2 OCTOBER 2012
MADRID IN ENGLISH
XXVIII Halloween Party Wednesday, October 31st at midnight
Tue-Thu 21:00-3:00 Fri-Sat 21:00-3:30
Pool Tables Pinball
4 SCENE What’s new in town
5 MADWORLD Top Ten List: Make the most of your Halloween costume, Fairy Tales, Curiosity Shop
6 GRANNIES KNOW BEST The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers visit Madrid
6 THE RHYTHM AND THE REFERENDUM “Rock the Vote” takes its first step outside the USA to the Spanish capital
7 A FIGHT TO REMEMBER? Four extranjeros confess their bullfight experiences
8 TAKE FIVE This month’s best film releases
8 GOOD GRIFO Intruso Bar
8 CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS October gigs—Bon Iver, Leonard Cohen and The Tallest Man On Earth
THIS MONTH: WIN LUNCH FOR TWO AT photo EL ESTRAGÓN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT OR A TRIP FOR
8 FOR THE RECORD
competition
This month’s album reviews—The xx, and David Byrne & St Vincent
9 NIGHTLIFE 10 MONTH AHEAD: ART & THEATRE Where to go and what to see
10 THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS A visit to international foodstore Sabores del Mundo
10 THE LENS AND THE LYRICS An exhibition of Irish landscape photography and the music of Track Dogs
11 UNIVERSAL SUCCESS Interview with leading Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz
12 SIX OF THE BEST Apps that you’ll appreciate to get to know Madrid
Quieres anunciar en InMadrid? Email us! ¡Escribenos! marketing@in-madrid.com or Call us! ¡Llamanos!
618 434 067 MADRID IN ENGLISH
ad index BARS/CLUBS
AREÍA, p7
PICNIC, p9
O’NEILL’S, p2
TABERNA CHICA, p9
JOB OFFERS
TUPPERWARE, p9
See Service Guide, p13-15
INTRUSO BAR, p11 TEMPLO DEL GATO, p3
DENTISTS
RESTAURANTS See Restaurant Guide, p12
LANGUAGE SERVICES
WORLD FOOD
See Service Guide, p12-15
SABORES DEL MUNDO, p11
AZUARA DENTAL CLINIC, p3
PUBS
CISNE DENTAL, ENGLISH DENTIST, p9
IRISH ROVER, p5
TWO ON THE MADRID TELEFÉRICO CABLE CAR RIDE
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The best club nights in October, plus listings
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Eugenia Badillo, in Chichen Itza (Mexico), catching up on all the best back home during her Honeymoon. Congratulations Eugenia!
PUBLISHED BY: CITYSCOPE S.L. (UNIPERSONAL) MANAGING DIRECTOR: NICK HAUGHTON • EDITOR: JEFF WISEMAN • DESIGN: KNIC • MARKETING AND SALES: marketing@in-madrid.com • ADMIN: ELENA ORTIZ • DISTRIBUTION: THE DARK RIDER • ART: KELLY RUMMEL • MUSIC (REVIEWS): RUSSELL PARTON • MUSIC (GIGS): FAYE HARRISON • NIGHTLIFE: RICHARD LEWINGTON • SCENE: VICKY KNILL & JANE PLEGGE • THEATRE: POLLY ACKROYD • INTERNS: LAURA STEPHENS, HANNAH COWDREY, VICKY KNILL, POLLY ACKROYD, ALEXANDRA SHEFFIELD, KELLY RUMMEL, JANE PLEGGE, LAURA TABOR • THANKS TO: NICK FUNNELL • WEBMASTER: KNIC • PRINT: IMCODAVILA Views expressed in InMadrid are the opinions of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. Although we make every effort to quote the correct prices and opening hours for establishments mentioned in the magazine, it is possible some may have changed since we went to press. All advertisements are published in good faith. InMadrid cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions in individual ads or accept responsibility for work, service or goods. InMadrid is published by CityScope SL (unipersonal), c/Marqués de Valdeiglesias, 6-4ºA — 28004 Madrid. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. D.L.: M-11696-96.
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OCTOBER 2012
3
scene
■ BY VICKY KNILL AND JANE PLEGGE
Check out the Feria del Libro Viejo y Antiguo (The Old Book Fair) in Paseo de Recoletas, from Plaza de Cibeles, until 14 October.
The Art of Hard Rock
Frankenweenie: la exposición Fans of Disney, animation, or anyone interested in taking a behind-the-scenes look into the making of a Tim Burton production should visit Frankenweenie: la exposición, at El Centro Conde Duque de Madrid from 29 Sept until 6 Oct. The movie debuts in cinemas on 11 Oct, telling the story of a boy who brings his beloved dog back to life through a science experiment. Attendees of the exhibition will gain access to exclusive images from the film and insider knowledge of the ideas behind the tale. There’s also a learning opportunity, as visitors can see how Burton’s artistic vision and original sketches come to life through the process of “stop-motion” technology. Frankenweenie: la exposición. El Centro Conde Duque de Madrid, C/Conde Duque, 9-11 (Metro: Ventura Rodríguez/Plaza de España/San Bernado/Noviciado). Tel: 91 480 04 01. Free. 29 Sep-6 Oct.
El universo de la moda Jean Paul Gaultier. De la calle a las estrellas Don’t be alarmed if the mannequins at this exhibition start talking to you—they are being used to display the work of iconic and controversial French designer Jean Paul Gaultier in a tour which comes to Madrid this month. The English title is The Fashion World
An exhibition of 40 original works of art by rock stars such as John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Elton John, with Joaquín Sabina representing Spain, comes to Madrid’s Hard Rock Café this month. With portraits, sketches and album art, among other works, the exhibition looks to connect alternative artistic expression with the psyche and persona of countless rock legends. Also on display are Venetian masks painted for the Madrid show by Spanish celebrities including Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Bosé and Sergi Arola, which will be sold in aid of the Mucho X Vivir programme of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (aecc) and also for Pinktober (Hard Rock’s campaign for breast cancer awareness). The Art of Hard Rock, Hard Rock Café, Paseo de la Castellana, 2 (Metro: Colón). Tel: 91 436 43 40. Mon-Sun, 12.30pm-2am. Free. 17 Oct-4 Nov.
Teatro Valle-Inclán: Una mirada del mundo The Centro Dramático Nacional, Spain’s equivalent of the UK’s National Theatre, is presenting a series of five plays in its programme Una mirada del mundo (A Look at the World), starting on 24 October. The first of these, Forests (24-28 Oct), is in English and Catalán, with subtitles in Spanish, and is a coproduction between the CDN, Barcelona Internacional Teatre and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company. The play is based on the multiple references to forests in the work of
Shakespeare (including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King Lear, Macbeth and As You Like It), and tells of a journey, in three stages, through paradise, purgatory and hell, drawing a parallel with Dante’s Divine Comedy. The guiding hand of director Calixto Bieito will show that the forest can be a place for escape, punishment, imprisonment, warmth or redemption. The following productions include Checkov’s Las tres hermanas (Three Sisters; 1-4 Nov) in Russian with Spanish subtitles. Una mirada del mundo, Teatro Valle-Inclán, Plaza de Lavapiés, s/n (Metro: Lavapiés/Embajadores). Tel: 91 505 88 01. 24 Oct-17 Nov. See http://cdn.mcu.es/index.php/es
International Short Film Festival at La Boca del Lobo of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, and Gaultier himself has long been hailed as one of the most significant fashion designers of our time. Andy Warhol once proclaimed that “the way people dress today is a form of artistic expression…Art lies in the way the whole outfit is put together. Take Jean Paul Gaultier, what he does is really art.” As well as the loquacious dummies, the show includes 140 couture pieces by the designer, many of which have never been displayed before, plus sketches, photographs and video clips of his work. El universo de la moda Jean Paul Gaultier. De la calle a las estrellas, Fundación Mapfre, Paseo de Recoletos, 23 (Metro: Colón). Tel: 91 581 61 00. Mon, 2-8pm; Tues-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 12-8pm. Free. 6 Oct6 Jan 2013.
The 15th annual festival internacional de cortometrajes will take place at cultural centre (and bar) La Boca del Lobo. The films come from a variety of countries, including Spain, Ireland, South Korea,
4 OCTOBER 2012
Reveltosa—taberna castiza Whether you’re a true or honorary Madrid gato, a new bar from the Grupo Moby Dick (The Irish Rover, Olé Lola, Areia Chill Out) has opened its doors in the city centre, a stone’s throw from Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Vía and Chueca. Revoltosa offers a “back to basics” feel, catching the mood and atmosphere of a traditional taberna castiza, to provide all of your muchneeded essentials—a welldrawn caña with obligatory tapa, vermouth on tap, a wide selection of local and special beers, an excellent menu del día, raciones, and meals from morning to night. A great escape from the stress and strain of the day, and at any time—the opening hours are daily, from 8.30am-2am, with food served throughout until midnight. Reveltosa, Plaza del Rey, 4 (Metro: Banco de España/Chueca). Mon-Sun, 8.30am-2am.
Errata: Los años de la dolce vita Los años de la dolce vita, the photographic exhibition about the golden age of cinema in Rome, is taking place at the Sala Canal de Isabel II, but unfortunately in our September edition we printed the address of the Fundación Canal. Our apologies, and for confirmation the correct details are: Sala Canal de Isabel II, C/ Santa Engracia, 125 (Metro: Ríos Rosas). Tel: 91 545 10 00. Tues-Sat, 11am-2pm, 5-8.30pm; Sun, 11am-2pm. 13 Sept-6 Jan 2013.
Tips from the Tower Helpful monthly advice from the British Consulate office in Pº de la Castellana’s Torre Espacio One Step Ahead of the Scammers
Concierto tributo a Gandhi The Museo de Antrolopogia will hold a concert of traditional Indian music, Raga, paz, armonía: un tributu a Gandhi, on 6 Oct at 8.30pm. Maestro Subroto Roychowduri, accompanied by Sanjib Pal, will present classical ragas, which are Hindu melodies associated with distinct moments of festivals, daily life and myths. Roychowduri will lead with the sitar, while Pal will play the percussive tabla. The concert is dedicated to the ideas of world tolerance, peace and harmony that Gandhi promoted. Admission is free, but seating is limited. With a maximum of two tickets per person, it’s recommended to get to the ticket office before 7pm. Raga, paz, armonía:un tributo a Gandhi. Museo de Antrolopogia, C/Alfonso XII, 68 (Metro: Atocha/Atocha Renfe). Tel: 91 560 64 18. Sat, 6 Oct, 8.30pm.
El universo de la moda Jean Paul Gaultier
Decapoda Shock
Greece and the UK, and cover a vast range of topics and genres. This year sees a special two-part presentation of Caribbean short films, as well as exhibitions by cartoonist Toni Benages and photographer Ana Morales, plus music and cultural meetings. La Boca del Lobo Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes, C/Argumosa, 11 (Metro: Lavapiés). Tel: 91 468 17 91. 17-27 Oct. See http://www.labocadellobo.com/festival/home.php
Getafe Negro Fans of film noir, detective and thriller genres should head to Getafe this month and check out the fifth annual Getafe Negro, festival de novela policiaca de Madrid (Madrid Festival of Crime Novels). This year’s “guest country” is the Czech Republic, and Czech authors Pavel Kohout and Ivan Klima (2002 winner of the Franz Kafka Prize) will be attending, in addition to Spanish writers such as Eduardo Mendoza, Ian Gibson, Carlos Zanón, Marcelo Luján, Marta Sanz and Agustín Díaz Yanes. Getafe Negro, various venues throughout Getafe. 20-28 Oct. See www.getafenegro.com.
