Jazz originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since the 1920s, it has been recognized as a significant form of musical expression in traditional and popular music. Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, complex chords, call-and-response vocals, polyrhythms, and improvisation. Jazz has roots in European harmony and African rhythmic rituals. As jazz spread worldwide, it drew on national, regional, and local musical cultures, which gave rise to different jazz subgenres e.g. Bossanova jazz, swing, etc. Regardless of the fact that this music genre came from African-American communities, it has found a suitable environment in Belgrade and its local music aficionados.
So, in this article, we have made a selection of five Belgrade clubs and bars that feature jazz music.
- STROGI CENTAR
Strogi is a music club that is located in downtown Belgrade. It’s a unique place, situated in an apartment of a historical house, that dates back to the late 19th century. The house has been transformed into a bar area (hosting a few bars) and the biggest space has been converted into a club – Strogi. The facade appears pretty neglected and it’s covered with graffiti, and when you step inside you will feel like a time machine has brought you back to the beginning of the 2000s. This is an old-school Belgrade place, for instance, people are super friendly, good-looking, and always ready to chit-chat and dance. The walls are covered with murals inspired by African culture and the music of Grace Jones. The club works almost every day from 10 pm to 2-4 am, depending on the music program.
Here you can catch some jazz, rock, blues, pop, disco, indie, retro, hip-hop, and house.
This is a must-visit place for every lover of genuine Belgrade nightlife!
- BITEFARTCAFE
Bitef Art Cafe, a famous Belgrade club is situated in Palilula near the city center. With its beautiful interior, all pretty and done up’ crowd, and mostly all live concerts seem to have gained a rather good reputation among Belgradians. Here you can catch live gigs from Depeche Mode Tribute Band and various local pop bands to Nicola Conte and Brand New Heavies. Music is all to do with funky, soul, jazz, and pop. Prices are decent and the crowd is 30 +. Before the concert, you can warm up at Enso restaurant which stands next to the BITEF and is owned and run by the same company.
Location: Mitropolita Petra 8, 11000 Belgrade
Location: Summer BITEF, Kalemegdan fortress, behind tennis courts
- TELMA
Telma is a popular bar and restaurant that features live jazz gigs. This local gem is very well hidden between the walls of Misarska street. It offers a variety of food specialties and beverages and gathers friendly local music lovers. Telma can be a perfect place to warm up before going to the 20/44 boat on the Sava river.
- SINNERMAN JAZZ CLUB
The Sinnerman Club is located at no. 5 Nikola Pašić Square on the seventh floor of the building ‘’Dom Sindikata ’’, is the ideal choice for admirers of good jazz music, and it is a relaxed, light-hearted atmosphere with a great view of the center of Belgrade. It’s a place that brings together today’s youth, locals, and foreigners. You can simply grab a beer or stay until midnight and bask in the amazing surroundings. The crowd is +30.
- BLUZ I PIVO
Blues & Beer is another great bar where you can listen to blues and jazz in the heart of the city. It stands in the Cetinjska bar district, and bear in mind that this is the only bar of this kind in the entire district. In Blues & Beer, you can meet some younger local people and listen to live gigs and Serbian musicians. This can be also a great warm-up bar since it works until midnight. The prices are affordable. Fancy drinks are not available.
Location
BONUS:
BALKAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC-BAM BELGRADE
BAM is a relatively new jazz club. This tiny place is very well hidden in the Jewish quarter of Dorcol’s historical neighborhood. We have to admit that we haven’t been yet to this place, but we are planning to visit it as soon as possible. We have heard that this is a super interesting underground jazz club with supreme live gigs. Location
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
