InMadrid December 2012 Issue

2 DECEMBER 2012

MADRID IN ENGLISH

New Year’s Party

With Live Music from the

Dec 31st 24:00 Free Entry

Neon Cats

Limited Numbers

Tue-Thu 21:00-3:00 Fri-Sat 21:00-3:30

Pool Tables

A rising giant in Mejorada del Campo, p7

4 SCENE What’s new in town

5 MADWORLD Top 21 end of the world facts, Fairy Tales, Curiosity Shop

6 LET IT SNOW OR LET IT GO? Are you in favour of a “Jingle Bells” or “Cold Turkey” Christmas? Plus a Madrid Christmas guide

7 THE WORK OF HIS HANDS The construction of a strange cathedral in Mejorada del Campo

8 TAKE FIVE This month’s best film releases

8 BOOKBUZZ Will Wiles’s Care of Wooden Floors, and Chuck Palahniuk’s Damned

8 CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS December gigs—Rufus Wainwright, Father John Misty and The Hives

THIS MONTH: WIN LUNCH FOR TWO AT photo EL ESTRAGÓN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT OR A TRIP FOR

8 FOR THE RECORD This month’s album reviews—El Perro del Mar and Haim

9 NIGHTLIFE The best club nights in December, plus listings

10 MONTH AHEAD: ART & THEATRE Where to go and what to see

10 MORE THAN WORDS Interview with Madrid poet Óscar Martín about his work and original presentation style

TWO ON THE MADRID TELEFÉRICO CABLE CAR RIDE

Just send us a photo of someone Find us on facebook: reading InMadrid in an unusual place www.facebook.com/InMadrid.magazine or way to have the possibility of winning lunch for two in Madrid’s wonderful vegetarian restaurant, El Estragón.

There are two ways to enter: send your photo to our email address (competitions@inmadrid.com), or upload the photo on our facebook page. We have had photos from all parts of the world but to have a better chance of winning, we are more interested in photos taken in Madrid or the surrounding area, the idea being to take a photo of somebody reading InMadrid in a strange or funny place. Be creative, and most importantly, have fun!

Note: Winners will not be notified, please get in touch! competitions@in-madrid.com 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, LAURA TABOR • MUSIC (REVIEWS): RUSSELL PARTON • MUSIC (GIGS): FAYE HARRISON • NIGHTLIFE: RICHARD LEWINGTON • SCENE: VICKY KNILL, JANE PLEGGE, LAURA TABOR • THEATRE: JANE PLEGGE, LAURA TABOR • INTERNS: LAURA STEPHENS, VICKY KNILL, POLLY ACKROYD, ALEXANDRA SHEFFIELD, KELLY RUMMEL, JANE PLEGGE, LAURA TABOR, GUILLERMO ULIBARRI, MARITZA MOSSBERG • 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.

STAFF

Sarah Quist, p11

11 QUINTESSENTIALLY JAZZ Jazz singer and actress Sarah Quist talks about music and life in the city

12 SERVE THE CITY, HELP THE CITIZENS A look at the projects and philosophy of a charity to help those in need

Want to advertise in InMadrid?

Quieres anunciar en InMadrid?

marketing@in-madrid.com

618 434 067 MADRID IN ENGLISH

competition

Want to contribute to InMadrid?

Or how about being an intern?

If you’re interested in collaborating, send your CV, samples of journalistic writing and ideas for articles to editor@in-madrid.com

Like what we do?

Support InMadrid by visiting our advertisers.

DECEMBER 2012

3

scene

Catch Snow White on Ice (13-23 Dec) and Peter Pan on Ice (25 Dec-6 Jan) at the Teatro Nuevo Apolo, Plaza Tirso de Molina. See www.summummusic.com

■ BY JANE PLEGGE, LAURA TABOR AND MARITZA MOSSBERG

InMadrid — new distribution points We’re happy to announce that in our continuing quest to improve and expand our distribution network, InMadrid is now available in tourist offices of both the Ayuntamiento and the Comunidad: Tourist offices pertaining to the Ayuntamiento of Madrid Centro de Turismo Plaza Mayor (Plaza Mayor, 27) Centro de Turismo Colón (In Subway under Castellana) Tourist offices pertaining to the Comunidad de Madrid Duque de Medinaceli, 2 (Metro: Banco de España) Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T-1 Aeropuerto Madrid Barajas T-4 Estación de Chamartín Estación Puerta de Atocha IFEMA - Feria de Madrid (Pasillo Central) Plaza de la Independencia, 6 (Metro: Retiro) You can find a full list of our distribution points online at inmadrid.com/distribution.

