Madrid Weekend Roundup

It’s difficult to find motivation during weekends right in the middle of the “dog days” of August, especially if you’re stuck in Madrid while everyone else is out and about on their summer vacations.  With that in mind MAP is going to provide you with a few options that won’t break your budget and that you can find right here in Madrid, just a little something to get you by until the city comes back to life.

First, if you haven’t checked out the Circulo de Bellas Artes open rooftop views, then you must head over to the CBA immediately to see the spectacular views of Madrid.  The Veranos de la Villa music series is winding down, which hosted a slew of performances including the Blues Brothers founding member Lou Marini performing with the blues/jazz duo Red House.  Also in the Veranos de la Villa line up is STOMP, which is still playing at Teatro Coliseum.  If relaxation is what you want, then head over to Retiro park for some FREE yoga and meditation sponsored by the group LGTB BuHo.  In Retiro at “El Huerto del Francés” from 19:00 p.m. until 21:30 p.m. enjoy yoga for the first hour and then meditation to close it out.  There are still some great outdoor movie series going on right now, Veranos de La Villa sponsors two of them and the other is Cine de Verano brought to us by the Comunidad de Madrid.  This weekend you can catch some great flicks such as:  Doubt, The Curios Case of Benjamin Button, Up in the Air, Inglorious Bastards, The Lovely Bones, A Serious Man and many more.  And don’t forget about the celebrations this Sunday for the Virgin of Paloma in La Latina.

Hopefully this will help guide you through the weekends hot weather and empty streets.

By Coleman File

August ConcertMAP

As we all know, Madrid in August is just not the place to be; the heat is unbearable, the locals all head for the beach, students go home and venues shut down for the month.  With that in mind we here at MAP won’t waste your time with a paper-thin list of concerts in August.  Instead, we’ll be looking ahead at some big name concerts that have recently been announced and give you a preview of what to look for when you get back from partying in Ibiza.  So have a look at your August ConcertMAP featuring the top 5 upcoming shows to close out the 2010 live music scene in Madrid:

#1

Arcade Fire 11/20 – Palacio de Deportes:  I hesitate to use too many phrases like “can’t miss” and “must see” but the truth is there won’t be a better concert to come to Madrid in the entire year.  On August 3^rd the Arcade Fire is set to release, The Suburbs, one of the most anticipated rock albums in recent memory and their first in over three years.  The notoriously illusive group has only set a select few concert dates so far and it just so happens that Madrid has made this exclusive list, so don’t find yourself left out.

#2

Sting w/the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 10/30 – Palacio de Deportes:  The iconic figure that is Sting joins forces with London’s Royal Philharmonic for the appropriately named Symphonicity tour. The goal of the collaboration is not just a simple rehashing of Sting’s classic tunes but a complete orchestral update giving each song a new life.  The Royal Philharmonic may be one of the few names that can compare with that of Sting’s and seeing how the two come together on-stage promises to be a truly great concert.

#3

MGMT 12/17 – La Riviera:  After their successful debut album, Oracular Spectacular, which included some of the liveliest dance-rock tracks you’ll find, MGMT changed gears with 2010’s Congratulations.  Topping their anthemic dance floor tunes “Kids”, “Time to Pretend” and “Electric Feel” might have been nearly impossible so the duo of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden opted to go back to their musical roots for their sophomore project.  While the change most likely shocked some fans, it might have been better than trying to top the songs which drove the dance floors in 2008 (and still do) and at the same time it expands the group’s musical base.  Trying to dissect these two musically may be difficult but their concert offers you a chance to get a look at one of the most popular groups touring today.

#4

Interpol 11/13 – Palacio Vistalegre:  As one of the pioneers of the early 2000s rock scene in New York, Interpol may seem like yesterdays news but rather than ride off into the musical sunset the group is set to release its fourth album, Lights, on September 7^th.  Accordingly, the group has embarked on a huge world tour that, thankfully, will be passing through Madrid.

