contra

20:00-22:30

This september a new residency program starts and we’re extremely happy and proud to announce our new 4 month resident: Avishai Darash!

Pianist, composer, and bandleader Avishai Darash presents his new trio featuring drummer Joe Blaxx and bassist Omer Govreen. With Heart-Bop, the trio explores the language of hard bop from a contemporary perspective. Rooted in the tradition of the 1950s and ’60s, the focus is on groove, clarity, and interplay, with a program of original compositions and arrangements that both respect the idiom and reflect a modern approach. The trio treats swing as a flexible concept that is constantly evolving, shaped by their individual voices and collective interaction. Rather than reproducing a historical sound, Darash and his trio place this tradition in a new framework—retaining its directness and energy while remaining open to a broader, contemporary musical context. The result is a clear and accessible program that bridges tradition and modernity, approaching jazz as a shared and continuously evolving language. After their first show in Amsterdam at Contra during the Red Light Jazz festival, this summer the trio recorded their first album in Wisseloord.

Avishai Darash – piano
Omer Govreen – double bass
Joe Blaxx – drums

Residency dates:
September 17
October 8
November 5
December 17

Friday Night Live is the long awaited late night jam session refuge for jazz players and lovers alike! Steamy jazz, dimmed lights, bold cocktails, a delicious chef’s menu and Europe’s finest musicians letting loose; Friday Night Live seeks out to become both an inspiring as well as highly entertaining institution of Amsterdam. Opening set from 20:00-21:30, jam session from 21:30-23:00. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket. Free entry if you bring your instrument.

This edition we invite Elmer Jacobs & Robert Forejtek!

20:00-23:00

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we welcome The ISO Trio!

The ISO Trio is a modern jazz organ trio: With Bertram Haselager (DK) on guitar, Micah Graves (US) on Yamaha organ, and Max Sergeant (NL) on drums. The band is formed through the Dutch jazz scene and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and has since arranged jazz music with various influences such as gospel, hard bop, and modal jazz. Their music is a new take on the old organ trio format. Something they’ve shared among venues such as Bimhuis, De Nieuwe Anita, and Hidden Jazz Club Amsterdam. Their sets are interactive and high energy, built around a high level of musicianship and improvisation.

19:30-22:00

Enjoy a cozy Sunday night with dinner and live music by de Aanhouder Swingt

Coming from a home full of music, sisters Ariane (vocals) and Annick (drums) grew up playing music with family and friends. No wonder they decided to start de Aanhouder Swingt together, where they brought life-long and new friends together to play their favorite tunes. Their repetoire ranges from American Songbook jazz, to Samba, and recently to Italo Disco/Funk. This summer they went on tour in the Netherlands and France finishing with a gig at Ca Va Festival. On Sunday the 8th they’re back at Contra to bring some relaxed and sunny vibes. Come and enjoy this evening with us.

Ariane Sickinghe – vocals
Bram de Regt – trumpet
Maarten Kurstjens – saxophone
Tom Veltman – guitar
Rufus Witteveen – keys
Jan Langedijk – bass
Annick Sickinghe – drums

14:00

On Sundays Contra is open in the afternoon and the evening with live music. The afternoon is curated in collaboration with young artists to celebrate the cultural diversity of Amsterdam and bring together the community behind the music. We transform Contra in an intimate space to spend the Sunday afternoons, chairs and tables are put aside to make space to move freely. In the evening the restaurant is open for an intimate dinner concert.

Afternoon event with Simone Don, Maya Mae, Tuyk van Dam & house band: 14:00-17:00
Dinner concert with de Aanhouder Swingt: 19:00-21:30

20:00-22:30

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we welcome Kvintakord!

“Kvintakord” is a multi-international modern jazz quintet based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The idea of their music is to give the listener a non-sophisticated and highly-emotional experience, transmitted though easy to remember melodies and soulful and energetic jazz improvisations. “Kvintakord” literally means the most basic structure in music harmony from which we can hear an emotion. It is the simplest way to express happiness or sadness.

