Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
Volunteer-run jazz and world-music association energising Roskilde’s Musicon district with intimate concerts, creative collaborations and open jam sessions.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead is a vibrant jazz and world‑music association based in Roskilde’s creative Musicon district. From its base on Penselstrøget, the volunteer‑run organisation curates modern jazz concerts, global sounds and intimate jam sessions in collaboration with nearby venues such as KunstSmedjen and other cultural spaces. Expect close‑up performances, experimental projects and a strong community feel that has helped carve out a fresh live‑music scene beyond Copenhagen’s larger stages.
A brief summary to Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
- Penselstrøget 14, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4522673660
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the program in advance, as concerts rotate between Musicon venues and start times vary depending on the artist and format.
- Arrive a little early for popular acts to secure a good seat in the often intimate, free-seating rooms.
- Bring cash or a card for entrance and refreshments; ticket prices can differ from show to show.
- Jam sessions are ideal for musicians travelling with instruments—confirm whether backline or sign-up lists are provided.
- Combine an evening concert with a stroll through the surrounding Musicon district to see its repurposed industrial spaces and street art.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Regional train and local bus from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train to Roskilde Station; departures are frequent and the ride usually takes 25–30 minutes. A standard adult single ticket costs roughly 80–100 DKK, and the same ticket is valid on Roskilde buses within the time limit. From Roskilde Station, continue by local bus toward the Musicon district, which typically adds 10–15 minutes depending on the line and waiting time. Buses run regularly during the day and evening on weekdays and slightly less frequently on weekends.
-
Bus or on foot from central Roskilde
If you are already in central Roskilde, you can reach the Musicon area and Penselstrøget by local bus in about 5–10 minutes, with an adult ticket usually costing around 24–30 DKK within the city fare zone. Services tend to be more frequent in the afternoon and early evening, which aligns well with concert start times. Walking from Roskilde Station or the old town to Musicon is also realistic for many visitors and takes roughly 20–30 minutes along generally flat urban streets, though surfaces can include cobblestones and uneven sections that may be less comfortable for some mobility aids.
-
Car or taxi within the Roskilde area
Arriving by car from within Roskilde or nearby suburbs typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. The Musicon district offers a mix of public parking areas, though spaces can be busier on evenings with multiple events, so allow extra time. Taxi rides from Roskilde Station to Musicon usually last 5–10 minutes, with fares commonly in the range of 90–140 DKK depending on time of day and traffic conditions. Late-night services remain available but may involve slightly longer waits after concerts finish.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
A grassroots engine for Roskilde’s live jazz
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead is a non‑profit music association dedicated to modern jazz and world music in Roskilde. Founded to strengthen the city’s live scene, it focuses on rhythmic genres and adventurous programming rather than mainstream pop. From its base at Penselstrøget 14 in the Musicon district, the association functions as curator, organiser and host, inviting both established performers and younger talents onto local stages. At the heart of its work is a simple idea: to bring musicians and listeners together in a setting small enough for real musical dialogue. Instead of cavernous halls, concerts are typically held in intimate rooms where unamplified instruments can still be heard, improvisations feel immediate and the barrier between artist and audience is thin.Concerts shaped by jazz and global sounds
The program leans heavily toward contemporary jazz, often with influences from Nordic traditions, African rhythms, Latin grooves or Indian classical music. One evening might feature a piano trio exploring odd meters and ambient soundscapes; another could focus on percussion‑driven world‑jazz or tightly arranged horn sections. Many performances are project‑based and original, giving the stage to new compositions rather than familiar standards. The scale of events typically encourages experimentation. Musicians can test new material, stretch solos, or invite guest players without worrying about stadium‑style production. For visitors, it is a chance to hear music that usually belongs on festival bills, yet in a compact setting where every cymbal stroke and bass note is distinct.Creative surroundings in the Musicon district
Steps Ahead is part of Roskilde’s Musicon quarter, a former industrial area gradually transformed into a cultural neighbourhood. Around Penselstrøget you will find workshops, rehearsal rooms, independent studios and other creative initiatives. The association often collaborates with KunstSmedjen and nearby spaces, so a concert here feels woven into a wider artistic landscape of visual arts, design and performance. The surroundings contribute to the atmosphere: raw brick, repurposed industrial details and flexible stages make the district feel informal and experimental. Before or after a show, you can explore other corners of Musicon, where you may come across rehearsal sound leaking out of a door or a sculpture tucked between converted warehouses.Jam sessions and a close-knit community
Beyond ticketed concerts, Steps Ahead is known for arranging recurring jam sessions. These gatherings open the floor to local musicians, students and visiting players who want to test ideas or simply meet peers. The association’s rhythmic focus means sessions might drift from straight‑ahead swing into fusion, world‑jazz or groove‑based improvisation as the night unfolds. Listeners are welcome even if they do not play themselves. The informal structure of a jam makes it easy to sense how jazz works from the inside: themes are introduced, solos passed around, and ensembles re‑shaped from tune to tune. Over time, these evenings have helped knit together a small but committed community of performers and enthusiasts in Roskilde.Planning your evening with Steps Ahead
As an organiser rather than a fixed seated hall, Steps Ahead uses different venues and formats across the year. Entrance fees vary depending on the artist and production level, but are generally accessible compared with large metropolitan clubs. To make the most of a visit, it is worth checking which venue is hosting on a given night, how seating works and whether the performance is fully acoustic or amplified. Most events are scheduled in the evening, allowing time to combine a concert with a meal in Roskilde or a wander through Musicon beforehand. Expect a relaxed, conversational mood rather than rigid formality: coats on the backs of chairs, musicians chatting with listeners between sets and a sense that everyone present—whether on stage or off—has come primarily for the music.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roskildekrukkerne
1.4 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
1.4 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
1.6 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Sct Hans Have
3.3 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
4.8 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
15.4 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Køge Å
17.3 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Køge Ås
18.3 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
18.6 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
19.4 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
19.5 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
19.8 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
19.8 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Visit
19.9 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Køge Church
19.9 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
Unmissable attractions to see
RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
0.0 km
A dazzling gold rock museum in Roskilde’s Musicon district where immersive sound, bold architecture and youth culture history collide in a full‑volume experience.