Also, don’t forget you can now subscribe to our electronic version, free of charge and compatible with both android and ios devices at issuu.com/inmadrid or by using the QR code (above).

Chaplin at la Zarzuela

Madrid Horse Week Madrid Horse Week, an indoor multidisciplinary equestrian fair, comes to IFEMA this month. There will be three main areas covering sports, exhibitions and entertainment. This edition will host international showjumping for the first time, and visitors will also be able to see artistry and discipline in a dressage show with international riders, a turning demonstration, the Iberian Horseball Cup, a Grand National Show of Ponies, and ceremonial presentations by the Civil Guard and the Royal Guard.

Children can enjoy the Pony Park and other workshops related to horse education, whilst those less fond of horse riding can find solace in catering and shopping areas, concerts and parades. Madrid Horse Week Banco Sabadell. IFEMA, Feria de Madrid (Metro: Campo de las Naciones). 20-23 Dec. For further details see www.madridhorseweek.com.

Belen from the Philippines

world in Muñecas Animadas at Teatro Circo Price. This animation production company has dedicated 30 years to the creation of dolls, marionettes and puppets for television, movies, theatre and advertising. Visitors can see 17 designed sets with more than 100 original dolls, all hand-made by their masters in their workshop. Fans of children’s shows such as Los Lunnis, Los Patata and 7PETS will get the chance to meet their favourite characters up-close, and even adults will recognise the faces of Belén Esteban, Alaska and El Conde Lequio that have been adopted for the Spanish Canal 9 programme Cuorelandia from the BBC series Spitting Image. In essence, this is like a doll “walk-of-fame”, but even handicraft enthusiasts will appreciate the skill in transforming foam rubber into works of performance and visual art. Muñecas Animadas: La Exposición. Teatro Circo Price, Ronda de Atocha, 35 (Metro: Embajadores/Lavapiés/Atocha) Tel: 91 528 81 22. 13 Nov-13 Jan. Mon-Fri, 5-9pm; Sat, Sun, holidays, 11am-2pm, 59pm. See www.teatrocircoprice.es/web/index.php for special Christmas hours. Tickets, www.entradas.com, adults 12+, €5; minors 5-12, seniors, students and groups (minumum of 10 people), €4; minors under 5, free.

Photo: MNA

Belenes del mundo

As 2012 draws to a close the iconic Madrid landmark, Teatro de la Zarzuela, offers film and music fans the chance to see four classic Charlie Chaplin films in special presentations with live orchestral accompaniment. The first billing is Carmen and A Burlesque on Carmen (29 Dec, 8pm) in which officer Darn Hosiery, played by Chaplin, encounters a gypsy seductress. The films make up Chaplin’s parody of Bizet’s Carmen. On 30 Dec at 6pm there’s the wonderful City Lights, and finally on Sun, 6 Jan at 6pm, there’s the classic Modern Times. All original scores have been restored by Timothy Brock, who will lead the orchestra of the Comunidad de Madrid in reproducing the soundtracks for these special cinematic and musical events. Chaplin en la Zarzuela. Teatro de la Zarzuela, C/Jovellanos, 4 (Metro: Banco de España/Sevilla). Tel: 91 524 54 00. 29 Dec, 8pm; 30 Dec, 6pm; 6 Jan, 6pm.

For tickets, from €11, see www.teatrodelazarzuela.mcu.es.

Javier Bragado: “LIVE AND LOUD” Rock and photography enthusiasts will come together to explore the work of Javier Bragado in “LIVE AND LOUD”, showing at EFTI until 9 Dec. Bragado began his evolution as a music photographer in 2008 and has since gained a reputation for visual brilliance. He has a unique style that has lead him to capture magical and unrepeatable moments of live music. His personal objective is to give viewers a different vision of concerts and transport them to scenes that aren’t noticable from afar.

Bragado’s work has been published in magazines such as Kerrang! España, Rock Zone, Metal Hammer, Heavy Rock and RockEstatal, and he was the only Spanish finalist in New Musical Express’s prestigious Music Photography Awards. Javier Bragado: “LIVE AND LOUD.” EFTI, C/Fuenterrabia, 4, 6, and 13 (Metro: Menendez Pelayo/Atocha Renfe). Tel: 91 552 99 99. 26 Oct-9 Dec. 810pm. Free. See www.efti.es/agenda/javier-bragado-“live-loud”.

