Live music in the Capital City is being revived one gig and one venue at a time. Some places have had to pass on the torch to a new crop of venues, but Pretoria is right on top of this wave. A number of venues are starting or continuing the tradition of live jazz and blues shows. Below, we have curated a small selection of popular venues that host live events and support the musicians and entertainers performing live jazz and blues in and around Pretoria.

Priva Gastronomic Lounge (Waterkloof Heights)

Fine dinning and live jazz is on offer in this upmarket restaurant in Waterkloof Heights.
Whether you’re interested in an intimate tête à tête or you are hosting a large family gathering or a convivial group of friends, Priva is able to provide interesting set menu options or an a la carte dinning experience. The restaurant has various spaces and the sound system carries the live music, beautifully, to all parts of the restaurant. Relax in the Cigar Lounge, or host a private function (26 pax) or rent the semi private dinning area (24 pax max).
The Three Gees are the resident band that can be heard here live from Wednesday to Saturday nights. They play 4 sets starting at 19h30 till midnight. Wednesday is for classic jazz, Thursdays ar a bit more avant garde and experimental while Fridays and Saturdays are animated by different vocalists who render their jazzy versions of some popular songs and a few classics for good measure.
The popular “Date Night Menu” offers a three course meal with wine pairing per course at R975-00 per couple. Worth exploring.

 

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Café Barcelona (Colbyn)

This small, corner restaurant has grown into one of the most iconic live music venues in the capital city. It has become known for hosting intimate, accoustic style concerts by the cream of South African musicians. The venue has a very active gig guide online where you can get information about upcoming acts. This venue lends itself more to blues artists. Sip on a nostalgic red wine while listening to old favorites from your varsity days or get to know a new artist while on a date in spring. The menu is well executed, well priced and easy going. Think burgers, sandwiches, chips, grills, pizza and pastas – around or below R100 per entrée. The staff have high standards and freshness, quality and taste is the order of the day.

 

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African Beer Emporium (Central CBD)

The crew from Capital Craft saw an opportunity to create a an engaging new space in the inner city that can be used for functions and live events. The venue boasts multiple spaces and has become a very popular destination by hosting a range of local and international acts.

This spot has become the incubator and home for some of the Capital’s most ‘lit’ gigs. The Market ya Pitori, Black Labone, Tshwanefontein and TransemicSoulSessions to name a few. The spaces at 012 and The ABE can accommodate audiences up to 900 people. This has become an important link in the live music scene in Pretoria. The restaurant also hosts the popular, weekly, Jazzcity events. They are still working on a post-Covid relaunch, but already the events have started to gather momentum.

The wonderfully designed reclaimed industrial spaces, a good bar selection, the innovative kitchen and an interesting and varied gig guide ensures that this space has remained relevant and is ascending to bigger and better live events in Pretoria. Keep an eye on this one and support the events on their calendar.

The interior at The African Beer Emporium. Image from Facebook.

The State Theatre (CBD)

The State Theatre is not just a single venue, in fact, this can be considered a cultural hub with both large and small venues, bars and popular restaurants. The State Theatre has had to reinvent itself in order to stay relevant in an ever evolving, cultural landscape.
Look out for performances in the Malombo Theatre. The Malombo frequently hosts afro jazz, jazz and contemporary acts. Check their Facebook gig guide.

 

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Dozi’s Back to the Blues Theatre and Restaurant (Hartebeespoort)

This quirky farm venue has become a favorite hangout for lovers of the blues and good music in general. The kitchen is able to turn out deliscious meals of burgers, pizzas and sandwiches or something exotic like a grilled sheepshead (order ahead).
Dozi is present and often jams on stage with other musos. The vibe is relaxed and laid back. Sit out on the large ‘stoep’ or inside the rustic old barn with the exposed brick work. The restaurant does not reserve tables. It works on a first come, first served basis.

Live entertainment at Dozi’s Back to the Blues Theatre Restaurant. Image from Facebook.

Sanctuary Mandela (Houghton)

In the leafy, northern suburb of Houghton, Nelson Mandela’s former home has been converted into a stately boutique hotel and restaurant. Here, one can experience intimate, live, jazz performances every Sunday afternoon between 12noon to 3pm.
Book your place for the show only at R300 per person or lunch and a show at R600 per person. Jazz Sunday’s at Sanctuary has become an important pilgrimage on the local jazz circuit.

 

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