Museum of Contemporary Art
0.1 km
Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.
Musicon-bydelen
0.1 km
A former concrete factory reborn as Roskilde’s bold creative district, where architecture, skateparks, art and music fuse into a constantly evolving urban playground.
Roskilde Jars
1.4 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Håndværksmuseet
1.4 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Hestebrønden
1.5 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Skt. Laurentius
1.5 km
Step beneath Roskilde’s central square and up its historic tower for a compact journey through 900 years of church ruins, civic life and city views in one spot.
Helligkors Kilde
1.5 km
Once a famed holy spring and royal water source, Hellig Kors Kilde is now a quiet stone-framed reminder of Roskilde’s deep bond with its life-giving springs.
Stændertorvet
1.5 km
Historic heart of Roskilde where cathedral views, markets and daily city life meet on a broad, atmospheric square framed by shops, cafés and civic buildings.
Byens Hus
1.5 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania
1.6 km
A long, tree-lined Baroque avenue stretching through rural Zealand, guiding travellers in stately symmetry towards the distant silhouette of Ledreborg Palace.
Roskilde Museum
1.6 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Domkirkemuseet
1.6 km
Intimate museum spaces inside Roskilde’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, revealing the hidden stories behind royal tombs, brick Gothic architecture and a millennium of Danish faith.
Roskilde Cathedral
1.7 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Rektorkilden
1.7 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Essential places to dine
Leo’s Wok Café
0.1 km
Cozy Thai eatery in Roskilde’s Musicon district, serving fresh wok-fired curries, noodles and stir-fries inspired by northern Thai home cooking.
Østens Perle
1.1 km
Casual Thai restaurant in Roskilde serving generous, cooked‑to‑order curries, stir‑fries and noodles in a warm, relaxed setting with both dine‑in and takeaway.
Primo Piano
1.1 km
Cosy neighbourhood Italian in Roskilde serving classic pizzas and hearty pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting just a short walk from the historic centre.
Gusto Giusto
1.1 km
Organic-minded Italian fine dining in a tiny Roskilde townhouse, where a Danish–Italian couple serves northern Italian cuisine, careful wine pairings and slow, candlelit evenings.
Sushi2500 Roskilde
1.1 km
Central Roskilde’s contemporary sushi spot, serving classic rolls, playful signatures and vegan options in a relaxed, takeaway‑friendly setting.
King Running Sushi & Wok
1.2 km
Rotating sushi and wok dishes in a spacious, interactive dining experience in central Roskilde.
SOHO Roskilde food·lounge·music
1.3 km
Lively Roskilde hotspot where seasonal comfort food, cocktails and late-night DJ sets come together in one central restaurant, lounge and club space.
Noahs Roskilde
1.3 km
Tech-forward multi-brand dining hub by Roskilde Station, serving app-ordered comfort dishes and takeaway from several virtual restaurant concepts under one roof.
Nua Mama's Secret
1.3 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
1.3 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Burgerkilden
1.4 km
Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
Café A Roskilde
1.5 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Lenes Streetfood
1.5 km
Casual Danish street food served from a cozy kiosk on Roskilde’s historic Stændertorvet square, perfect for a quick, affordable bite between cathedral and city sights.
Cafe Vivaldi
1.5 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Burgerklubben
1.5 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ros Bazar
1.1 km
Bustling local bazaar-style supermarket by Roskilde Station, packed with fresh produce, spices and everyday groceries for a taste of everyday Danish city life.
Vinylfreak
1.4 km
Characterful Roskilde record shop where packed crates, local music stories and thousands of new and used titles turn casual browsing into a slow, satisfying dig.
Perssons Roskilde
1.5 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
1.5 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Inspiration Roskilde
1.5 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Imerco
1.5 km
Bright, well-stocked Danish homeware and kitchen store on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, perfect for practical buys and design-led souvenirs in one easy stop.
Den franske vinhandel
1.5 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Normal
1.5 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Bahne
1.5 km
Scandi-chic fashion, interiors and gifts gathered under one roof on Roskilde’s main shopping street, blending everyday practicality with laid-back Danish style.
Guldfuglen A/S
1.5 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Hobbii
1.5 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Bog & Idé
1.5 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Lili-Marleen
1.5 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
Rud & Vester
1.5 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Zizzi - Roskilde
1.5 km
Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
0.1 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Vinbaren Muicon
0.2 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Charlie Chaplin
0.9 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Roskilde Bodega
1.2 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
28 Live
1.3 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
1.3 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Gullanden
1.4 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Georges Bodega
1.4 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Ruder Konge Bodega
1.4 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
Copé Lounge
1.4 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
1.4 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Klosterkælderen
1.5 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
1.5 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
PAUSE
1.5 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Teatercaféen
2.2 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Roskilde
1.2 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
1.3 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Klubhuset
1.3 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
1.4 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Danseriet
1.5 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Den Dansende Viking
17.0 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
20.4 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
20.4 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
20.4 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Club El Diablo
28.6 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.8 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.4 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
