Music venues & clubs – All our local tips

In the past year, A-Trane became my favourite destination when it came down to enjoying high class jazz. Together with the B-Flat (see the B-Flat article), it is certainly one of the most important jazz clubs in Berlin, although it is way smaller than the B-Flat. But that gives it a much more laid-back and cosier atmosphere. And you can feel that during the concerts.

It was on Monday evenings that I got drawn here more often when local pianist Andreas Schmidt plays (for free!) with friends from around the world. I became obsessed with the weekly varying beauty of the relaxed sounds that Schmidt and his friends create.

Of course, A-Trane has got more to offer than this: concerts of top-class musicians and, last but not least, the “Jam Late Night Session” which is free and takes place during the night from Saturday to Sunday from 0:30. For the programme check the A-trane website.

Concert admission depends on who’s playing. Should be between 5 and 20 Euros.

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A-Trane | Bars, Music | Beer 0.5 l € 4.00
Bleibtreustr. 1 | Charlottenburg | +49303132550
Sun – Thu 21:00 – 02:00, Fri & Sat 21:00 – open end

Throughout its life  (opened in 1873) the Admiralspalast theatre has had an idiosyncratic history. During the 1920’s and 30’s it was a pleasure palace of sorts, hosting in it’s parameters a bath house, restaurant, a speak easy, the worlds first indoor ice skating revue show, as well as the grandiose Art Deco theatre which houses up to 1700 people at a time.

At one point it even housed a DDR “Press Café” at the front of the building where  subversive bohemians would meet.  After years of closure the Admiralspalast was recently revamped and reopened in August 2006.

There are various types of productions staged here, from My Fair Lady to Brechts 3-Penny Opera, to live performances from De La Soul.

My favourite event is their regular quarterly swing dance/music party,  hosted in the main theatre and themed differently each time yet always dedicated solely to swing music, high fashion and old school sophistication. Recently headling the part was an exclusive Berlin performance by sibling trio ‘Kitty, Daisy and Lewis’.

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Admiralspalast | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Theaters | Ticket +/- € 22.00
Friedrichstrasse 101 | Mitte | +493032533144
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 19:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

There is no sign anywhere saying that this ruin-like, run down little building that might have been an old workshop is the “Antje Øklesund”. I admit it’s hard to find but more than worth the search.

Inside you will get the special feeling, a special atmosphere that can only be created in these seemingly unfinished places; rooms of which you think they have hardly been overworked to make it a club for live music. Here you walk between old brick stone walls that are used as exhibition space for photography work. Or as the makers understand it, here everything and everyone is part of the art. Believe me in this: It’s an awesome place!

The music can be any type of live amusement – from Trash to Rock, from Singer/Songwriter to Electro-Pop. The website gives you funny descriptions of the band’s type of music. By my experience, it doesn’t really give you a clear picture; it’s always a bit of a surprise. But be sure the musicians are mostly unknown and give their best to convince the audience and to establish themselfs.

Be aware that the Antje Øklesund opens its doors usually only on Tuesdays, Thursdays (new!) (admisssion €3.00) and Fridays (admisssion €4.00). I recommend to always check the (bilingual!) website before you go.

Here a special tip to find it: When you are on Rigaer Strasse watch out for a super market called “Lidl”. Exactly opposite you will find a widely open gate, enter it into the backyard and go through, sticking to the right.

Myspace: www.myspace.com/antjeoeklesund

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Antje Øklesund | Music | Admisssion (Tue/Thu) € 3.00
Rigaer Straße 71 | Friedrichshain
Tue & Fri 22:00 – 02:00

Aufsturz means more than 100 sorts of beer and a big choice of food. The place is always full of people trying to test every beer once. But the choice is difficult: Banana beer or smoked beer (Rauchbier)? German beer or Mexican beer? Don’t worry: The waiters are patient and helpful.

The interior of the Restaurant/Pub is simple but comfortable. Since 1994 the Aufsturz has exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, photography, installations and collages. There is also a club area where they present concerts (Pop, Rock, Jazz), performances, workshops and other events weekly.

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Aufsturz | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Restaurants (International) | Beer € 2.00
Oranienburger Straße 67 | Mitte | +493028047409
12:00 – 02:00 daily

If took a wrong turn and made it to Berlin instead of Nashville and your heart yearns to hear a bit of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynne then make your way to Bassy Cowboy Club in Mitte,This is by no means fancy dress up club, where you are expected to waltz in with a Stetson and cowboy boots, though some do. However a certain level of effort and style is expected and will ensure easier entry. Turn up with trainers, sweatshirt and fanny pack and you are guaranteed a date with the sidewalk.Once you get past the style police at the door, you can listen to live country and blues bands from Berlin and abroad, as well DJ’s guiding you into the early hours. Fear not, Bassy’s musical catalogue is not just limited to Country music but a host of other genres are also played here from 50’s surf tunes, garage, rockabilly and Rock n’ Roll. They sometimes host performances from a range of local and national Burlesque acts like Tallulah Freeway and The Teaserettes. Bassy is in a prime location just off on the Schönhauserallee (Torstrasse side) underneath the Pfefferberg cultural complex, so you can also enjoy the delights of their beer garden in the summer months and then venture down to Bassy for a for a drink and dance.

