Here I present you the person behind one of the last Viennese Jazz clubs, the ZWE…read more
1)How was the idea born and why Jazz?
At first there was the idea of a coffee shop with "Jazz from the can". Together with Mr. Zvala, an internally well-known Jazz musician from Switzerland and professional member of the board of directors - department Jazz of the conservatory of the private university of Vienna the idea was developed to turn the location into a scene location with life-Jazz who also brought the first musicians to the ZWE.
The location survived quite eventful times when we took over. With a lot of love, heart, patience and effort we turned it into what it really is today, an already very well-known Jazz basement and meeting point for musicians.
For me it is something like a living room. The slipper idea was born - regular, plain simple slippers with the main visitors name on them and of course, especially for ZWE! - lots of people liked that idea.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are Jam-Sessions. Thus lots of musicians try out whatever is possible and liked.
A location for young and old.
This year, we created for the first time a CD, the ""ZWE Summer Sessions" that is presented on Tuesday, the 30th of August, 2011 at the ZWE.
Jazz because I have always been fascinated by Jazz.
Sometime ago I met Joe Zawinul's son, Anthony. Somehow you are reminiscent of Joe Zawinul, did you know him? Yes, I knew him personally, but only met seldom.
2) Do the instruments belong to the location?
The piano is mine, some pieces are items on loan which is very practical and some belong to the musicians.
3) Have you got any visitors from the surrounding of the ZWE?
Not really, but sometimes Mr. Wolfgang Katzer, very well-known as "Bamschabel" .
What about the noise disturbance, because this is kind of right in the middle of a living environment and there are not many shops, restaurants, etc. around here?
We are on good terms with everybody around here and have come to agreements with them concerning this issue.
The Big Band, consisting of 17 men including the female singer was a great success and did not disturb anyone; on the contrary, it was very well appreciated by the people around us.
Our location has also got a special social character. At Christmas we set up a Christmas tree and offer to lonely people and everybody who likes it a special Christmas atmosphere, no presents of course, but a really homelike atmosphere.
Feel like at home, but don't behave like it.
4) What was your best experience?
2010 my wife presented me with Mr. Heli Deinboek, he came to play for us- that was a real highlight. There are so many Austrian musicians. We invite both, the well-known ones as well as the unknown ones, because we are of the opinion, that also young people should get a chance.
Young musicians need the contact with the audience and also have to learn how to deal with criticism. At the conservatory the selection is quite hard, out of 400 only 20 are accepted.
5) What was your biggest challenge?
November 2010, there was still a drive where Mrs. Sandra Rose had her events. Her visitors came to our location afterwards. It was hard to make up for that loss.
"Donaukanal" a big competitor? - No, the opposite is the case. Competition stimulates the business.
An access from our side of the "Donaukanal" would be great. But we manage.
6) What advice would you give to today's young people?
You have to work hard yourself, in order to develop something and, especially to keep it alive later on.
Without any education there is nothing. Attend school, learn something at first, get the right abilities, have a look into the business - the business "in action" and then go into business for yourself.
Party is good, but party also has to be organized, but therefore you also have to work.
Gastronomy is always associated with lots of work, many working hours, less money? It pays off, but first there is hard work. Lots of people open a business and buy immediately a Mercedes. That does not work. Most of the things that you can buy from insolvencies come from gastronomy. No matter what business you open, you have to keep your money together.
7) Would you change anything or open the business again?
No, that's my life. "Moaning is the business man's greeting". As soon as I see and hear the musicians play in front of me, I am feeling great!