You’ve lived in Spain a while, earned your status of authentic madrileño and are savvy in avoiding the pick-pockets on the metro and around the tourist hot-spots. It’s not likely you’ll need to call the Consulate for an emergency travel document to return home from a spoilt holiday. So what does the Consulate do for you? Well, whilst the experience of most holiday-makers and residents here is trouble-free, British Consulates located throughout Spain do unfortunately hear from visitors or expats who have been victims of a scam or distraction theft. Consular officers keep a record of different scams and monitor trends targeting foreigners in Spain so as to be able to work with local Spanish authorities to combat the problem and also warn British Nationals of potential issues. For example, following reports of incidents on the motorway between the French border and Alicante region, the Consulate currently runs a campaign advising drivers of precautions they can take to avoid becoming victims of distraction scams whilst on the road. The Road Safety Toolkit is available to download from the Travel Advice section of ukinspain.fco.gov.uk. To keep up to date with the latest news affecting Brits in Spain, visit the ukinspain site or join the Embassy’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/britishembassymadrid
MADRID IN ENGLISH
Ten Ways to make Fairy Tales the most of your H a l l o w e e n f a n c y d r e s s You are a man, my son… d l r
mwoad
By Jerome Apolda
The purchase of a Halloween outfit sometimes seems an awful lot of money to part with for just one night. But worry not! Jeff Wiseman has ten constructive ideas about how to use your scary fancy dress costume in other fun ways: 1
Quasimodo—choose the most exclusive fashion store you can find, enter confidently, and ask if they have any garments that de-emphasise the shoulder area.
2
The Mummy—sit on a bench outside a hospital entrance, wrapped head to toe in your bandages. As people stroll in, comment forlornly, “I only went in with a sprained ankle.”
3
Dracula—stick your head around the door of the blood donor centre and say “Two pints of type ‘O’, please.”
4
Frankenstein Monster—go to a psychiatrist, lie on the couch, and explain that you feel someone close to you has stitched you up.
5
Ghost Rider—drop in to your local motorbike dealer and ask to see their selection of fireproof accessories.
6
Hannibal Lecter—stand by the selection of Italian wine in your local supermarket. As shoppers pass by, ask “Could you recommend a nice Chianti?”, then suck air through your teeth a few times.
7
The Headless Horseman—stroll into Atocha’s lost property office and say “Guess what I’ve lost!”
8
Freddy Krueger—make an appointment with a manicurist.
9
The Grim Reaper—stand on a crowded bus with your scythe. Slowly look at your watch, then raise your head and shout eerily “Two minutes to go!”
10
The Fly—amble into any Madrid restaurant. Find someone who’s having soup and say “If you let me jump in your dish, you could complain to the waiter.”
Photo (CC) flickr: aturkus
Curiosity Shop
DOLORES PROMESAS
■ BY CAMINO MARTÍNEZ ■ BY CAMINO MARTÍNEZ
The curious boutiques of a most enigmatic and famous Spanish fashion designer Many people in Spain know “Dolores Promesas”, but why is her name considered special and unique? And why can her shop be designated a Curiosity Shop? Because, although she has a lot of friends (especially her best friend Pepa, her dog Tula and her cat Trini), a touching past with her grandma and grandad, and an amazing career (all of which can be viewed on her website), she is actually… a virtual designer! The team behind her are Miryam Pintado, Alicia Hernández and Javier Lapeña, who created the character of Dolores Promesas in 2006. Everybody loved her first fashion collection, for which Dolores drew on inspiration from her childhood in the south of Spain and her exciting life in Madrid. At first, t-shirts were the main part of the brand, with fun messages like “Today I’m going to be the happiest woman in the world” or “I promise to be a good girl”. As time progressed, she continued to expand the “Dolores Promesas” creative universe, which now includes dresses, coats, bags, shoes, accessories like mobile phone cases, and even evening wear, with gorgeous outfits designed to make you the belle of the ball! All of them are made in Spain, and the proof of her success is that, besides customers and real “Dolores Promesas” fans, many Spanish celebs are wearing her dresses to important events. Also, since her first boutique was opened, she has inaugurated 18 more shops nationwide. Four are in Madrid, including the latest, established just one month ago in the very chic outlet mall Las Rozas Village, with the same cosy and stylish boutique atmosphere, but cheaper! All in all, Dolores Promesas is virtual and a reality.
Dolores Promesas. C/Desengaño, 22 (Metro: Callao/Gran Vía). Tel: 91 522 58 03. Mon-Sat, 10.30am9pm. For other stores, see www.dolorespromesas.com
MADRID IN ENGLISH
For most of us singletons living abroad, when summer break approaches it often means going back to the Mothership and paying a visit to our loved ones (loved ones we might have run away from in the first place—let’s face it, there is a reason why we don’t live back home) and spend a week or two (if not a month for the unluckiest ones) back at mum and dad’s, when all we really wanted to do was sit by the pool and drink margaritas. The Holiday is both a time of joy and dread. A time of joy, those few moments when we hug each other silly and are comforted by our mum’s cooking, get that oh-so-awaited envelope from nan and catch up with friends that have turned into acquaintances and whose lives we’re so glad we’re not leading. A time of joy, nibbling on some Hobnobs, devouring fish and chips at two in the morning and drinking some real lager. The Dread, though, is always there. It’s in the pit of your stomach when you board the plane; it’s there too when you land, temporarily numbed by fake excitement; it is there and pumping when you enter your old room, the one that hasn’t changed, yet the one where your childhood sleeps. Some of us get a day or two of peace before the Dread sets in entirely and uncompromisingly. But no matter how long it takes, it occurs: that itchy feeling that something is wrong, that YOU are wrong. A passing remark is often all you need. A “Did you make your bed?”; a “Is that how you drink your tea nowadays?” and then the waltz starts “We’re meeting the Dunnings for tea…Nan is expecting you…I saw Emma, she is still talking about you…” and all of a sudden, you’re in a car, being driven around against your will, unable to put a word in edgewise. They are deciding for you. They are driving you wherever They decide you need to go. They are back in charge and you are 14 again. You are the teenager you’ve always been in their eyes. You are that silly, lanky boy whose opinion doesn’t truly matter, who’s a nice boy, such a nice boy, but most definitely a boy. You’re not a man anymore. You try telling them that you, too, pay bills, work long hours, have a career (“Teaching English abroad is not a career son! It’s a phase!”), can cook for yourself and worry about the future. You talk and you talk but all they hear is white noise. This is not a battle you can win because on this battlefield you have no weapons. This is home and at home, you have nothing to show: no flat, no job, no car, no partner, nothing! And because you have nothing concrete and tangible, you’re reduced to that boy they waved goodbye to at the train station so long ago. Soon, you start doubting yourself. Maybe, They’re right. Maybe, you’re just a boy. Maybe, this life you lead so successfully miles from home is but a dream, a silly (they seem to love that word), silly dream. The Dread turns into angst as it’s time to leave. One final hug and you’re on the plane back to Mahous and tortillas. On opening your mailbox, you see bills. Bills are a grownup’s affair. You are a grown up! You grab that electricity and gas bill and you grin. You’re a man…again. Love FAIRY TALES? Missed an issue? Go to www.jeromeapolda.com. Or join me on facebook.
OCTOBER 2012
5
Grannies know best As the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers visits Madrid during their European tour, Laura Tabor meets two of the team and learns more about their message of peace, balance with nature and traditional medicine
The grannies with the Dalai Lama
R
ita Pitka Blumenstein is no ordinary grandmother; hailing from Alaska, she dresses in bright colours and wears a mischievous grin, as if everything is a joke that she is all set to laugh at. She punctuates her words by waving a bundle of eagle feathers at those to whom she is talking. Blumenstein is just one of thirteen women who have come together since 2004 as the International Council of the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, a group initiated to celebrate their indigenous heritage and start conversations about peace and reconciliation with nature. The women originate from such distant places as Gabon and Tibet yet also the less exotic Oregon State, USA, and range from 60 to 88 years old. They are unified in their wish to participate in and understand each other’s culture and ceremonies, and are looking to learn and use traditional healing methods and natural remedies. Their first meeting, close to ten years ago, was held in upstate New York, the ancestral home of the Iroquois nation, where Blumenstein joined the other grandmothers to discuss becoming a formalised organisation. Since then, every six months, all or part of the group has travelled worldwide, including visits to Huautla de Jiménez in Mexico, Mapia in the Brazilian jungle, Dharamsala in India, and even Rome. They tend to focus on each other’s homelands so that they can learn the traditions and practices of each woman’s community.
Travellers’ tales Two of the grandmothers are making the Madrid visit, which takes place at vegetarian restaurant, Ecocentro. As well as Blumenstein from Alaska, there’s also Julieta Casimiro from Huautla de Jiménez, and Jyoti, the Travelling Ambassador for the Council and Spiritual Director of the Centre for Sacred Studies. The Centre
describes itself as an organisation which is “dedicated to sustaining indigenous ways of life through cross-cultural spiritual practices, ministry and education, and a commitment to peace and unity for all peoples”, and there is mention of opening an affiliate office in Madrid soon. Following the capital, the group will visit El Escorial, to speak about their beliefs and ideas, give blessings to attendees, perform ceremonies and lead prayers. A documentary film about their work, entitled For the Next Seven Generations, is shown to get the meeting underway, and an open forum follows. Their years together have created many alliances and some unforgettable experiences, such as their audience with the Dalai Lama in India and being hassled by police in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square for undertaking traditional prayer practices. Both of these events are recorded in the film. “The Thirteen all have one thing [in common]: they pray,” says Blumenstein with a huge smile. “The idea is to get well, and to make the people well. That is why I have love!” Grandmother Casimiro continues the theme, “We need to eat and drink, but before that we need to pray. I have to do work, I’m an artisan, but I bless my table; it’s how I don’t lose faith, how I stay happy.”
Wake up call They have networked with nature advocacy groups like the Bioneers in the United States, for their message is deeply connected to the need for a change in how humans care for the planet. “We are at the end of an age,” Jyoti states. “We are leaving a time when we got lost in a disease called materialism.” The grandmothers say that they do not have an agenda, that they want to pray and heal. Their environmental message is one that sees destruction on Earth and wants people to change their behaviour in time. As Jyoti comments, “The earth is trying to wake us up. The question is:
how can you wake your people?” Nevertheless, they all carry themselves with a sense of optimism about the future despite their analysis of the environmental situation as dire. Jyoti, a grandmother herself, clearly believes the Council’s message is important for the current generation to hear. “These grandmothers, when they could be at home resting, are moving all over the world, forming more circles of grandmothers,” she says. In addition, Blumenstein sees the Council as playing a unique role as women: “I was told from the elders that men are powerful but women are all connected to the bellybutton, the navel of the universe. We are all joined to Mother Earth, and she teaches us.”
Walking a path In their tour of Europe, the grandmothers have already visited Sweden, where they are planning a full Council gathering next year, and the Netherlands, meeting with various environmental groups. All attendees of the meeting are invited to Nepal for their upcoming full Council reunion in Kathmandu in November. Curiously, even though all the women have varying pasts, in many instances their communities foretold the coming together of an influential group of elders long before their project started. Blumenstein, for example, tells a story of when she was nine years old and talking with her own grandmother. “She informed me ‘when you get old and grey like me, you will be asked to sit on a council of 13 grandmothers.’” It’s proved a remarkable prediction. For further information, see www.grandmotherscouncil.org to learn more about the International Council, especially their Alliance Statement. The Ecocentro restaurant is located at Calle de Esquilache, 2 (Metro: Cuatro Caminos, Canal and Ríos Rosas).
The rhythm and the referendum With Madrid hosting the first “Rock the Vote” event outside the USA, Kelly Rummel pays a visit to experience the political and musical pulse “Rock the Vote” originated in 1992 as an effort to engage young American voters through the use of music, pop-culture, and more recently, social networking. The project aims to motivate and mobilise the millennial generation which now accounts for 25% of the American electorate. To date, “Rock the Vote” has registered more than five million voters in the US and, fortunately for expats in Madrid, the Spanish capital was chosen for its inaugural oversees event, held at Teatro Kapital.