It’s free entry if you come before 23:00, and if you don’t feel like dancing there is always the kicker table to play with till the wee hours of the morning.

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Bassy Cowboy Club | Bars, Music | Entry from € 5.00
Schönhauser allee 176a | Mitte
22:00 – late daily

The first thing that comes to your mind when you enter Sankt Oberholz is: Is this an office or a cafe? People staring at and typing on their computers can be seen everywhere. From time to time, they take a sip of their Latte Macchiato, watching who enters the room while chatting with their neighbor. The secret ingredient at Sankt Oberholz is simple: Wireless Internet. This is no new concept for cafes in Berlin but somehow this one has become the preferred hotspot for laptop owners and wireless nomads.

But don’t worry, pixel lovers aren’t the only ones welcome here. There are some more things that make St. Oberholz such a special place to visit. For example, lots of interesting, creative and international people frequent the cafe, located in Berlin’s trendy Mitte District.

So it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary if the fashionable Asian girl in the corner is a successful media artist, the nerdy boy at the next chair the leader of an electro band, and if you look closer, the gonzo guy buying a fresh-made peppermint tea could be the author of a popular controversial coming-of-age novel. Or maybe they are just normal students like me.

In any case, it’s not just the people that usually frequent St. Oberholz that are unique, it’s also the cafe itself. Don’t just limit yourself to the ground floor where the self-service bar is situated. Be sure to go upstairs to the first floor and try to find a seat next to the huge windows. There you’ll have a great view over bustling Rosenthaler Platz – that means more people to watch plus the beautiful light of the sunset in the evening.

By the way, the self-service bar in the cafe offers a huge plate of delicious Spaghetti Bolognese for € 5.00! For smaller appetites you can chose from cakes, sandwiches, bagels and soups.

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Cafe Sankt Oberholz | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (intern.)
Rosenthaler Straße 72a | Mitte | +493024085586
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 00:00

Cafe Solvey is an exception in Berlin’s cafe scenery. This place is designed and furnished with a special love of details. A lot of people are taking a look in the showcase while I am sitting inside with a cup of coffee and a piece of self made apple pie.

Somehow Solvey doesn’t fit in this demure neighborhood; maybe because of all the flowers, the pillows with pink roses on it, the pale green walls, and the lovely selected furniture. It reminds you of the perfectly composed gardens pictured in perfect garden magazines, but more individually.

In another room you’ll find a whole children’s paradise which is also interesting for bigger children like us: furniture for doll houses, wooden toys, and a lot more bibelot for children and grownups. A bookshelf with books and magazines is accessible for everyone. The cafe integrates also a small delicatessen and gift shop where you can buy chocolate truffle, self made marmalade, make-up like lip gloss in the form of tiny cakes, jewelry, books and more gadgets. So this spot is a lovely created garden which makes you feel like in summer while it rains outside.

The café offers Wireless Internet too and it is possible to rent the location for events. From time to time Solvey also presents readings.

Solvey also has a daily lunch special which is made of ecological and/or own cultivation.

Every Friday they offer an English Teatime from 17:00 with Kusmi Tea, Muffins and English live music.

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Cafe Solvey | Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks | white coffee € 2.30
Invalidenstraße 150 | Mitte | +493099271751
Tue – Fri 11:00 – 18:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

For years left as a dump, this former train depot has been converted into a unique place that is now of major importance for cultural life in the heart of district Friedrichshain: the “Cassiopeia”.

Two clubs feature live music, parties and/or host festivals. The music there ranges from Hip Hop to Funk, Rock to Hardcore, Electro and Reggae to Drum & Bass.

The beer garden is nice during the warmer days, just as is the outdoor cinema “Freiluftkino Insel” (season May – Sep) which will be run until September.

If you want to get active, here you have two chances:
Number one is the Skatehalle Berlin. Huge half pipes and rails challenge even advanced skaters and BMXers. It’s also extremely nice just to hang out there and to watch the pros and kids handling their boards.
Number two is the “Kegel” (the “Cone”). It’s basically a former water tower but it is nowadays used for wall climbing! Inside is a little exhibition space and further boulder walls.

Next big place inside the Cassiopeia is the cultural centre “RAW-Tempel” which regularly hosts nice events such as readings, exhibitions, workshops and, of course, parties.

The whole area is designed by famous mural artist Christian Wahle a.k.a “Lake” who, simultaneously, runs the “Kegel”.

