Donau 115
Small but oh yeah! Jazz in Neukölln.
It's almost like having a concert in your own living room! However, the drinks are too good for that. At Donau115, jazz comes with an experimental twist.
This cosy little jazz bar is located in the heart of Neukölln, between Sonnenallee and Karl-Marx-Straße, behind a shop window facing the street. It embodies the somewhat raw yet hip style of Kreuzkölln: no frills, beer benches in front of the bar, bottled beer inside. Donau115 could just be a neighbourhood bar, but it plays in the big leagues as a micro jazz club.
Improvisation and experimentation
Musically, Donau115 is quite sophisticated. The organisers boldly focus on an experimental programme. That's why Donau115 has established itself so quickly on the Berlin jazz scene. And international networking was also no problem in cosmopolitan Neukölln.
This is evident not least in the line-up. Artists are lining up to perform here because the intimate setting is unique and the audience appreciates innovative soundscapes. Those who perform here do so out of love for the art. You won't find a large audience here, but you will find great jazz lovers among the maximum of 50 guests. There's no question that the audience listens intently. Conversations during concerts are frowned upon.
From living room bar to celebrated venue
The extraordinary programme at Donau115 earned the bar the APPLAUS venue programme award in 2015. It has repeatedly appeared as an insider tip in the international media.
What sounds like a successful plan from today's perspective developed rather by chance. In 2012, the two founders, Niklas Alt and Chad R. Matheny, simply wanted a place for themselves, their friends and the people from the area. Then jazz came into play, and the open concept remained.
For example, on Tuesdays, when TWO-SONG TUESDAY features a wide variety of artists performing on stage for 10 minutes each. The most important rule is: don't be boring! And with this motto, the small micro jazz bar plays among the big names in Berlin's jazz scene.
Our tips
- Donau115 is open from Tuesday to Saturday and offers concerts almost every day. Make sure you arrive in good time before the start, as the small venue quickly fills up with 50 people.
- If you like open stage formats, you should make a note of TWO-SONG TUESDAY.
- The following applies to all concerts: comfortable favourite clothes are preferable to evening wear. Because Donau115 is like the neighbourhood around it: colourful and relaxed.
If you have some time before your visit, Sonnenallee, Karl-Marx-Straße and, above all, the small streets in between are perfect for exploring.
Your visit to Donau115
Donau115 is located in the north of Neukölln and is easily accessible by public transport. The U7 takes you to Rathaus Neukölln, the U8 to Hermannplatz. From here, it's only a few minutes' walk, and a stroll through the neighbourhood is well worth it. The bus lines M41, M42, M43 and 166 will take you even closer to your destination.
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 p.m.
Where: Donaustraße 115, Neukölln