History

The root of Hermann’s Jazz Club began on February 25, 1981, at the Bastion Inn on Government St. As the story goes, German entrepreneur Hermann Nieweler [Knee-well-er] was persuaded by his friend Barry Stubbs to book Al Pease Trio (Al Pease, Toni Blodgett and Ross Botten) to bring a "better class of people" to the lounge. Then they brought up the Friday Harbor’s Island City Jazz Band for a weekend performance at his hotel lounge. Performances by Dixieland Express soon followed, and they moved the show up to the mezzanine and dance floor. Hermann’s love for a good party, lively music and happy patrons led to his establishment of the venue then called the 'Dixieland Inn'.

Hermann moved the club to the current View Street location in 1986 when it was renamed 'Hermann’s Jazz Club'. In 2000, our 753 View St location suffered heavy damage from a fire. A testament to his commitment, Hermann rebuilt at great personal expense. Our friend Hermann passed on June 10th, 2015. From 2015 to 2024 his family faced many issues but have remained dedicated to their father's legacy. After running a successful fundraising campaign the non-profit Arts On View Society has taken over as of July 15th 2019. We will continue to operate Hermann's as a community spirited venue with the support of the venue's generous patrons. On March 18th, 2024 the City of Victoria announced themselves as the new owners of the building in conjunction with the Victoria Music Strategy program. The Arts On View Society welcomes the opportunity to continue with our new landlords at this iconic venue.

Many nationally and internationally acclaimed acts have graced our stage over the years. Longtime local bands from the venues earliest days continue to play at the club, including CanUS with local legend/reedman Al Pease and the Tom Vickery Trio. Multiple generations of musicians interact and perform at this local institution and contribute to its role as an incubator of local talent. These musicians have travelled the world and helped to put Victoria on the national and international music map. With good acoustics, a relaxed intimate atmosphere, and top notch cuisine, Hermann's Jazz Club continues to be a landmark in the world of modern live performance.



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Recent Events

Dec
21
2024

Maureen Washington's Annual Christmas Show

Livestream + In Person
Featuring Karel Roessingh, Joey Smith, Damian Graham, Maureen warms the soul wit...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $30 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
20
2024

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas (Show 5: 5PM)

Our Charlie Brown turkey dinner is available for this show. Help us prepare by s...
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM doors at 4:00 PM $35 plus fees/tax Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
20
2024

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas (Show 6: 9PM)

Our Charlie Brown turkey dinner is available for this show. Help us prepare by s...
9:00 PM - 10:15 PM doors at 8:00 PM $35 plus fees/tax Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
19
2024

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas (Show 4: 9PM)

Our Charlie Brown turkey dinner is available for this show. Help us prepare by s...
9:00 PM - 10:15 PM doors at 8:00 PM $35 plus fees/tax Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
19
2024

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas (Show 3: 5PM)

Our Charlie Brown turkey dinner is available for this show. Help us prepare by s...
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM doors at 4:00 PM $35 plus fees/tax Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
18
2024

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas (Show 1: 5PM)

Our Charlie Brown turkey dinner is available for this show. Help us prepare by s...
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM doors at 4:00 PM $35 plus fees/tax Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
18
2024

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas (Show 2: 9PM)

Our Charlie Brown turkey dinner is available for this show. Help us prepare by s...
9:00 PM - 10:15 PM doors at 8:00 PM $35 plus fees/tax Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
15
2024

Together Again for Christmas | Diane Pancel & Kim Greenwood

Livestream + In Person
Showcasing an evening of Christmas classics of today and yesteryear!
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $30 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
14
2024

A Very Jazzy Christmas with The Attila Fias Quartet

Livestream + In Person
Come and enjoy a lively, festive jazz concert that breathes new life into belove...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $35 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
13
2024

The BIG MACHINE Holiday Social

Livestream + In Person
Folklorist Oliver Swain has spent over a decade searching out some lesser known ...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $30 plus fees/tax
Oliver Swain, Glenna Garramone, Tyler Lieb & Ashley Wey
Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
12
2024

Lorraine Nygaard | In the Spirit!

Livestream + In Person
Come join Lorraine and her fabulous band for a night of holiday happiness and mu...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $25 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
11
2024

UVic Café Scientifique | The Genetic Chef - Engineering Immunity Through Diet and DNA

Livestream + In Person
Come learn about the latest in cancer research! We’ll explore the relationship...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM Free

Dec
10
2024

Soul Source (R&B Band)

Livestream + In Person
This 20 piece R&B band performs music by Tina Turner, Burton Cummings, Earth Win...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM By donation to Living Edge Presented by: Arts On View Society, Nick La Riviere

Dec
9
2024

The Jive Big Band and The Blue Bosses

Livestream
The Jive Big Band directed by Nick La Riviere and the Blue Bosses Jazz Combo dir...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM By donation to Arts on View Society Presented by: Arts On View Society, Nick La Riviere, Ashley Wey

Dec
7
2024

Holiday Soul Party: Shanna Dance and Jonnie Bridgman

Livestream + In Person
Soul, Motown, and New Orleans style holiday favourites. Victoria vocalist Shanna...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $30 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
6
2024

BIG HANK'S Christmas Blues Show

Livestream + In Person
We have some new tunes to share with you and we are excited to bring our show ba...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $25 plus fee/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
5
2024

The New Swiftsure Big Band ft. Brenda Morie

Livestream + In Person
**You're Invited!** Join us for a magical evening of music at the New Swiftsu...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $25 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome
A portion of your ticket purchase will support CFAX's Santa's Anonymous
Presented by: Arts On View Society

Dec
4
2024

UVic Café Historique | Jason Colby | Climate Change: The Human Story

UVic’s Café Historique, season 10: “Why History Matters” | Oct. 2, Nov. 6...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM
In Person $5 at the door

For livestream please e-transfer $5 per viewer to [email protected] and you will be sent a link

Presented by: UVic Café Historique

Dec
1
2024

Ensemble Sangineto | Ancient Harmonies, Modern Rhythms

Livestream + In Person
One of the most exciting and original ensembles in the Italian celtic and world ...
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM $25 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: The Seaside Music Festival

Dec
1
2024

CanUS | Traditional Jazz Matinee

Livestream + In Person
Take advantage of this toe-tapping happy jazz event prior to the upcoming rush...
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM doors at 12:00 PM $20 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome Presented by: Arts On View Society