Rotterdam is a city that enjoys tradition but it also embraces the modern and experimental. So, it’s no surprise that there’s a thriving alternative, classical and jazz music scene that brings a diverse vibrance to the city.
If you’re looking for an evening of live music, we’ve found five venues to visit – once it’s safe to do so.
BIRD is highly regarded among musicians and jazz lovers. The venue's name is an ode to Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, the American jazz saxophonist and composer. The club’s repertoire is mostly jazz-focussed but you can also catch regular genres like soul, hip-hop, funk and electronica. Before the show, fill up on their delicious wood-fired pizzas accompanied by a glass of Pinot. And if you’re visiting the city during the North Sea Jazz Festival, keep an eye out for your favourite performers, as BIRD is known for its star-studded after-parties.
Baroeg hosts a variety of alternative music ranging from metal and punk to electronic body music, gothic rock and more. Their special charm is the annual Baroeg Open Air Festival, which has a growing fan base eagerly awaiting its return, but the music venue has a lot on offer all year round. When the city starts to open again, come and groove at their monthly dance night, Downward Spiral.
Annabel is a popular small-scale concert hall, restaurant, bar and café conveniently located opposite Rotterdam Centraal. You’ll be able to catch bands that play a range of genres from electronic music to rock – so there’s something for everybody. Annabel’s consistently great lineups and light installations are sure to get your adrenaline pumping and prep you up for a big night out. Head downstairs to Het Transportbedrijf in the basement for a taste of techno and electronica. Also, leave your cash at home as they only take card – or ‘pin’, as the Dutch call it.
A former grain silo from the early 1900s, Maassilo is now an enticing oasis for those in search of a good party. The renovated venue retains its original silo ceiling and raw concrete walls in memory of the building’s industrial past. Due to its sheer size, Maassilo can host a range of events, from dance nights, concerts and even corporate gatherings – all at the same time.
If an orchestra night is right up your alley, De Doelen might be the place for you. The stage welcomes performers from across the globe but the concert hall is better known for classical music acts. Due to the Coronavirus restricting large gatherings, they now offer online concerts for music lovers to stream from home.
