Jazzkeller Krefeld

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a true musical underground by visiting Jazzkeller Krefeld—one of the oldest and most respected jazz venues in the city of Krefeld. This legendary club, opened back in 1958, ranks fourth on the list of the oldest jazz clubs that Germany is proud of. Located in a cozy basement, it preserves the spirit of classic mid-century jazz cellars.

Jazzkeller Krefeld. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The interior of the venue is characterized by noble simplicity: a stage positioned between massive columns, a bar, and an intimate seating area create the perfect conditions for ideal acoustics and close contact with the performers. The club has long evolved beyond a local establishment, becoming an important point on the musical map of Europe, where revival traditions harmoniously coexist with modern jazz trends.

Jazzkeller Krefeld is famous not only for its rich history but also for its exceptional sound quality. With a 4.7 rating based on hundreds of reviews, it remains a favorite spot for students and local music lovers, as well as sophisticated international guests looking for real, live jazz in an authentic setting.

To contact the venue and check the event program, you can use the following information:

The main reason to descend into this musical basement is the live concerts. The club's program covers a wide range of styles: from traditional jazz and revival to bold free jazz and modern improvisations. Of particular note are the monthly JazzAttack sessions, where stars of the German scene and renowned international guests meet on the same stage.

For those who want to do more than just listen, the club regularly hosts jazz jam sessions. This is a unique opportunity to witness the process of co-creation in real time or even join the improvisation yourself if you play an instrument. The atmosphere here is as relaxed as possible: audience members often chat with the musicians during breaks right at the bar.

In addition to the music, you can enjoy the aesthetics of a classic 1950s-60s European club. The walls are decorated with abstract paintings, and the overall space invites thoughtful relaxation with a glass of a good drink. Jazzkeller Krefeld is a place about community and a love for art, where guests are even occasionally invited to participate in the life of the club, creating a unique sense of belonging to a legend.

The legendary jazz cellar is located at Lohstraße 92, within easy reach of major transport hubs. If you are in the city center, the walk from the main station (Krefeld Hauptbahnhof) takes about 15–20 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, tram or bus lines 042 and 044 are ideal—get off at the Lohstraße stop, which is just a few minutes' walk from the club's entrance.

Tourists arriving from other cities, such as Dusseldorf or Cologne, will find it most convenient to use regional trains. The trip from Dusseldorf takes no more than 30 minutes. From Krefeld station, you can quickly reach the destination by taxi or car-sharing services, which is especially convenient in the evening.

For those traveling by car, keep in mind that the club is located in a densely built-up area. Parking can be found directly on Lohstraße or neighboring streets. In the evening, spots are often free; however, due to the popularity of the venue and nearby bars, available spaces fill up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early.

The history of this place began back in 1956 with the High Society club on Marktstraße, but the official birth date of the current "Jazzkeller" is considered to be April 10, 1958. That was when student Jupp Dillmann opened the doors of the basement at Lohstraße 92. In those years, entry was only possible with a membership card, and the coveted door was opened by a special button located at the cashier's desk.

Over the decades, the club has survived many challenges. In 1970, immediately after a boisterous carnival, a fire broke out in the premises, destroying the piano and part of the interior, but this did not stop the enthusiasts, and music soon played again. In 1978, the venue closed for a radical reconstruction, during which the acoustic system and ventilation were completely updated, turning a simple basement into a professional concert venue.

Jazz titans such as Klaus Doldinger and Manfred Schoof have performed on the club's stage at various times. Since 1976, management of the club passed to the Jazzkeller GmbH association, which helped the establishment maintain its identity during difficult economic times. Today, it is not just a bar, but a living monument to musical culture, whose history is detailed in the anniversary book "50 Jahre Jazzkeller."

To fully enjoy the club's atmosphere, we recommend planning a visit of 2–4 hours. A standard jazz concert usually lasts about an hour and a half to two hours with a short break, but it’s worth arriving at least 45 minutes before the start to get a comfortable seat and order drinks at the bar.

If you plan to attend one of the famous jam sessions or a JazzAttack themed night, your stay could extend to 5–6 hours. Such events often transition into free socialization with the musicians and dancing, so it is best to set aside an entire free evening for a visit to Jazzkeller.

The club's opening hours are directly tied to the concert schedule. Most often, events take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The doors usually open to guests one hour before the program starts—typically at 20:00 or 21:00.

Since there are no fixed daily operating hours, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website jazzkeller.info before visiting. This will help you find out the start time of a specific set or jam session in advance.

A stroll around the Lohstraße area will allow you to see the city from different perspectives—from solemn memorials to interesting examples of industrial architecture. Exploring these locations before an evening concert will help you get a better feel for the city's spirit and make your cultural program even richer.