If you want to discover Berlin check out the Cassiopeia – I promise you won’t regret it. Before or after your visit adjacent Simon-Dach-Straße (see the Simon-Dach Strasse article) can be your next option during your evening.

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Cassiopeia | Art & culture, Music, Relaxing | Der Kegel € 3.00
Revaler Str. 99 | Friedrichshain | +493029362966
See the website

Over its 90-year history, this dance venue come restaurant, is pure vintage heaven oozing Weimar Republic chic. The restaurant circles the large dance floor where couples tango and swing dance the night away.  If you don’t fancy joining in you can always watch, whilst digging into traditional German fare like Bulette or Schnitzel.

Clärchens, as its fondly referred to, attracts a wonderfully eclectic crowd of vintage lovers, Rockabilly’s, artists, musicians and regular local elderly couples who come for the inviting atmosphere and varied music on offer.

This is one of my favourite weekday hangouts, especially on Wednesday evening.  Novices like my friends and myself, enjoy making spectacles of ourselves at the beginners swing dance class, as we clumsily sashay across the dance floor, imagining we are extras on the set of ‘Mambo Kings’ as more experienced dancers glide by us effortlessly.

No need for embarrassment, it is a thoroughly democratic affair at Clärchens – whether you are a beginner or the proverbial Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers; maybe you’re in the mood to throw on a posh frock/suit or keep it casual in jeans and trainers, emphasis is on having a good time…no judgement passed here.

During more temperate months, you can dine outside on the romantic garden terrace surrounded by winding vines, illuminated by fairy lights and tea candles come dark.

Between April – June take advantage of the ‘Spargel Menu’ with a variety of dishes tailored around the famed Beelitzer Asparagus, on offer in most restaurants/café’s in and across Germany.

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Clärchens Ballhaus | Art & culture, Music, Restaurants (German) | Free
Auguststr. 24 | Mitte | +49302829295
12:00 – open end daily

A book shop of its own kind. Small. Independent. International. SPECIAL.

Enter this cozy shop and feel comfy straight away. Old couches and old book shelfs makes you wanna spend hours in there. The friendly and English speaking shop assistant is always happy to help you; friends and neighbors from the area come by for a little chat. For me it has the sort of atmosphere that you usually find in little shops in villages traditionally run by families; but here you are in a big city!

Should you get stuck with their wide range of German, English, French, Spanish or Italian language books one day, it might happen that you wonder why so many people suddenly gather in the “East of Eden”. You’ll soon find out they come to see a band or musician who is actually going to play in there (on a little platform)!

These little events usually happen on Tuesdays. But to make sure, check their website!

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East of Eden | Music, Shopping
Schreinerstrasse 10 | Friedrichshain | +49304239362
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 19:00

Eastern Comfort Ship is a hostel which casts its anchor next to the East Side Gallery and Warschauerstr. The boat is simply a floating bar and hostel; it will not leave this location. Though, sometimes because of the waves it seems it will.

The event is a weekly get together which takes place on Wednesday, starting at 19.00. It’s  a relaxed evening, with live concerts and an international, friendly and open crowd. The meeting is also meant to bring together people looking for language partners.

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Eastern Comfort Ship | Bars, Music, Snacks | Entry fee until 20:30 € 1.00
Muehlenstr 73 | Friedrichshain | +491635272213
Wed from 19:00

Erdbeer means strawberry and the name is not a coincidental one. Situated at the corner of a graffiti decorated house the bar is befogged in red light. Many young people rather lie on the chairs than sit. Red walls and candlelight make you feel like being inside of a strawberry. The atmosphere is relaxed and the DJ puts some spherical music on. The Erdbeer Bar is comfortable and not overcrowded, at least on weekdays.

The most popular and common ingredient of Cocktails is (surprise!) the strawberry. The list of beverages offers not only many Cocktails and Long drinks but also different kinds of non-alcohol smoothies – mostly made with strawberries.

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Erdbeer Bar | Bars, Music | Cocktails from € 4.00
Max-Beer-Straße 56 | Mitte
18:00 – open end daily

My favorite backyard (see the Backyards article): Haus Schwarzenberg.

One could say there are two cafes/bars, two shops, a gallery, a cinema, a museum…But that wouldn’t be enough to describe the importance of Haus Schwarzenberg. For getting a proper feeling of the cultural Berlin you have to go there.

Here is where Otto Weidt saved lives of deaf and blind Jewish workers from Holocaust in his broom and brush workshop. Find out more about this historical place in the “Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt“.

The memorial “Stille Helden” honors and commemorates those people who, like Otto Weidt, risked their own lives to rescue prosecuted Jewish people from assured death.

Go further through to the second backyard. Here’s the lovely cinema “Central” (see this article). Also, you have the café “Kaschemme” which is “turned” into a bar and renamed “Eschschloraque” at 20:00 (see this article), a place with an alien-like decoration and really friendly staff.

