Lab Grounds

The fourth edition of The Playgrounds Sessions, by Lab Grounds!

Lab Grounds proudly presents: The Playgrounds Sessions! This summer, we will open our cosy garden again and every two weeks we will serve you the best live music, the tastiest food and the coldest drinks to create an amazing evening together. Each session, we invite a couple of artists who will take you on a musical journey into their wonderful world.

This edition, Mingus van der Pluijm, a pianist, songwriter and aspiring producer from Rotterdam will take the stage. He grew up in a musical family and developed a strong urge to improvise and find his own sound at a young age. His style is sensitive, honest and rooted in soul, jazz and R&B. Artists such as Donny Hathaway, Amy Winehouse and Daniel Caesar inspire him, as do the creative people around him. His music does not seek perfection, but sincerity and connection.

Press Play on Summer!
See you there!

The second edition of The Playgrounds Sessions, by Lab Grounds!

This summer, we will open our cosy garden again and every two weeks we will serve you the best live music, the tastiest food and the coldest drinks to create an amazing evening together. Each session, we invite a couple of artists who will take you on a musical journey into their wonderful world.

This weekend, Senegalese Rotterdam-based Omar Ka brings the rich musical tradition of the Fulani, West Africa’s largest nomadic people, to The Playgrounds Sessions. His eccentric voice and irresistible mix of Fulani folk, Dakar beats, Afro-reggae and Desert blues will leave no one unmoved. On this special occasion, he takes us back to his African roots in an intimate setting, accompanied on percussion by Satindra Kalpoe. 

We start from 17:00.

Press Play on Summer! See you there!

Lab Grounds proudly presents: The Playgrounds Sessions!

This summer, we will open our cosy garden again and every two weeks we will serve you the best live music, the tastiest food and the coldest drinks to create an amazing evening together. Each session, we invite a couple of artists who will take you on a musical journey into their wonderful world.

This weekend we kick off summer in a big way, as we open the building for three days of numerous activities and performances during HBS Fest.

Starting at 17.00, amazing performances are scheduled by

Brian Murphy:
Brian Murphy calls himself a troubadour, avoids the label singer/songwriter, and reluctantly describes his music as alternative folk. After discovering music in England, he moved to Rotterdam at 12, where his sound continued to evolve. His cat remains his most loyal muse.

Daniëlle Santos Gomes
Daniëlle Santos Gomes is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Rotterdam who blends R&B, soul, jazz, folk, and Cape Verdean influences into original songs. Driven by curiosity, she crafts powerful stories that inspire and move.

Afterparty with DJ Groovity

Press Play on Summer!
See you there!

Due to sound regulations the April and May editions of the World Sessions are moved from Lab Grounds, to Batavierhuis.

Go enjoy the sounds of passionate tango and jazz this Wednesday, at the third edition of the World Sessions. The beautiful lineup guarantees a blend of styles and a unique fusion.

9th of April

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Coming to Lab: STICKY WICKED

Electric jazz, funk and jazz rock are the keywords in Sticky Wicked’s repertoire. At Lab Grounds, they will present us their positively received debut album ‘Nightfall’, released in June 2024 by ZenneZ Records.

Sticky Wicked’s compositions sound original, fresh, dynamic and modern, clearly inspired by decades of the best examples in jazz, rock, funk and electronic music. The band members are among the top musicians on the Dutch session scene and have played with many well-known Dutch and international groups and artists from pop and jazz. With Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, John Scofield and Jeff Lorber as great examples, you’ll know what to expect. So get ready for an evening full of passion, energy and improvisation!

9th of March

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Lab Grounds has been nominated for the Rotterdam Music Awards in the “Best Podium” category! Voting is open from today until December 9. The winner will be announced on December 16 at Theater Zuidplein!

Do you think Lab Grounds deserves this award? Then make your voice heard via the link in our bio! 💙

Cultivating a creative unity 🫂

Lab brings together artists and makers to build a space of true collaboration and expression. It’s a doorway into Rotterdam West’s musical communities, where every style and performance finds a place.Together, we’re creating a diverse network of artists, each bringing unique perspectives and talents.

Follow along to learn more about what drives us.
Stay tuned!

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GROUNDS DISCOUNTS: buy one, get one for free!

This weekend, we are celebrating the existence of the HBS building, with the highlight being the performance of Ursula Rucker and Tim Motzer at Lab! Celebrations are best shared, so GROUNDS is treating you with a deal: two tickets for the price of one!

Take this chance to see these legends perform, together with your loved ones. Tickets available at grounds.nu.

19th of October

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Take a look at our electric lineup for October! 📁

Charlie Parr will be sharing his travel experiences through the lens of blues and country. Together with his guitar, he’ll be telling his story this month at Lab Grounds.

On the 19th of this month, the HBS Fest will take place. To celebrate Rotterdam’s cultural hub, none other than the legendary Philly poet Ursula Rucker will perform at Lab. She has teamed up with renowned guitarist Tim Motzer to combine their talents.

Also El Khat will perform at Lab this month, paying tribute to traditional Yemeni music with a DIY flair. Their mix of wild percussion, heavy bass, hypnotic vocals, and detuned brass promises a rousing, psychedelic adventure.

Of course, Lab Grounds also supports new talent. At the end of the month, space is made for the mysterious Ratchet, who has built a huge online community with his alternative indie. Ratchet’s music revolves around everyday life and the emotions running through his mind.

Will you be stopping by this month and enjoy the music? We hope to see you this October!

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