‘s wide array of jazz venues and festivals is a testament to the country’s thriving scene. In this article, we’ll take a look at six clubs and events that put on some of the best .
has one of the most thriving communities in . It’s one that has birthed many internationally acclaimed musicians, including Wolfgang Puschnig, Harry Sokal, and / who founded the legendary -fusion group Weather Report.
There are so many clubs and festivals to choose from, but in this article, we’re focusing on six of the best which help shape the country’s incredible scene.
The Best Venues for J
Whilst festivals may pull in the headlines, it’s often the jazz clubs in a city which really set the one for the scene.
Here’s a round up of just a few of the best jazz clubs in Austria…
()
Opened in 1972, is ‘s oldest cellar and one of the most important clubs in the city.
Situated at Schwedenplatz in central osting live every day of the week, specialises in more traditional styles, so if you’re a fan of blues, swing, big bands and free this could be the spot for you.
On the programme, you will see a great mix of local artists as well as internationally renowned musicians. Over the years the club has played host to the likes of Dave Liebman, Lee Konitz and Bob Brookmeyer.
is also a great place to sample local food and a good range of wines.
ZWE ()
ZWE is a small yet wonderful near Schottenring.
For the and scene, it has proven itself to be an important destination for artists to meet fellow like-minded musicians from the community.
Stylistically they operate mostly in the traditional field. Although it’s relatively small they manage to squeeze in a big band from time to time!
A treat for the local scene is its weekly jam sessions which take place on Tuesdays (and sometimes Wednesdays and Thursdays, too). Some of the city’s top players and up and comers congregate to play a stimulating selection of standards.
If you want to hear and play with ‘s traditional greats, then you must go to ZWE.
ZWE is also home to concerts hosted by the various and conservatories and universities, such as the ipop (institute for popular ), the Conservatory, the Jam Lab, the “Kunst Universität ” (KUG) and the Institute (VMI).
Students, together with their teachers, come to the venue to perform and experiment together.
If you want to check out Austria’s future jazz stars, this is the place to be.
Kunsthaus Haffenstrasse (, Upper )
The Kunsthaus Haffenstrasse in (Upper ) was named like that in 2012 and has since then become a nice location.
It’s actually a gallery run by the gallerist Stefan Brunnhofer and not only hosts concerts (mostly by musicians) but also book readings, vernissages and film screenings. It’s very much a hotspot for bringing all the arts together.
As the capacity of the venue is not huge, the setting and atmosphere is very intimate and friendly.
If you’re a musician wanting to perform at the venue, an insider tip is to get in touch with Peter Guschelbauer (Sounddesign Alessa Records) who often organises concerts at the venue.
All in all, Kunsthaus is a fantastic place for watching amazing and other . It’s well worth a visit.
Honourable mentions (Austrian Jazz Clubs)
These three excellent clubs barely scrape the surface of what has to offer.
If you’re looking for more spots to listen or play , check out:
- Porgy & Bess (Vienna)
- 1019 Jazzclub ()
- Loop ()
- Kammerlichtspiele (Klagenfurt)
- Culturcafe Smaragd ()
- Eremitage (Schwaz)
- Jazzclub Melk
- Musikwerkstatt Wels
- Stockwerk (Graz) are great!
- Jazzit in
- Fine Art Galerie (Traismauer).
The Best Jazz Festivals
Of course, it’s not just about clubs; the jazz festival scene in Austria welcomes some of the best national and international musicians to the country, all year round.
Here are just a few of our top tips…
INNtöne Jazzfestival (Diersbach am Inn, Upper )
INNtöne is one of the most interesting and fun festivals in .
The is organised by Paul Zauner, who, in addition to being a trombone player and label owner, is also a “bio-farmer”. The event takes place on Zauner’s farm in Diersbach.
The is known worldwide and has featured musicians like Kamasi Washington, Chanda Rule, Kirk Lightsey, Donald Smith and Gregory Porter. Zauner also programmes local and national artists.
-goers can come with their tents and sleep on the fields during the , and if you’re a , there are jam sessions in the farm’s cowshed every evening.
INNtöne is a very special event in a very special location. It’s not one to miss!
Jazzfestival Steyr (Steyr, Upper )
Jazzfestival Steyr, organized by Peter Guschelbauer, takes place in the Altes Theater Steyr every year.
The programme consists of three evenings all dedicated to different styles of and concludes with a ” Brunch’ on Sunday at Hotel Mader.
Over the years it has brought a host of local and national artists to its as well as international stars like Dave Liebman or Ulf Wakenius.
All the evenings have a certain stylistic focus such as free , traditional and hardbop/bebop. In recent times, the has incorporated groups into its programme.
NYC Musikmarathon (Mattighofen, Upper )
The NYC Musikmarathon is held annually in Mattighofen, Upper .
The event was founded by Mattighofen native Gernot Bernroider, a drummer who spent more than 20 years living and performing in New York City.
Following his return to his hometown, Bernroider started NYC Musikmarathon in an effort to marry ‘s burgeoning scene with the legacy of New York City.
As well as hosting gigs, the also organises workshops and masterclasses for musicians.
The international faculty consists of renowned musicians such as Martin Reiter (), Thomas Kugi (saxophone), Raphael Preuschl (), Chanda Rule (vocals) and Grzegorz Nagorski (trombone).
The programme of live is quite diverse stylistically, with previous editions of the featuring gigs dedicated to 30s big bands, folk , gospel and .
In past years, the final evening brings workshop attendees together for a closing .
Honourable mentions (Austrian Jazz Festivals)
There are plenty more great jazz festivals in Austria, such as:
- & Wine Poysdorf
- Bezau Beatz
- Snow Gastein
- OutReach in Schwaz
- Jazzbühne Lech
- Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon
- Nova & Blues Night
Be sure to check them out!
Looking for more about the Austrian jazz scene?
Don’t miss our interviews with Tina Heina of Jazz & The City and Mario Steidl of Jazzfestival Saalfelden.
More great jazz clubs and festivals in Europe?
Head over to our clubs and festivals home to read guides to London’s live jazz scene, the best jazz clubs in Paris and more.
The label ‘Discover Jazz’ is attached to articles which have been edited and published by Jazzfuel host Matt Fripp, but have been written in collaboration with various different jazz musicians and industry contributors. When appropriate, these musicians are quoted and name-checked inside the article itself!
