The Cheap In Madrid Blog » Concerts/Music/Going Out

Armstrong & New Orleans Jazz

Carmen — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:00:15 +0000

The jazz cycle organized by the Fundación Juan March each fall in this edition is dedicated to Louis Armstrong and the New Orleans music scene in the '20s, an encounter with the birth of jazz. It was at that place and time when this genre became an elaborate musical art form of considerable sophistication, thanks to the direct influence of innovations devised by Armstrong, considered since then one of the reference figures in the history of jazz. When: Saturday, November 17 @ 12 noon Where: Calle de Castelló, 77. Metro: Nuñez de Balboa. Free.

Bike Rental for 3€

Carmen — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:00:47 +0000

Until December 10. - Enjoy the crisp autumnal days in Retiro Park on two wheels for cheap! A great experience to exercise and see the beauty of Madrid from a different perspective. Don't miss this opportunity! Where: Biciretiro - C/Doctor Castelo, 8. Metro: Ibiza (L9) or Príncipe de Vergara (L2&9). Hours: Monday - Sunday from 10 am - 9 pm. Price: 3 €/ hour. More information: send an email to [email protected]

Home Cinemad

Sheila — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:00:26 +0000

From November 16 to 25, Cinemad is hosting an alternative film festival in Madrid. Cinemad has the keys to ten homes of Madrileños—both native and adopted—who will be opening their doors to film lovers who want to see a different film every night. Each film will be accompanied by a special activity devised by whoever is hosting that night. Hosts will offer their guests a Mexican welcome appetizer, guacamole and a cocktail, courtesy of María Bonita Taco Bar and Alacrán Tequila, who will be giving the hosts a personalized bottle to go with each film. But it’s up to you to make the host open that bottle! The first film, “Ten Little Indians,” will be screened in architect Mariano Martín’s studio on Friday, November 16 at 8:30pm. You can choose what home and film you’re interested in from the list here. If you’d like to join in this unique film experience, first you need to get a Madklub card here. For just €5, this Cinemad card will give you free access to all Cinemad’12 screenings. Then, email them at [email protected] with your full name, the neighborhood you live in, your mobile phone and the home you want to visit. Put the name of the host’s home as the email subject (i.e., CASA DE VERÓNICA). But act fast, because tickets are selling out!

How to Get a Great Introduction to Spanish Tapas

Sheila — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:00:37 +0000

Here in Madrid, SANDEMANs is probably best known for their free walking tours, which have long been a staple for local guiris who want to take visitors around their adopted city. However, they also offer a number of alternative tours, including a Tapas Tour and a Pub Crawl Tour. Being a foodie, I decided to check out their “Tapas Experience” tour one afternoon, to see what all the buzz was about. The tour started at a pleasant tapas bar in Opera, right in the heart of Madrid’s historic district. The first thing we did was go around introducing ourselves. There was quite a mix of visitors there: some Australians, a German girl, a Mexican guy, a few Americans…even a Spaniard came along. For most of them, it was their first time in Madrid. Our tour guide, O.D., spoke both English and Spanish, but as most of us were native English speakers, we all chatted in English most of the time. Since a few of them had already been on the free tour, they had heard the story of the origin of tapas, so they were able to explain it to the rest of us. Then the food and drinks came out. On this tour, we could choose beer, wine or sangria. At first I ordered sangria, which is a must for any visitor to Spain. It was plenty sweet, just the way it should be. When I later switched to wine, I was pleasantly surprised to see them bring out a nice bottle of Rioja. A lot of the conversations revolved around food, which was handy for first-time visitors because they got tips on what to try and where to eat. It was made clear to everyone that they couldn’t leave Madrid without sitting down for a hearty dish of cocido! The walk between bars was pleasant, and the streets were packed. The route wound through some of Madrid’s most famous districts, including Puerta del Sol, Lavapiés, Embajadores (where the Rastro flea market is held) and of course La Latina, which is probably Madrid’s most popular area to tapear in. Along the way, O.D. pointed out historic buildings and told us a few stories about Spanish history. In fact, that was first time I’d ever heard of why the famous Rastro flea market is called Rastro. Let’s just say, the origin of the name isn’t very appetizing, so I won’t describe it here! You’ll have to ask O.D. At one of the stops, bar owner Raul gave us a thorough introduction to some of the more typical Spanish tapas. He’s the third generation to run his family-owned bar, so he knows a thing or two about the subject. Raul stressed that he is especially proud of the sauce they make for their patatas bravas, which he says was his grandmother’s recipe. I tried it and it’s indeed worth bragging about. Besides bringing visitors through the most emblematic parts of the city, the tour seemed to be designed to introduce people to the widest range of Spain’s foods. As Raul put it, when you eat a full meal, you only get to taste one dish, but when you go out for tapas, everyone pools their money and gets to dig in and try more stuff. By the end of the tour, visitors had tried a wide variety of Spanish specialties, which of course included jamón. There were even options for the vegetarian in our group, who got to sample some lovely cheeses and salads. Everyone stayed after the tour officially finished, and by the end of the night, emails were exchanged and promises were made to meet up later in Madrid or elsewhere. All in all, I had a great time sampling tasty finger foods around Madrid.

