Social Scene Costa del Sol 9 - 15 Jan 2025 Issue 2062
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Adam Woodward
THE legendary Tablao Flamenco Marbella is opening the year with more than just the passion and tradition of their spectacular Flamenco shows.
Even at this time of year, the warmth of the terrace bar continues radiating in the heart of Marbella Old Town with paellas and home-made sangria in the sun for lunch before the daily shows begin at 6pm, 7.30pm, 9pm and 10.15pm, when Flamenco dinner evenings are a favourite with both locals and visitors.
Tablao Flamenco Marbella will also be offering some special extras for this year with introductory Flamenco classes and also the opportunity to rent out spaces for private events, such as celebrations, business events, or just fun with friends.
For a truly authentic taste of Spain, ren-
Johnny G’s 90s
THE showman is back a year on from his last big 90s night at the Salon Varietés. Johnny G’s ‘Nothing but the 90s’ show featuring tributes to Robbie Williams and Shania Twain.
Along with his gorgeous backing singers and dancers, Johnny G presents another of his ‘Mixed Tape’ shows of 90s ‘Smash Hits’ including his featured versions of the hits of Robbie Williams and Shania Twain at the Salón Varietés theatre on Saturday, January 11 at 7.30pm.
Johnny G is known as the Costa del Sol Showman with good reason, as his shows are always full of colour, costumes and action. John is also an accomplished actor and has performed at the Salón Varietés Theatre several times since he was 14, memorably as The Pharaoh in Joseph And His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps, among others.
special events
ting spaces for your own events can include home-made paellas for as many guests as requested, wine and cheese tasting, olive oil tastings, a professional ham cutter, and even a professional venenciador who serves sherry the correct way, pouring the delicious drink from on high so as to aerate it for its ideal consumption.
The iconic Tablao Flamenco Marbella is celebrating 60 years in Plaza de la Victoria, Marbella, where the fourth wall is not only opened, but the audience become participants in a close-quarters experience with the performers. There is no stage as the entire space envelopes participants in the sounds, rhythms, and swirling fabrics of dancers. This is an immersive experience in an intimate and entirely one-of-a-kind space.
Tablao Flamenco Marbella, Plaza del Santo Cristo, Marbella. Tel: 681 069 705
Salon Varietes Theatre is located at C. Emancipacion, 30, 29640 Fuengirola, Malaga.
For bookings, head to the website salon varietestheatre.com or call 952 474 542.
The theatre box office is open from 11am until 2.30pm Monday to Friday, and one hour before each performance.
Tablao Flamenco Marbella
Adam Woodward
Misake Mijas
MISAKE, an Asian cuisine experience with garden fresh ingredients in pleasurable surroundings.
With freshness and modernity, Misake offers an unparalleled Asian gastronomic experience in Mijas. The buffet style, in which diners can try house specialities from the most traditional to the most up-to-date culinary creations, all to be savoured in a distinctive and welcoming environment.
Misake is a breath of fresh air in the world of Mijas dining, avoiding all the stereotypes that often accompany Asian cuisine, making it an essential stopover for satisfying anyone’s tastes.
The wide array of choices to combine on their iPad menus, which can filter out dietary allergens and personal preferences to quickly and efficiently find those perfect combinations for
each individual diner, without feeling overwhelmed by the choice. Diners can order up to 10 things at a time, and as the food promptly arrives, Misake’s staff ensure that your dining experience flows smoothly. All of the options are prepared with the highest quality and freshest of ingredients to impress and enjoy the best meal out with friends, family, or colleagues.
The elegant restaurant and beautiful location with a bright and spacious yet cosy dining area, as well as the outdoor terrace with marble tables with a relaxed ambiance, make for a perfect day to unwind at the end of a long week, while the open preparation area enables diners to see their dishes being put together and the careful attention to detail that goes into each one.
Misake has a closed menu, with the possibility of seconds, at a price of just €24.99 for lunch and €29.99 at dinner, making the restaurant one of the most competitive in the area without com-
From Mondays to Sundays:
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promising on the quality and enjoyment of a meal.
