Location: Google Maps

Rick Steves, in his guide to Prague and the Czech Republic describes AghtTRA as showcasing "the best of Eastern European jazz in a cool Gothic cellar just steps off the Old Town Square." When I visited the club, the formidable Czech fusion group Jazz Q performed a dazzling show of intricate, high-energy tracks, both from their most recent release and also from their extensive catalog. 

AghaTRA is set back from the street, and accessible via a short maze of staircases. These lead to an intimate space that includes the bar and the maître d’ stand, and is connected by another stop down, into the cave-like performance space. While the arched ceiling is high, the room is packed with chairs and tine tables (maybe eighteen inches square). While there was just enough room for all of us, it was a tight fit. 

The sound was perfectly balanced: loud without being too loud, which was quite impressive for such a small place. While there was a wide range of people present, locals and tourists, young and old, many patrons were serious jazz fans, and the maître d’ was formal to the point of seeming somewhat curt. The wait staff was friendly, however, and the once the music started, nothing else mattered.

Location: Google Maps

Boothill (one word) Bar provides a fascinating view of the US from a Czech perspective. The decor features both metal black, with human and goat skulls, alongside  wanted posters for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, cowgirl pinup illustrations, and a sign reading "Smith and Wesson Spoken Here." When I visited, Death Metal was playing over the speakers. while the liquor collection, in keeping with the Country theme, featured a larger selection of bourbons than is usual, although by US standards it was still modest: big-name labels such as Blanton's and Woodford Reserve were conspicuously absent.  Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey was a popular choice for shots.

The staff spoke English and everyone was friendly. The bartender pulled down three bottles from the bourbon collection, and was able to speak about their differences and make recommendations. I happened to meet Andrej, the owner of the bar, when I visited. He welcomed me like family and we had a long talk about music, both metal and country. He is a passionate fan of both, and sports a Country-themed sleeve tattoo.

Like Midgard, Andrej's other bar, the space was clearly intended for groups of people to sit together at the tables. The clientele appeared to be principally locals, and in both places, I was something of an outlier, both in coming alone, and sitting at the bar. The staff, however, took this in stride and worked hard to ensure I enjoyed my visit. In all, it was among the warmest, most genuine places I visited.

Location: Google Maps   

Written by Regan S and Catie M

One of the more unique places we visited was the bar Café 80s. It is a bar which is designed to look like an 80s disco club and plays American 80s and 90s throwbacks. We decided to go because it seemed very bizarre to be in a country so far from home yet attending a bar designed to look like an American disco that plays American classics. This experience is obviously not characteristic of an "authentic" Czech music experience because it was centered around American music, but I'm also not sure that it was only for tourists. This is a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun and different musical experience reminiscent of home! 

In terms of the general layout, there were two floors. The upstairs space was very much designed for more personal communication amongst a group of friends or acquaintances, however, downstairs was designed more for socializing with others. As such, downstairs (in the basement) was equipped with another bar and a small open dance floor. The seats of the bar were Rubik Cubes and the decorations consisted of movie posters like Terminator, Dirty Dancing, and Ferriss Bueller's Day Off. There was a mural painting of Back to the Future and a hanging life-sized depiction of a scene from E.T.  

As you might imagine, the music consisted primarily of American classic throwback songs. This included things like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," "We Are The Champions," some ABBA songs, etc. Funny enough, there were some other songs not from the 80s or 90s included songs like Pepas, presumably thrown in to get the small crowd on the dance floor excited.  One of the things that I enjoyed was when they remixed older songs like Gimme Gimme so it was a mix of old music but made more modern. 

It did not seem, at least on this night, that the space attracted any one type of person, because there were bachelorette parties, groups of guys and people of all ages. I did not notice a general theme to the people there, but the overall objective of all of them was obviously to dance and socialize with their friends (or family). 

Overall since it was all American we felt really comfortable here even though we were surrounded by strangers.  

Dog Bar is one of the most well-recommended places for foreigners to visit. Every night is a popular time to visit. Most of the crowd is not Czech and consists of foreigners, making it easy to conversate with other patrons.  The ambiance is very interesting as each of the bars inside has different themes. There are also places to sit in interesting places. There is a small movie theatre, a foosball room with slinkys, a pong table room, and a live music stage with seating behind a cage. The open mic is a fun experience as anyone can get up and play an instrument or sing as long as they are good. There is a pit to stand in or groups of tables that you may have to use a ladder to access.

