Music is one of the most widely enjoyed forms of entertainment in the world, whether you are making music or listening to it. Most people consume music every day, even while doing their chores or studying. Many music enthusiasts around the world agree that listening to music live is the most amazing experience, although most people don't have the opportunity to frequently experience it.
To help my fellow music lovers in the BUas community I have compiled a list of great venues in Noord-Brabant to jam out to.
Breda
Breda has a large offering of quality music and entertainment acts and venues. In this amazing city, you can find some live music hidden gems, such as Muziekcafe Lazarus, situated in the city centre. At Muziekcafe Lazarus not only can you enjoy some tasty coffee and special beers, but you can also listen to some live performances of rock, pop and blues bands, while taking in the unique and cozy atmosphere created every night. Muziekcafe Lazarus also organizes jam sessions that you can join in with, as well as enjoy the performance of new talents.
At Holy Moly Cub, which can also be found in the city centre, you will not be bored. Among parties, comedy shows, drag events and a nice meal at their restaurant, they also organize incredible live music performances that cover different genres, including DJs, as well as new and established acts.
Café Lievense is also a great option for the start of your musical night out. They usually offer live performances on Saturday evenings and jam sessions on Wednesday evenings, ranging from rock cover bands to acoustic jazz.
MEZZ is the stage for live pop music and dance in Breda. It is located in an innovative and unique venue that resembles the shape of a whale, which you may have certainly noticed when taking a stroll in the city centre.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven has an amazing live music scene too. For over fifty years, Effenaar - one of the largest pop venues in the Netherlands - has been a household name in Eindhoven, gaining more and more prestige and international allure, due to some of the famous artists who have performed there, such as Stromae, Nelly, Talking Heads, Ramones, Joe Jackson and Sex Pistols.
The iconic building contains two concert halls, a multifunctional pop stage, a restaurant-café and a private backyard. Effenaar also plans performances in various locations in Eindhoven, which enhance the ambiance of the concerts, such as in a skate park, a church, and in city parks.
They also developed “Makerspace”, a workshop for the development of young talent based on new innovative and digital techniques in live music experience.
Altstadt Eindhoven, founded in 1972, offers multiple concerts every week with both new talents and acclaimed artists. If you enjoy indie, rock, psych, or electropop genres, this is the place for you. On top of that, Altstadt Eindhoven also collaborates with Effenaar sometimes, so look out for that.
Stage Music Café is another fantastic option, which provides an intimate atmosphere for music events of a variety of genres: pop, rock, techno, dance, hiphop, local/regional talent. Among those, they also offer jam sessions and even karaoke with their in-house live band YouTry, in which you can participate.
Tilburg
Hall of Fame, defined as a culture factory, is located in an industrial building and was created by a group of idealistic young people, such as skateboarders, musicians, dancers and artists. The vibrant interior, which features murals, graffiti, intercity benches, and a bar in the shape of a boat, makes the simple act of exploring it quite an exciting experience. It is a truly creative playground, with ample opportunity for experimentation and talent development. In addition to the many activities you can participate in, Hall of Fame offers you the chance to discover new music and have the opportunity to jam with your band in a rehearsal room.
Finally, LIVE Piano Bar is a popular place in Tilburg, where professional singer-pianists perform throughout the evening. The crowd may request songs, thus creating the perfect atmosphere. Following dinner, LIVE transforms itself into a nightclub where the top DJs take over from the pianists.