As well as an ample selection for main courses, there is also an extensive wine list, home-made desserts, vegetarian dishes, and choices for children, also with special prices for the youngest diners.
Close to the A7 just between Fuengirola and Mijas Pueblo with ample parking, makes Misake an easy choice for any gathering. It’s easy to find with lighting that stands out at night, with a shining staircase that seems to advance the day, and which invites hungry passersby to stop and try the menu.
Know-how and love of fine Asian cuisine shine through at Misake, while experience and the best in customer service are a cornerstone of the business.
Misake can be found at Urb. las Yucas 1, 29650 Mijas 951 512 726 | misakesushi.es
Top Mijas art exhibitions
MIJAS is absolutely bursting with culture, and it’s ready to show you the very
best in local art. With three stunning exhibition spaces scattered across the town, there’s plenty to keep your eyes entertained and your
legs moving.
First up, head to the Museo Histórico Etnológico (House Museum), where history and art collide. Expect paintings, sculptures, photography, and ceramics. You can wander around and enjoy in quiet surroundings. Perfect for a nice, active but relaxing day out.
Winter hours (10am2pm and 4pm - 7pm) and summer timings (10am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm) mean there’s no excuse not to pop by. It’s located at Plaza de la Libertad s/n, Mijas, and for more info, call 952 590 380.
Next, don’t miss the Patio de las Fuentes (Town Hall). Open Monday to Friday from 9am - 3pm, this little gem always has something exciting in store. Find it at Mijas Town Hall, Plaza Virgen de la Peña s/n, Mijas.
Over at Casa de la Cultura de Las Lagunas, the action continues. This lively venue in Mijas Costa welcomes you Monday to Friday from 9am - 1pm and 5pm - 8pm. Drop by at c/ San Valentín s/n and get your art fix.
Finally, swing by the Centro Cultural de La Cala, which is also bursting with exhibitions. Open Monday to Friday, 10am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm, at Boulevard de La Cala s/n.
Costa del Swing
THE Malaga Costa del Swing festival is coming up at the Hotel Sunset Beach in Benalmadena from January 17 to January 19.
This year they are celebrating their sixth annual festival of classic Swing dance and music, charged with energy and passion for dance. Attendees to this now regular Swing festival just love to dance and love good ol’ classic Swing sounds.
In this year’s festival, the focus will be on ‘energy’ as they deliver some great parties, dance wor-
kshops, and quality classic sounds. This year, 19 musicians forming four bands will energise the dance floor. As well at the festival, there will be a programme of sessions and daytime dance activities on the Saturday and Sunday.
Groups include The Sentimental Gentlemen, who play classic Benny Goodman favourites with a repertoire (more than 90 songs) carefully selected and arranged for the community of Lindy Hop and Balboa dancers.
Then there are the Danzad Malditas, who recover, preserve, and
redecorate songs of the Louis Prima era with the danceable sermons of a young Aretha and Nina Simone.
The nine-piece Swing Rascals covering the spirit and taste of the 1930s with a setlist of Benny Goodman and Fats Waller.
After them, The Djangolines, a Manouche Jazz group, evoking the spirit of Django Reinhardt and his contemporaries.
The Costa del Swing festival always sells out. Tickets are available from the website costadelswin gfestival.com
Adam Woodward
Marc Menendez-Roche
Artsenal Inoxis winter art
AFTER a brief closure due to technical difficulties, Alhaurin el Grande’s independent cultural centre, Artsenal-Inoxis, reopens in grand style on Saturday, January 11, with the inauguration of a new collective exhibition and some classic sounds from local rockers, Cellar Band.
Doors open at 7pm for the celebration of the 2025 kickoff exhibition featuring an international lineup of 2D and 3D artists’ works, ready to challenge and mesme-
rise. There is always a lively, sociable atmosphere at the ArtsenalInoxis with entirely original professional artists who have been drawn to the area and Guardalhorce Valley, in particular.
