No one would have expected it of the peaceful district of Friedenau: a cozy café with a lounge atmosphere and live music every day. But in reality, Friedenau is simply waking from a deep slumber. Until the ’70s the area was quilted with a patchwork of bars, theatres, clubs, pubs, and cafés. Dimitris Christides, drummer and founder of the Drum School Berlin, along with Willi Hunz, are reviving these wild times, offering a platform for local and international musicians to perform. The small jazz club offers more than just great live music: Zig Zag’s delicious cocktails and creative tapas are the perfect accompaniment to any performance. Dimitris and Willi also helped set up a six-day jazz festival, Maggie Black’s Jazz Rub Festival, delivering a series of fantastic musical treats from first-rate musicians. Also worth mentioning is the free admission: instead of paying at the door, a hat is passed around at the end of the performance for donations, which we’re told is more lucrative for the musicians than charging entry. (Text: Sarah Sever / Photo: Ira Bolsinger)
Zig Zag Jazz Club, Hauptstr.89, 12159 Berlin-Friedenau; map
Mon-Thu 19.30-0h, Fri-Sat 19.30-1.30h
Sarah Sever is the co-owner and passionate baker from Lula Deli and Lula am Markt in Friedenau and knows the aforementioned district like the back of her hand.