Taking positions The organisation falls on the shoulders of the American Club of Madrid, whose mission is to enhance the good relations between Spain and the United States, and upon arrival the crowd is already made up of a healthy display of young American enthusiasm with a welcome Madrid flair. There’s an opening address from US Ambassador Alan D. Solomont, looking distinctly relaxed in his jeans and a politically neutral yellow button-down shirt. “Nobody is elected President without the support of millions of Americans who participate actively in the campaign, through contributing time, money or, most importantly, putting their vote in the voting box,” he says. “It’s estimated that between three and five million American voters live outside the US. These people have been enough to change the direction of the popular vote in three of the six Presidential elections in which I’ve taken part.” After an introduction to the debate format by moderator Gayle Allard, a professor at the Instituto de Empresa, the discussion is lively, with the Republicans represented by Clara del Villar, and the democrats by Joe Hurd, both of whom can boast a wealth of business experience. They are posed three long-answer questions concerning the US economy, healthcare, and the environment, followed by a “speed round” with questions US Ambassador Alan D. Solomont
6 OCTOBER 2012
from young Americans living in Madrid, tackling campaign finance, student debt, immigration and foreign policy. While Hurd seems to have a slight upper-hand due to the crowd’s demographic, Del Villar holds her own and ultimately both are warmly received. What the representatives unequivocally agree on is the necessity of voting.
Register and rock This year the absentee ballot may be more important than ever. With projections that the 2012 election could be as close as that of Bush and Gore in 2000, Americans living abroad could have an important say in the future of the United States. Democratic representative Joe Hurd estimates the election will come down to a sway of approximately 1.5 million votes. “The expat vote is very important,” he insists, “despite the common notion that absentee ballots don’t really count for much.” The event attendance exceeds expectations at 1,600 people, and following the debate, voter registration begins. The theme then swings from politics to music, with storming live concerts by rock bands Sala and the Strange Sounds and Showpay, both of whom perform with boundless energy and to great audience appreciation. DJs then take us into the early hours. What does this mean for any American expat? Essentially, your vote matters, and the world—particularly Madrid in light of this event—will be watching the States very closely come 6 November. For information on how to cast an absentee ballot go to www.overseasvotefoundation.org
Photo: Richard Lewington
MADRID IN ENGLISH
A fight to remember? With the recent decision to lift the ban on TVE televising bullfights, Alexandra Sheffield follows four extranjeros— an American, two Mexicans and a Brit—to Madrid’s Las Ventas to gauge pre- and post-fight opinions Photo: Candela Calderon
t
he culture of a country can be shaped by its people, food, weather and lifestyle, but when thinking of Spain, bullfighting is perhaps the most iconic image that springs to mind. The bullfight is steeped in tradition and history, but is that where it should now belong—in history books? It’s a subject that has always courted controversy, but we were curious to discover if a visit to a bullfight would change an individual’s opinion of the sport. Our volunteers were Aiden from the USA, José and Sofía from Mexico and Ruth from the UK. Would the sights and sounds of the ring alter their feelings?
Prior to the fight The arrival at Las Ventas quickly provokes comments. “It is exciting to find lots of people milling about outside on a hot Madrid evening,” explains Aiden. “Having travelled to Spain and Mexico before, I had asked myself if I really wanted to see a fight.” Despite some uncertainty, his curiosity has triumphed. “There are definitely romantic images coming to mind; Hemingway, the pageantry of it all, the elaborate costumes, and Spanish women fanning themselves.” But would this be the reality? British expat Ruth hasn’t been to a bullfight either. “As a vegetarian, it was never something that I would choose to see as I don’t agree with it. However, I’ve put my thoughts aside to experience what I have been told will be true Spanish culture.” It wouldn’t be a first bullfight for Mexicans José and
Sofía. “I have already been twice,” Sofía remarks, “I’m just excited to be here and be part of what locals do.” José, however, has a different outlook, and is not as enthusiastic, viewing it as “bloody, against animal rights, and a barbaric tradition with an overdue shelf life.”
The fight begins Upon entering the Plaza de Toros, it’s like stepping back in time. There’s an exotic ambience with sales of cigars soaring, bars serving only beer or tinto de verano, and men gathering in their smart suits talking loudly about the coming conflicts. The air is thick with cigar smoke as people hurry to their seats. Walking up the stairs to the main arena the atmosphere begins to intensify with the buzz and excitement from the crowd.
MADRID IN ENGLISH
After exiting a tunnel to the seating area, Aiden’s stomach sinks a little. “There aren’t any chairs but rows of tiled benches that remind me of a butcher’s shop; something that could be sprayed down easily,” he comments. The time travel aspect continues as, for José, “it feels like the Roman times where shows like these were given to the people for entertainment, to distract them from reality.” The seating areas are designated by price—the more expensive in the shade and the cheaper ones in the burning sun. As the opening stages begin, the range of emotions and reactions amongst our four spectators stretch to extremes. “The idea that they are killing an animal is of course disturbing, but I’m absorbing the colours, smells, noises, and really submerging myself in the fight,” comments Sofía. Her experience is also improved by a lady sitting behind her, who narrates all the events to her friends, thereby adding to Sofía’s understanding and entertainment. José finds it more difficult to become as interested. “Disgust, shame and pity for the animal and audience” consume his thoughts. “I want it to be over as soon as possible,” he says.
Unfolding drama The majority of spectators are locals, although there are clearly a number of tourists. For some, it becomes too much. An Englishman nearby faints at the sight of the blood and medics are called to resuscitate him—and this after only five minutes. “Apart from feeling anxious about seeing the blood, my overwhelming emotion is shame,” Ruth explains. “I can’t believe that my money is contributing towards such an act, the emotion is almost rising up as bile in my throat.” She finds herself even crying a little, sporadically, throughout. “Even though I’ve rationalised that the bull will be killed if I am here or not, I still can’t shake the disgrace that I feel within.” Photo: Leonardo Purcell However, for Aiden, the experience is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. “I’m finding myself disgusted and ashamed at some points, but at others I’m on my feet cheering! After the initial shock, I was excited when all the banderilleros, picadores, and toreros started to parade. The beauty and pageantry is clear.” But on noticing that the horses are blindfolded with black cloth, he concedes, “it all seems very dark, maybe a bit sadistic. It does make my stomach flip.” In his opinion, during the first fight, it was difficult to not be disturbed as “the blood was flowing pretty well— you could literally see it pumping in spurts from between the bulls shoulders; his mouth gaping, tongue extended, belly heaving for breath.” For some, this might be the point at which to leave, but the action gripped him. “Now, after a couple of fights, I’m less focused on the gruesomeness and really beginning to see the art of it.” He starts
to understand the relationship between the torero and the bull—“this is the last interaction this creature is going to have on earth. For a couple of moments, it almost seems like dancing—the torero coaxes the bull back and forth and spins it around; once touching the outside hip as they turn, the way he might with a woman.” There are also moments of magic when, “after a good exchange, the torero turns his back, but keeps one eye on the bull as he walks away. The thousands of spectators become so quiet that you can literally hear the torero stamp his foot on the ground and shout at the bull.”
Post fight opinions Once the dust has settled in the ring, our four visitors are left to reflect on the experience. “For me, this is a tradition that has been going on for far too long,” says José. He expects that “it should not last that much longer; I’m hoping EU regulations and animal rights organisations will put a stop to it.” Sofía didn’t have an issue with bullfighting before the fight, and her opinion hasn’t been changed by this experience. “I feel that I understand more why people from Spain love bullfighting so much,” she remarks. Ruth’s feelings have only been strengthened. “It is cruel,” she declares. “Putting gladiators and slaves in an arena to be killed was also a favourite pastime of the Romans, but we don’t still do that, do we? Why then should an innocent animal still be subjected to this ‘tradition’? As for the matador being ‘brave’, I disagree. By the time he comes to face the bull for the final showdown, the poor thing is already shattered after being chased, poked, prodded and traumatised by at least five other men, some of whom are on horse back. Rather than witnessing ‘art’ or a fair ‘fight’, I felt as though I was watching an ego trip, doing nothing more than murdering an already dying animal for entertainment. This is one experience where I can safely say: been there, seen it, and never going again.” For Aiden, his original perception has been changed absolutely. “It has made me want to understand it even more. It’s much more complex than I thought and therefore more intriguing,” he explains. “It’s interesting to see how customs are so different. Bullfighting may be considered barbaric to other cultures but I think that respecting cultural differences, and perhaps making an effort to understand them, is always a valuable experience. If I lived in Madrid, would I go again? Probably.” U THINK WHAT DO YO
?
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OCTOBER 2012
7
¡good grifo ! Tapping into Madrid’s finest watering holes
Nick Funnell selects the best movies to see this month
■ BY TIM INKLING
Blancanieves Like Oscar-winner The Artist, Spanish director Pablo Berger’s movie is black-and-white, silent and set in the 1920s, but the similarities end there. An Andalucía-set retelling of Snow White, it features Maribel Verdú as the wicked stepmother and a team of bullfighting dwarfs. Out now Hope Springs (Si de verdad quieres...) The Devil Wears Prada director David Frankel’s comedy drama finds Meryl Streep looking to put a bit of spark back Photo: © Ismael Gonzalez
into her marriage by dragging husband Tommy Lee Jones to a week of intense counselling for couples, with therapist Steve Carell. Out now Magic Mike The star of Matthew McConaughey’s all-male revue, Channing Tatum takes young Alex Pettyfer (of teen sci-fi flick I Am Number Four) under his wing as his stripping protégé in Steven Soderbergh’s drama. 5 Oct The Impossible (Lo imposible) Juan Antonio Bayona’s long-awaited follow-up to The Orphanage tells the real story of a family—originally Spanish, but in the film British—caught up in the 2004 tsunami that left more than 220,000 dead around south-east Asia. With Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts. 11 Oct Looper In Rian Johnson’s sci-fi thriller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a hitman specialising in dispatching targets sent back from the future by the mob—until one day he finds his older self (Bruce Willis) in his gunsight. 19 Oct
Where: C/Augusto Figueroa, 3—opposite the Mercado de Fuencarral (Metro: Chueca/Gran Vía). Tel: 91 531 89 96. When: Mon-Thurs, Sun, 9pm-5.30am. Fri, Sat, 9pm-6.30am. What: Intruso Bar offers an intimate venue for live music and djs. There are two large bars, along with a stage area, plus comfortable seating with cushions along the walls. Subdued lighting adds to the cosy atmosphere. Behind one bar, discrete black and white projections are shown, and there’s also the mixing desk for the late night djs. People: Given its ideal location bordering Chueca and Malasaña, the bar attracts a crowd from both— music lovers, mostly 25-40 year olds. “I like the two large bars, lots of sofa-type seating, and a great atmosphere,” says Marina, an Intruso fan. “The bar staff are very polite too.” Drinks: A full range of beers and spirits, although the gin and tonics and mojitos are particularly popular. As mentioned, the bar staff are friendly and helpful. Music: The bar makes a real effort to promote live music, spanning genres such as pop, acoustic and jazz, frequently with free entry. When the live bands finish, the djs take over, holding the floor until the early hours. “I trust the bar to find new artists and it’s a good way to discover new bands,” adds Marina. Having opened in November 2011, next month sees Intruso’s first anniversary. Parties are being organised to celebrate the event, with a number of live bands and djs who have performed at the venue in the last 12 months. Keep an eye on its website, www.intrusobar.com, for further details, along with its regular calendar. Anything Else? The entrance to the bar is curious—it’s shared with a residential building, which certainly adds to the sense of discovery when you pull on Intruso’s sound-proofed doors! Cosmosoul
(For all you book worms out there, Bookbuzz returns next month.)
music
for the record Russell Parton gets out his olives and tells us what we should, or shouldn’t, be listening to
The xx Coexist (Young Turks) As an album title, Coexist came from the observation that when oil and water are mixed, the colours created are beautiful yet they remain separate entities. The album content is similarly meditative and reflective, a break from the tight pop structures of the band’s Mercury-winning debut. The xx set limits for themselves with the album by restricting their sound to what they can perform in a live setting. The result is stripped back and sparse—guitar parts are often repeated patterns of two note intervals—but presented with lashings of reverb and cavernous programmed beats that give an impression of vastness and an ethereal, otherworldly feel. The lyrics are personal yet abstract, dealing with loss and regret. “My heart is beating in a different way,” laments bassist and singer Oliver Sim on “Missing”, which fellow vocalist and guitarist Romy Madley Croft responds to with a mournful wail. The beats throughout are corporeal, reflecting the heart’s pulse, and end, dramatically, with a single continuous note, indicating death. Concerned as much with space as music, Coexist blends subtle, ambient sounds irresistibly and is confirmation—if it were needed—that the band’s triumphant first album was no fluke.