#5 Tie

Elton John 10/02 & Lady Gaga 12/12 – Palacio de Deportes:  These two tied for the final spot based on name alone and their somewhat similar flamboyance.  While Lady Gaga is easily the most recognizable face in pop music today, Sir Elton has held that distinction for some time and the two concerts offer you a chance to see how musical tastes have evolved over the years.  Elton is teaming-up with long time friend and collaborator Ray Cooper for a recreation of their incredible 1970s tours.  Gaga is taking full advantage of her insurmountable popularity with a series of large scale gigs dubbed the Monster Ball tour.  The veteran chart topper and pop star of the moment will both be coming to Madrid and their tickets promise to sell out fast.

There are also a number of honorable mentions that could have made the list, but this is a look at the biggest names that will be passing through Madrid to help close out one of the best years in live music that Madrid has ever seen.  You’re most likely out on the road for August, but when you get back make sure to book your tickets for these shows and have a final look at MAP ’s list of music festivals as we head into August and close out the summer.

Music in Madrid: Corinne Baily Rae

Looking for something to do this Thursday? Why not get yourself to Miss Corinne Bailey Rae’s Jazz-Blues concert? The venue, Lope de Vega, is situated on one of Madrid’s most bustling streets, Gran Vía. The classic Spanish theatre takes a break from drama during the summer months, which is why the lovely Corinne will sing there on the 22nd.  Hailing from the UK, the soul singer is relatively new to the World of Jazz & Blues, with her first album making its (successful) debut in 2006. Within a matter of months, she was on American Top 20 music lists and had a large following in the UK.

Corrine Baily Rae’s second album, The Sea, marks her decision to construct her career for herself and by herself. Having avoided contracts with and influence from mainstream record labels, Baily Rae’s music is recorded by friends and only feature musicians who she personally knows. Her songs consist of original lyrics which she says act as her diary. Although her voice is sweet, the mark she’s making on the world of music is incredibly strong. With a spark of Billie Holliday’s spirit and a touch of Erykah Badu’s spunk, Corrine Baily Rae has fully established herself as a successful, powerful and wholesome musician. If you’re interested in going, you better buy tickets online –as the show is expected to be a full house. For more summer concerts, click here.

When: Thursday, July 22^nd at 21 h.
Where: Teatro Lope de Vega
Address: Gran Vía, 57
Cost: 30 Euro online or at venue.
Metro: Callao, Santo Domingo, Plaza de España, Gran Vía

By Chloe Nash

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July 2010 Concerts in Madrid

Your monthly live music preview in Madrid is surprisingly jam packed with a number of outstanding shows driven in part by the live music series Veranos de la Villa and capped with some other nice surprises.  Normally, July is a month where you find bands on their summer music festival tours and don’t get so many performances in one city.  However, this month’s live music line-up in Madrid features a diverse mix of musicians which is sure to offer something for everyone, so have a look at your July ConcertMAP:

Jeff Tweedy 7/7 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  The leader of one of indie rock’s most successful groups, Wilco, brings his solo tour to Madrid for one of the highlights of the Veranos de la Villa music series.

Sonisphere 7/9 & 7/10 – Getafe Open Air:  Half of heavy metal’s big four, Slayer and Megadeath, join Faith No More, Rammstein, Alice in Chains and many more for a two-day mayhem inducing outdoor music festival. Click here for tickets.

Devendra Banhart 7/10 – Joy:  In addition to being one of the most outlandish characters in today’s music scene Banhart produces some of the most engaging psych-folk tunes you’ll find.

Bela Fleck 7/14 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  Legendary banjo god, Bela Fleck, is coming to town with an all-star collaboration project featuring the likes of Zakir Hussai, Edgar Meyer and Richard Bona for a can’t miss show.

Morcheeba 7/14 – Sala Hieneken:  This London trio is back together again after the long absence of key vocalist Skye Edwards and is on tour in support of their just released seventh album, Blood Like Lemonade. To buy tickets click here.

The Wailers 7/15 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  If the name alone doesn’t do it for you then reggae music probably isn’t your thing.  The popularity of this group is evidenced by this 40^th anniversary tour, so don’t miss the chance to catch these pioneers of reggae music.

Youssou N’Dour 7/16 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  This Senegalese artist is one of the most well known international names in African music and his performances of the local music known as Mbalax are a rare treat.

Erykah Badu 7/17 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  Hip-hop/R&B superstar Erykah Badu comes to town in support of her latest album, New Amerykah Part Two.