Halloween Parties in Madrid

Sarah — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:16:09 +0000

Sala Lujuria, located on calle Leganitos 7, will be hosting a Halloween party with free entrance until 1am after which it is €10 with a drink. The following acts: Ruben G MadBass , 1st Degree HDK, Nubdub, HDK and Skaar HDK will also be perfoming. Club Kapital will host Halloween parties on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday featuring the passage of horror. Revellers will be entertained by new resident DJ´s Alexander Som and Luiggi Nieto. Entrance is free before 01:30am if you get on the list here and also by calling 622565583. Early arrival from midnight on recommended. Juliet Cocktail & Lounge Bar is also hosting a Halloween and inauguration party at Sala Zen located on calle San Lorenzo 9 in Chueca. Cocktails will be on special with Mojitos,Piña Coladas and Margaritas going for 1x€6 and 2x€10!Find more info here. Areia Chill Out is hosting a Halloween Party called Voodo Nights with themed decorations as well as zombie waiters. The best dressed Halloween costumes revellers will win prizes and those who either show up in Halloween costumes or bring a print out of this flyer get a free drink. The trendy ParisTokyo in Chueca, will host a Mexican influenced Halloween party. To attend, register yourselves in this site.

Free Classical Music Concerts Every Sunday

Carmen — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 09:55:56 +0000

Beginning this Sunday, October 28th, the Fundacion Canal is hosting a series of Classical Music concerts on every last Sunday of the month until June 2013. These concerts are well attended and take place at 19:30. Be sure to arrive at most one hour ahead to find seating. Located on Calle Mateo Inurria, 2 (metro: Plaza de Castilla) Click here for a complete schedule of these free classical music concerts

Standup and Improv in English

Sheila — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:47:56 +0000

JAJAHA! English comedy is on again this Thursday, 25 October, at 10:00pm at El Bar de Yllana (Calle Pez, 40 – metro: Noviciado.) The show features standup routines and improv in English. Tickets, which can be bought only at the door, cost €6 and include one drink (beer, wine or soda)

Durga: Free Indian Dance Performance

Carmen — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 06:00:15 +0000

Saturday, October 20 @ 8:30pm - Durga meaning "the invincible" is the mother goddess of Hinduism, depicted with multiple arms, carrying various weapons and riding a ferocious lion or tiger, often pictured slaying demons, the ultimate example of the women's liberation. The show "Durga" which will present the dance company Sohinimoksha, aiming to showcase and celebrate the power of women and the true flavor of India. Museo Nacional de Antropología, Calle de Alfonso XII. Metro: Atocha-Renfe. Early arrival is highly recommended. Limited seating. Tickets handed out @ 7pm in museum's box office. 2 tickets per person.

Comedy This Week

Sheila — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 08:55:21 +0000

If you’re looking for some standup comedy in Madrid this week, you are in luck! British comedian Charly Taylor will be at Studio 29 (C/Bretón del los Herreros – metro: Ríos Rosas) this Thursday at 11pm, performing in Spanish. On Sunday, you can catch Rich Hall doing standup in English at 8:30pm at Teatro Alfil

Weekend of Latin American Rhythms

Carmen — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 06:00:36 +0000

For several years, around October 12, Casa de America organizes the important associative Latin American migrant communities a holiday in which different groups of music and dance of each of the associations show us the best its folklore. Go on a musical journey through several Latin American countries, with the participation of over 150 artists and more than 15 associations, which show the most important dances of traditional music. Saturday, October 13: Peru, Chile, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico Sunday, October 14: Ecuador, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Colombia, Paraguay, Bolivia Time: 17.00 to 20.30 Location: Casa América. Amphitheater Gabriela Mistral. Plaza de la Cibeles, 2. Metro: Banco de España. Free. Early arrival is highly recommended to ensure seating.