Above the “Eschschloraque” is the “Neurotitan” – an extremely unique shop and gallery that sells, supports and exhibits all kinds of works of local artists, be it paintings/drawings, CDs/records or t-shirts/tops, books or other stuff.

Other places in Haus Schwarzenberg that are also worth going to are the “Anne-Frank-Zentrum” – an exhibition about the life of the Jewish girl whose diary became so famous and the lovely “Café Cinema”.

Finally, take some time to look at the walls. Most of Berlin’s famous street artists, such as Alias, El Bocho, Karl Toon or Vectorian, are present here.

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Haus Schwarzenberg | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Music, Shopping
Rosenthaler Strasse 39 | Mitte
Daily

Since 1964 the JazzFest Berlin is one of the big constants in Berlin’s Jazz Scene. Every year the festival presents Jazz dinosaurs and newcomers in different locations.

Since last year the festival has a new chief: the jazz musician Nils Landgren.

The next JazzFest will take place from 4 to 7 November 2010. The programme will be published in autumn 2010.

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JazzFest Berlin | Music, Festivals & events | Concerts minimum € 10.00
Schaperstraße 24 | Charlottenburg | +4930254890
November 4th – 7th 2010

Russians know how to party. One of the most famous ones in Germany is the writer Wladimir Kaminer. He came to Berlin in 1990 and started a Russian Disco at the Kaffee Burger near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz 8 years ago.

It didn’t take a long time until the Russendisko turned into a real Berliner institution. The two DJs, Kaminer and Yuriy present famous Russian Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, Ska and Reggae twice a month on Saturday.

Thanks to Kaffee Burger, which used to be frequented by actors, authors and singers in the 70’s, the atmosphere is authentic. Old velour wallpaper, dark wooden chairs, leather lounges and dim light make this place perfect for Russian parties where Vodka flows freely and the joint is always jumping. An old GDR-list of beverages on the wall and the huge soldier’s head next to the checkroom remind you of times when one part of Germany was run by a socialist regime.

But anyway, nostalgia fits the Russian mentality, so the Kaffee and the Russendisko go perfectly together. The place’s popularity proves it: people from all over the world dance together to the beat on the rather small dance floor. Hot air and lots of romping people create a frenetic party atmosphere that generally gets started around midnight and lasts until 4 or 5 in the morning.

Aside from Russendisko on Saturday nights, it’s also worth it to visit Kaffee Burger for other events. Almost every day they offer readings, live music, movies or parties. Kaffee Burger Bar itself is always open on Friday and Saturday evening.

The next Russendisko dates you will find here.

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Kaffee Burger | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music | Entry fee € 5.00
Torstraße 60 | Mitte | +493028046495
Fri – Sat 22:00 – open end, Sun – Thu open during events

It doesn’t happen very often that a very old brewery inhabits places for culture and night life – but here it does. The Kulturbrauerei (literally “Culture Brewery”) is one of these places Berlin is so much loved for (see it as a recipe for Berlin’s venues: Take something old, but don’t tear it down and build new – recycle! Leave it unfinished or renovate and rebuild it – keeping the old spirit and looks in order to create a new (but still old) place; an interesting, historical and architectural landmark.)

I think the Kulturbrauerei is one the highlights of these sort of places. It is a complex of former brewery buildings (boiler house, machine house, stable, canteen,…) that are now host to the places we can find there now:
Night clubs, cafes, bars, a cinema, theatres, an important concert house, a dance school, a billiard saloon, a cooking workshop, but also companies such as publishing houses, a bicycle hire shop (Berlin on Bike also offers guided tours on bikes) and many others.

Fans of old architecture will definitely enjoy Kulturbrauerei which is a wonderful example of the long period of historism. The 1889 complex has a bit in common with a castle from the middle ages. The renovation, completed in 2000, kept the old brewery air and hence made it one of the nicest and most important cultural platforms in Prenzlauer Berg and surely in whole Berlin, too.

The website is user-friendly, in German and English and comes up with cool moving surround views. See here for the cultural program and opening times as well as the presentation of each venue.

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Kulturbrauerei | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Music, Theaters
Knaackstraße 97 | Prenzlauer Berg
Daily

Sometimes after trawling Berlin’s many galleries, museums and sight seeing tours your poor feet are just Kaput and a little pampering wouldn’t go astray. A break from the city hum drum in the midst of the this bustling capital would be in order right? In that case, soothe your aching feet and over stimulated mind with a trip to the Liquidrom.This urban spa, part of the Tempodrom complex, in heart of Berlin, combines a sense of modern minimalism with Zen like temple through the designs of architects Gerkan, Marg and Partner.  The defining characteristic, setting it apart from other more traditional spas, is the “Underwater Concert Hall”.

The main feature of this spa, is a darkened 34 degree heated saltwater pool, where gentle, (for want of a better term) electronic ‘World’ music, is played to enhance your relaxation experience. The music is projected both outside and within the pool and on Friday evenings you can even enjoy live music from 8pm onwards in candlelit interiors.

