Adrie Reinders

Jimmy Woo and E.Factor – a dynamic duo

After many events with theme such as Green Energy, Fashion or (as we will host next week) doing business in Russia, India, Israel and the US – we thought it time for a easy-going network evening in the nightclub Jimmy Woo. Jimmy is an icon in Amsterdam nightlife and remains in the top 10 clubs worldwide. We did wonder in advance if E.Factor members would see it as added value to have us organise drinks and a start to the weekend here, but after last night – we are in no doubt they do!! About 150 members turned up, in the way they walked up to the door you could see they were very much in the mood for a good night out. The first reactions have all been very positive and many of the members stayed up dancing the night away. We’re considering making this a regular, perhaps monthly, evening and starting a similar arrangement with an exclusive nightclub in other cities around the world.

Last night I went to a great party at Jimmy Woo, www.jimmywoo.com, the most famous nightclub of The Netherlands. You will often find famous artists (John Legend this past week) and DJs such as DJ Hitmeister and DonDiablo at Jimmy’s, playing for a very hip crowd. Normally speaking the club opens at 11pm on Saturday’s till about 4am the next morning. Yesterday however was rather different!

The club opened at 2pm in the afternoon for a special Poker tournament under the begeistered leadership of Marcel Pantera – in total about 80 people partook, many of them famous from Dutch television. The club was temporarily transformed into a Poker Player’s Den! At 11pm the finals started in the centre of the club, whilst the normal crowd starting to come in… quite an amazing experience all round. Congrats to Jimmy Woo and Marcel Pantera!

Yesterday evening I went to Andy’s Jazz club – one of the oldest Jazz clubs in Chicago. For over 30 years, local Jazz performers have been up on the stage at Andy’s – with styles ranging from Traditional and Swing to Bop, Fusion, Latin and Afro-Pop. When I walked in, Jeannie Lambert was up on stage singing some slow blues ballads – great for settling into the evening. After that I listened to Bob Perna with his Big Band. Bob is a seasoned performer, bandleader and trumpeteer. Excellent music to listen to.

Wherever I am in the US, if I get the chance I will visit the jazz club in the town I’m staying at – which means I have seen quite a few by now. I like the Jazz as well as the informal atmosphere that exists in most Jazz clubs. Andy’s is a true Jazz club – perfect atmosphere, a little NY loft style. It seats about 200 people and there is speedy and friendly service if you want something to drink or eat. The food is exactly what it should be at a Jazz club too – hamburgers, french fries, pizzas etc.

Jeff Chrisholm is a great host, who takes customers first
Definitely a place to visit if you are in Chicago – www.andysjazzclub.com:

Atmosphere: 8.5
Service: 8
Food: 7
Music: 7.5

Out of all the clubs I know (and yes, I do know many!) Jimmy Woo is my favourite club. It is a unique concept. You can chill in a great atmosphere, and could be hanging out right next to a famous actor or musician.

The club is located in the heart of Amsterdam, near the Leidse Plein – in the Korte Leidsestraat.