It seems Hermann’s Upstairs is getting a coda — literally. A new live music venue, aptly named The Coda, is set to open in the former Hermann’s Upstairs space on View Street in downtown Victoria.
After the upstairs venue closed in March 2024 due to financial struggles, the iconic building housing Hermman’s Jazz Club and View Street Social was acquired by the City of Victoria, which pledged to preserve its legacy.
Now, the upstairs space will reopen and be reimagined under new ownership by Victoria photographer AL Smith and musician Christina Morrison. The announcement was made online.
According to the release posted online, the venue is basically artist-owned.
Smith has 30 years of experience in Victoria’s arts scene, and Morrison is a dance director and musician with over 25 years in the city. This new venue promises to continue the tradition of live music at the historic location while introducing a modern approach to the downtown arts scene — a staple of how Hermann’s Upstairs was operating.
The Coda will host a variety of live performances, with shows already planned for 2025, including appearances at the Victoria Jazz Festival. It’s an especially welcome addition to Victoria, considering three music venues in Victoria shut down this past fall — the Victoria Event Centre, Quadratic Sound, and Club Loading.
Keep an eye out for more announcements as The Coda prepares to open in 2025.