A note to my fellow Anglo Saxons, this spa is a thoroughly German affair.  This being the case, both the sauna and changing rooms are mixed. In the sauna, there is a no clothing policy, though a towel is permitted for those like myself who are a bit more on the shy side.

It’s a little bit a case of style over substance here, but all in all you do leave feeling quite pampered. The Liquidrom is a lovely break from the daily routine of urban life and worth a visit if you are in Berlin.

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Liquidrom | Music, Relaxing | 2 hour entry ticket € 17.50
Möckernstrasse 10 | Tiergarten | +493025807820
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 01:00

Who ever designed this bar – he must have had a lot of fun. I can imagine if I was to stick all the furniture and other things onto the ceiling I would probably see all the smiling and astounded faces of the future guests.

Well, when I went in there the first time I wished I was that someone as I thought it could have been my idea – what a genius person! Something like that was my first impression of Madame Claude.

The name itself refers to the location’s past as a brothel. But they also call it a “Bar for common people“. That may explain why you’ll get cheap bottled beer and foosball (though the table is slightly battered – but hey, it’s for free!). On top of that there is an extra room further down which they use for either a ping pong table (free, too!) or live music performances (mostly stuff like Brit Pop, Alternative, Electro, Indie Pop / Rock or Folk).

I recommend you to check their Myspace for coming events. Amongst my friends the Madame Claude got famous especially for their music quiz which is on every Wednesday. Recently I found myself more and more attracted to the open mic sessions on Sundays. There might be no one outside on Sunday evenings but seemingly everyone at Madame Claude.

So pay attention to all the details on the ceiling and walls and remember the person who had fun making it!

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Madame Claude | Bars, Music | Beer € 2.30
Lübbener Str. 19 | Kreuzberg | +493084110861
19:00 – open end daily

As if Maria am Ostbahnhof didn’t offer us night trawlers and music junkies enough to sate our insatiable appetite for Berlin nightlife and music , the old bird has roped her hubby in on the deal too.

Josef am Ostbahnhof, which came to the fore in 2006,  is literally a club inside a club located within Maria and offering an intimate party/club environment with a slightly more underground edge.  Josef’s listings tend to be a bit ad hoc and irregular, but every two months, you are guaranteed the best in Dubstep and Grime, with the ‘Bass the World’ party series.

‘Bass the World’ is the longest running Dubstep night in Berlin, where party founders and dynamic duo Dj Maxximus & Mackjiggah, spread their musical gospel.

This April 16th marks the party’s 5 year anniversary. That being the case, the Godfathers of German Grime are hosting a spectacular birthday bash to celebrate. Expect performances from Newham Generals (dirtee stank) Ikonika (Hyperdub) and much much more.

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Maria & Josef | Bars, Music, Festivals & events
An der Schillingbrücke 2 | Friedrichshain | +493021238190
23:00 till late, days vary so refer to listings

You’d be forgiven for not even noticing these two inconspicuous clubs deftly hidden on the Skalizterstrasse on Kottbusser Tor in Kreuzberg (fondly referred to as Kotti) above a supermarket and a couple of hundred döner kebab snack bars.

Paloma and Monarch are situated in coverted former dentist/doctor’s surgeries (yes you heard me right) located in different sections of what is seemingly a residential block.

Due to the lack of any signage anywhere, you may at first be wary as you climb the dark staircase to the first floor, with the distinct stench of urine accompanying you on your way up.  However once you enter the grey doors of Paloma or Monarch you feel like Alice in Wonderland stepping through the looking glass.  Awaiting you on the other side are two pretty cool and rocking clubs/bars.

Both offer a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, decorated with kitschy patterned wallpaper from the 50’s, where you feel like you’ve walked into someone’s living room.  There are banks where you can sit on pillows and lean against the big full length windows, offering a view out across urban detritus of Kotti. Secret tip, try the Ahoi Vodka shots.

Paloma plays mainly Indie and Electro Pop music, whilst Monarch is more versatile, ranging from post punk, garage to vintage disco.

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Monarch and Paloma | Bars, Music | Entry from € 2.00
Skalitzer Straße 134 -135 | Kreuzberg
Wed – Sat 21:00 – till late

If you have trouble remembering classical films, if you are already bored of the cinemas in the big commercial centres, or if you are just looking for an alternative way to spend an evening, do stop by the silent film evenings accompanied by live piano, which take place every first Wednesday of the month, in Morus str. 14.

Expect a charming electro piano, with an original piano soundtrack performed by Francois Regis, films by directors such as Lubitsch and Charlie Chaplin, a small bar with affordable prices, authentic and cosy quarter atmosphere and elderly public. The films are organized within a bigger social project and they are donations based.