Johnny Winter 7/19 – Joy:  Pushing 70 years old and still going strong, the man can still pick it with the best of them.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart 7/21 & 7/22 – Teatro Lara:  A rare chance to catch a live music show at one of Madrid’s most beautifully kept theatres.  The Pains’ easy to like pop tunes should be a perfect match for the venue and provide us with a listen to one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2009.

Mark Eitzel 7/21 – Moby Dick:  Eitzel has some of the most lauded vocals and lyrics around and he’ll be stopping though Madrid on his tour that features Marc Capelle and Franz Nicolay at his side.

Elvis Costello 7/22 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  Arguably one of the greatest singer/songwriters still on tour today, his career spans more than thirty years and the opportunity to catch a living legend of Costello’s stature doesn’t come around very often.

Herbie Hancock 7/25 – Escenario Puerta del Ángel:  The multiple Grammy award-winning Jazz virtuoso is yet another stand-out performance in this years’ Veranos de la Villa music series.

Pink Martini 7/27 – Teatro Lope de Vega:  This large musical ensemble act features a bit of everything in their performances and is touring in support of their newest release, Splendor in the Grass.

Vivian Girls 7/28 – Moby Dick:  This trio of ladies from Brooklyn will take the stage as part of Moby Dick’s “Bands to Watch” series as they have already garnered much attention from music critics and fans.

Mark Knopfler 7/29 – Las Ventas (Plaza de los Toros):  The former Dire Straits frontman and one of the greatest guitarists in history will take the place of the matadors on this night. Click here for tickets.

Something for the Jazz connoisseur. Check. Guitar legends. Double-check. Bluegrass idol. Check. Heavy Metal and then some Reggae – big check. Neo-Soul. Check. Okay you get the picture. This month offers an option for every musical taste under the sun so if you’re still in Madrid start making plans now.  However, if you’re going to be out and about traveling or are looking for an excuse to do so check out MAP’s updated list of summer music festivals.

By Coleman File

5-Euro Series of Senegalese Reggae Concerts

The Senegalese band The Thiandoum Brothers will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Senegal’s independence in Madrid’s Sala Siroco, a popular venue known for its reggae, hip hop and world music. The club always attracts a young and lively crowd and the Thiandoum Brothers’ series of three concerts is sure to provide a night full of boogying. The band will play at Siroco for the next three Thursdays, the most happening night at Siroco. Their music is an explosive mix of European and African instruments that makes the hips and shoulders of anyone within earshot start swinging and swaying.

The reggae band dates back to 1995 when seven brothers decided that their hometown, Dakar, needed a little local afro-beat to spice things up. The group is now a regular at the Bob Marley Memorial Day Carnival, Concerts for Peace in Casamance, the Women against AIDS Celebration, and many other African Festivals with humanitarian causes. Their good hearts also reflect in their enlightening lyrics; many of their songs are about the glut of social and political problems in Africa. One of the members, ‘Baobab’ Thiandoum comments that “We have acquired the culture of our country and want to transfer it to future generations…educating the people’s consciousness.” For an un-signed band, they’ve reached the pinnacle of success, with a huge following not only in Senegal but also throughout Europe, as this concert series confirms. If you’re looking to get your groove on, there is no better concert in Madrid to attend. For five euros, you will get your bang for your buck (or this case, your Euro) AND a free beer.

When: June 24^th, July 1^st, July 8^th at 22:00 p.m.
Where: Sala Siroco
Address: Calle de San Dimas, 3
Metro: Noviciado
Cost: 5 euros, which also includes a beer

By Chloe Nash

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El Día de La Música: 2-Day Music Festival in Madrid

For all you music lovers out there, you’re in for a treat. One of Madrid’s most noted music venues, La Sala Heineken, will offer a 2-day music festival on June 20th and 21st. The program boasts an impressive collection of young and emerging bands from all over Europe such as Delorean, Fanfarlo, The xx, Daily Bread, Hola a Todo el Mundo and more. The venue is Teatro Circo Price and the concerts will be held on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 23:30 p.m. and in the evening Monday from 19:00 p.m. until 23:00 p.m.