This exhibition concludes this year’s Antropología (in)visible: del almacén a la vitrina (Anthropology (in)visible: From Warehouse to Showcase) at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, which has allowed the public to learn about several of the museum’s collections that are usually held in storage. Belenes del mundo displays various nativity scenes from all over the world, demonstrating how these diverse and intricate works of art and interpretations of the Nativity vary from culture to culture. Museo Nacional de Antropología, C/de Alfonso XII, 68 (Metro: Atocha). Tel: 91 530 64 18. 1 Dec-6 Jan. Tues-Sat, 9.30am-8pm; Sun, 10am-3pm. Free.

Muñecas Animadas: La Exposición Muñecas Animadas Román y Cía hope to take their fans on a visual, didactic and interactive journey through their creative

lar Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. It’s a unique and electrifying production that employs the trademark creativity of this iconic circus troupe to display a vision of the spirit, passion and heart of the musical genius who impacted pop culture forever. Written and directed by Jamie King, the show includes 64 dancers, musicians and acrobats from around the world. Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. Palacio de Deportes Comunidad de

Madrid. Avenida Felipe II, s/n (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel. 91 444 99 49.

26-29 Dec, 9.30pm; 30 Dec, 8.30pm. See www.palaciodedeportes.com.

The Afronauts Cristina de Middel’s Afronauts presents a unique photo-essay based on the Zambian space race efforts of the early 1960s.

Zambia implemented a programme to compete with the United States and Soviet Union to reach the moon in 1964. Alas, the United Nations did not support it and Zambia ran out of funds.

San Silvestre Vallecana Don’t worry about those extra holiday kilograms: the annual San Silvestre Vallecana 10k takes place once again on 31 December.

The race begins near the centre of Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, and ends in the district of Vallecas. Up to 500 experienced athletes participate in the “serious” race, but the “popular” one is open to everyone and accommodates up to 35,000 runners. It’s a great chance to end 2012 in a positive way by raising money for charity, gathering with fellow madrileños, and starting the new year by celebrating health, fitness, and determination. San Silvestre Vallecana 10km run. 31 Dec. Starting point at junction of C/Concha Espina with Paseo de la Castellana (Metro:Santiago Bernabéu). 6pm. See www.sansilvestrevallecana.com.

Charlie Chaplin: Modern Times

Slayer

Photo: Javier Bragado

ExpOrquídea Though best known as a purple or white flower with unusual petals, orchids are actually one of the world’s most popular house plants, of which more than 20,000 species exist. Madrid will burst into bloom this month with exotic varieties of orchids at ExpOrquídea, an event sponsored by Grupo de Estudio y Conservación de Orquídeas (Gecor) and featuring cultivators from Spain, Belgium, France, Portugal and Ecuador. Some of the varieties on display are not even available in flower shops in Spain at the moment, so this will be their first unveiling to the public. Entry is free, and it’s sure to be a beautiful place to see orchids in all their distinctive types. ExpOrquídea. Parque del Oeste, la Rosaleda Ramón Ortíz. 7, 8, 9 Dec. 10am-8pm. Free. See www.gecor.org.

Macbeth at Teatro Real Giuseppe Verdi’s version of Macbeth will grace the stage of the Teatro Real on nine occasions this month. Featuring Lithuanian soprano Violeta Urmana and Greek baritone Dimitris Tiliakos in the leading roles, the performance is sure to bring all the drama of Shakespeare’s gory story of fate and power and all the intensity of a Verdi opera. Remember: last minute tickets for people under 30, when available, are sold for up to 90% off the list price. Verdi’s Macbeth. Teatro Real, Plaza Isabel II, s/n (Metro: Ópera). 2 & 23 Dec, 6pm. 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 & 20 Dec, 8pm. For tickets and prices, see www.teatro-real.com.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour Cirque du Soleil pays homage to the King of Pop in its spectacu-

4 DECEMBER 2012

Middel’s work combines these historical events with her personal interpretations and imagination, and aims to tell stories in ways that challenge the public to evaluate the perception of truth. La New Gallery, C/Carranza, 6 (Metro: Bilbao/San Bernardo). Tel: 91 445 65 57. Tues-Sat, 11am-2pm, 5-8.30pm. 20 Nov-15 Dec. Free. See www.lanewgallery.com/.

Tips from the Tower Tips from the Tower returns next month, and in the meantime the British Consulate would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

mwoarldd

Top 21 end of the world facts If you believe the Mayans, the end is nigh, and the Apocalypse will be on 21 December. However, to offset the potential doom and gloom, Vicky Knill has prepared this helpful list of 21 Armageddon facts:

w

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

By Jerome Apolda

The End is Here

The Four Horsemen have been spotted, but they’ve been detained at Spanish immigration and told to apply for NIEs. In other words, we have time.

In the event of an all-out nuclear war, banks will be closed, but your local Chinese-owned store will be open.