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Morusstreet 14 | Cinemas, Music, Snacks
Morusstr 14 | Neukölln
Every 1st Wednesday of the month from 19:30

Yesterday, Jochen Sandig founded Tacheles (check the Tacheles article), the graffiti art house in Oranienburgerstr, today he is one of the founders of Radialsystem.

Recently, during a conference on public space, this location was referred to as a theatre, to which Mr Sandig replied: ‘I’m sorry, I have to contradict you, this space is not a theatre; Radialsystem is … a Radialsystem’. And indeed it is.

Radialsystem used to be a pumping station for a new system of waste water management for the city until 1999, and it is now one elegant and curious looking space for art. The mixture of red bricks and glass welcomes the viewer with a nice terrace by the river, a bar and a tamed industrial interior hosting many art events.

Radialsystem is an open space for creative ideas and hosts new media exhibitions, dance performances, concerts, theatre plays, conferences, receptions and many more. One exhibition opening I have attended there dazzled us with a cello concert performed in the dark. It started a lot of discussions. It made people think.

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Radialsystem | Art & culture, Music, Theaters
Holzmarktstr. 33 | Friedrichshain | +493028878850
Open daily

If there is any place in Berlin that exemplifies the love and dedication of a group of fans for a band, it is in this the small museum dedicated solely to Queens finest – The Ramones. After a short closure and hiatus period, The Ramones Museum (which is the first and only museum of it’s kind in the world) has reopened after upping sticks from their original Kreuzberg location to Mitte.

This ‘Klein aber fein’ homage to the punk’s godfathers, offers fans the chance to see original and rare band memorabilia. Everything from Johnny Ramones iconic white/black Mosrite guitar, to his ripped jeans or rare childhood photos and school reports. You can also watch footage from their earlier gigs in the 70’s, read the original scribbled texts to songs like ‘I wanna be your boyfriend’ or “Judy is a Punk’. Even Marky Ramones signed drumsticks and Chucks are lovingly displayed in a glass case.

What I like about this place is that most everything that is exhibited are donations from die hard fans, whether it be old set lists ripped of the stage after a gig, signed tickets by the band or an old water bottle Joey Ramone threw into the audience during a show.

Afterwards you can chill out have a coffee and a slice of cake whilst chatting to other fellow Ramones fans in the café or buy some branded merchandise like the iconic Ramones logo T-shirt, buttons and a host of other paraphernalia.

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Ramones Museum Berlin | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks | Entry € 3.50
Krausnickstr.23 | Mitte
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 18:00, Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat 10:00 – 22:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00

Calling all urban cowboys, Rock n Rollers and 50’s enthusiasts, Roadrunners Paradise is the place to be. This gig venue is where it’s at, if you’re looking for quality live classic Rock n’ Roll, Bluegrass, Country or Rockabilly music. You need not dress like or be a vintage enthusiast to feel at home (though it does help), as there is something very welcoming about roadrunners. Perhaps due its location, hidden away from passing traffic, it creates the feeling of an exclusive and friendly members club, feels like a bit of an insiders secret tip.

Located just off Saarbrücker Strasse in Mitte, tucked away at the back of commercial courtyard right next to an Alpha Romeo car workshop. You realise you’re there once you see the impressive variety of classic American cars parked outside, from Chevrolets to Cadillac’s.

This place has great acoustics and hosts both national and international acts; I recently saw a great Bluegrass band from Memphis perform here, as well as a rockabilly quartet from Hanover and Miss. Mospy a local Berlin Burlesque performer.

It’s charm also lies in the stylishly quaint decorative touches, like a vintage Harley Davidson mounted on the wall, pictures of Elvis, Herb Ritts and Charles Bukowski in classic gilded frames.

As Roadrunners hasn’t got fixed opening times, it is worth checking the website to see the concert schedule, generally it is always open Saturdays and costs 10 euros entry for enjoyable night of 50’s era inspired bands and DJ’s.

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Road Runners Paradise | Bars, Music | Entry € 10.00
Saarbrückerstr. 24 | Mitte
Check website for opening times

On weekends you can party everywhere else, but Thursday night belongs to Sage Club. For some people it’s their after-work relaxing zone, for others it’s better than Saturday because the club gets crowded early. Every Thursday Sage Club, located inside the U-Bahnhof Heinrich-Heine-Straße, turns into a music fest for finest Indie rock, Alternative and Metal.  But not only DJs reign this three floor venue.

The main floor is dedicated to live upcoming bands. After that Britpop, Indierock and All time favorites can be heard in the hall. The so-called Dragonfloor satisfies those addicted to a harder pace.  Here Metal, Hardrock and Hardcore are the DJ’s specialties. Downstairs you’ll find a smaller booth where Classics and Alternative music are played. But you better keep track of yourself and your friends: Sage Club is quite big and it’s not unusual for you or your friends to get lost in the crowd.