On Sunday, June 20^th, the concerts are free (with limited capacity) until 19:00 p.m. From this time and on, you will need to buy a ticket (10-15 euros) to see the last 3 bands, as they have the biggest followings.

On Monday, June 21^st, there will be a music market in Teatro Circo Price from 12:00 p.m. (free admission) until the concerts start at 19:00 p.m., which will require a 10-15 euro ticket.

If your ears need a break from all the merry music-making, check out the nearby Casa Encendida, a contemporary art center, which is pairing up with the event and hosting related conferences and a photo exhibition both days of the festival.

The lectures and exhibitions at the Casa Encendida are also free, but with limited capacity as well. First come first serve – spaces cannot be held in advance. On Monday from 12:00 p.m. – 17:00 p.m. there will be 5 lectures, all one-hour-long, with thought-provoking topics ranging from the image of indie music to an academic vision of current and future music festivals. Diego A. Manrique, distinguished journalist and music critique, has coordinated these lectures. The photo exhibition at the Casa Encendida will be open (free admission) from 10:00 a.m. until 21:45 p.m. both days of the festival.

For a complete listing of the concerts and events, as well as the option to buy tickets for certain parts of the festival, click here.

One must be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult to enter any event in the festival.

By Chloe Nash

Madison Cano Lights Up The Stage at Escalera de Jacob

Madison Cano continues to spread the sweet sounds of her powerful folk-pop music and is returning to La Escalera De Jacob tonight, Wednesday, June 16th.  With an ever-growing base of loyal followers, each gig merely helps to add more fans to the “I like Madison Cano” list. With a voice that wows the audiences and lyrics that captivate the crowds, even the most rambunctious of rowdy Madrileños can´t help but be silenced by Cano´s music. Head down early to ensure getting a good seat.

La Escalera De Jacob
Calle de Lavapiés, 11
Date: June 16th 2010
Time: 20:30 onwards
Entrance: 8 euros

By Tom Burgess

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Rooftop Rhythms: Summer Jazz Concert Series

As if there isn’t already enough going on at Círculo de las Bellas Artes, you have yet another reason to check out one of Madrid’s most fruitful venues for the arts. Jazz Círculo, a summer program founded in 2007 to emanate the Jazz Clubs of New York, Paris and London, consists of successful and creative jazz bands. On an almost-weekly basis until the end of July, an evening concert will illuminate la azotea (the roof) of Bellas Artes. The venue itself is incredible. The open-air space is cool at night and offers beautiful vistas of Historic Madrid. Needless to say, if its been pouring all day, your concert is probably canceled, or rescheduled, so be sure to contact Círculo de las Bellas Artes.

Concert Schedule:
All Concerts start at 22:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 19th
Albert Villa Quintet was founded by Barcelonan musician Albert Villa in 2006. A year after its formation it was already a noted group with an album, Foreground Music (Fresh Sound Records), and a prize from the Debajazz Contest. Spanish jazz-enthusiasts consider Villa one of the post prominent jazz guitarists. This is definitely distinguished music in the world of Catalan Jazz.

Friday, July 2nd
The Larry Martin Band is one of the most noted and recognized band in the jazz-blues world of Spain. The band’s music has a large capacity to communicate emotion.  The lead singer, Yoio Cuesta, has incredible energy, as do the others – critics have noted that the members of band are all musicians who shine both on their own, and in a group setting. Larry Martin, the drummer and leader since 1996, works towards creating a collective community through his music.

Saturday, July 10th
The Flow could potentially attract a younger crowd. Hailing from Austria, The Flow is a lively and talented group. Their music gently asks the listener to go with The Flow and submit to their melodic rhythms and spontaneous improvisation (sometimes with a rock-feel, and always full of freshness). Wolfgang Muthspiel, renowned Austrian jazz guitarist with his own record label says that, “Some of the brightest lights of the rich young jazz scene in Austria have formed a collective, The Flow, whose path we follow with great expectations.“

Friday, July 16th
The VVG Trío
(Vansina-Verbruggen-Gudmundsson Trío)
Since the start, this Belgium-based band has strived to create its own sound, which is a tuneful merging of classic beats, its own compositions and loose improvisation. Little by little since the group’s birth in 2005, they have taken off in the world of jazz improvisation with a musical simplicity that is almost overwhelming. It is the temperament of their style and the members’ collective understanding for music that makes them stand out. They throw themselves into their improvisation with what they themselves describe as “nerve and knowledge. ”

Where: Círculo de Las Bellas Artes
When: June  19th-July  16th, 2010
Cost: 15 euros, 12 euros with Socio
Metro: Sevilla or Banco de España

By Chloe Nash

Bailes Modernos Music Festival

Madrid will be home to various festivals this weekend, including a lesser known, but still ambitious Bailes Modernos. This music festival is purely about the music, there are no sponsorships and the bands do not make a profit from this event, they are only there to perform their art.