David Byrne and St Vincent Love This Giant (4AD) A case of too many cooks or the perfect match? Tongues wagged when word came out about Talking Heads front man David Byrne’s collaboration with avant-indie maverick Annie Clark (aka St Vincent). Both play a mean guitar, but Love This Giant takes a different tack, with brass taking centre stage. It proves a neat trick, making the album sound like neither the work of one artist nor the other. Both artists though are recognisable: be it Byrne’s trademark swagger and oddness as he delivers lines like, “I am a jerky ladder, intergalactic matter, outside of space and time,” or the rare occasions Clark lets fly with a guitar, which she does to some aplomb on “On The Forest Awakes” with a range of spluttering riffs. The pair wrote nearly all the songs together, and lead vocal duties are shared too, alternating track by track with a healthy dose of singing in unison reserved for choruses. Byrne’s in stellar form on “I Should Watch TV”, playing up the jerky idiosyncrasies of his voice to the song’s staccato funk groove, and Clark’s snaking guitar on “The One Who Broke Your Heart”, a highlight of the album, is an absolute joy. This could be the start of a new chapter for both artists.
8 OCTOBER 2012
concerts ■ BY FAYE HARRISON
Bon Iver Sun, 28 Oct, 7pm. Palacio Vistalegre, Calle de Utebo, 1 (Metro: Vista Alegre). Tel: 91 563 94 93. www.palaciovistalegre.es Justin Vernon is the heart of Bon Iver, and Bon Iver are a pretty great band that produce very beautiful, mature music combining elements of folk and unusual orchestral touches. Vernon’s debut record under the Bon Iver name, For Emma, Forever Ago (2008) is inseparable from its romantic back-story. Recorded alone in a snowbound log cabin in his native Wisconsin, the album received huge critical acclaim for its introspective sounds and stories that take the listener on a sad and crackly-sounding journey. The self-titled album Bon Iver followed in 2011, moving away from the folky side of things and leaning towards a more experimental slant with broader and more sophisticated songs. Bon Iver take this studio-centric sound that employs a range of effects, along with the original rawness that, for example, can be heard on single “Skinny Love”, on tour with them, promising to put on a special show that will end your week in the best way possible.
Leonard Cohen
The Tallest Man On Earth
Fri, 5 Oct, 9.30pm. Palacio de Deportes, Avenida Felipe II, s/n (Metro: Goya/O’Donnell). Tel. 91 444 99 49. www.palaciodedeportes.com
Thurs, 4 Oct, 9pm. Joy Eslava, c/Arenal, 8 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joy-eslava.com
Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist, Leonard Cohen began releasing folkrock and pop songs in the mid-1960s. Over the years he’s scored classics like “So Long Marianne”, “First We Take Manhattan”, and the amazing ballad which almost anyone who can hold a microphone has attempted to cover, “Hallelujah”. He ran off into semi-retirement around the turn of the millennium, yet was forced to take to the road again when he found that his former business manager had swindled him out of five million dollars. Not so great for him but excellent for us, as his live shows have been described as triumphant, thorough and prophetic occasions during which Cohen somehow manages to excite with his deep, flat, and naturalistic voice, drawling out songs that firmly place words over music. Check out the track “Show Me the Place” from this year’s Old Ideas and see why he’s still worth it.
OK, The Tallest Man On Earth is not actually that tall. The power of his voice and lyrics combined with the strength of his guitarplaying skills however, make it seem like he is, which is a lot to say for a one-man band. This brilliant moniker is the disguise of Swede Kristian Matsson who burst onto the indie-folk scene in 2006 and released his debut album Shallow Grave in 2008. He has been compared to his biggest influence, Bob Dylan, on many occasions and echoes of Dylan’s rough vocal style and ability to tell a lifelong story in a few minutes are very present in Matsson’s music. Unusually though, he invites these comparisons with open arms, directly pinching lines from Dylan here and there (check out the amazing “King of Spain”) but very easily projecting his own character into his songs at the same time. Acclaimed for his charismatic stage presence, this gig promises to be an intimate affair at Joy Eslava.
MADRID IN ENGLISH
981 Festival@Nave de Música—Matadero Madrid Paseo de la Chopera, 10 (Metro: Legazpi). Sat, 6 Oct. From 12.30am. Tickets €19. See www.ticketea.com/entradas-festival-981-madrid
After a hiatus of two years, the 981 Festival, which originally ran in Galicia between 2005 and 2010 and was once dubbed “the most valuable festival in the peninsula”, will make its grand return this month—this time in its new home at Madrid’s Matadero. Over the years, names such as James Holden, Zombie Nation, Hudson Mohawke, The Juan MacLean, Gilles Peterson and Nathan Fake have graced the stage at 981 which will Jeremy Greenspan not only make its comeback in Madrid but also at The Gallery in London’s Soho. This year’s event will be supported by a Department of Culture grant of 15,000 and will bring in a host of international names including Jeremy Greenspan (Junior Boys), Mouse On Mars, Actress, Hype Williams (Dean Blunt & Inga Copeland), Kode 9, oOoOO-Live, Erika Spring (Au Revoir Simone), Solar Bears, Noaipre and Judah. Expect everything from grimy hip hop to delightful minimal house sessions.
live listings BY JANE PLEGGE
Rock / Pop BOGUI JAZZ, C/Barquillo, 29 (Metro: Chueca). Tel: 91 521 15 68. www.boguijazz.com 4 Oct: Celia Muir 5 Oct: En El Otro Lado 6 Oct: Darren Sigesmund Quintet with Mark Feldman & Gary Versace 11 Oct: Jorge Pardo 12 Oct: Yoio Cuesta Sexteto “Back to the 40’s” 13 Oct: Martín Leiton Cuarteto “Medium” 18 Oct: Luis Verde Sexteto 19 Oct: Eva Cortés 20 Oct: Bob Sands Big Band 25 Oct: Jonathon Kreisberg 26 Oct: Fernando Egozcue Quinteto 27 Oct: Bogui Swing Ball Conducido por TJ Jazz 31 Oct: Gilad Atzmon Trio
Sabina) + Homenaje a Nacho Viñas 12 Oct: Cotton Gang + Edoardo Plana and Claudio Gabis 13 Oct: Kotebel + Korekyo Jin + Mary Louis & Cía 14 Oct: Los Gatos Del Gitano + Addison 15 Oct: Irene Risolía and José Truchado 16 Oct: Juan José Fdez: “Chaleco” 17 Oct: José Valencia 18 Oct: Juan Moneo “El Torta” 19 Oct: Capullo de Jerez 20 Oct: Eulian + José Menese 21 Oct: Olga María Ramos + Supra + DJ Arek 22 Oct: Minimalia 23 Oct: Carlos de France 24 Oct: Antonio Lizana 25 Oct: Miguel Campello 26 Oct: Carlos Chaouen 27 Oct: Inquietos + The Craiben Band 28 Oct: Bye Bye Lullaby + Alejandro Frómeta 29 Oct: Ara Malikian & Fro. Egozcue Qt. 30 Oct: Ara Malikian & Fro. Egozcue Qt. 31 Oct: Fernando Martín & Ideales + Nancho Novo and Castigados sin postre
COSTELLO CLUB, c/Caballero de SALA CARACOL, c/Sebastián Elcano, Gracia, 10 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 18 (Metro: Embajadores). Tel: 91 527 522 18 15. www.costelloclub.com 35 94. www.salacaracol.com 2 Oct: Sethler 2 Oct: Canned Heat 4 Oct: Aurora Losada 5 Oct: Sabaton + Wisdom + Eluveitie 6 Oct: Festival Itinerante de Percusion Brasileña 7 Oct: Great White + Jorge Salán 11 Oct: Honorables + 400 Pistones + Hush E’ Femme + High Voltage + When Ocean Burns 13 Oct: Delain + Diabulus In Musica + 69 Chambers 14 Oct: Tyketto 18 Oct: The Coronas 19 Oct: Festival Mundo Idiota: Ciclos Iturgaiz + Juan Abarca 20 Oct: Festival Mundo Idiota: Los Gandules + Daniel Higiénico 27 Oct: Tenpel 29 Oct: Jorge Ahijado 31 Oct: Biosfear + Dark Blazers + Vestigia + Ethen Wolf
4 Oct: Ladrones 5 Oct: Carlos Vudu y el Clan Jukebox 6 Oct: Maybe Nots 10 Oct: X-Wife 11 Oct: Tierra + Hamburger Midnight 13 Oct: Dummie 17 Oct: Los clientes de la Noche 18 Oct: Jacobo Serra 19 Oct: La sonrisa de Julia 20 Oct: Joe Traveller Sings + Angel Stanich 21 Oct: Y toco porque me toca 25 Oct: Cirilo 26 Oct: Presentación oficial del EP de “I’m with you Kid” + guest artist 27 Oct: Dr. Martens Rock in Up con Moonstones (garage) + Surfea y Sogorda (surf) 31 Oct: Jägermeister presenta: La Noche de Los Muertos con PL Girls
8-14 Oct: Pedro Ruy Blas Cuarteto 15-21 Oct: Andreas Prittwitz & Lookingback
4 Oct: Biodramina Mood 5 Oct: Rozalén 6 Oct: Aziza Brahim & Gulili 7 Oct: UHF (Ultra High Flamenco) 8 Oct: Farah Siraj, Fran Fdez and Tiza 9 Oct: Tontxu 10 Oct: Presentación Radloo Gladys Palmera 11 Oct: Marcela Ferrari 14 Oct: Concierto Solidario por la libertad de los 5 15 Oct: Escuela de Música and Danza Libre Galileo 98 16 Oct: Noches de UNED 17 Oct: Pez Mago (Lucas) 18 Oct: Materia Prima 19 Oct: Javier Krahe 20 Oct: Hexacorde and Vanesa Muela 21 Oct: Marino 22 Oct: Martírio + Kamala 23 Oct: Melizmática 24 Oct: Black Light Gospel Choir 26 Oct: Alex O’Dogherty and La Bizarrería
Scissor Sisters@La Riviera Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Angel). Sun, 28 Oct, from 8pm. Tickets €28.50. See www.ticketmaster.es
1 Oct: Lunes ALVERSO 2 Oct: Cuestión de Gusto 3 Oct: Conciertos Retratos Mahou GalileoClamores Teatros del Canal + Gema Castaño and Roel Gª Serrano 4 Oct: José Insaciable, Los Customs Rockers and Speed Limit Cruiser 5 Oct: Festival Jabalina Records 6 Oct: Joe Eceiza + Peter Hammil 7 Oct: DJ’s Arel & Hoodlover + Susana Re 8 Oct: Thunder of Mountain—50 años con/sin Bob Dylan 9 Oct: Al Berkowitz, Douglas Aguiar and Moreno 10 Oct: Perrosky 11 Oct: Arrivederci Lola (tribute to Joaquín
MADRID IN ENGLISH
■ BY RICHARD LEWINGTON
Enthused by the sordid, gay nightlife scene of New York, the Scissor Sisters took their name from a sexual position between two women also known as tribalism. While the US group, comprising front pair Jake Shears and Ana Matronic, multi-instrumentalist Babydaddy, guitarist Del Marquis and drummer Randy Real, sing about gay themes, the Scissor Sisters don’t want to be labelled as a gay band. In a recent interview for the Washington Post, Shears said that he was not interested in just singing about gay things, stating “I like to have that mask on it where it can be interpreted in multiple ways. I’m not interested in alienating anybody.” With hits such as “Laura”, “Comfortably Numb”, “Take Your Mama” and “Filthy/Gorgeous” reaching the upper echelons of the UK Top 40 over the last ten years, the group have never lost their appeal with their unique pop trash sound and catchy lyrics. As part of their Magic Hour world tour, the Scissor Sisters will be at La Riviera performing a number of these hits alongside tracks from their new album, which shares the tour name.
