So I went to this small charming bar last night with a friend. I'm used to jazz bars in New Orleans USA and my taste in jazz is high. We were welcomed with open arms though the night had an event for the jazz band and it's lead singer's students to participate in singing. I must say that it was a great atmosphere and the music was great. Wait staff were efficient and helpful. Other patrons were mingling during the breaks with kind smiles and interesting stories. Overall, we highly recommend this place. Thank you. read more

ZWE - The band, the crowd. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Vienna, 9

Here I present you the person behind one of the last Viennese Jazz clubs, the ZWE 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! read more

ZWE - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Vienna, 9

Saturday was the Long Night of the Contra-Guitar in ZWE Vienna. The contra-guitar is well known as a Viennese instrument. It was developed in this city and is mostly played here. The sound is totally unique and awesome. ZWE can be very cool. It's a club in a basement that has so much atmosphere. On the Long Night of the Contra-Guitar there were prob three times as many people in the labyrinthe keller as could fit. We had to take turns breathing or taking sips of our beer - it was that crowded. There were peeps of all ages. People were smoking in the front room even though technically only the back rooms were for smoking. No one complained at all...and that includes me and my friend who don't smoke. As one musician humorously said - "it smells just like Vienna in here." The waitress was heroic...somehow carrying trays of beers and Caprese salads and bowls of gulasch through this chill throng of humanity. And the music was great - from Argentinian tangos to Greek wedding songs, from Wiener Lieder (Viennese Songs) to hard rock emo ballads....contra-guitar music ruled! In short - this was 100% totally unfiltered awesome Vienna and nowhere else on this planet. Y'all shoulda been there! read more

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A very small venue so plan to arrive early. We saw some great Jazz with an enthusiastic crowd. The drink service was all one could ask. The price13 e was reasonable. All in all a great place that was a highlight of our visit to Vienna. read more

A tiny jazz club with a HUGE heart. Zwe is an experience.... the atmosphere is great, and the place is authentic. There are live concerts and the the most amazing jam sessions of the Austrian capital, featuring some of Europe's finest musicians. A MUST for anyone who loves jazz! read more