The headliners and co-founders of the event, Secret Society, will be performing along with other up and coming bands. This is the most personal project to date for Brian Hunt, a versatile musician who will perform acoustic songs from his first album, “ I lost my glasses”. On Friday, June 4th, Hunt will be followed by the high-octane garage band Impala and Adelaide. Saturday, June 5th,  will feature The Secret Society, the folkrock band Red Lights and Brandauer, a hard pop band.

Dj Janeasaispop will round off the night on Saturday and Dj Leyla will close off the festival on Saturday night. Tickets are 6 Euros, or you can buy a weekend pass for 10 Euros.

Fotomatón Bar
Plaza del Conde De Toreno 2
Metro: Plaza de España or Noviciado

By Alondra Palomino

June 2010 Concerts in Madrid

June means the arrival of summer, and summer means festivals and outdoor music; as such your live music outlook for the month of June in Madrid features several stadium gigs from big time headliners right at your front door. Even with the focus on the big name groups coming to town, there are still a few small shows worth checking out. So take a look at the June ConcertMAP for our preview of the best bets in concerts this month in Madrid.

The Ruby Suns 6/3 – La Casa Encendida: All the way from New Zealand this indie-pop group has had a quiet string of success throughout their career. They’ll be stopping by La Casa Encendida on their current tour in support of their latest release, Flight Softly.

John Mayer/Bon Jovi 6/4 – Rock in Rio: Kicking off the Madrid leg of the 2010 edition of Rock In Rio will be the guitar prodigy John Mayer as he makes his first ever appearance in Spain. Also, one of the most successful 80s bands of all time, Bon Jovi, will be present giving us a chance to belt out their greatest hits live instead of at the local bar like always.

Jane’s Addiction/Cyprus Hill/Rage Against the Machine 6/11 – Rock in Rio: This might be the most complete day that Rock in Rio has to offer, with long time alt rockers Jane’s Addiction, Cyprus Hill’s party starting anthems and Rage’s unmistakable sound.

Muse/Big Pink/Editors 6/16 – Estadio Vicente Calderón: An excellent trio of rockers will take over the Atletico de Madrid stadium for a day of great music. Art-rockers Muse have been advertised as the headliners for some time now, but the addition of the other two groups is what makes this a truly great ticket. The Editors are back in Madrid for the second time this year and the Big Pink will give Spaniards their first taste of what was one of the hottest bands of 2009.

Kiss 6/22 – Palacio de Deportes: Long tongues, lots of make-up and black leather, wild hair and of course rock’n’roll all night long. The 70s rockers are still going strong and will make an appearance, giving us a chance to chant along with their unforgettable rock tracks. For Kiss tickets click here.

Crowded House 6/25 – Sala Heineken: A second Australian/New Zealand act in the same month brings one of the most successful groups to come from this part of the world, who are now on their second go-around behind the impetus of leader Neil Finn.

Laurent Garnier 6/27 – Goa: For its “Closing Party” Goa is bringing one of the all-time great DJs to the stage as Laurent Garnier will be headlining an all night party that’s sure to bring out a big crowd.

Chris Isaack 6/29 – Palacio de Congresos: Driven by his early work being featured on the soundtracks from a pair of David Lynch movies, Chis Isaack has enjoyed an almost immediate rise to fame. From his early work on, Isaack has produced some of the most memorable singles in recent rock history.

If you’re going outdoors don’t forget to hydrate and bring sunscreen, but also don’t miss the opportunity to catch some of these legendary acts who are bound to create an epic concert experience. For more information on rock music festivals around Spain click here.

By Coleman File