When it comes to live music, Lucerne is a city that knows how to put on a show. With its stunning location on the banks of Lake Lucerne and in the heart of Switzerland's central plateau, this vibrant city has long been known for its impressive cultural attractions. From classical concerts at the world-famous KKL Luzern Concert Hall to intimate jazz clubs in Old Town, there’s something for everyone when it comes to live music in Lucerne. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable evening of entertainment or just want to take a break from sightseeing and experience some local culture, here are some great places where you can enjoy live music in Lucerne.
This slightly scary looking building on the top of a hill on the outskirts of Lucerne was a prison until 1971. 10 years later it opened as a cultural centre and has since played a key role in Lucerne's music scene. The former prison cells are now rehearsal rooms for local musicians and the club has regular live music and DJs representing a wide spectrum of musical genres, from punk to electro. In the more conservative 1980s, Sedel was the only place in Lucerne where one could play or listen to 'loud music'. Due to its out-of-town location, a Sedel shuttle bus is provided on events nights which stops at Löwenplatz, Bundesplatz and Kasernenplatz in town before the 10-minute hilly drive to Sedel. See its website for more information.
An old wooden barn seven minutes' walk from the train station plays host to local bands and international acts. Folk, rock, metal - lots of big names play here. Concerts take place upstairs, where wooden beams cut across the ceiling. Downstairs there is a bar with a popular salsa night on Thursdays and DJs playing alternative styles on other nights.
Treibhaus is a cultural centre, bar and live venue. It is in part funded by the city to allow for young people to get engaged and gather event-organizing experience. The diverse gig program is primarily focussed on alternative music featuring upcoming local, national and international acts. It also puts on a popular monthly cinema dinner night, showing cult films including a three-course dinner (25Sfr). Check the website for more information. Aside from events, the bistro bar is open with regular lunch menus during the week and panini in the evening and on weekends.
Gewerbehalle is a little treasure in the Lucerne alternative bar scene. Owners Stefan and Barbara are passionate about this place and you can tell by the homely candlelit bar upstairs. In the small, intimate concert / club room downstairs, they offer an innovative programme - swing electro to hip hop open mic nights and DJs. And if it’s not quite what you are looking for, just behind it you’ll find El Barrio.
These days this former slaughterhouse on the outskirts of town is an innovative contemporary cultural centre and well worth a visit. It hosts a mix of dance, theatre, live music and club nights, supporting local talent as well as national and international acts (there is also an artist in residence programme). Different halls of varying sizes and ambience are used for performances. There is a regular concert series is on Thursday nights downstairs in the club room, which is renowned in the city for its acoustics and sound system. This is one of the few venues in Lucerne which offers plenty of parking, but you can also take the new bicycle path along an old train line which leads right to its back door. Bus 14 from the Lucerne station will also get you there. For an events schedule and ticket information visit its website. A bistro serving good quality comfort food is also at your disposal for lunch.
The Louis Bar is very much the grand hotel bar, with chandeliers, stucco-decorated ceilings, lots of ornate wood panelling, a grand piano and a huge selection of over 130 whiskeys. But the namesake trumpeter is no empty reference, as there is often live music, almost daily a piano player, and jam sessions on Thursdays (21:30, admission free). The adjacent Hemingway lounge is for smokers, as it has a selection of cigars and over 60 exquisite rums.
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