The interior of the Sage is reminiscent of a dominatrix studio. Every Friday and Saturday the club hosts KitKat, a techno-party that’s geared for anyone who dresses up in leather, latex, glitter, glamour and extravagant clothes (or no clothes at all). But of course this special interior fits well for Rock’n'Roll too.

The special attraction of the Sage Club is the swimming pool in the smoking/lounge area. Unfortunately a big sign forbids you to get in but the view into the deep blue water helps you come down after excessive dancing.

Make sure to get to the club before 22:00 for free entry (and don’t be put off by a possible long queue), after 22:00 you have to pay 6 € to get in.

If you need some great food on the next day keep in mind that Sage has also a restaurant. It doesn’t remind you at all on the dirty Rock Club. This place is rather chic, stylish and a little expensive – a hanseatic dream in white. But have a look at the wSage restaurant website and be sure to book before you come.

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Sage Club | Bars, Music, Restaurants | after 22:00 € 6.00
Köpenicker Straße 76 | Mitte | +49302789830
Thu 19:00 – open end

Stattbad Wedding was a public swimming pool complex, but the story here is about what it is today. A place for site-specifc installations. A place for parties. A place for performances. A place for filming. A place for what you can imagine building there. Because the managers of the space are open for your suggestions.

Of this assured me Jochen Küpper, cultural manager at Stattbad Wedding. The first time I met him was for a short interview, or better say, he answered a curiosity call. We set down on a couch by the swimming pool. The light was warm and we were surrounded by fishing nets, which managed to provide intimacy to the conversation, despite the constant movement around us. The place was getting ready for a weekend event. Jochen works around the clock for the Stattbad, no wonder he has nights catching him sleeping there.

Stattbad Wedding is a contemporary cultural centre, so its definition remains open. There is however a focus on urban arts. One of the first exhibition openings I have attended there was a urban affairs show spread throghout the swimming pool and the lockers. Alive butterflies were flying everywhere. Incredibly cruel and beautiful. The second time I’ve been to the Stattbad was an underground experience – we were literally under the swimming pool. Imagine pipes everywhere, video installations, bars and music which lasted til the morning. The space does offer unfolding possibilities.

Go there to be surprised. Or to surprise.

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Stattbad Wedding | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Relaxing, Festivals & events | Ticket +/- € 4
Gerichtstrasse 65 | Mitte
Please make sure to check the website

For those who like it cheap, cheerful and with that dash of trash ambiance, should make their way to West Germany. In the same vein as Paloma and Monarch, West Germany is also a converted former dentist/doctor’s surgery located on the Skalitzer Strasse in Kreuzberg.

In contrast to Paloma and Monarch (check the Paloma and Monarch article) though, West Germany offers a dirtier, grungier and edgier club/bar experience. Space is effectively what it is, as very little has gone into refurbishment, evidenced by the makeshift stage where you can watch Punk/Electro/Psychobilly bands perform, while their amps precariously balance on beer crates and live wires dangle above their heads.

There also a host live acts and artists performing, once a month West Germany hosts the Gay/Lesbian night called ‘Poopsy Club‘. One particularly memorable time, I watched a small Japanese man clad in a white spandex body suite ’sing’ through a vocoder in something I could discern as a hybrid of German/English/Japanese against an techno beat; as his two transgendered assistants entered the stage through a giant papier-mâché vagina…hey but at least drinks were cheap.

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West Germany | Bars, Music | Entrance from € 3.00
Skalitzer Str. 133 | Kreuzberg
Wed – Sat 21:00 – till late

Berlin is, and has always been, a city that embodies a sense of experimentation, spontaneity and creativity that has lured many creatives from all over the world. To find something genuinely experimental within Berlin’s heavily saturated arts scene, perhaps we should follow the ‘Esprit’ of Berlin’s young collectives and collaborators operating on the peripheries. Jochen Arbeit (guitarist and vocalist from Einstürzende Neubauten) recently cited the White Rabbit Cross-Disciplinary collective space as one of his favourite top three insider tips in Berlin.

The basic concept of the space, is that there are month long exhibitions and in the course of that month there are weekly one off events in the space at the same time. Whether it be music performances, screenings or readings. The idea is that the contemporary art gets attention not only from the Vernissage but also from all the people that come for the other events. It introduces experimental music people to a bit of contemporary art, and people who come for the contemporary art at the openings, get to listen to some experimental music.

Please note that the space is now temporarily closed for the next 3-6 months, please check the website for re-opening dates.

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White Rabbit @ GDK | Art & culture, Music | From € 3.00
Potsdamer Straße 98 | Tiergarten
Wed – Sat 15:00 – 18:00 (see listing for evening events)

For those that like their music loud, dirty and live should pay a visit to Wild at Heart in Kreuzberg.  First time visitors may think they have inadvertently stumbled into some grotty biker bar, and they would only be half right.  It definitely has that unapologetic rock shabbiness with its dilapidated chairs, questionable restrooms, band posters wall to wall and for some inexplicable reason a Persian carpet nailed to the ceiling.