27 Oct: Mikel Erentxu + Club Castizo 60s 28 Oct: Losvo 29 Oct: Iván Ferreiro and Leiva 31 Oct: Inlogic
GRUTA 77, c/Cuclillo, 6 (Metro: Oporto). Tel: 91 471 23 70. www.gruta77.com 4 Oct: Al-Martin Jam Session 5 Oct: Konflikto + Mala Muñeca + Ke + Da + No Minor Band 6 Oct: Hound Dogs + Mr: Whiz + Joe Tucker & His Ramblin´Cowboys + DJs Castro & Ito 11 Oct: Lurkers (UK) + Hermanos Sancheski 12 Oct: Kalandrakas + Comando Kachimba+ guest group 13 Oct: Rory Kellly’s Triple Threat + guest group 16 Oct: The Quakes (USA) 18 Oct: Bubble Bones + The Weird Bunch 19 Oct: Charlie Hightone and The Rock-Its + Ma Barker 20 Oct: Punk Oi! presenta: Oppressed + Adversion + Black Eyed Bruisers 21 Oct: Aperitivo R’n´R’: No Cash, acoustic tribute to Johnny Cash 25 Oct: Mr. T- Bone meet Caroloregians (Belgium) + Sylvester Skalone 26 Oct: Sex Museum + Government 27 Oct: Widow Makers + Forastero 31 Oct: Fiesta de Halloween: Los Petersellers + Las Madres + Peterentes
JOY ESLAVA, c/Arenal, 8 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joyeslava.com 4 Oct: The Tallest Man on Earth 5 Oct: Bigott 18 Oct: Anathema 20 Oct: Saratoga 21 Oct: Richard Hawley 24 Oct: La Musicalité
PALACIO DE DEPORTES DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID, Avenida Felipe II, s/n (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel. 91 444 99 49. www.palaciodedeportes.com 4 Oct: Miguel Bosé 5 Oct: Leonard Cohen 7 Oct: Jennifer López 20 Oct: MUSE
SALA GALILEO GALILEI, c/de Galileo, 100 (Metro: Islas Filipinas/Canal). Tel: 91 534 75 57/58. CENTRAL CAFÉ, Plaza del Angel, 10 (Metro: Sol/Antón Martín). Tel: 91 369 www.salagalileogalilei.com PALACIO VISTALEGRE, c/de Utebo, 1 41 43. www.cafecentralmadrid.com (Metro: Vista Alegre). Tel: 91 563 94 1 Oct: Lunes Mulatas 93. www.palaciovistalegre.es 1-7 Oct: Fernando Egozcue Quinteto 3 Oct: Desiguales
SALA CLAMORES, c/Albuquerque, 14 (Metro: Bilbao). Tel: 91 445 79 38. www.salaclamores.com
Nightlife Spotlight
5 Oct: The Cranberries 11 Oct: Romeo Santos 16 Oct: Wilco 19 Oct: Keane 20 Oct: Russian Red 28 Oct: Bon Iver
27 Oct: Billy Bob Dillon 31 Oct: Dangerous: Tribute to Michael Jackson
TEATRO LARA, c/Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 15 (Metro: Callao). Tel: 91 523 90 27. www.teatrolara.com 11 Oct: El Hijo 17 Oct: Fanfarlo
SALA LEMON, Avda del Brasil, 5 (Metro: Santiago Bernabéu). Tel: 646 006 433.
LA TABERNA CHICA VINOS, TAPAS, COCKTAILS & LOUNGE MUSIC FABULOUS CAIPIRINHAS
5 Oct: Sinkope 6 Oct: Bromas Aparte + Nada Que Decir 13 Oct: Hombre Linterna 20 Oct: Alguimia Urbana 26 Oct: Dessakato + Mala Reputación (Adrenalina Tour) 27 Oct: Dikers
LA RIVIERA, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com 5 Oct: Refused 7 Oct: The Darkness 12 Oct: Gotthard + Unisonic 14 Oct: Manowar 16 Oct: Amaral 17 Oct: Juanes 18 Oct: Amaral 19 Oct: Festival Mundo Idiota 20 Oct: Festival Mundo Idiota 25 Oct: Fuel Fandango 26 Oct: Arch Enemy 28 Oct: Scissor Sisters
c/Costanilla de San Pedro, 7 (Metro: La Latina)
SALA EL SOL, c/Jardines, 3 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 532 64 90. www.elsolmad.com 2 Oct: Vikxie 4 Oct: Manitoba 5 Oct: Cosmosoul 6 Oct: Good God 9 Oct: 66 Rpm Present “Burning. Madrid” de Alfred Crespo and El Rock & Roll De Burning 10 Oct: Cofee And Wine 11 Oct: The Clams + Mortimer & El Coloso De Roda 12 Oct: Japandroids 13 Oct: Laguna 17 Oct: Alondra Bentley 18 Oct: Bill Kirchen 19 Oct: Izal 20 Oct: Mamá 24 Oct: Andalusian Conspiracy + Cruelty Without Beauty 25 Oct: Lüger 26 Oct: Jorge Ilegal y Los Magníficos 27 Oct: Pájaro 30 Oct: Evil Evil Girrrls & The Malvados
CAFÉ LA PALMA, c/Palma, 62 (Metro: Flamenco Noviciado). Tel: 91 522 50 31. LAS TABLAS, Plaza de España, 9 (Metro: Plaza de www.cafelapalma.com España). Tel: 91 542 05 20. 4 Oct: Patax 5 Oct: Hermanas Sister + Rowe 6 Oct: Fundango 11 Oct: Under We Are 12 Oct: Los Alegres Niños Psicopatas + Suann 13 Oct: Dos Ideas + Tu Otra Bonita 18 Oct: No Caut + Musselman 19 Oct: Perversions 20 Oct: Baden Bah! 25 Oct: 61 Garage + Nomada 26 Oct: Drum Lazers
www.lastablasmadrid.com CARDAMOMO, C/Echegaray, 15 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 369 07 57. www.cardamomo.es CASA PATAS, C/ Cañizares, 10 (Metro: Antón Martín). Tel: 91 369 04 96. www.casapatas.com
Celtic/folk O’NEILL’S IRISH PUB, Tel: 91 521 20 30 THE IRISH ROVER. Tel: 91 597 48 11 TABERNA ELISA. Tel: 91 369 74 263
OCTOBER 2012
9
Month Ahead art
Pi CK
■ KELLY RUMMEL
o’ the month
theatre
Gauguin y el viaje a lo exótico Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Po del Prado, 8 (Metro: Banco de España). Tel: 91 369 01 51. Tues-Sun, 10am-7pm. General admission €9, students €6. Free. What didn’t Paul Gauguin do? Painter, sculptor, print-maker, ceramicist, writer—it’s neither a surprise the impact he made on other artists, nor the shift he caused in the direction of modern art itself. Both Gauguin’s legacy and his influence is astonishing. This exhibition at the Thyssen exposes Primitivism, a Western art movement that borrows visual forms from non-Western or prehistoric peoples, and traces its presence through modern art, such as Gauguin’s inclusion of Tahitian motifs in paintings and ceramics after his famous exploration of life and culture on the island. The term “primitivism” is often applied to other painters working in the style of native or folk art like Matisse, Kandinsky, and Klee, all of whose work can be seen in this expansive offering. Gauguin sought to escape European civilisation and technology when he took up residence in Tahiti and adopted a simple lifestyle which he found more natural than Europe’s ever advancing society. Who knew one man’s vacation could have such a profound effect on so many people? 9 Oct-13 Jan 2013.
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía C/Santa Isabel, 52 (Metro: Atocha/Lavapiés). Tel: 91 774 10 00. General admission inc. temporary exhibitions, €6. Temporary exhibition only, €3. Mon-Sat, 10am9pm; Sun, 10am-2.30pm; Tues, closed. Encuentros con los años 30 This new exhibition focuses on the trailblazing actions and attitudes of artists in the 1930s who insisted on producing works in spite of the political and economic turmoil seen nearly everywhere in Europe and across the Atlantic. For artists during the 1930s it was especially necessary to cut a unique and honest view out of the overwhelming darkness, oppression, and all-consuming propaganda-based campaigns that people were drowning in. The work is necessarily a focus on interpersonal and international relationships—the things people could actually hold on to and honestly experience. 3 Oct-7 Jan 2013.
Museo del Prado Po del Prado, s/n (Metro: Banco de España/Atocha). Tel: 91 330 28 00. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-7pm. General admission €12. Reduced €6. Permanent collection free, Mon-Sat, 6-8pm; Sun 5-7pm. El paisajista Martín Rico (1833-1908) As part of the Prado’s objective to highlight nineteenth century Spanish painters, the end of this month sees a monographic exhibition of landscape pieces by Madrid-born artist Martín Rico. The museum boasts the largest and finest collection of Rico’s works, including forty sketchbooks, twelve oil paintings and, the newest addition, a recently acquired watercolour album. These, together
with generous loans from public and private collections, will be presented chronologically and include major pieces from each period of the artist’s life, ranging from rural Spanish mountains to urban offerings from Paris and Venice. 30 Oct-10 Feb 2013.
Other galleries La isla del tesoro: Arte británico de Holbein a Hockney To examine the question of the identity of British art during the past five centuries is no short order, but this exhibition seeks an answer by focusing on where, instead of what, Britain was and is. As such, it is aptly named Treasure Island both as a nod to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel and as a description of what five centuries of British art offers. More than 180 Lyttont by Henry Lamb pieces, ranging from sculptures, paintings and photographs to books, magazines and manifestos, are organised into seven eras to ease a path through the five-century span. Starting with Deconstruction and Reformation (15201620) and ending with A Brave New World (1945-1980), there are also notable written works offered in Spanish translation, many for the first time. Fundación Juan March, Calle de Castelló, 77 (Metro: Nuñez de Balboa). Tel: 91 435 42 40. Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm; Sat, 9am2pm; Sun, 10am-2pm. 5 Oct-20 Jan 2013. Beaux Belles: retratos de familia Italian-born artist Judith Lange is known for her unique representations of man and beast, and in Beaux Belles: retratos de familia (Family Portraits) she re-examines ideas of beauty, normality and sympathy in a number of mid-sized portraits together with several delicately detailed postcard-sized offerings. There is also the presentation of Lange’s new book, L’âme de mes poupées (The Soul of my Dolls), all copies of which will be numbered and signed. Centro de Arte Moderno, C/Galileo, 52 (Metro: Quevedo/Argüelles/Moncloa). Tel: 91 429 83 63. Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm, 5-9pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. 13 Sept-13 Oct.
Forever King of Pop Moon-walking its way into Madrid this month is Forever King of Pop, the only Michael Jackson homage show endorsed by the Jackson family itself. Forever King of Pop is a high energy, two-and-a-half-hour journey through Jackson’s illustrious career featuring hits from his days with The Jackson 5 and his later solo career. The 40 singers, dancers, actors and musicians who fill the stage in order to resurrect the King of Pop will have even the most sceptical audience members dancing to “Thriller”, especially during the live reproduction of its famous video. Teatro Nuevo Apolo, Plaza Tirso de Molina, 1 (Metro: Tirso de Molina/Sol). Tel: 91 369 06 37. Tickets www.entradas.com from €19. Wed-Sun 8.30pm. 3 Oct-4 Nov. The Hole (El Agujero) Back in Madrid for its second season, The Hole returns with its intriguing mixture of cabaret, burlesque, circus, music and humour. The story revolves around a fresh and daring love story with different Masters of Ceremonies at the helm. Definitely for adults only, from the moment the audience members step into the theatre, they are invited to take part in the unfolding party even before taking their seats. The show does follow a set script but there is plenty of room for improvisation, leading to many twists and turns during your
journey through (and hopefully out the other side of) The Hole. Teatro Caser Calderón, C/Atocha 18 (Metro: Sol/Tirso de Molina). Tel: 91 420 37 97. Tickets www.entradas.com from €15. Wed, Thurs, 8.30pm; Fri, Sat, 8pm, 11pm; Sun, 8pm. 6 Sept-31 Oct.
