VERA
For more than 100 years, VERA has been one of the important pillars of Groningen's cultural sector. Looking at the pop temple like this now, you wouldn't immediately say that it had its origins in a reformed student union. Not the least artists have ever taken to the stage here. The combination of history and artists give VERA an almost mythical status.
From reformed student union to pop temple
Veri et Recti Amici. That's what it says above the door as you walk into the premises on Oosterstraat. VERA for short. It is the name of the society founded in 1899 by a group of reformed students and means 'true and sincere friends'. That is where the history of the music temple begins. As a student association for education, friendship and social discussion. Initially only for Reformed students, but from World War II Reformed members were also welcome. It wasn't until 1974 that the doors were truly open to everyone, which was also when the focus increasingly shifted to organising cultural activities and concerts.
The greats of the world
In the early 1980s, policies became more linear and activities were no longer organised by all different groups. Since then, the pop temple has hosted many big names. U2, Nirvana, Elbow and the Editors all came to Groningen before they became world-famous. Guitars were jangled and many a drummer smashed his sticks here. And it still hosts artists who break through to the world's greats. Take for instance in 2016, when Dua Lipa presented herself to the world on stage during Eurosonic. And the rest is history. The bands and the audience here together make for unforgettable evenings.