I have been fortunate enough to experience this gig spot both as a viewer and a performer.  As a regular frequenter there are always cool local and international punk, garage and rock bands playing, and despite its compactness, it still manages to have good clear acoustics.

As a performer I always found the intimacy and cosiness of the stage area really fun when interacting with the very responsive crowd.

As would be expected the bar staff are all rockers with piercings, tattoos and standard issue attitude. Don’t expect fancy cocktails served in pretty glasses, this place is strictly hard liquor and beer, if you’re lucky they may begrudgingly make you a whiskey or vodka sour.

Let’s be honest if you come here you’re in for some old fashioned live music done analog style, fun ambience and you can always spot some real characters who still think it’s 1982.

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Wild at Heart | Bars, Music | Entry from (free after 02:00) € 5.00
Wienerstr. 20 | Kreuzberg | +490306119231
20:00 – till late daily

Berlin is not only a historical city of the long 20th century but holds also relicts of an anterior time. For example the Zitadelle Spandau which is one of the most well-preserved Renaissance forts in Europe. The old medieval castle was rebuilt in the 17th century in a “neo-Italian manner” by the elector Joachim II. In 1839 it was changed again in a neo-classical style.

The oldest parts of the Zitadelle are the donjon Juliusturm and the Palais which were built in the 13th and 15th century. During World War II the area was used for military purposes.

The fort’s form is an architectonic specific: It is a square which is entirely surrounded by water. As a venue for many different events like concerts, medieval festivals and exhibitions the Zitadelle is an insider tip for those who want to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle for one day.

The ancient arsenal houses a nice museum and it is definitely worth it to climb the wooden stairs of the Juliusturm. On the top you have a beautiful view over the west of Berlin where nature and city are close to each other. At the end of the day you should have a break in the historic tavern where you can enjoy the rustic atmosphere while eating with your hands (opened every day from 11:00, Sunday from 10:00).

The Zitadelle Spandau offers also many activities for kids, especially in the summer: Discovering the Middle-age, art classes in the Kunstbastion (School of arts), puppet theatre and many more events. Just have a look at the programme.

They are going to present many classical concerts in the next months. The next big open air event will be the Easter market with knight spectacle (3.4. – 5.4.2010)

In summer the Citadel music festival is taking place there (as every year). From 30th May until 31st August bands like The Gossip or Buena Vista Social Club will play in this gorgeous  scenery.

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Zitadelle Spandau | Art & culture, Music, Festivals & events | Entrance € 4.50
Am Juliusturm | Outer – South&West | +49303549440
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 17:00

The alternative look of the Zosch’s façade seems not to belong in the tidy area of Oranienburger Straße. You could imagine it in Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg but Mitte has turned more or less into the home of fancy chic in the last years. The Zosch is one of the survivors of the first pubs that established itself after the political turnaround in 1989. And it still remains true to itself. The staff and the people are down-to-earth and the interior is rustic. But the attention belongs to the music.

Downstairs in the cozy cellar which reminds you of an old larder in a medieval castle, mostly every night jazz bands or songwriters play. The atmosphere is familiar even if the pub is full of people. The big wooden tables and benches almost fill out the whole room and the place is quickly crowded.

Especially on Wednesday evening when the Goethe Institute of Berlin holds its student’s regulars’ table in the pub. But normally Zosch is a place where you find a lot of native people. It’s not overcrowded by tourists and most of the bands playing here are from Berlin. The Zosch is always trying to satisfy different tastes of music. Not only jazz but also songwriters, blues or gypsy bands enter the small stage.

Every Wednesday the band La Foot Creole which is committed to New Orleans Jazz plays in the Zosch’s catacomb.

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Zosch | Bars, Music, Snacks | Beer € 2.00
Tucholskystraße 30 | Mitte | +49302807664
16:00 – open end daily

Zyankali Bar – the name is the program. The dark cellar pub in Kreuzberg looks freaky and creepy but you’ll succumb to its charms quickly. The dark rooms are sparely illuminated by some colorful LED lights. The glassy bar houses some dead spiders and the guy behind the bar is a nice punk. The menu contains a huge offer of cocktails, long drinks and beer.

When you enter the bar in the week you will probably meet only a dog lying on the floor and some guests sitting in a hidden corner. Then it’s a calm place with loud music which can be cozy too. On weekends the bar is mostly full. Every Sunday evening at 20:30 they show movies of selected directors and actors for free.

The music in the bar is mostly alternative like 70’s Rock, World Music and Jazz. They also present Playstation parties (Singstar, Guitar Hero, EyeToy,Buzz) every Thursday and acoustic concerts (twice a month).

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Zyankali Bar | Bars, Music | Beer 0,33l € 2.30
Großbeerenstraße 64 | Kreuzberg | +49302516333
Mon – Sat 19:00 – open end, Sun 20:00 – open end