Eoloh! Suitable for all the family, Eoloh! has been described as an unconventional circus featuring aerial choreographies, lush special effects, impressive video projection, and of course a few essential clowns. The Tower of Babel-like cast, comprising performers from Argentina, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Canada, the USA, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Mongolia, France, Australia, Russia and Spain, has been expertly prepared by professionals at the top of their fields in order to create a spectacular magical voyage through the circus world. Accompanied by a powerful soundtrack and a good dose of humour, Eoloh! promises to be a treat for the senses. Teatro Canal, C/Cea Bermúdez, 1 (Metro Canal). Tel: 91 308 99 99. Tickets www.teatroscanal.com from €30. Tues-Fri, 8.30pm; Sat, 12.30pm, 6.30pm, 9.30pm; Sun, 12.30pm, 5.30pm, 8.30pm. 27 Sept-14 Oct.
Una Mirada del mundo See also our Scene, page 4, for information about a series of international plays presented by the Centro Dramático Nacional at the Teatro Valle-Inclán, starting on 24 October.
■ POLLY ACKROYD
The world at your fingertips
The lens and the lyrics
InMadrid is pleased to support our advertisers, and this month Jeff Wiseman pays a visit to Sabores del Mundo, a new foodstore with worldwide brands, including a broad selection from the UK and US
A new exhibition presents the results of a collaboration between Irish landscape photographer Ronan Kirby and Madrid-based band, Track Dogs, reports Tim Inkling
“Adapt and survive” is a comment frequently made when any individual moves from one country to another, and perhaps the most difficult part of that adaptation and survival is food. In Spain, no matter how good the chorizo, queso or vino, there’s always an underlying desire for the tastes and flavours of your homeland—a yearning for a Yorkie or a craving for a Custard Cream; a hunger for a Hershey bar or a desire for Dr. Pepper. It was partly this need that inspired Anmol Sukhwani to open Sabores del Mundo (Flavours of the World), but as the shop name suggests, the intention is also to provide cuisine from all continents. “I got fed up with going to five or six different places to complete my shopping,” explains Anmol, “so I wanted to provide international food under one roof. We have 1,700 different product lines, ranging from the UK and USA to India and China. With the economic crisis, people are tending to eat out less, and we have regular customers buying ethnic food to cook at home.” If you can’t get along to the shop, which faces the Parque Eva Perón, a stone’s throw from Manuel Becerra metro, Sabores del Mundo offers a delivery service too. For only €5 for the Comunidad de Madrid, or €6 for mainland Spain, you can select all that you require from its website, www.saboresmundo.com. “We’ve had orders from all over the country,” continues Anmol, “perhaps the most unexpected was to a small village in Galicia!” There are also regular special offers and a service to provide gift hampers and baskets. The mix of brands and product names speak for themselves, but just to provoke temptation they include Heinz, CurlyWurly, Flake, Fray Bentos, Hershey’s, Aunt Jemima, Fig Rolls, Shredded Wheat, Betty Crocker, Pukka Pies, Bisto Gravy, Simpson’s tinned Indian meals such as Chicken Jalfrezi, plus liquid refreshment like Cobra beer, Fuller’s London Pride and Bulmer’s Cider. There are also glutenand peanut-free lines, and jams for diabetics. “We respond to clients’ suggestions,” says Anmol, “which have led us to stock Marmite, Lucozade and Quorn products.” Fridays and Saturdays have product tastings and as I leave the store, four lemon-filled muffins on special offer at €1.50 are among my personal purchases. Opposite the shopfront, the sight of a park proves attractive, and a few minutes later after a satisfying stroll, there are just two muffins remaining. Sabores del Mundo, C/Doctor Gómez Ulla, 10 (Metro: Manuel Becerra). Tel: 91 377 19 40. Mon-Sat, 11am-8.30pm. See www.saboresmundo.com.
A remarkable exhibition starts this month, looking to fuse the Irish fine art photography of Ronan Kirby with songs from the recent self-titled album by Track Dogs, the established and popular band based in Madrid. Commissioned by Track Dogs themselves, each of Kirby’s 14 striking and beautiful images of the west of Ireland’s coastline corresponds with one of the 14 songs on the band’s album, adding a distinct visual touch to the music and lyrics. The Track Dogs Series forms part of Ronan Kirby’s The Duchais Collection, which captures the natural beauty and rugged moods of the Irish terrain and coast, whether focusing on wild rocky coves or breathtaking sunsets. Kirby lives in Cork, and has been complimented for his meticulous eye and masterful use of light and composition in the Collection. His work has been widely published, including limited edition prints in Europe and the USA. The exhibition will be held in the Muelle 17 bar, with the inauguration on the evening of Saturday, 6 Photo: Ronan Kirby October, from 9.30pm. Ronan Kirby will be present, Burren Cross and there will be a small acoustic session from Track Dogs. It’s an open event for the public to come along, see the photographs, listen to the live music and enjoy a copa or two. The Track Dogs album is available to download, with a digital edition of the photobook, from iTunes, and can be previewed on www.duchais.com/TrackDogs. Also, check out their video on the home page of inmadrid.com. The Duchais Collection: Track Dogs, Muelle 17, C/del Barco, 17 (Metro: Gran Vía). Sat, 6 Oct, 9.30pm.
10 OCTOBER 2012
MADRID IN ENGLISH
music
Universal success Singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz has become one of the few internationally successful and multi-Grammy winning Spanish recording artists. Richard Lewington talks to him about his new album and tour, his 20-year career, and the path ahead
aving sold more than 22 million albums, Alejandro Sanz is one of the few Spanish singers who has enjoyed great success at an international level. He tops the Spanish list of Grammy winners (18 Latin and 3 American) with the most recent having been awarded last year, and has recorded eleven albums, all of which have hit platinum status. After a three-year wait since his last studio album, Paraíso Express, Sanz now returns with La música no se toca (Music is untouchable).
h
Emotions run high The new album is the immediate focus of attention for our chat, and he is keen to explain its origin. “To begin with, I had a concept, but I just wanted to let emotions flow. It’s an album in their service,” he admits, adding that in terms of style, it’s an eclectic exercise that embodies a “classic production with a pop-rock sound reminiscent of the 80s”, an element that Sanz considered essential. In addition, he has tried to make each song a tribute to the groups and albums that he’s always liked listening to. “My desire with this album is to remember that a song is much more than, for example, a mobile phone application, as tracks can be labelled now,” he states, before struggling for the right words and continuing “Music is something more!” The album takes its title from its first song—a kind of love letter to music with almost metaphysical lyrics, making an English translation challenging: “Long live music, your majesty, God save music in its immensity, music remains when there is nobody to love.” While the album’s title reference to ‘untouchable’ has no connection with the recent hike in VAT, Sanz admits that the increase is a big kick in the teeth for culture. “There are many things in life that may be negotiable, but for me music is not one of them,” he says. “Spain is in a very complicated situation, but it is a situation that I cannot try to solve with an album. What I can try to do is cheer people up with my music. Hopefully, the crisis will be resolved soon. Spain has gone through difficult situations, but we will move forward as we have done in the past.”
New sound and company Sanz admits that his previous albums fall towards the flamenco genre, but what makes him stand out from other Spanish artists? “I’m a good cook!” he jokes, before homing in on his southern roots. “I have a base that is flamenco; having settled roots is very important, and if you look, it is what distinguishes one musician from another. Whether it’s something that comes out accidentally or through desire, flamenco is possible, because it is in my vocal structure, the way I sing. It has taken me this far, and it has always been present in my songs.” However, he recognises that this is not the case with the new album. La música no se toca was never intended to have a flamenco sound, and not one of its thirteen songs contains a flamenco guitar, cajón or flamenco percussion. “This time I needed a change,” he smiles, “Something new and exciting!” Each song “has its world and its story” and, while noting that he does not like to mention his private life in his work, Sanz admits that, “it is sometimes inevitable that something will appear. I write songs and I write stories, but even though I may include a few references, it wouldn’t be about anything clear. I’ve always given my music my life, but not my soul.” The new album also marks a turning point in Sanz’ career. He had only ever recorded under Warner Music, having spent exactly twenty years, from 1991 to 2011, with the company, including his initial training as a
MADRID IN ENGLISH
Photo: Richard Lewington
“
I’ve always given my music my life, but not my soul”
vocalist. The song on La música no se toca, “I bring you... 20 years”, celebrates those two decades in the business, but he has now taken up with Universal Music. “It was a wonderful time with Warner, I have great memories and good friends,” he comments, “but I felt I had reached a plateau, so the change has given me what I needed.”
Tour de force So is Sanz content with where his is now? “The bottom line is that I cannot complain. In fact, of course, I am very satisfied. There are things I could have done better in the past, but as I say, I cannot complain.” Even after two decades in the business, he remains thoroughly enthusiastic about the challenges and objectives that lie ahead. “I have many things to do. I still have to write the best song I can, as well as create my best album.” For now though, Sanz is preparing for his Latin American tour, which will see the singer undertake ten concerts in Mexico throughout October, as well as performances in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. “Working on a new album is exciting; it is an experiment, a wonderful feeling. But the worst thing is nerves—you never know how it’s going to turn out. But for me, the international tours are the best part!” His Spanish tour will begin with three dates at the Sanz Palau de la Música in Barcelona on 28-29 November and 1 December, and will serve to present La música no se toca in the company of a new band in which, according to Sanz, “half the members are women” and whose sound “is going to blow everybody away!”
La música no se toca is now available on Universal records. ■ ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SOFIA CHILILI
OCTOBER 2012
11
Six of the best Whether you’re new to Madrid or looking to impress visiting friends and family, Rosie Cameron finds six great ways to app-reciate the city
i
t’s a dilemma many of us face: we love to act as an allknowing guide for Madrid, but there are issues—your Spanish is so-so, your sense of direction is more of a sense of adventure, or maybe your familiarity of the city is bitty. What’s the solution? To avoid making comments like “I’m sure it’s around here somewhere”, “We could just order it and see” or “Yes, it’s definitely a famous painting”, just whip out your phone and download these six simple apps to fill your knowledge gaps.
Words come easy The number one necessity for getting by in Madrid is your ability to speak Spanish. Avoid any embarrassment when entertaining visitors by being able to communicate with the locals, using the fantastic app, iTranslate. It’s free, which is always a bonus, and simple to use. Type the word or phrase you want to know in English, press translate, and the translation into Spanish is not only displayed on screen, but a nice lady (or man; you choose) will tell you how to pronounce the words! There are other translator apps on the market, but most come at a price and do more or less the same functions. However, one risk is that the app, like the majority of those available, can only be used with an internet connection.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than sweating profusely in front of a native Spanish speaker, punching your phone, smiling meekly and uttering “Momento, por favor”, so hit one of the many free wifi spots across the city to brush up on your Español, pronto!
Photo (CC) flickr: chrisparkeruk
Underground, overground When visitors arrive, the likelihood is that you’ll be using the metro to show them around, as public transport in Madrid is on top form. It’s cheap, frequent, and accessible, but the underground system can be a little daunting, and many of us have to consult the maps on the station walls, inevitably making us look “touristy”. That’s not what you want when trying to impress guests, so essential app number two is Metro Madrid. Not just a map of the network, but this offers real-time updates about any delays or line closures, timetables, a route planner, and is one of the few apps that, with the exception of a few features, can be used without an internet connection. What happens when you have cracked the metro system and begin showing visitors the world above the tunnels? Madrid is a fantastic city in which to stroll, but sometimes you can find yourself in a maze of streets with no idea about the location of the nearest metro station, whether it’s near or far, or the best direction to walk. Cue app number three, Madrid Nearest Metro. Locating you via GPS signal (internet connection required), the app utilises your camera as a sort of compass, pointing you towards the nearest metro entrance, with an arrow displaying the station name and distance. Clever and cool, only the lack of a large backpack and a machete prevent you from turning into a modern-day David Livingstone.
Brushing up With your travel arrangements resolved, the next question is where to take your guests. Madrid’s most famous attraction is no doubt the Prado museum, but its reputation is equalled by its size. Packed with masterpieces by artists such as Goya, Tintoretto and Bosch, even the most advanced art enthusiasts
would struggle to remember detailed insights into its famous paintings. To enhance your tour, download the three-hour-long Prado Museum Audio Guide, which will tell you all you need to know about the most famous 50 paintings in the collection. The app costs 6.99, but it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to show off the art historian within you. We would recommend taking lots of photos during your travels around the city. Bear with us to find out why.