The drinks match the theme of each of the individual bars. You must go to the shots bar to get shots, and certain mixed drinks are at another. The menu has every drink you can expect from a club. The double gin and tonic and double rum and coke were some fan favorites. The prices are fair, but you must pay 250 kc cash to enter. The cash entered is then placed on a card that is used for drinks, but you re-up at the entrance. The card system is nice because you do not have to worry about using your credit card or cash. At the end of the night, your card will be cashed out. 

After visiting, patrons will see why this is one of Prague's best nightlife options. With a warm, welcoming environment filled with college students, Dog Bar is an extraordinary palace to visit. 

Location: Google Maps

Written by Catie M and Regan S

Duplex is a bar and club which is popular amongst tourists. Inside, there is a large bar, dance floor, stage with a DJ and dancers, and a spacious outdoor terrace. The terrace significantly improves the ambiance of the space by providing a place to take a break and get air.

The music played is mostly just like the music you would hear at an American club. Songs on the charts today like Heads Will Roll, I'm Good and Just Wanna Rock were accompanied by iconic club songs like Party in the USA, No Hands and Hotel Room Service despite the fact that they are older. 

Going to clubs like this that feel catered toward tourists leads to discussions of authenticity, which was a large class theme. Is something authentic to the Czech experience if it is not playing Czech music, etc? We decided that Duplex was a good example of how something can be authentic to our experience as students without having to be representative of Czech experience. Considering this is one of the most popular clubs in Prague, perhaps this is an authentic experience for exploring the musical cultures of Prague. 

Location: Google Maps

La Grapperia is a pleasant Italian wine bar, elegant without being pretentions. It has dining rooms in both the front and back, with music in the front on Thursday evenings. Young people seemed to congregate in the back. The staff is warm and generous, willing to take time to discuss the wines and grappas in their collections with customers in order to find the best match for their tastes. 

The music was performed by pianist Patrik Kačo when I visited, and he played a mix of jazz standards and popular songs in a light, lounge style. He was an engaging personality, and when he saw that I appreciated his clever harmonic and rhythmic "zingers," he began playing directly to me. We maintained this sort of non-verbal exchange for the rest of the set. 

Between the excellent service and an essentially personally tailored performance, this was among the best experiences I had in Prague.  

Location: Google Maps

Nate: This jazz bar was one of our favorite locations we went to during our time in Prague. You reserve your seats online in advance and you get a whole table to yourself. When you get there it is a bit small. There is a long staircase going down and we are unaware at this time if there is an elevator, but there are smaller sets of stairs when you get down there which played into the ranking of the safety and accessibility. Outside of the accessibility, it was a rather safe place to be. 

We arrived before the music had started and decided to get drinks. Be sure to grab dinner beforehand because as far as food, it is lacking. The drinks are on the expensive side for Czechia, closer to the prices in the US, but they are amazing. 

When the jazz begins, the energy is lively. It is almost exactly what you'd expect from a typical jazz bar. People are talking and moving around and the music is really good. It has a very come-and-go as you please type of atmosphere and a must-see when you're in Prague.

Emma J: I went to Jazz Republic twice and had two very different experiences but were both incredible! The first visit, we sat very close to the stage and being that close, our main priority was the music rather than it being a background. The band that night was the Keyword Combo, who were incredible! The second visit, we were further back but still in the main room and seated in this section we ended up talking a lot more and having the music as a background. 

Depending on what you want, Jazz Republic has seating options for however you want to enjoy the music, whether that's in the main room or in a side room where the music can take a backseat and provide ambiance. 

Location:  Google Maps

Written by: Emma Higgins 

BOOM vol.2 presented "Performance of Senses," directed by Maksim Komaro from Finland. 

The captivating performance showcased an array of impressive acts, such as aerial acrobatics, teeterboard jumps, juggling, dance, pantomime, and humor.

The venue itself was a unique combination of an art gallery, a bar with comfortable lounge chairs, and a separate theater with rows of seats and an expansive open stage. The building, previously a slaughterhouse for chickens and pigs, had been repurposed as a theater after being shut down by the city.