In the UK, if armies of soulless, undead monsters rise and wreak havoc, maintain your priorities and put the kettle on.

Remember: if a giant killer alien is chasing you and your friend, you don’t have to outrun the alien. Just outrun your friend.

Compile an Apocalypse playlist! InMadrid’s music guru Richard Lewington recommends “My Way”, “Final Countdown” and “Fame”. (Or “It’s the End of the World As We Know Photo (CC) flickr: neurobashing It (And I Feel Fine)”—Editor) Our technology will probably become sentient and attack us. Be sure to load Windows 95 on all equipment, so that everything crashes every five minutes.

The end of the world is the end of the world. You won’t be able update your facebook page about it.

Christmas is obviously a non-starter this year, so why not brighten up your home with some Apocalypse decorations? The Christmas Fairy running and screaming? A burnt tree? Or what about Rudolf the Radio-active Reindeer?

Never has “shop early for Christmas” been more appropriate. In fact, just “shop early”.

Experts predict that the seas will rise, leaving entire continents under water. Arks are difficult to build and costly. Best get yourself a snorkel.

Why not have a little bet on who will be the last survivor (Chuck Norris or Madonna?) or where the entrance to Hades will be found (Milton Keynes? Detroit?

Cuatro Caminos Metro station?)

The sun could engulf us in a ball of fire, so remember to stock up on sun cream.

The Hound of Hell may be unleashed, so buy biscuits and squeaky toys to keep it at bay. (But don’t forget “Fetch!” implies the return of something).

If the sun happens to be blocked out, there will be such intense cold that your limbs will drop off and your breath will freeze. Or, as the Scottish call it, autumn.

As the seas boil and the mountains crumble, the world will be reduced to an orgy of alcohol-fuelled madness and insanity. For a general idea, see pics of last year’s InMadrid writers’ Xmas party. (Strange, I can’t recall this event—Editor).

There will probably be no water, gas or electricity. Residents of West Wales should see no difference.

Make sure you have exact change to pay the River Styx boatman—he doesn’t take cards.

Some say that our future alien overlords already walk among us and we should get on their good side. In which case, we send our best regards to Lady Gaga.

Time to watch every single episode of Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival. It can’t hurt, even if you have to live for a week on one shrimp.

Look on the bright side. While we may never know how Game of Thrones ends, at least we will never have to see any more Big Brother showdowns.

And you thought there was no way to end the crisis…

Curiosity Shop

LOBO FELIZ

■ ■ BY

BY CAMINO CAMINO MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ

Located in the Tribunal area, this charming and colourful shop is the place to find original, educational, handmade and ecological toys December is, of course, most children’s favourite month. Not only does it present Christmas celebrations, but also New Year’s Eve parties, and everybody goes crazy because of the Spanish lottery draw. With Santa preparing to visit, it’s time to collect good ideas in order to surprise the smallest members of the household. In Madrid, there are lots of places and shops where toys and games can be bought, but Lobo Feliz offers a slight variation on a normal toy shop. Under the slogan “We are what we play”, the philosophy of this place is that children should have fun, but be educated at the same time, as well as being encouraged to be more active and to look after the planet too. That’s why most of the games and toys that the shop sells, which can, by the way, be difficult to find elsewhere, don’t need batteries. They are usually made with sustainability in mind, with recyclable materials like wood, fabrics or cardboard. “We choose our products for those reasons, but also because of the quality of the materials, their design and their packaging,” says Naomi, the owner. Their products are wonderfully didactic, like a big cardboard house or castle that children can construct themselves, wooden cars and tricycles, beach balls designed to look like a globe, model dinosaurs, and small, beautiful backpacks which can be personalised with names. Lobo Feliz is a hotbed of colourful and original ideas to entertain little hands and minds.

Lobo Feliz, C/San Mateo, 28 (Metro: Alonso Martínez/Tribunal). Tel: 91 391 42 50. Also: C/Duque de Sesto, 30 (Metro: Goya). Tel: 91 001 37 93. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-8.30pm. See www.lobofeliz.com.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

Fairy Tales

I don’t know if it was her screaming or her breast beating against my chest that woke me up, but I woke up. It took me a while to work out where I was. Ultimately, it was my flatmates, standing over me and laughing their asses off, that did the trick. I was naked, a woman on top of me and they were laughing! I pushed the woman off me, threw my flatmates out and quickly put some pants on.

The woman stood there, staring at me. I remembered. I remembered what had happened a few moments before. I had woken up next to her in bed. We’d had sex.

My head was still thumping, my skin still felt too tight and my breathing was frantic. I ordered her to get dressed and to get out, but she refused. She stood there, naked, daring, forcing me to look at her. I turned around.

