What do Brazilian pop, Classical synth and Jazz have in common? They are all coming to venues in Berlin this summer. So whether you are musically adventurous or a superfan of a super-niche vibe, we’ve got you. Here is our list of the musical performances to watch this July.
July 4
Dengue Dengue Dengue
Peruvian duo Felipe Salmon and Rafael Pereia are the men behind the masks of Dengue Dengue Dengue. Their experimental bass music is coming to HKW for the Sonic Pluriverse festival. During their set, they will combine traditional sounds of the Andean and Peruvian rainforest to create a truly eclectic music experience (expect Cumbria, dub, salsa, footwork, tribal and techno).
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Mitte, Sonic Pluriverse Festival, Start 19:00, details.
Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot is taking over the Neue Nationalgalerie for a musical event that is part protest, part pop-up concert under the theme is ‘Rage Against Dictatorship’.
- Neue Nationalgalerie, Potsdamer Str. 50, Mitte, Starts 20:15, details.
July 6
Kim Gordon
Former Sonic Youth bassist Kim Gordon is here to make a statement. Her second solo album The Collective (2024) is a deep dive into American politics, toxic masculinity and social media. Gordon’s spoken-word lyrics and moody trap/dub melodies deliver an experience that will make you think as much as it will make you feel.
- Festaal Kreuzberg, Am Flutgraben 2, Kreuzberg, Start 19:00, details.
July 9
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
Gretchen is going back to the 70s with the vintage soul stylings of The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. DLO3 is on a mission to bring back feel-good music, but don’t expect the performance to lack depth. They play with soul and use improvisation to add a flavor of unpredictability to their sets.
- Gretchen, Obentrautstr. 19-21, Kreuzberg, Doors 19:30, details.
July 10
Patrice Rushen
Have you seen Men in Black? Of course you have! In which case you’ve definitely heard the work of R&B singer, composer, and pop-culture icon Patrice Rushen. Despite her vast catalog of works (and general icon status), she’s never performed in Germany before. Head down to Gretchen to see her inaugural performance.
- Gretchen, Obentrautstr. 19-21, Kreuzberg, Doors 19:30, details.
July 13
Madalisto Band
Yobu Maligwa and Yosefe Kalekeni of Madalisto Band understand rhythm. In their performances, the rich babatone (bass instrument made from a wash drum body) gives the music a backbone that will leave you tapping your toes along to the beat. An impressive addition to the Sonic Pluriverse festival, this performance is sure to be energetic and a lot of fun.
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Mitte, Sonic Pluriverse Festival, Start 19:00, details.
July 15
Waxahatchee
Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee has been experimenting with Americana and India sound for over a decade. After half a dozen albums, Tigers Blood (2024) is a culmination of years of experience. And it shows. Her live performance at Festsaal Kreuzberg is sure to be as full of southern charm and crooning vocals as Tiger’s Blood is.
- Festsaal Kreuzberg, Am Flutgraben 2, Kreuzberg, Start 19:00, details.
July 17
Yelka & Mieke Miami
In this double header, these long time friends meet in the garden of Gretchen to perform together. The night will open with Mieke Miami’s upcoming album. She’ll be debuting her new works, which combine jazz and classical songwriting. Next, Yelke will take the stage for their record release show. Both artists are known for their atmospheric music, which is sure to be a perfect fit for the relaxed vibe of Gretchen’s garten.
- Gretchen, Obentrautstr. 19-21, Kreuzberg, Doors 19:30, details.
July 20
Lia de Itamaracá
A legend in the Ciranda scene, Lia de Itamaracá is bringing the cultural heritage of Brazilian state Pernambuco to the Sonic Pluriverse stage. From the moment the first note plays, history is unveiled. Ciranda is a link between generations, a link you will definitely feel at Itamaracá’s Sonic Pluriverse performance.
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Mitte, Sonic Pluriverse Festival, Start 19:00, details.
July 24
Céu
The second Brazilian based singer/songwriter on this list, Céu is taking the stage at Gretchen to perform songs from her new album Novela (2024). Céu describes her music as “trip-hop samba,” a genre that combines classic Samba music with the backing of jazz and urban pop. In this cultural overlap, she makes music that feels transformative. From the opening strings to the moment the synth kicks in, listeners are in for a ride.
- Gretchen, Obentrautstr. 19-21, Kreuzberg, Doors 19:30, details.
July 26
Filipe Duarte
At Café Tasso, the mood is perfect for Filipe Duarte to bring his intimate performance style to the stage. His work is delightfully unique while comforting, with the pairing of a soft piano and a slight samba theme. Duarte’s twist to the classic soft jazz will make his live performance at Café Tasso even more spectacular.
- Café Tasso, Frankfurter Allee 11, Friedrichshain, Starts 20:00, details.
July 27
Imarhan
A fitting description of this rock quintet’s music is “desert blues.” Imharan, whose name means “the ones I care about”, formed in 2008 when a group of friends discovered their mutual love of music. Now this has transformed into a discography that relies on harmonisation and drum work to craft music that feels at home under clear desert skies.
- Roadrunner’s Paradise, Saarbrücker Str. 24, Prenzlauer Berg, Starts 20:00, details.
July 28
Fia Fiell, Martina Bertoni
On the grounds of a former amusement park, Kiezsalon is back with musical guests Fia Fiell and Martina Bertoni. Fiell starts the night with synth harmonisation that is powerful and mesmerising. Rounding out the night is Martina Bertoni, whose Cello work earned her acclaim following the release of her 2023 album Hypnagogia. Both performers utilise sweeping melodies and gentle music transitions, so expect a relaxing night of classical inspired music.
- Kiezsalon, Kiehnwerderallee 2, Neukölln, Starts 23:00, details.
July 31
Maria Sena
From the sultry opening to “Por Supresto”, you know that Maria Sena is made of something special. Brazilian pop-princess incarnate, she is bringing her flair to Gretchen for a show that is sure to be dance-worthy. Maria, who boasts over 4 million monthly listeners, carves out a niche in the pop world with collabs and original material that shows her dynamic voice. Her range is just as incredible as the songwriting, so if you are interested in Brazilian pop, give Maria a listen.
- Gretchen, Obentrautstr. 19-21, Kreuzberg, Doors 19:30, details.