Reading and writing Of course at some point, whether alone or with guests, you’re likely to go out for dinner, and will almost inevitably struggle to read the menu. It’s nice to smile when you receive your main course, but rather intimidating if the dish you’ve ordered is smiling back at you. Never fear, the Pic Translator app is here, costing around 4. Simply hold the app, which uses your camera as a pair of eyes, over the text that you wish to decipher, and the app will show it in English. Miraculous! This may be a life saver, avoiding any allergy-related mishaps and even preventing embarrassment—by using it to distinguish gender signs on toilet entrances, and you can stride in with confidence rather than slowly poking your head around a door and keeping your fingers crossed. Finally, assuming you’ve taken the photos we mentioned, now is the time to download Postino, a free app which allows you to design personalised postcards and send them via email or traditional post. E-postcards are free, and original paper postcards are charged using ‘stamps’. You pay for stamps, design your card using pictures from your phone, after which they will be printed and sent as you instruct. The app adds a personalised touch to the traditional postcard that will give family and friends a souvenir that they can treasure forever—or, let’s be honest, just pin to their fridge for a few weeks. We hope our six choices meet with your app-roval.
Photo (CC) flickr: Ruth_L
Eating & Drinking great ideas for eating out in Madrid Eating & Drinking
VEGAVIANA Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Madrid Daily Menu 9,70
Thai Restaurant The authentic taste of Thailand in Madrid c/San Bernardino, 6. Metro: Plaza de España. Tel: 91 559 83 15
c/Pelayo, 35 (Metro: Chueca) Tel: 91 308 03 81. Open Tues-Sun 1:30-4pm. Tues-Sat 9-midnight. Closed Sunday & Monday
Bangkok Excellent Thai Cuisine
Oriental tea house Arabic cuisine and cakes
c/Arenal, 15 (esquina Bordadores, 13) Tel: 915 591 696. Metros Sol or Ópera.
–Delicious Couscous– Tues-Sat, evenings: belly dancing Classes: belly dancing, Arabic percussion c/Martín de los Heros, 28. Tel: 91 559 57 85
service guide service guide service guide travel & sightseeing
VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT WHOLE FOOD
Books & Coffee Ventura de la Vega, 4 (In front of “las Cortes”) Tel: 91 429 50 92 Tres Cruces, 4 (Metro: Sol) Tel: 91 521 87 21
Computer Services
Need help with your computer? ! Effective and professional staff ! Secure and reliable service ! YOU are in control Whether you need some help with a program or have a problem with your Windows or Mac system, we can help you remotely or come to where you are.
902 24 64 24 www.benn.es
FAMILY INTERNET SECURITY SERVICES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE B2B NETWORK AND COMPUTER O&M
12 OCTOBER 2012
MADRID IN ENGLISH
service guide service guide service guide service guide Obstetrics & Gynecology
Counselling
Hairstylist Language Services
Language Services
Spanish for foreigners 1 Small groups 1 All levels (D.E.L.E. Official Exam) c/Fuencarral, 13-2º, 28004 Madrid Tel: 91 522 31 22. Fax: 91 532 85 09. e-mail: info@carpemadrid.com www.carpemadrid.com
C.E.E. -Idiomas Spanish Language School - All levels - Preparation for DELE Exam - Cultural activities
Also ENGLISH - FRENCH GERMAN - ITALIAN
96E 20 HOURS MONTHLY
156E 40 HOURS MONTHLY * Groups or private classes * Special classes for companies c/Carmen, 6 — 28013 Madrid 91 522 04 72 - 91 521 10 04 91 522 18 57 - 91 531 38 56 e-mail: info@cee-idiomas.com
MADRID IN ENGLISH
OCTOBER 2012
13
empresas del ibex-35. Particulares 20€; dos personas 30€; grupos 40€. Llamar al 914591260/626065482 o escribir a profesoresnativosdeingles@yahoo.es.
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Visit inmadrid.com and click on classifieds to create your account. DEADLINE FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE IS 22ND OF THIS MONTH. Ads received after this date will be published in the following issue. NOTE: InMadrid is not responsible for the contents of its classified ads. It is the reader’s responsibility to investigate the authenticity of advertisers.
accommodation accommodation-offered FURNISHED CENTRAL FLAT FOR RENT, 3 single bedrooms, new bathroom, new kitchen, large living & dining room, just 3 mins walk from tube station, in good central area with all amenities. Will suit english teachers. Price €390 per room per month, contact Mrs Craven 634801575. Viewings prior appointments. BIG ROOMS CENTRE MADRID Big rooms for rent in a house, centre Madrid easy walking distance to 2 metro stations cercanias, bus, free parking. Rooms are bright and airy as there are lots of windows. All mod cons in huge kitchen and an outside patio, internet, musical thread, Underfloor heating. 250€, 40€ gastos, 1 month deposit. Gonzalez Fernandez Sonia. Email: soniviguesa@hotmail.com. Tel: 659 056 304. LA LATINA METRO - 1 BED DUPLEX FOR RENT Apartment to rent 2 minutes from La Latina metro. duplex - 1 bedroom, bathroom, separate kitchen, downstairs WC, large livingroom fully furnished - large fridge, double bed + comfortable sofabed in living-room, electric hob, microwave/convection oven gas cenral heating and hot water situated in a “corrala” so quiet despite the central location. 550euros Contact ngtwilliams@hotmail.com. QUIET, BRIGHT AND FULLY FURBISHED STUDIO AT THE CE Quiet and bright studio recently renovated and fully furbished has open kitchen with new appliances, ADSL, A-C, TV and electric heating. Rent includes all expenses except electric bill. This cozy studio is in a very safe building with elevator and doorman situated at the heart of Madrid in Sol. It´s at walking distance from all trendy shops, restaurants, galleries and museums. Must see!!! Email: robin.pena@gmail.com. IN 4 CAMINOS ROOM TO RENT FOR MAN / WOMAN IN 4 CAMINOS ROOM TO RENT FOR MAN/WOMAN in flat to share with another girl.Completly furnished apartment.The room has a big table to study and internet. 375 euros month + expenses apart + 1 month deposit. Call Diana:676 15 69 87. LOVELY APARTMENT FOR RENT AT TETUAN, PLZ CASTILLA So well located between Cuatro Caminos and Plz Castilla, 20 minutes to Sol. Metros: Tetuán, Estrecho & Cuzco. Ready to enter and enjoy the city, full equiped. A private patio for your only comfort. An independent kitchen, the room is upstairs (10 free metres for resting). Perfect for a couple or someone who has to prepare a master: very peaceful atmosphere. Ecological heating (electric ceramics with low consumption and a high performance). Posibility to keep the internet connection. 600 + bills. 1.000 euros deposit. if you are interested call me at 600461133. Mail: urbangarten@gmail.com. ROOM AVAILABLE TO RENT, MODERN 2 BEDROOM SHARED flat, near Pza de Cibeles. New amenities inc washing machine, fridge, cooker etc. Fully furnished. Use of all facilities-kitchen, living room, tv, shower, bathroom etc. Very secure building, night porter, 2 lifts, very central area, metro: Banco de España. €490 per month, gas and electric included. From 1 Oct. Applicants must be able to speak English. Tel: 649 784 901. HUGE ROOM IN A LOFT LIKE APARTMENT AT SOL Enjoy a large room in a three bedroom two baths loft at the heart of Madrid. The apartment has cable tv, wi-fi, a-c and cleaning once a week. Rent includes all expenses. Must see. Email: robin.pena@gmail.com. NEXT TO OPORTO STATION, 2 ROOMS, FULLY FURNISHED contact 639682602, 10 years old flat, 2 bedrooms, wide living room, nice bath, wide completely equiped kitchen with a balcony to a private garden, sunny cute terrace, air conditioning, 2nd floor with elevator, very quiet and sunny, 100 m. to oporto station (lines 5 and 6), buses day and night to downtown.
holiday-accommodation APARTMENT FOR WEEKS IN A BEAUTIFUL CÁDIZ-ANDALUZIA Rent a complete apartment of two rooms in a tipical village of Cádiz, Vejer de la Frontera, Andaluzia. 9 Km of a famous spanish Palmar Beach. Fully furnished. Garage. Bus to the beach very near.
14 OCTOBER 2012
Supermarket. 400 euros /week . Also for live, negociable. PHONE: 627834694. Yolanda.
classes music-classes SPANISH GUITAR LESSONS Even after dedicating more than twenty years to the guitar, by playing and teaching, every time I get more and more excited to transmit my passion for it to others. It doesn’t matter what level you are in, if you want to take guitar courses, I’m ready to help you by teaching all that I’ve learned from the best teachers and through my own experience. Classes in English or Spanish. Try your first class without payment. Metro: Iglesia or Canal. Telephone: 650672356 Email: astur_kirichian@yahoo.es. CLASES DE CANTO EN INGLÉS O ESPAÑOL FIND YOUR VOICE! Classes in English or Spanish to people of any level given by professional singer with many years of teaching experience. Please contact me for further information: curlyhead80@yahoo.co.uk/ 666 061 763.
language-classes spanish THE BEST SPANISH CLASSES IN MADRID Spanish teacher with experience abroad working, among others, for the Cervantes Institute. Group or individual, all ages (great with kids), all level lessons. I also speak English, French, Portuguese, Swedish and some Italian. Please contact Laura at laura_rebolledo_genisson@hotmail.com. SPANISH CLASSES Qualified native teacher with experience. One to one or groups. Grammar, conversation. DELE.Revision text. Zone: Moncloa or in your place. From 15 euros negotiable. Cristina 656 634 343. Email: cristinadomingo3@yahoo.es. SPANISH LESSONS ONE-TO-ONE Bilingual and experienced teacher offers private Spanish lessons at his place located in downtown (near calle Huertas, Antón Martín subway station). All levels, grammar and conversation. Reasonable rates. Call anytime at (91) 420 10 49 or email me for further information: gmarcano60@hotmail.com. SPANISH CLASSES I am a Spanish teacher with 25 years experience. I offer “One to one” classes (All levels). Role- play conversation, grammar, business, DELE examination. Also there are Openings for a shared class at any level FOR FIRST MONTH YOU PAY FOR ONLY 3 WEEKS. Maria : 699331505 91.7736471 gretachic@yahoo.es. SPANISH CLASSES ONE TO ONE Spanish teacher for foreigners accredited by the Cervantes Institute offering classes “One to One” tailored to the needs of the student. Hourly rate 30 €. / Bono 10 classes € 250. (Unique and innovative method) C/ Beasain, 37 Amelia Nieva. 636829871 amelia.nieva@telefonica.net.
english QUALIFIED ENGLISH TEACHER, LONDON UNIVERSITY. Qualified English Teacher, London University. Specialized in business English and Cambridge exams. 20 years experience. celine83@gmail.com, 679159919. SPANISH CLASSES Learn spanish the fun way with Hobby Languages. Spanish courses all levels, all year-round. Groups 2-7 persons or Individual Classes. Courses not only focus in improving your spanish but give the students the opportunity to try out their singing, acting and cooking skills. The best ones are filmed and uploaded to the www.hobbylanguages.com Check out all our new courses in our website or ask for Rafael at 696.00.99.37. MISS ROSEMARY ANTROBUS Profesora nativa de inglés titulada (tefl celta). Inglés general; inglés de negocio; inglés jurídico; inglés técnico (seguros, construcción, informática, publicidad, marketing, inmobiliaria, energía, medicina, etc. ); business english certificates; international certificate in financial english; international legal english certificate (ilec); preparación a los exámenes de cambridge (first certificate, advanced, proficiency). 14 años de experiencia en
yoga YOGA MASSAGE “Yoga massage, good for your body and soul, 50€, the first one 30€. 696307910 Teresa”. ENGLISH YOGA CLASSES Experienced yoga teacher from London offering open-air classes in Retiro every Sunday evening and monthly weekend workshops at City Yoga, Cuatro Caminos. All levels are welcome. Prices range from 5€ to 15€ depending on venue and event. For more information you can go directly to my website: www.yogatara.co.uk or find me on facebook: yogatara. I also run kirtan and monthly sacred singing circles, of which more information can be found on my website. Tel: 654 654 883 Email: tarawalsh07@hotmail.com.
