea market from time to time.
- Greenhouse – This enormous artists’ residence lives and breathes live music, with exhilarating jam sessions every Monday, as well as Urban Base After Sunset open mic nights on Wednesdays. Followed by some of Berlin’s best DJ sets, don’t be surprised if these events run until dawn.
- Noize Fabrik – See BIMM Berlin’s own performance as part of the Lamplight Sessions in this intimate gig venue. This Neukölln hideaway plays host to a number of creative industries, as well as having such a refreshing sense of community (it’s a co-working space for several music collectives).
- Quasimodo – Described in the 1920s as the “mecca of swing”, it would be foolish not to see renowned international funk and soul acts play a few songs at this historical Charlottenburg jazz club! Situated in the basement of a former dance hall and movie theatre, local musicians are welcome to perform on the terrace, following in the footsteps of artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Dizzy Gillespie and Chaka Khan.
- Schokoladen – Housed in a former chocolate factory, the intimate Schokoladen has been a staple of the Berlin alternative scene since its inception. It’s reasonably priced, with terrific acoustics, and whilst it may at first appear quite small, there are a number of sprawling backrooms to explore.
- Laksmi – This cosy bar hosts open mic nights every Wednesday, drawing in a wealth of talent from all corners of the city. If you’re looking for a low-key and relaxed atmosphere to test out new material, you can’t go wrong with this snug venue, located a stone’s throw from the East Side Gallery.
- IPA Bar Berlin – This Neukölln setting recently played host to BIMM Berlin’s Basement Bash, and regularly features an eclectic mix of Berlin’s finest.(N.B. I hate to state the obvious, but this bar has an incredible, if not slightly overwhelming, selection of ales if you need to unwind after your set!)