Alhaurin and its surroundings have long been a magnet for artists from all over the world and a hub of creativity, and no place is it more evident than at ArtsenalInoxis group shows.
To accompany the visual art, from 8pm, there will be Cellar Band, reproducing some
Rock’n’Roll favourites to liven up the art lovers.
Artsenal-Inoxis keeps a full bar and serves the best wood-fired ovencooked pizzas in town.
Also, having needed to close down before the Christmas festivities for urgent repair work, the opening of their winter exhibition was therefore delayed, and so Artsenal-Inoxis has carried forward their usual endof-year raffle.
The art begins at 7pm on Saturday, January 11. Artsenal-Inoxis is on Camino de la Reina, Alhaurin el Grande.
Adam Woodward
LUCY AMANS, a comedian, compere, and now stage actor, had a busy year in 2024, bringing professional English-speaking comedic talents to the Costa del Sol, showcasing upcoming comedians, and playing major roles in Salón Varietés Theatre productions in Fuengirola.
EWN: How was working at Salón Varietés?
Lucy: A great experience. First, I auditioned and got the role of Mrs Greer, the head housekeeper in Annie. It was such an honour. Annie has always been my favourite film of all time. I played some other characters too - that of a cabinet member and a down-and-out. It was hectic with all
Funny business
the costume changes and really hot backstage.
EWN: And you’ve just finished panto season too, in Snow White, right?
Lucy: I play the magic mirror. It has been amazing working with everyone. So good to meet and work with Toni and Melissa.
EWN: Are you going to be performing again at the Salón Varietés?
Lucy: Not at the moment. I need to work! I’m really busy.
Lucy’s day job is running her own multi-service company, Amans World.
On Saturday, January 18, Lucy will be returning to La Clave Discoteca in Calle Camilo José Cela 12, Marbella, to host another night of the English Open-Mic Comedy event. And in February, a Stand Up Comedy Spain course by Nik Coppin, in Estepona which will be followed by a live showcase of fresh, new talents.
Credit: Lucy Amans
Adam Woodward
Credit: AI. Facebook.
Killer Rockets at Claddagh
RAPIDLY becoming the most popular rock band on the Costa del Sol, The Killer Rockets are building a huge fanbase and filling out venues wherever they play. The party just gets bigger and louder every time.
The Killer Rockets are due to play next at The Claddagh Irish Bar in Marbella on Friday, January 10, a night of party rock sounds guaranteed to brush off those January blues.
Offering up the best international Rock tunes, both current and some classics from original artists such as Bon Jovi, Muse, The Killers, Kings of Leon, The Cranberries, Backstreet Boys, Green Day, Oasis, Blur, and even, on occasion, Elvis Presley, guaranteeing a perfect party at-
mosphere.
The group is headed by Rocío, who, despite her youth, lavishes talent with her versatile voice and punky guitar chords. Priscila on bass and Alex on drums frame the solid foundation that makes this band groove. Being only a three-piece, they know how to create the ideal atmosphere and get in the thick of it with the audience.
The Claddagh, offering one of the best pints of Guinness around, is as authentic an Irish bar as you’ll find in Marbella with a fun and lively atmosphere.
The Killer Rockets play Claddagh on Friday, January 10. Entry is free, but the bar is not.
Claddagh is on Avenida. Arias Maldonado, 16, Marbella.
Charity sea antics
FOR the 19th year in a row, members of the Benalmadena Ladies Group and Bensl Boys braved the waters of the coast of Benalmadena for their annual sponsored charity New Year dip. All of this was in aid of 4 Paws Adoptions, an animal rescue charity based in Mijas. Nineteen swimmers joined the charity swim all dressed up in fancy dress, something they are accustomed to, as many join the fun Costa del Jive festivals as well, where dressing up is part of the party at-
mosphere.
The mad winter swimmers managed to raise over €1,500 for the animal shelter this year, followed by a warming drink in Westherspains pub in Benalmadena to hand over the donated cash to Stacey Lloyd, who runs 4 Paws Adoptions, and have a warming drink.