Romain Gachot – trumpet
Julian Garvayo – trombone
David Urban – piano
Duarte Fernandes – double bass
Alexander Ivanov – drums and compositions

20:00-23:00

Friday Night Live is the long awaited late night jam session refuge for jazz players and lovers alike! Steamy jazz, dimmed lights, bold cocktails, a delicious chef’s menu and Europe’s finest musicians letting loose; Friday Night Live seeks out to become both an inspiring as well as highly entertaining institution of Amsterdam. Opening set from 20:00-21:30, jam session from 21:30-23:00. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket. Free entry if you bring your instrument.

This edition we welcome Joost Patocka!

Joost Patocka is one of the Netherlands’ most important contemporary jazz drummers. He has played with anyone of importance and impresses audiences with his broad imagination, a strong technical command of his instrument(s) and an imminent sense of humor within his playing.

Linus Eppinger – guitar
tba – piano
Ties Laarakker – bass
Joost Patocka – drums

20:00-23:00

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 2 sets, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we invite Philip Lassiter

Philip is a multi instrumentalist, arranger and bandleader from Mobile, Alabama, now based in Amsterdam. He was section leader and horn arranger for Prince and the New Power Generation, is a Grammy-winning arranger whose credits include Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Roberta Flack and Al Jarreau, and leads the funk band Philthy. This evening, he will share his music in an intimate solo format to connect deeply with his audience.

This concert is organised in collaboration with LOVNG ROOM who host intimate concert and poetry evenings in cosy locations in Amsterdam, London, Paris, Berlin and New York

14:00

On Sundays Contra is open in the afternoon and the evening with live music. The afternoon is curated in collaboration with young artists to celebrate the cultural diversity of Amsterdam and bring together the community behind the music. We transform Contra in an intimate space to spend the Sunday afternoons, chairs and tables are put aside to make space to move freely. In the evening the restaurant is open for an intimate dinner concert.

Afternoon salsa party: 14:00-17:00
Dinner concert: 19:00-21:30

This edition we invite La Mafia Quintet!

La Mafia Quintet brings a more intimate take on La Mafia de la Gozadera’s big band. A concept that preserves the same vibrant energy while exploring softer, more delicate nuances. Always ready to get the crowd moving and immerse them in the timeless rhythms of salsa classics.

Inês Martínez – Voice
Mikel Legasa – Piano
Mauro Méndez – Bass
Manuel Vega – Conga
Lucas Trabado – Bongo

20:00-22:30

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we welcome Lassi Friman quartet!

Guitarist-composer Lassi Friman’s quartet brings a fresh, melodic and groove-based sound to the stage. Built around Friman’s own compositions and carefully selected standards, the music combines memorable melodies, rhythms drawn from a wide spectrum of groove-oriented music, and layers of jazz tradition from different decades.

Lassi Friman – guitar and compositions
Marios Charalampous – tenor saxophone
Philip Levin – double bass
Tim Rachbach – drums

20:00-23:00

Friday Night Live is the long awaited late night jam session refuge for jazz players and lovers alike! Steamy jazz, dimmed lights, bold cocktails, a delicious chef’s menu and Europe’s finest musicians letting loose; Friday Night Live seeks out to become both an inspiring as well as highly entertaining institution of Amsterdam. Opening set from 20:00-21:30, jam session from 21:30-23:00. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket. Free entry if you bring your instrument.

This edition we invite Mart Muller & Jonas Belleman!

Mart Muller is an alto saxophonist based in Amsterdam. Since the beginning of his music studies he has been influenced by the Dutch tradition of straight-ahead jazz. He feels most creative playing standards from the jazz repertoire and seeks for unique melodies using his sense of harmony and unexpected rhythmic patterns. Jonas belleman is a young trumpet player from Haarlem, with a true passion for bebop he plays in the style of Kenny Dorham and Fats Navarro.

