Marcus Bartelt/ Paul Heller »Super Sax Cologne«

A place for toe-tappers and finger-snappers – and right in the middle of the beautiful Agnesviertel. The King Georg has always charmed with its intimate atmosphere and stage performances on eye level with the audience. An in-demand indie meeting spot from 2008 to 2019, its modernised premises now offer the finest straight-ahead entertainment. Live, of course – nothing is more important or more wonderful than hearing jazz live – and in carefully chosen playlists. Responsible for the programme is pianist Martin Sasse. The motto: hands-on jazz for connoisseurs and the curious alike.

Whether tradition or innovation, classical modernism or avant-garde – jazz is a thrilling exchange among the musicians themselves and a never-ending source of inspiration for the audience. And more than that: as a globe-spanning sound, jazz is an important and stimulating dialogue between cultures, with mutual respect always resonating at its core. Now the sought-after straight-ahead sound finally has a permanent home again in the cathedral city.

Numerous series give expression to the great breadth of creativity in straight-ahead jazz and the way of life that goes with it: "Female Jazz" sets accents with female performers, who all too often used to be confined to the role of vocalists; "Young Talents" lets the fresh breeze of the young generation sweep through the new interior. On "King Georg Allstars" nights, our top-class house band leaves its own musical mark, while legendary "Jazz Heroes" provide the boundary-crossing icing on the cake. Another key element is the "King Georg Session" – a monthly jam session led by WDR Big Band trumpeter Andy Haderer.

All of us wish for nothing more than that every guest proves Helge Schneider right, again and again: "Jazz makes you happy!"

In that spirit: Here we go! Let's swing – with the King!