Sheila Kearns helps run the Benalmadena Ladies Group, with eight friends. They meet every Thursday at 11am in Café Marco Barrista in Arroyo de la Miel, and al-
though they already have 120 members, they are always ready to welcome more ladies into their group. The guys on this occasion were made up of members of the Bensl Boys group.
The Ladies group organise fundraisers, lunches and evenings out together. Bensl Boys, an offshoot of the ladies group, are all pretty active too: some play walking football, or pétanque or paddle, and the like. Congratulations to both groups on your hilarious fundraising antics.
Credit: Carol Fishwick, FB.
New Year Double Rewards with Sala Group’s ELEVATE Programme
START 2025 with a bang and make your January twice as rewarding! Sala Group’s ELEVATE loyalty programme is offering an unbeatable New Year Double Rewards deal20 per cent cashback on your spending, available Monday to Thursday throughout January.
“This is the ul-
Adam Woodward
timate way to start the year,” says Ian Radford, Chairman of Sala Group. “Our ELEVATE members deserve something special, and doubling their rewards for January is our way of giving back.”
Whether you’re brunching at La Sala Puerto Banus, lounging at La Sala by the Sea, dining at OAK Firehouse & Cocktail, or relaxing at The Clubhouse Marbella, every
GALICIAN rockers Sr Salvaje land in Estepona for one night only on stage at Louie Louie on Friday, January 10.
The Black Crowes, Allman Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd have always been influential on Galician band Sr Salvaje, as have the sounds of Blues, Soul, and Southern Rock.
For the band, the compositions of this music style often stem from confinement, an acoustic guitar, and vocals, with influences from classic rock groups of the 70s.
Sr Salvaje’s first album, ‘Traveller’, was marked by darker songs and denser lyrics, but with their third album, the band plans to explore a little Soul Rock in the line
euro you spend earns you double the perks.
Not an ELEVATE member yet? Joining is quick, free, and full of benefits. Sign up today and enjoy exclusive offers, discounts, and this limited-time 20 per cent cashback offer to start the New Year off right.
Wild rock
of Joe Cocker and Black Crowes, but in principle, it will be an album much more earsplitting.
In recent years, Galician music has been much more influenced by Irish folk and Argentinian Rock. Projects in Galicia have been combining roots music with electronics, Stoner, and Urban Rock with influences of Catalan music. The success of this blend is clear on a national level, and
a huge influence on Sr Salvaje.
On stage, the band comes together perfectly, usually in two phases: the rhythm section is more concentrated and measured, while the solo parts and vocals are relaxed and sexy, requiring the necessary nerve for their style.
Tickets for the event are €11 from the Woutick website. The band goes on stage at 11pm.
Credit:
Sr. Salvaje.
Crazy keyboards
ONE of the best keyboardists on the European Jazz scene, David Helbock, is coming to Torremolinos on Saturday, January 11.
David Helbock, a successful European jazz musician, is stopping off on his tour at Clarence Jazz Club with his trio Random/Control and German singer Fola Dada.
The trio have been playing together for over 16 years and have released three albums together,
while Fola Dada, an innovative artist who fuses different genres in singing, was awarded best singer at the German Jazz awards in 2022.
Helbock has won numerous awards too, including the world-biggest Jazzpianosolo Competition in Montreux 2007 and 2010 and also won the audience prize. In 2011 he was awarded the Outstanding Artist Award of the government of Austria. He has released almost 25 albums under his own name as bandleader. He exclusively plays keyboards and
synthesisers with guests.
With lyricism and taste, Helbock has reinterpreted the music of artists as varied as Hermeto Pascoal, Dave Brubeck, Prince and Joe Zawinul, among others.
The infectiously foot-tapping and funky sounds of David Helbock can be heard at Clarence Jazz Club, Calle Danza Invisible, Torremolinos, on Saturday, January 11, at 10pm. Tickets are available from the box office and range between €20 and €25.
La Sala artisan market
LA SALA Live Lounge in Puerto Banus, the crown jewel of the Costa del Sol, from Saturday, January 11, will begin hosting a weekly fashion and artisan market.