20:30-23:00

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket is €12,50 per person and includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we welcome the Soldiers of Love!

Soldiers of Love is founded by jazz singer Nina Yip Simone and brings a musical homage to one of the most iconic artists of soul history: Sade. Her timeless music has connected with multiple generations that embrace the sophisticated songs and lyrics.

Nina Yip Simone – vocals
Cristopher Perez – sax
Sytze Elseman – piano & keys
Emil Novotel- bass
Norman Hutuely – percussion
Auke de Vries – drums

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we invite Contra regular JAÏNDA

JAÏNDA is a singer-songwriter who creates her unique sounds by combining soul, R&B, pop and jazz influences. Her music reflects her personal journey of exploring the self, vulnerability and strength. With a powerful voice and affiliation with arrangements for big bands she’s making name for herself in the Dutch music scene.

JAÏNDA – vocals
Kee Priemus – guitar
Tristan Zmolek – bass

20:00-23:00

Friday Night Live is the long awaited late night jam session refuge for jazz players and lovers alike! Steamy jazz, dimmed lights, bold cocktails, a delicious chef’s menu and Europe’s finest musicians letting loose; Friday Night Live seeks out to become both an inspiring as well as highly entertaining institution of Amsterdam. Opening set from 20:00-21:30, jam session from 21:30-23:00. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket. Free entry if you bring your instrument.

This edition we welcome Oscar Ployart & Eugenia Serra

After completing her studies in Barcelona and becoming an active part of the city’s jazz scene, the 23-year-old Valencian singer Eugenia Serra moved to Amsterdam, where she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. With an expressive voice, Eugenia stands out for herinterpretative sensitivity and for a musical approach that combines respect for tradition with a personal search for sound and storytelling. Oscar Ployart Trio is an international constellation that, with a focus on groove and swing, plays music rooted in the idioms and colours of jazz music from the 50s and 60s. Their performances are vibrant and imaginative, and with a touch of romanticism they invite you to enjoy some of the most beautiful melodies ever written.

vocals – eugenia Serra
piano – oscar ployart
bassfiddle – Ties Laarakker
drums and cymbals – Jacob Lindberg

14:00

On Sundays Contra is open in the afternoon and the evening with live music. The afternoon is curated in collaboration with young artists to celebrate the cultural diversity of Amsterdam and bring together the community behind the music. We transform Contra in an intimate space to spend the Sunday afternoons, chairs and tables are put aside to make space to move freely. In the evening the restaurant is open for an intimate dinner concert.

Afternoon samba party: 14:00-17:00
Dinner concert: 19:00-21:30

This edition we invite Partido do Samba!

Partido do Samba is a young, multinational band rooted in Brazilian samba traditions. At the core of their music is the Roda de Samba—the circle where musicians and audience connect, turning every performance into a shared experience. Born on the streets of Brazil, celebrating life, resilience, and togetherness with energetic grooves, beautiful harmonies, and lyrical melodies. Partido do Samba can create a party anywhere, anytime—inviting everyone to join the circle.

20:00-22:30

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we invite Joan Fort & Oscar Ployart’s Electric Quartet!

JF & OP Electric Quartet is an Amsterdam-based group that works like an electric circuit. Each player can switch between sounds by adding effects or moving between acoustic and electric instruments. The band’s sound comes from blending these textures with a wide range of compositional influences, grooves, and room for improvisation. The four members are in-demand players on the Dutch jazz scene. They come from four different countries, and each brings a distinct musical background to the mix.

Joan Fort – guitar & FX
Oscar Ployart – piano & Wurlitzer
Philip Lewin – upright & electric bass
Tim Hennekes – drums

20:00-23:00

Friday Night Live is the long awaited late night jam session refuge for jazz players and lovers alike! Steamy jazz, dimmed lights, bold cocktails, a delicious chef’s menu and Europe’s finest musicians letting loose; Friday Night Live seeks out to become both an inspiring as well as highly entertaining institution of Amsterdam. Opening set from 20:00-21:30, jam session from 21:30-23:00. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket. Free entry if you bring your instrument.