The performers of the show consisted of Czech and Ukrainian refugees, with an equal split between the two groups. Their age range fell between 18 and 35.The director is older and had choreographed the performance with the perspective of Gen. Z to explore themes of freedom and our generation's experiences.

The piece delved into the performers' perspectives on the current state of the world and the concept of freedom, with particular emphasis on the ongoing Ukraine war and the realities faced by refugees. Personal testimony videos provided powerful insights into their experiences. The music, predominantly electronic, was composed collaboratively between a Ukrainian dancer and the DJ. The final piece of the show allowed each performer artistic freedom, resulting in a cohesive performance that encapsulated the essence of freedom and how our generation is perceived. Throughout the performance, the music synchronized seamlessly with the stunts and movements of the dancers, enhancing the overall experience.

Location: Google Maps

Although it is clearly marked, if you know where to look, Midgard's inconspicuous entrance and dark entryway give it the feel of an exclusive, members-only club or secret society. A narrow hallway dominated by graffiti and rough Norse-themed murals leads to an abrupt left-hand turn down a steep flight of steps into the crypt-like bar. Beyond the bar, the seating area occupies a series of spooky arched chambers, with sludgy echoes of Doom or Death Metal throbbing from somewhere deep within. Although I had never imagined a metal bar before, this met all my expectations. 

As with Andrej's other bar, Boothill, I was immediately welcomed by the bartender and the other gentlemen at the bar, including one who left the group he was with in order to stand and talk with me about culture, politics, and music for nearly an hour. Many of the patrons seemed to be both locals and regulars, including one group who played cards the whole time I was there, pausing only once to come to the bar for shots... of Fireball. 

The liquor available appeared to be a specially curated collection with several unusual brands and varieties. The bartender was familiar with them all, and willing to discuss the flavor profiles and make recommendations. 

As much as I enjoyed Boothill, I think Midgard was my favorite of the two. The feeling of mystery and secrecy alongside such warmth and friendliness perfectly aligns with my conception and expeirence of the metalhead community.

Location: Google Maps

Written by Quinn R and Catie M

The Náplavka Farmers' Market takes place in central Prague right on the Vltava River.  Every Saturday, locals sell their fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and more. This is a place to truly get a sense of how locals unwind.

At the farmers' market itself, you will find local musicians and locals listening passively. On occasion, the farmers' market hosts a wine festival, where local vendors sell their wines and musicians come to entertain the guests. 

Going to more local settings like this allow for an understanding of the passive musical experiences, often being very telling of the musical culture in general because it shows what the people are exposed to on a daily basis.  Informal non-tourist events catered toward Czech people can speak to the "authentic" musical cultures of the Czech people.  

At the Wine Festival and Náplavka Farmers' Market there was also a  Moravian band performing, which contributes to the cultural environment as many of the wines are from the Moravian region. This helps to bring the people visiting into the culture and makes them feel more comfortable.  

Location: Google Maps

"People come from all over the planet to the Reduta Jazz Club - the only place to be in Prague, on a Friday night!"

Lee Andrew Davison

Going to the Reduta Jazz Club is like going back in time. A sign at the back of the stage reads, “since 1958,” and the place looks like clubs from movies of the 50s and 60s. The long, narrow space is packed tightly with interlocking crescent-shaped booths, and the walls are lined with raised platforms for chairs and built-in seating against the walls. Poster-sized portraits line the walls, honoring famous artists and other personalities who have frequented the club, including Vaclav Havel, Umberto Eco, Bill Clinton, Glenn Miller, Oliver Nelson, Winston Marsalis, and several important Czech artists. My initial reception from the maître d’ was a little chilly - he gave me a dark look and seated the party behind me first, but in other respects the service was friendly and polite.

The night I attended, American singer Lee Andrew Davison performed with a pickup trio of local cats. Curiously, the set had been advertised as "The Best of Jazz, Soul, and Funk" featuring music by Ray Charles and James Brown, with a trio consisting of piano, drums, and bass. They actually performed a set of standards including "Misty," "Girl from Ipanema," and the like, and the trio included a tenor sax instead of the bass, which the pianist provided on an electronic keyboard. In any case, the performances were outstanding: full of energy and personality. Davison was a real entertainer, and came out into the hall during one of the breaks to shake hands and banter with the patrons.