On Saturday, January 11, La Sala, which has garnered immense success over the years, will be opening its doors to Helen Stanley’s Champagne Lifestyle Designer and Artisan Market. The entrance is free, and it runs from 11am to 6pm.
The Helen Stanley-curated Saturday market will again include a wide range of perfect gifts and personal caprices. On Saturday mornings throughout January, from 11am to 5pm, overlooking Puerto Banus harbour, visitors can peruse a wide selection of designer fashion, handmade items, beauty products, jewellery, art, accessories,
and much more. The chilled and swank market is the perfect shopping experience in the beautiful ambiance of one of the most prestigious bars on the coast.
The popularity of Helen’s pop-up markets has gone from strength to strength over the last year and enters 2025 with increasing public interest.
At La Sala, the voguish décor, discerning lighting, and an eclectic and cosmopolitan mix of people create an ambiance that is both sophisticated and welcoming, a perfect blend with the Champagne Lifestyle market.
La Sala Live Lounge can be found at Calle Juan Belmonte, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.
952 814 145 reservations@lasalabanus.com
Credit: HS
Adam Woodward
Credit: David Helbock, FB
AGE CONCERN MARBELLA - San Pedro would like to inform their expat neighbours that they are opening their fifth coffee morning this January.
“This is possible thanks to the wonderful support from our community,” says Steve Marshall of Age Concern.
The new venue is Pandora, Avenida Marques del Duero, San Pedro de Alcantara. Age Concern’s first coffee morning at Pandora will be on Friday, January 31, from 11am to 12.30pm.
Age Concern Marbella - San Pedro run a number of extremely popular coffee mornings at different locations and offer a unique discount scheme that is worth asking about as well, in which a number of local businesses offer a selection of discounts to members.
As well, to start the year sociably well, Age Concern Marbella - San Pedro also offer a range of activities and services at their community centre in San Pedro and regular lunches, day trips and events throughout the year, making joining the group a socially proactive new year’s resolution in the area.
Membership is completely free, and for more information just call or WhatsApp 689 355 198 weekdays from 10am to 6pm. Alternatively, email them on info@ageconcernmarbella.com.
Sharing a little spare time to help another person is a small but powerful gesture because it represents a part of you - which means it is priceless.
ESTEPONA’S Padre Manuel Cultural Centre is showing the 2023 award-winning comedy film ‘The Holdovers’ as part of the Cine-Club international film festival, and entry is free.
The showing is on January 9 at 8pm, when Estepona Council invites residents to watch the American comedy film directed by Alexander Payne, with a screenplay by David Hemingson, starring Paul Giamatti (star of the series Billions), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Dolomite is my Name), and Bafta award nominee, Dominic Sessa, among others.
A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England prep school remains on campus
during Christmas break to babysit a handful of students with nowhere to go. He soon forms an unlikely bond with a brainy but damaged troublemaker and also with the school’s head cook, a woman who just lost a son in the Vietnam War.
The movie won the Oscar for the Supporting Actress (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and two Golden Globes - one for comedy actor (Paul Giamatti) and best supporting actress (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
The film is being shown in English with Spanish subtitles and is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Admission is free until the auditorium is full.
The Padre Manuel Cultural Centre can be found on Calle San Fernando, 2, Estepona.
Freepik
Adam Woodward
Credit: anabelperezh Pinterest
Free lamenco classes
‘LABORATORIO FLAMENCO’, a choreographic, training, and creative workshop that aims to introduce local residents to the tradition and culture of Mijas.
Coordinated by choreographer Virginia Marín, the initiative is divided into five different areas in which flamenco styles will be linked to different emotions. Participants will learn to express their feelings through flamenco, exploring the character, intensity, and passion that cha-
racterise each of the styles.
The five free workshops begin with ‘Emotions y palos del flamenco’ on January 11 and 12; ‘A compás del movimiento’, January 25 and 26; ‘Interpretación del baile flamenco’, February 8 and 9; ‘Nuevo flamenco’, February 22 and 23; and ‘Creación choreographic,’ March 8 and 9.