This edition we invite our own Linus Eppinger and a special mystery guest. Our only advice to you is: don’t regret that you haven’t been here!

20:00-23:00

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we invite Diana Sidibè!

Diana is an Amsterdam-based, Afro-Ukrainian multi-instrumentalist, beatmaker, and producer best known for her expressive, genre-blending jazz on the saxophone, flute, and clarinet. A graduate of the Conservatorium of Amsterdam, she performs with notable acts like Bnnyhunna, Brintex Collective, and Hyphen Dash, and is featured on José James’ album On & On. Now Diana is working on her first EP which she’s going to release later this year. Expect a night full of grooves and good vibes!

Diana Sidibè – alto saxophone
Joel Feldtmann -electric bass
Noah Bouwman – drums

20:00-23:00

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we invite Quincy George!

Whether it’s through genuine life lessons or heartfelt compositions, he aims to make music you enjoy, while letting you become the best version of yourself. Named after Quincy Jones & George Duke, it felt like a part of him should be held accountable for the conveyance of Soul, R&B & Jazz music to future generations. Not by copying the past, but by letting it evolve through honesty, vulnerability, and truth. “I don’t aim for perfection. I aim for connection. And if my music helps you feel a little bit more or breathe a little easier, then we’re already in this together.”

20:00-22:30

This september a new residency program starts and we’re extremely happy and proud to announce our new 4 month resident: Avishai Darash!

Pianist, composer, and bandleader Avishai Darash presents his new trio featuring drummer Joe Blaxx and bassist Omer Govreen (on September 17 and December 17 Seb Overall will play bass). With Heart-Bop, the trio explores the language of hard bop from a contemporary perspective. Rooted in the tradition of the 1950s and ’60s, the focus is on groove, clarity, and interplay, with a program of original compositions and arrangements that both respect the idiom and reflect a modern approach. The trio treats swing as a flexible concept that is constantly evolving, shaped by their individual voices and collective interaction. Rather than reproducing a historical sound, Darash and his trio place this tradition in a new framework—retaining its directness and energy while remaining open to a broader, contemporary musical context. The result is a clear and accessible program that bridges tradition and modernity, approaching jazz as a shared and continuously evolving language. After their first show in Amsterdam at Contra during the Red Light Jazz festival, this summer the trio recorded their first album in Wisseloord.

Avishai Darash – piano
Seb Overell – double bass
Joe Blaxx – drums

Residency dates:
September 17
October 8
November 5
December 17

20:00-22:30

Inspired by legendary venues like New York’s Blue Note, London’s Ronnie Scott’s we introduce Amsterdam’s Contra: the place to enjoy intimate jazz concerts from your dinner table. A chef’s menu is served, accompanied by our wide selection of wines. To keep the balance between the listening experience and sharing the moment, the concert consists of 3 sets of 35-40 minutes, each followed by a break to enjoy your table, your company, and the atmosphere. A dinner ticket includes a table reservation. Only coming for the music and a drink? Then buy a regular ticket or (if you’re a student or max. 25 years old) a student ticket.

This edition we invite Joan Fort’s Organ Trio!

The Joan Fort Organ Trio is one of the latest projects by young Spanish guitarist and composer Joan Fort, based in Amsterdam. For this special occasion, he leads his “organ trio” for the first time in the Netherlands, surrounding himself with two of the country’s most in-demand musicians: Arno Krijger on Hammond organ and Mitchell Damen on drums. Together, this trio promises an energetic concert filled with swing and groove that lovers of live jazz won’t want to miss!

Joan Fort – guitar
Arno Krijger – hammond organ
Mitchell Damen – drums