She spoke of a magical night. She spoke of multiple orgasms. She spoke and I wished she would just shut up.

How did this happen?

I’d never had a row with someone in Spanish before, especially a naked female someone. The faster she spoke, the more hysterical she became and the less I understood. She threw my favourite mug against the wall and smashed it to pieces. She grabbed my arm and forced me to look at her. She yelled and she yelled and I raised my hand. She recoiled, scared. I didn’t mean to raise my hand; I wasn’t going to smack her. I just…I don’t know…

She sat on the bed and wrapped the duvet around her. I was thankful; I couldn’t look at her nakedness anymore.

I apologised and offered her coffee—she nodded timidly.

In the kitchen, my flatmates were still giggling. I gave them an evil look and they returned to their bedrooms.

As the water was boiling, I swallowed a couple of aspirin and tried to recall the night before. We’d gone to a club—a gayfriendly club and I had drunk too much. I remembered talking to her and buying her rounds but not bringing her home with me and certainly not sleeping with her. I brought her coffee and rolled a cigarette. We sat side by side for a long moment; the silence was oppressive but also welcomed.

Her name was Concepción. She was from Galicia and worked as a nurse. She remembered everything. I listened, eyes wide with incomprehension. She told me how I had tried to get off with some guy who blew me off ’cos I was too old. She told me how I had started talking to her and telling her all about how I really wanted kids and a husband but that it just wasn’t happening for me. I had cried on her lap apparently, and she’d stroked my head. More drinks had brought more emotions and we’d got on to the end of the world as predicted by the Mayans. She said that I’d told her that now that the world was coming to an end, nothing mattered anymore, that we were all doomed anyway and that she was pretty and that maybe… and then I’d kissed her…

When she started talking about the sex, I stopped her. I didn’t want to know.

We parted a few hours later. I would never see her again.

I had slept with a girl! If that is not a clear sign of the coming Apocalypse, I don’t know what is. 21 days left…

Love Fairy Tales? Missed an issue? Go to www.jerome-apolda.com. Or join me on facebook.

DECEMBER 2012

5

Let it snow or let it go?

Is Christmas the season to be jolly or a season full of folly? Vicky Knill and Jeff Wiseman take two different approaches to Madrid’s festive atmosphere

Jingle Bells Christmas

Cold Turkey Christmas

Oh Christmas! Christmas! “It’s the most wonderful time of the year— ding, dong, ding, dong!” And here’s why everyone just can’t stop smiling:

Oh no. Christmas. Christmas. It’s the most blunder-full time of the year. Yes, yes, yes, I know—ding, dong, ding, dong. And here’s why it’s an absolute nightmare:

Christmas shopping It’s the time of giving and receiving, and what better enjoyment can there be than selecting special gifts for your friends and family. From late November you can visit one of Madrid’s many Christmas markets. These are stocked with decorations, both modern and traditional, and everything you need to set up your own belén (nativity scene). The scene must include your very own caganer (pooing figure!), invariably placed at the back of the display and nowadays often resembling famous people. Caganers spotted last year included President Obama, Messi, and King Juan Carlos!

Christmas music Who doesn’t feel all warm inside when they hear carol singers belting out “Away in a Manger”? Whether you’re in a church or strolling through Sol and catching the festive repertoire of a quartet of street performers, Christmas carols are an important part of the yuletide tradition. Of course, there are the more secular Christmas classics too—“Last Christmas”, “I Wish it could be Christmas Every Day”, “All I Want for Christmas is You”—the list can never be too long.

Christmas lights There’s something magical about seeing the Christmas lights switched on that makes everyone feel like a little kid again. The illuminations that dangle above the calles in the centre of Madrid, together with the enormous modern Christmas tree in Sol, make taking a stroll a bright and exciting experience.

Christmas food The best part! Mince pies, turkey and stuffing, pigs in blankets, Christmas pud, chocolate log, cranberry sauce, and mince pies again! In Spain a key Christmas traPhoto (CC) flickr: Mariano_fotos dition is turrón (nougat). It comes in countless styles and flavours, some hard, some soft, some covered in chocolate, some with various fillings. Just try them one at a time.

Three Kings’ parade

Christmas shopping Pushing, shoving, swearing, sweating, all to buy gifts for people you don’t even like very much. Will they remember your carefully-chosen present? Of course not! In fact, just ask them to tell you what you bought them last year. They’ll have no idea.

(Is it any surprise that “Christmas” is an anagram of “Misc.trash”?)

