Out on the town with: Ana|De-stressing with jazz at De Zolder

Ana Tudose

May 3

There's so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city's hidden gems. Every week, UKrant's student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What's their favourite venue and which events in the upcoming week are absolutely not to be missed?

Hangout: Café De Zolder

There is always this place in town where everyone goes to and that everyone knows about, but that because of its secluded location still remains incognito and hidden from strangers. And I feel like some places are better off not being popular, so I hope that De Zolder will stay like that for a long time.

Every Wednesday, they organise a jazz jam session night that usually starts at 9 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. The bar tends to get packed, so what my friends and I do is come one hour earlier, enjoy some reasonably priced beer and catch up on what has everyone been up to.

Even if I only stay one hour, it still reminds me that life needs to be enjoyed, not rushed

Now that the weather is warming up, the underground bar also offers the option to sit outside. It is the kind of place that looks aged, but cozy. The atmosphere is always wholesome, because anyone who's coming wants to enjoy the music and maybe dance a bit - or just sit, if that's to your liking. There are no rules at De Zolder.

I go there almost every week, as I feel like it's the best way to de-stress after a long day. Because it's in the middle of the week, it also gives me the energy to keep going for the rest of the days. As a student, life can become quite monotone and hectic. Even if I end up staying only one hour and then going to sleep afterwards, it still reminds me that life needs to be enjoyed, not rushed.

So at De Zolder, I always take my time to enjoy conversations with my best friends, discover some new music, maybe even meet some new people and soak in what's left of student life.

Café De Zolder
Papengang 3A
JazzZolder every Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Free admission

Where you'll find me this week:

Vera: Electropoëzie
Time: May 4, 9 p.m. - 3 a.m.
Price: 5 euros

I'm always open and excited to try new things. This event is one of them. I've never experienced a show where poetic indie intertwines with experimental electronic music. I am looking forward to dancing to the rhythm until I can't anymore. Maybe I'll find some new fresh dance moves!

Groninger Museum: The Art of Hipgnosis: Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel & 10cc
Time: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; last day to visit: Sunday, May 7th
Price: Free admission for students

I love museums so much, it hurts. For me, they have always been a safe space, where I can soak in the artwork and learn something new. I can stay there for hours. Sadly, I have not made the time yet to go to this exhibition, but this week is my last chance to see the process behind the designs of the album covers of some of my favorite musicians! I am really curious to find out what was art before Photoshop.

Lust: OMG - Open Mic Groningen (English)
Time: May 11, 8 - 10 p.m.
Price: Free admission

Some friends recommended this event for some local stand-up comedy. As I tend to be a 'too-serious' person, a bit of a laugh will definitely take the edge off. From what I heard, there are a lot of students who dare to grab the mic and try their best to make worthwhile jokes. Because I am planning to go with some friends, I think it will be fun to debate who will become the next great stand-up comedian!

Cafe de Toeter: Pubquiz
Time: May 7, 7 - 9 p.m. and May 10, 8 - 10 p.m.
Price: 3.50 euros (sign-up necessary)

A pub quiz is my go-to activity with people who are new to Groningen, or the Netherlands in general. Last time we almost won, so I hope that this time we will end up in the top three! Fingers crossed!

University Museum: Time will tell
Time: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; last day to visit: Sunday, May 7th
Price: Free admission for students

As my life is governed by time, I want to know more. I want to know WHY time flies by so quickly when I'm having fun, while when I'm writing an assignment, the clock freezes. This exhibition promises I will find out the answers to my pressing questions about time. And not only that, but I'll actually take part in real scientific research by the UG's psychology department.