Early B次元官网网址�90s cigarette smoke filled the air as the venueB次元官网网址檚 namesake treated partying patrons to a round of peach schnapps, before rhyming off a German toast atop the stage.

Times have changed compared to Ashley WeyB次元官网网址檚 first childhood memory of HermannB次元官网网址檚 Jazz Club.

But its place as a revered musical institution in the capital city hasnB次元官网网址檛 skipped a beat for what will be 41 years come next month.

However, even after an almost virtuosic performance of navigating pandemic shutdowns for the last two years, the recent round of restrictions has reduced HermannB次元官网网址檚 operational capital to a critical level.

B次元官网网址淭his is our first and only appeal,B次元官网网址� said Wey, the clubB次元官网网址檚 booking manager and longtime performer. B次元官网网址淲hat we need is people to consider giving us a gift that will help preserve this important musical institution and the legacy of HermannB次元官网网址檚 Jazz Club for future generations.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 our call for help right now.B次元官网网址�

The venue entices world-class performers to stop in Victoria every tour and is essential for a host of local musical non-profits, Wey said. HermannB次元官网网址檚 had livestreams running within days of the first COVID-19 lockdown. Wey said those kept people connected and got more than $100,000 to local artists within the first nine months of the pandemic.

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The club is determined not to close, but itB次元官网网址檚 urgent for it to get a little help to get through the next six weeks. The team at HermannB次元官网网址檚 has been hard at work to make sure they can hit the ground running, with shows ready once they can return to full capacity.

Thousands consider HermannB次元官网网址檚 Jazz Club to be like their living room, Wey said, or somewhere theyB次元官网网址檇 rather be than in their living room. VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 musical community feels like a family, one thatB次元官网网址檚 held together by HermannB次元官网网址檚, she said.

Wey recalls the effect of the clubB次元官网网址檚 first reopening for in-person shows, how it lifted the spirits of people sheB次元官网网址檚 seen frequenting the club for the last 30 years.

B次元官网网址淧eople were so happy to come back,B次元官网网址� she said, noting how the tight-knit community was passing notes between tables since they couldnB次元官网网址檛 mingle.

Few cities have a place like HermannB次元官网网址檚 Jazz Club, Wey said, where all ages can experience and be inspired by world-class performers.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e lucky we have that in Victoria. I feel like I was just born and raised in the place,B次元官网网址� she said, adding, B次元官网网址渢he arts are what get people through tough times.B次元官网网址�

The club is launching a series of fundraisers, starting with a livestream-only Valentines Day show. A full list of coming performances, most of which are a hybrid in-person/livestream format, can be found online at .

Donations can be made to the venue anytime at the Arts On View (artsonview.ca/donate/) or by mailing a cheque made out to Arts On View Society to 753 View St., Victoria BC V8W 1J9). Those looking to donate a large amount can email info@hermannsjazz.com.

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