Christmas music “Away in a Manger”? “Away in a Madhouse” would be more preferable for carol singers. If I want to hear high-pitched squealing on my doorstep, I just refuse to let the cat in. Not only that, if you pay carol singers, they go away, which is a little too much like the Mafia for my liking. Why don’t carol singers remember there’s a carol called “Silent Night” and take the hint?

Christmas lights Don’t get me started! We’re all intelligent human beings, but anyone who’s amused by flashing lights clearly has the attention span of a peanut and a brain similar to a kitten.

“Oooh look! Now they’re off, and now they’re on again!” The lights that go on your private Christmas tree are even worse. Set them up, switch them on, and short-circuit your whole apartment for at least three days.

Christmas food Give me a break! Turkey, brussel sprouts, mince pies—you really don’t want to stay in a room with someone after they’ve consumed that lot. Kids eat so much they’re sick, adults eat so much because they’re obliged to, and elderly relatives eat so much that they’re expelling the resulting gases until mid-February. And the reason turrón is so heavily consumed is that supermarkets fill 75% of their shelf space with it.

Three Kings’ parade Let’s be honest: you’ve seen one camel, you’ve seen them all. Yes, it may occasionally be raining sweets, but usually it’s just raining.

Christmas Lottery

Traditionally, Spain doesn’t have Santa. Instead, the Three Kings come bearing gifts on 5 January. The Kings arrive in style, parading down Castellana accompanied by music, flashing lights, dancers and decorated floats. Free sweets are dispensed randomly in a merry atmosphere for adults and children alike.

Two hundred euros for a full ticket? What sort of lottery asks that? And what happens? Price dictates you have to buy in a group. If you win, then at work you end up having to split the prize with office colleagues you can’t stand, one of whom you have always suspected of stealing your stapler in 2006. Or you buy with “friends” from your local bar, none of whom have bought you a drink in the last five years. “El Gordo” sounds more like a villain from a James Bond movie, and the kids who draw the numbers should apologise before they start singing.

Personally, it would be more entertaining to draw the numbers electronically and spin the kids in the large wire ball.

Christmas lottery There is nothing quite like a bit of shared good fortune to bring goodwill to all men, and no good fortune is better than winning the lottery. In Spain’s Lotería de Navidad, tickets are often bought by groups rather than individuals, meaning that prizes are shared among friends, neighbours and colleagues. The draw takes place on TV, with singing school children picking the numbers. A unique tradition not to be missed, and one that you’ll remember for a long time.

■ VICKY KNILL

A very Merry Christmas to one and all!

Photo (CC) flickr: ValerieZinger

■ JEFF WISEMAN

Christmas. Let’s get it over with.

For a Happy Christmas: Where to go and what to see in Madrid MUSIC 20 Dec, 7.30pm. Concierto de Navidad: Fundación de Padre Arraupe Auditorio Nacional de Música, C/del Príncipe de Vergara, 146 (Metro: Cruz del Rayo). Tel: 91 337 01 40. See www.orquestafilarmonia.com. Tickets from www.entradasinaem.es Get into the season of giving by helping the children of El Salavador—the 19th edition of this charity concert includes a two-part programme of Christmas classics, in addition to plenty of surprises and modern pieces made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Mariah Carey.

Conductor Inma Shara will lead the Cordoba Symphony Orchestra, the Living Water Gospel Choir, and the San Juan Bautista Boys’ Choir.

21 Dec, 8pm. Teatro de la Zarzuela Concierto de Navidad C/Jovellanos, 4 (Metro: Sevilla/Banco de España).

Tel: 91 524 54 10. See http://teatrodelazarzuela.mcu.es/es/. Tickets from €4 at www.entradasinaem.es.

Conductor Cristóbal Volver revives what has become a Christmas tradition for the theatre with a programme that includes polkas and waltzes, among other folk dance musical pieces. Those looking for a slice of Spanish culture won’t be disappointed; performances of chotis, a traditional dance of Madrid and zarzuela, Spanish operetta performed by the orchestra and the choir, will bring the spirit of Spain to this holiday season.

21 Dec, 8 pm. Concierto de Navidad Teatro Monumental, C/de Atocha, 65 (Metro: Anton Martin). Tel: 91 429 12 81. Tickets from €10, see

6 DECEMBER 2012

www.rtve.es/orquesta-coro/ Director Carlis Kalmar will lead the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and RTVE Choir for those looking for classical Christmas music.

Plaza de la Luna): An outdoor rink offers fun for the whole family with a Christmas market selling gifts and mountain clothes. There’s also a slope for sledges.

Plaza de Callao: This kid-friendly rink can be enjoyed by children ages 4-12.