other-classes MUAY THAI SELF-DEFENCE AND YOGA IN CENTRAL MADRID Experience the benefits of Muay Thai in the heart of Madrid. Both small group and individual sessions available on a flexible basis. Contact Sean: 603333678 or seandooney @hotmail.co.uk.
clubs clubs-general-social NOVA COMMUNICATIÓN TOASTMASTERS CLUB Conquer your fear of public speaking both in English and/or in Spanish and enjoy the experience. Come and meet us, guests are welcome! Bilingual Toastmasters Club in Madrid meets on Tuesdays at 8 pm @ EAE Business School, Menéndez Pidal 43, Metro Duque de Pastrana. For more information contact us: novatoastmasters@gmail.com / www.novatoastmasters.org. THE BRITISH LADIES ASSOCIATION is an association of English speaking people (of any nationality; men and women). We welcome new members, and meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 10.30am in the St. George’s Church Hall, c/Nuñez de Balboa 43. A talk from a guest speaker, and coffee and snacks are offered on each occasion. For more information please contact: Frances Bushby, tel: 918152185; or Sheila Jones, tel: 918034713.
clubs-sports LOS NARANJAS - FIELD HOCKEY We are a mixed team of men and women of all ages and levels of experience, who meet up at the weekends to play hockey and socialise afterwards. If you are interested in joining, contact us via email: los.naranjas.hockey@gmail.com. MADRID LIONS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, EST. 1997 Madrid Lions Rugby Football Club welcomes new players of all levels and nationalities. Pub night Thursdays from 8.30pm at Finnegan’s, Plaza de las Salesas (Metro Alonso Martínez or Chueca) where you can find out why we are Madrid’s most popular and successful social rugby club. Check out www.madridlionsrfc.com, email info@madridlionsrfc.com or ring Charlie on 636 067 716 or Paul on 679 225 067. MADRID CRICKET CLUB Madrid Cricket Club is always looking for new players of all levels and nationalities. We hold regular training sessions and friendly matches in Madrid from March to November and we have two teams in the Spanish Cricket League. For more info contact Joss (663 395 058) or Jon (655 069 9 11), send an E-mail to cricketinmadrid@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.cricketinmadrid.com. MADRID BARBARIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB The only truly competitive and social international rugby club in Madrid open to players of all levels, both ex-pats and locals. Regular league games, twice weekly training and social games for two men’s teams and one ladies team. Yearly tour, many social events. Recently promoted in leagues. Looking for more players, coaches, supporters. Traditional rugby values, families welcome. Visit our web page www.madridbarbarians.com or find us on Facebook. Contact email madridbarbarians@ymail.com. FOOTBALL CLUB BRITANICO DE MADRID Fútbol Club Británico de Madrid are constantly on the lookout for new players of all levels and nationalities. We have two 11 aside teams playing in competitive local leagues as well as a Fubol Sala team. We also hold regular club social events which makes it a great place to make new friends whilst playing the game you love. We were proudly voted Best Sporting Club in Spain in the Telegraph’s Best of British Awards. If you’re looking for a game or just want to train, get in touch by email on regional.manager@fcbritanico.com, call Neil on 609754169 or find us at www.fcbritanico.com.
counselling COUNSELLING MADRID Counselling Madrid is devoted to the international community in Madrid. We provide confidential counselling services to students, expats and spouses. Visit our website for more details: www.counsellingmadrid.org.
health-and-fitness ARE YOU LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS? Hazel Fry is a Personal Trainer and Nutritional Therapist based in the centre of Madrid. My aim is to help others achieve their health and fitness goals through a well structured training schedule and healthy eating habits. In every day life we’re faced with various different challenges and there is no bigger challenge than keeping fit, healthy and feeling great every day. I would like to help you achieve your goals by guiding you through specialised training plans and providing advice on nutrition and healthy eating. For more info, please visit my website: www.hfhealthandfitness.com.
intercambios groups MULTILINKUAL: INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS IN MADRID Multilinkual.com Meet new people and practice languages, FREE. Tuesdays (O’Neill’s, Príncipe 12, 22h), Thursdays (Beer Station, Santo Domingo square, 22h), Fridays (o.v. movies at Cine Ideal & Cachibola pub, Jacinto Benavente square), Sundays (Marca, Valverde 44, 19h to 23h) ask for David. Also dinners, trips... puestres@yahoo.es, Facebook: Multilinkual. MADRIDBABEL: INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MADRID!!! Meet people from all over the world, practise languages absolutely FREE & make new friends through our wide range of international activities: EVERY WEDNESDAY > International Evening from 20:30 at Café Galdós (Los Madrazo 10 - metro Sevilla). EVERY SUNDAY > International Afternoon from 19:00 at Café Galdós (Los Madrazo 10 - metro Sevilla). EVERY WEEKEND > Films in o.v., international dinners, tapas evenings, excursions, trips, sports, wine tastings, cultural visits, parties & many other activities!! For more info contact Fran (madridbabel@yahoo.es) or visit www.madridbabel.es. IRISH SPEAKERS Are you a fluent Irish speaker or do you just wish to brush up on what you learned at school? If so, then this could be the group for you. I want to set up a group whereby people meet informally and converse in Irish. Location and time etc can be negotiated. gaeilgeoirienmadrid@gmail.com.
jobs jobs-offered ALARIA NURSERY SCHOOLS - AUXILIARY TEACHER WANTED Alaria Nursery Schools hires an enthusiastic English native speaking wanted for working in a nursery with kids from 0 to 6 years old. No pedagogical degree or titulation needed. Previous experience will help. We offer a permanent job in a wonderful environment with little kids. Those interested contact us at info@alariaescuelasinfantiles.es or at 661 585 923. TOUR DIRECTORS WANTED. EARN €1100 PER WEEK! Combine passion for travel and love of education! NETC / Casterbridge Tours are seeking energetic, self-motivated, widely-traveled candidates to escort our American school groups on educational tours throughout Europe in 2013. You will run the day-to-day operations of the tour and passionately introduce European culture and history while incorporating our LEAP philosophy – Learning by Exploring and Actively Participating. Must be fluent in English and one other European language. Apply here: www.educationaltravel.com/tdapplication/ Interviews in early November td@educationaltravel.com. ENGLISH TEACHER REQUIRED IN GETAFE Looking for qualified teacher for in-company classes in Getafe. Tues/Thurs 13:30-15:00 Level: B1+ Tues or Thurs 15:00-17:00 Level: B1 Teacher can decide on Tuesday or Thursday for the 15:00-17:00 class before classes begin on October 2. Classes run until June and are located off the Autovía del Sur near c/ de Eratostenes. Classes pay 30€ per hour. Candidates must be native-English speakers, experienced, well-qualified, and autónomo. If interested, please send along your C.V. to ekovats@baimataro.com. EXPERIENCED NATIVE SPEAKERS TO TEACH IN-COMPAY IN ENGLISH requires experienced teachers to work in-company. We offer block hours and a stable timetable and calendar with no cancellation. Applicants must have residency/work permit. Please send your Curriculum Vitae to: profesores@inenglish.es or call 914029499/666678145. STUDY WITH OXBRIDGE TEFL & START TEACHING ENGLISH Oxbridge is based in the centre of Madrid. We teach English to more than 800 students and 150 clients. We also offer: - Intensive TEFL Training Courses in Madrid with up to 20 hours of observations and real teaching practice - Subsidised 499€ course price (1,250€ full price) after a successful interview in Madrid or online via Skype Employment opportunities for the best students with Oxbridge or associate organisations All applicants for the TEFL course need to pass through the interview process and will then be offered sponsorship. Visit: www.oxbridgetefl.com or call 91 112 97 68.
WANTED: LIVE IN AU PAIR FOR SEPT/OCT Young family, baby (1 year), son (3 years) and daughter (6 years)seek Live in Au Pair. English speaker essential. No need for Spanish. Duties to include: looking after and entertaining children 5pm to 9pm. No housekeeping, cleaning or cooking duties. Large, comfortable duplex flat with huge terrace. Private room provided with Wifi. Food and board provided. 50euro/week pocket money. Perfect for student. Metro: Arturo Soria and plenty of buses to centre and transport hubs. Call: 687830219 Email: easensi74@gmail.com Ask for Esther. DIRECTOR OF STUDIES FOR NEW LANGUAGE SCHOOL Brand new language academy in Mirasierra. Exciting new opportunity with excellent prospects for growth and development. Full support from long running language centre. The candidate must be enthusiastic, self-driven, approachable, native English speaker with CELTA/DELTA and at least 2 years experience in teaching and managing groups of young learners in Spain + residency/legal working papers. Good level of Spanish required. Competitive conditions offered. Urgent! Email: matt@future-training.org. ESL TEACHERS REQUIRED We are looking for qualified and experienced ESL TEACHERS to teach In Company and Young Learners We Offer: * In house training and teacher support * Competitive salaries - Contract or Freelance work * A pragmatic and flexible scheduling system You have: * A Teaching qualification and 2+ years experience * European residence and work permit * Commitment and enthusiasm * Ideally, ability to manage groups of young learners Send your CV to info@prospectidiomas.com www.prospectidiomas.com.
services LIVELY CELTIC MUSIC Talented Irish musicians available for concerts, functions, weddings and parties. Tel: 654 225 305. COMPUTERS / NETWORKS / WEBSITES System administrator offers professional service. Computer / laptop repair, data recovery, software installation and maintenance, network administration, resolving email problems, IT security, backup solutions, web pages. Windows, MacOs, Linux/UNIX supported. I speak English and Spanish. Mobile: +34 618 434 067. PIANO TUNING AND REPAIRS 20 years in California, 10 years in New York,voted best of New York in 2007, now residing in Madrid area, concert pianotuner offers the best piano service you will experience. I have worked in the best concert halls of the world including ,Carnegie Hall, Taipei National concert Hall,Paris Magador Theater, San Francisco Herbst Theater,Opera and Ballet as a Chief Tuner-Technician, Hong Kong, Shanghai. Worked with the such pianists as Bella Davidovich, Joaquin Soriano, Oxana Yablonskaya and many other great musicians. Reasonable prices . Please call or e-mail at finepianos@yahoo.com or 657162111.
tertulias MADSHORTS LITERATURE GROUP Interested in discussing literature? We are a group of new and old people who love reading and then having an exchange of views over these texts. We meet at an easy-to-get-to bar once a month. We arrange to go to meals, plays, literary fairs, film outings to name typical events. If this interests you then contact us at madshortsmadrid@gmail.com.
travel-adventure CIVIL WAR TOURS OF BATTLEFIELD SITES AROUND MADRID Following the footsteps of four famous artists who recorded the Spanish civil war - Ernest Hemingway, John Cornford, Gerda Taro and Charlie Donnelly - these walking tours will visit the sites of crucial battles. The day trips to Brunete, Jarama, Guadarrama and Casa de Campo are led by an expert guide with transport and picnic lunch provided. Find out more about the war, the history - and see what remains. Visit the web site for more details http://spanishsites.org/ Contact spanishsites@ymail.com or call Dr David Mathieson 646148685.
MADRID IN ENGLISH
service guide service guide service guide service guide service guide Work Offered
Teacher (QTS) and an NVQ3 Required native English female to work with 1 to 6 year old children in a British Nursery School in Pozuelo. School Holidays paid. Possibility of full day job (9.00h a 17.30h) or half day job (9.00h a 14.30h).The Nursery is very well communicated with Madrid centre by train or bus or metro ligero.
MADRID SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES
Please send your CV to britishnursery@britishnursery.com. www.britishnursery.com
is looking for qualified, experienced, native English, French, and German teachers for the 2012-2013 academic year. We provide young learner, adult and business classes, and we offer a competitve salary. If you would like to become a part of our team, please send your CV to: coordinador@madridschool.com
CRISIS BUSTER Combined print / online ads from â‚Ź19.95 / month. Visit inmadrid.com/advertise for details MADRID IN ENGLISH
OCTOBER 2012
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