Frequently Asked Questions & Policies – Hermann’s Jazz Club

Who are we?

Hermann’s Jazz Club is the oldest continuously running jazz club in Canada. This iconic venue has operated over 40 years, bringing world class jazz and other music genres to audiences in an intimate venue. HJC is operated by the Arts on View Society, a non-profit society. All revenue from shows and donations help us to continue to bring world class entertainment to Victoria citizens and visitors. We strive to support both local and touring musicians and performers. We also work with local arts and music organizations and societies to partner in the presentation of shows.

Does the City of Victoria own Hermann's Jazz Club?

On March 18th, 2024 the City of Victoria announced that it purchased the building ay 753 View Street to preserve its historic value and use in keeping with the Victoria Music Strategy. Along with the building, they purchased all rights to Hermann's Jazz Club including the piano and memorabilia. The Arts On View Society continues to operate Hermann's Jazz Club and welcomes Victoria as our new landlords.

Where is Hermann’s Jazz Club located?

Hermann’s Jazz Club is located at 753 View Street in Victoria, British Columbia near the corner of Blanshard and View Streets.

What are Hermann’s Jazz Club's operating hours?

Hermann’s is normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are generally open Wednesday to Sunday evenings plus some Saturday and Sunday matinees. See our calendar for specific hours for shows. https://hermannsjazz.com/upcoming

Evening shows: doors at 5:30pm and show from 7pm to 9pm or later.

Matinee shows: doors at 12pm (noon) and show from 1pm to 3pm.

How many seats does Hermann’s Jazz Club have?

Hermann’s legal capacity is 150 including the performers and staff. Post pandemic we have limited our seating to 130. Every person admitted has is assured a seat.  We limit on-line sales to 125, then arrange the room seating before releasing a few additional tickets for select shows. 

Do you have a dance floor?

Yes and no. Hermann’s Jazz Club is primarily a listening venue. In 2009, Hermann Nieweler the founder of Hermann's, applied to have dancing permitted at Hermann's Jazz Club. This was approved by the City of Victoria and the BC Liquor Control Board. For select shows we are able to clear our mezzanine to create a dance floor behind the band. We reduce the number of tickets sold to accommodate this. You will see a note on the show listing for shows with this arrangement.

Is the club wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Hermann’s Jazz club is at street level with a small ramp to the door. We also have an accessible washroom. If you have specific accessibility needs, please indicate your needs in the notes section when booking your reservation.  

Are children allowed in the club?

Yes, Hermann’s is an all ages venue. Children are welcome at Hermann’s. We do not offer high chairs or booster seats.

Where can I park my vehicle?

The City of Victoria has made parking paid from 8am to 8pm. The View Street Parkade is steps away and is now paid parking until 8pm but free on Sundays and holidays. The parkade remains open 24 hours a day.

I am an out of town visitor. Where can I stay?

With hotel room availability in short supply and rising prices, we are no longer able to offer advice on this.

Is smoking permitted at the club?

No. In 1996, the Capital Regional District passed a bylaw restricting smoking of cigarettes, pipes, cigars and now e-cigarettes in public places. This bylaw applies to Hermann’s as it does to all clubs. Smoking is not permitted in the club or within 4 metres of the entrance of the club.

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Show/Event Tickets and Seating Requests

How do I purchase a ticket to attend a show or event at Hermann’s Jazz Club?

Our website https://hermannsjazz.com/upcoming has information about all our shows including price, show times and other details. Hermann’s Jazz Club does not provide physical tickets and we do not have a box office. You can purchase tickets to the show by accessing the on line booking system. Payment accepted for online tickets is done though Stripe, accepting Visa or MasterCard. Tickets can not be purchased by phone. We also accept walk-ins on the night of a show, provided it is not sold out.

Every ticket holder is guaranteed a table or for singles a seat at the bar.

Ticket Surcharge/Taxes

In addition to the ticket price every ticket is charged 3% Socan (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) and 5% GST as per Canadian law. Also, there is a variable ticket surcharge from $3.24 to $4.00 per ticket. This surcharge helps us offset costs of our ticket and reservation system and is charged whether the ticket is purchased in advance or at the door.

Can I reserve a specific table?

We will make every effort to try and accommodate requests. You can also combine your party with another table. Please indicate your table request in the Notes section when purchasing a ticket and requesting a table through our online system.

We use a hybrid of General Admission. We map the venue seating for each event as we need to maximize our seating capacity. If you make a request for a specific table it is only a 'request' and not a table reservation. A purchased ticket ensures you have a table for your party or seat for a single ticket holder.

What happens if we are late for the show? 

Hermann's reserves the right to resell a held table if the ticket holders are over a half hour late, past the showtime. Showtime is usually 7pm.

What is your policy on refunds? 

We only give refunds for extreme illness, or under very special circumstances. 24 hours notice is required.

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Food Service

What hours is food service available at Hermann’s Jazz Club?

If you are planning on having dinner before/during an evening show we are happy to serve you. Our doors open at 5:30pm and service continues to 8:45pm.  You do not need a dinner reservation, just order when you arrive.

What is on the menu?

Please see our menu page. We use a 'short menu' for capacity shows in order to speed up the kitchen. https://hermannsjazz.com/menu

For sold out and busy shows a limited menu is offered to reduce wait times. We are unusual in that all of our guest arrive within a short time period. This often creates longer wait times for our dinner service.  Be assured that our wonderful staff are always focused on providing a good dinner service to you. 

Can I bring my own wine?

Yes. The wine must be store bought (no home brews) and given to your server immediately for corking. There is a $25 corking fee. You may take home unfinished bottles of wine once the server recorks it.

Is there tax on alcohol and food?

Yes. The province of British Columbia places a 10% PST tax on alcohol while there is 5% GST on food.

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Volunteers

How do I volunteer for Hermann’s Jazz Club? 

As a non-profit society, volunteer support is key to the success of our organization and volunteers are valued members of our team. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us [email protected]

Becoming a Subscriber

 How do I subscribe to your email list?

You can subscribe to our email list by going to our contact page https://hermannsjazz.com/contact  and entering your email address. We will not share, rent or sell our email list with any other organizations and individuals.

Supporting Hermann’s Jazz Club

 How can I support Hermann’s Jazz Club and the Arts on View Society or become a donor?

Please see the Arts on View society donation page at https://hermannsjazz.com/donate/ to support Hermann’s Jazz Club directly or to donate to a particular artist’s show.

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Livestream

We are proud to say that we have state of the art livestream equipment and have provided over $200,000 in donations to our artists. Our livestream is a means to supplement our ticket revenue and is a portal to our venue for those who cannot attend in person. You can view new and past livestreams on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWLi3_13C4LSN4IYBjWxmQ

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Venue Performances | Rentals | Buyouts | Groups

Musicians - How can I get booked to perform at Hermann’s Jazz club?

Please contact us at [email protected] You should include information about your act, links to your website and/or electronic press kit and audio or video recordings.

Private Bookings - Can the club be rented for a private function?

Yes, it is sometimes possible. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.

Can I rent the venue for a public performance?

Yes, if we have availability. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss our availability rates.

Can I buy out a show for a special occasion?

Yes, our calendar is booked and full of amazing shows. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.

I have a large group, can you accommodate us?

Yes. please contact us at [email protected] to discuss our availability and make arrangements.