MARKETS Plaza Mayor: The most iconic Christmas market in Madrid dates back to 1860 and will include more than 100 stalls of traditional Christmas items and crafts, decorations, figures, and gift materials. Children will want to take a ride on the carousel, and those hoping to celebrate Christmas Fools’ Day on the 28th are in luck, as unique costumes, wigs, and other accessories can be found in the market as well.

Plaza de España: This handicraft market features more than 150 stalls representing 60 different towns and provinces of Spain. Ceramics, glass works, leather goods, and jewelry are just some of the products that visitors can purchase.

Subject to confirmation: Plaza de Santa Cruz, Traditional Christmas Market Plaza de Santo Domingo, Christmas Craft Fair Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, Cultural Craft Fair Soledad Torres Acosta Plaza, Christmas Fair Plaza de Callao, Christmas activities, decoration and tree sales Plaza del Carmen, Christmas Fair Plaza de Moncloa, Craft Fair

ICE SKATING (Subject to confirmation) Plaza de Santa María Soledad Torres Acosta (formerly

SELECTED NATIVITY SCENES (Subject to confirmation) Palacio de Cibeles, Plaza de Cibeles (Metro: Banco de España): The most iconic belén of the Madrid Christmas season is located under the glass gallery and has 200 figurines in its collection. Tue-Sun, 10am-9pm; 18, 24, and 31 Dec, 10am-4pm; 5 Jan, 10am-2pm.

Museo de la Ciudad, C/Príncipe de Vergara, 140 (Metro: Cruz del Rayo): 8 Dec-8 Jan. Tue-Fri, 10am-8pm; Mon, Sat, Sun, and holidays, 10am-2pm. 25 Dec and 1 Jan, closed.

Centro Cultural Casa del Reloj, Paseo de la Chopera, 10 (Metro: Legazpi): 12 Dec-8 Jan. Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm and 5-9pm; Sun, 10am-2pm. 25 Dec, 1 and 6 Jan, closed.

Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas, C/Montalbán, 12 (Metro: Retiro): Tue-Sat, 9 30am-3pm; Fri, 5-8pm; Sun and holidays, 10am-3pm; Mon, 24, 25, 31 Dec, and 6 Jan, closed. General admission, €3.

Palacio Real de Madrid, C/Bailén, s/n (Metro: Ópera): 15 Dec-15 Jan. Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm. 24, 25, and 31 Dec,1 and 6 Jan, and official state events, closed.

Real Monasterio de la Encarnación, Plaza de la Encarnación, 1 (Metro: Ópera): 15 Dec-15 Jan. Tue-Sat, 10am-1pm and 4-5.30pm; Sun, 10am-2pm; 24, 25, 31 Dec, 1 and 6 Jan, closed Catedral Metropolitana de Ntra. Sra. la Real de la Almudena, C/ Bailén, 10 (Metro: Ópera): 25 Dec-15 Jan. 9am-8pm.

Real Iglesia de San Ginés, C/Arenal, 13 (Metro: Sol/Ópera): 17 Dec-8 Jan, 9am-1pm, 6-9pm.

OTHER Three Kings’ Parade On La Noche de Reyes, madrileños will line the streets to watch floats and hopefully catch some tossed sweets as well. (Those looking to stay warm can watch the festivities on television from the comfort of their homes!) In addition to the large parade in the centre of the city, many barrios hold smaller, local ones too. 5 Jan Guided Christmas Tours Discover the different traditions of Christmas in Madrid by enjoying the five official Christmas guided tours—Adivina Madrid, Belenes históricos (Historic Nativity Scenes), Navidad en bicicleta (Christmas by bike) and Tradiciones navideñas (Christmas Traditions), whilst for children there’s La Aventura de Ráton Pérez y el Rey Buby. The tours are operated by the Madrid Tourist Office, and last approximately 1.5-2 hours, starting in Plaza Mayor. For dates, prices and further information, see www.esmadrid.com/visitasguiadas/portal.do?IDM=84&NM=1 Cortylandia Perhaps the most popular and kitsch display of Christmas cheer in Madrid can be found in Cortylandia, El Corte Inglés annual Christmas display. Covering the outside face above the store’s entrance in Calle del Maestro Victoria (behind Calle Preciados), this magical show of mechanical figures, singing the famous Cortylandia song, will enchant young children.

Cortylandia, Exterior El Corte Inglés, C/del Maestro Victoria, 6 (Metro: Sol).

■ JANE PLEGGE

MADRID IN ENGLISH

The work of his hands Don Justo, an 87-year-old monk, has spent half his life creating one of the most unusual churches in Europe. Laura Tabor watches her step as she investigates the half-built structure that dominates the skyline of Mejorada del Campo

j

ust 40 minutes by bus from Madrid stands a structure so wildly improbable that people from all over the world have been coming to gape at it: an under-construction cathedral with only two people working on it full time— former monk, Don Justo Gallego, and his assistant, Ángel López.