Each session will take place from 10am to 12.30pm at the Manuel España Theatre. People interested in participating should re-
gister free of charge by calling 952 590 380 or by email to cultura@mi jas.es. It is not necessary to register for all sessions; registrations can be one-offs if you just want to try it out.
The ultimate goal is that participants not only improve their knowledge of flamenco but also acquire a greater emotional and cultural awareness.
Flamenco has been included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the world’s largest cultural institution.
Adam Woodward
MONKEY TENNIS, the well-established and much-loved Costa del Sol band, who are celebrating their silver anniversary and playing at Bonnet Bar in Fuengirola on Thursday, January 9.
The band, formed in 1999 by Michael Dickinson and Stuart Pennington, who already had a long history of performing in Spain.
The original lineup has changed various times over the years, but one of the band’s
Monkey Tennis at Bonnet
co-founders, Michael Dickinson, remains at the forefront.
The band began performing at venues along the coast, including Biddy Mulligans, Sharkey’s, The London Pub, and Moochers Jazz Café.
The current lineup consists of Carl Parry (guitar), Luis Rivas (bass), Bas van de Sant (drums), and Michael (piano and vocals).
The band’s music has veered more towards soul and funk over the years, featuring numbers by KC and the Sunshine Band and Stevie Wonder.
Monkey Tennis, now one of the most dance-worthy groovers on the Costa del Sol, brings the party with their very attendance, and no Thursday can feel like a Friday without Monkey Tennis at the helm.
They are playing Bonnet Bar and Café in Fuengirola harbour on Thursday, January 9, at 10.30pm. Entry is free.
Credit: Gary Lapp,
Café America Trio
THE Smooth sounds of Café América Trio will be premiering their new project at Speakeasy, Fuengirola, on Friday, January 10.
Café América Trio is a refined musical journey through Nouvelle Chanson Française, elegantly intertwined with the warmth of boleros, bossa, and samba.
Featuring Pedro Martinez (guitar), Rodrigo Mendonça (flute), and Constanza Giacomelli (voice), the trio blends rich harmonies with soulful interpretations for an intimate and timeless sound.
Canadian singer Constanza Giacomelli, born in Montreal and based in Spain for the past 15 years, is a highly versatile singer weaving together Nouvelle Chanson Française, Jazz, and Latin rhythms. With a career spanning multiple countries, she is actively involved in various musical projects across Europe, including Constanza Bergen Jazz Project, a quintet based in Norway that blends French ballads with Latin beats.
Constanza’s deep connection to both jazz and Latin American music has shaped her distinctive style, allowing her to captivate audiences with a sophisticated and evocative repertoire. Whether performing in Spain, Norway, or beyond, she continues to bring a unique, poetic voice to the international music scene.
Café America Trio play Speakeasy Jazz Club & Cocktails, Paseo de las Rampas, Fuengirola, on Friday, January 10, at 11.30pm.
Violin
FIDDLERS GREEN is presenting the Costa del Sol’s very own violin virtuoso, Crissie Ryan, on Saturday, January 11.
The highly popular Irish pub in La Cala de Mijas is hosting an evening of symphonic sounds and popular music through violin and vocals. Star behind ‘The Magic of Music’ performed at Salón Varietés in September by the prize-winning violinist and singer, Cristina Ryan,
is playing an evening gig from 9.30pm on Saturday night.
Crissie, a graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music, performs a fusion of symphonic sounds and popular, familiar music and songs.
She allows the audience to experience her very own private musical world through a varied repertoire of old and new that reflects her feelings, inspirations, and influences in life. A musical offering that blends classical
Spikes Bar &
RestaurantJones
virtuosity with refined popular music.
The violinist has played for audiences all over the world, touring throughout Ireland, the UK, Europe, and America. In 2005, she performed as a soloist with the Dublin Youth Symphony Orchestra on their tour, which passed by San Francisco, San Jose, and throughout the rest of California.
Fiddlers Green Irish pub can be found at Calle Cártama 47, in La Cala de Mijas.
