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Alto Jazz Café
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 PX · +31 20 626 3249
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CENTRAL CANAL RING. Regulars and those in-the-know flock to this cozy, welcoming brown café to hear some of the city's best jazz. Each night, a mix of folks settles down to partake of the rhythms provided by top musicians. At times, there are guest performers; generally, you'll be regaled by talented local groups. Best of all, there's no cover to listen to the music. You'll just want to order a well-mixed cocktail, perhaps a Dutch beer, or some jenever and ease back into the night and the music. Performances generally begin at 10pm.
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Bimhuis
Piet Heinkade 3, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1019 BR · + 31 20 788 2188
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WATERFRONT. Since opening in 1973, Amsterdam's foremost jazz venue has had all the greats shuffle onto its stage – including Charles Mingus, Art Blakey and Chet Baker (who, in 1988, mysteriously fell to his death from the window of an Amsterdam hotel room). A few years ago, the Bimhuis left its Oude Schans address and moved to a stunning new waterfront location: a black shoebox structure which juts out one side of the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. It stages around 300 concerts annually featuring both Dutch and international musicians and is widely regarded by those in the industry worldwide as one of the best places to catch all that jazz. Early in the week, open sessions take place; towards the end of the week, concerts are scheduled. No matter when you come, you'll be awed.
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Bourbon Street
Leidsekruisstraat 6, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 RH · +31 20 623 3440
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CENTRAL CANAL RING. For more than a decade, this relaxed club has plied patrons with some of the area's top live music. With a cozy interior that harks back to New Orleans, the well-attended club specializes in local talent, although it frequently brings in top-name jazz and blues performers. Gracing the venue in past years have been the Rolling Stones and Sting, for instance. Jam sessions are held regularly, and you'll find a diverse crowd hanging out most nights. Ideal for night owls and connoisseurs.
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Concertgebouw
Concertgebouwplein 2-6, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1071 LN · +31 20 671 8345
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MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. Said to be the busiest classical music venue in the world (it puts on over 800 concerts a year), this stately neo-classical building dates from 1889 and has an equally grand interior. The crème de la crème of international orchestras and conductors regularly appear in the main auditorium – renowned for its acoustics – while chamber music is performed within the intimate confines of the small upstairs hall. Free-entry concerts, held on Wednesdays from winter through spring, often afford the chance to see a top conductor rehearsing for the evening's performance (queue early: they're popular!), while concert prices are reduced in July and August. Audrey Hepburn owned a season ticket when she lived in Amsterdam and, alongside its classical and world music repertoire, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Dionne Warwick and Frank Zappa have all appeared here.
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FURTHER AFIELD. Although one tram runs two minutes from here, lack of transport connections and the non-central location deter some from visiting the grounds of these gentrified gasworks, an industrial heritage site. But do make the effort; you will be pleasantly surprised. The park is the creation of American landscape artist Kathryn Gustafson – responsible also for the Diana Memorial Fountain in London's Hyde Park and Parc de la Villette in Paris. As well as a relaxed space to enjoy a picnic or explore the bars, cafés, clubs and cinema of the Westergasfabriek, the park comes alive with the sound of music in the summer - and the programming is awesome. Artists who have given open-air concerts here include the Scissor Sisters and Björk; July 2008 schedules Leonard Cohen, Mika, Massive Attack, Goldfrapp, REM and Radiohead.
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FURTHER AFIELD. A 20-minute metro ride from the centre will take you to this huge, beer-sponsored music venue in the Bijlmer district. The second largest live music venue in Amsterdam (the largest is the adjacent football stadium), this is the place to come to watch acts with a sizeable following such as The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Editors, Nick Cave, Angie Stone, Bill Wyman, Meat Loaf and Kelly Clarkson.
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Maloe Melo
Lijnbaansgracht 163, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 VX · +31 20 420 4592
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CENTRAL CANAL RING. This casual, unassuming place – complete with low ceilings, performance fliers and photos – pulls in a regular cast of locals and curious travelers. Blues music is the specialty, and any night of the week, you'll find live musicians playing to crowds. At times, well-known talents perform; otherwise, homegrown folks show off their abilities. Either way, you'll be in for a good time. Patrons are friendly and are always eager to invite another blues-lover into their fold.
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EASTERN CANAL RING. Set just across the street from the Amstel, this lively Irish pub has much to recommend it. A selection of Irish whiskies, Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, football on the TV, a fun-loving clientele, and a casual ambience all hint at the multiple attractions. Beyond them, though, is the live Irish music, which can be found most nights and especially during Sunday's open jam session. Music ranges from traditional to rockabilly, Celtic guitar, Irish pop, and more, and you'll encounter everything from bands to single vocalists. A guaranteed good time.
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WATERFRONT. The stunning glass-walled creation of architects Nielsen, Nielsen & Nielsen, opened in 2005 on the edge of the gentrified Eastern Docklands area. As well as a regular programme of contemporary, chamber, non-western, orchestral and early music, it boasts a state-of-the-art sound system which composers and musicians can finely tune to their specific wishes. The restaurant here, Star Ferry, is unbeatable for pre- or post-concert supper, especially on its terrace on warm evenings.
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Paradiso
Weteringschans 6-8, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 SG · +31 20 626 4521
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CENTRAL CANAL RING. In its former life, this live music venue was a beautiful church. These days, Christian hymns have been supplanted by more energetic rhythms, and the striking space welcomes bands from around the world. Paradiso's terrific acoustics appeal to both the audience and to performers, who range from the up-and-coming to the well-known. On weekend evenings, top DJs are booked, and club-goers dance to house, jazz and disco across a variety of levels amid the renovated architecture of the past.
About 10Best's recommendations for Amsterdam's Live Music:
The nightlife scene in Amsterdam is dynamic enough to suit just about everybody's taste. This is especially true in the case of bars and clubs specializing in live music. If you dig that kind of show – rock, blues, jazz, country, or R&B, it doesn't matter – do yourself a favor and check out the big-name acts and local bands scheduled to play at these spots.
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