Don Justo has been working on the structure since 1961, and López joined him more than 20 years ago.

Between them, they have raised a building that at a distance is clearly a cathedral, noticeably looming over the residential two-story buildings around it. However, as you stroll closer, you begin to see that the brick edifice looks like it has a porcupine on top, as steel trusses and poles stick out at odd angles forming the incomplete roof adornments. Spheres and half-domes are featured all over the structure; most are open, but those that are covered have often been done in brilliant steel shingles that catch the sunlight and glow powerfully.

joined the monastery of Santa Maria de la Huerta, from which I was expelled when I contracted tuberculosis for fear of infecting the rest of the community,” it explains. “I decided to build on family-owned farmland a work dedicated to God. Step by step and with my own family resources I have been raising this building.”

It goes on to say that he is not an architect or a mason, and that all the development is in his head; there are no blueprints or written plans for the building.

Don Justo gets up at 3.30 in the morning to start work and uses mostly recycled materials because he has no steady income stream to purchase anything.

International appeal An advertisement for the sports drink “Aquarius” featured him in 2005, which created a surge in interest in the building for a while; these days, López, his devoted assistant, says the media attention isn’t from within Spain. “The ones from Spain do not come [now]. The French, the Germans, all are from outside.”

Despite his comments, cathedral visitors still include occasional Spaniards, one of whom I meet and chat with on the second floor of the main building, which has no railing and offers a dizzying view of the whole structure. “I’ve been to Madrid a few times, but this time I had to see it,” he says. “I think the question we’re all asking is ‘why?’” We agree that seeing the construction is worth the extra trek from the capital city. “Those windows are like that game we played as

A strange site On approach, an abstract column topped by a statuette of a saint occupies the front of the structure, and circular stained glass windows in bright crayon colours face a side road. When you enter, a sign clearly states that the constructors are not responsible for accidents that happen while you are exploring the cathedral, so watch your step, especially on some of the upper levels.

Everything is in-progress; a cement-smoothing tool is left on a ledge outside the cathedral, as if the worker has just left for a moment in order to come back and get it later. In a blue-gated mini-courtyard, what initially looks like just a white background wall actually proves to be stacks of rubbish—an entire enclosure full of scrap wood, piles of paper, and half-used bags of cement. All over the cathedral buckets of dried paint lurk as well as more baffling collections like a big box of beer cans.

Surprising features, such as the widespread use of iron springs and small concrete castings of faces stuck on pikes, can be found in many nooks and crannies. The details are overwhelming, but never predictable.

children—‘Twister’,” he adds, pointing to the large areas of coloured glass. “The spheres remind me of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and yet the metal dome with no roofing makes me think of the skeleton of the cathedral dome that survived in Hiroshima.”

Dedication

Golden age

A placard, in English and Spanish, explains a little of Don Justo Gallego’s story: “At the age of 27 years I

In a downstairs room containing a few construction elements but dominated by an old television and some

MADRID IN ENGLISH

Photos: Laura Tabor

chairs, I continue my chat with López, who says that Don Justo is currently at Sunday mass. “He works every day but Sunday,” he explains, and then tells me how a group of women comes from Madrid to work with the two of them on Saturdays, but how most days they are alone, working side by side.

Don Justo arrives suddenly, back from mass at an official church in Mejorada, and he and López confer briefly on how cold it has become, and how Don Justo should take a nap because he can’t afford to catch a cold. He doesn’t look anywhere near 87 years old; undertaking construction work into his 80s has evidently kept him in remarkably good shape. He retreats into the small house on the property where the two of them stay.

Having experienced the cathedral and the chaos, I speak with a Mejorada native, Juan Antonio Jimenez Pereira, who is happy to provide his own thoughts about the structure. He grew up in the suburb, just as the cathedral has grown up itself. “My opinion is that if you want to go and see it, it’s amazing; and if you know the full background, it Ángel López and Don Justo Gallego makes it even more valuable and shows the effort it took,” he says.

“Even without being finished, it is beautiful.”

To get there: Take the 282 bus, a round trip that costs 5.20, from Avenida de América. Either the final bus stop, or the penultimate one, will lead you to the cathedral. You can locate it on Google Maps on the corner of Calle de Santa Rosa and Calle del Arquitecto Antonio Gaudí in Mejorada del Campo.

DECEMBER 2012

7

Damned Chuck Palahniuk Vintage

Nick Funnell selects the best movies to see this month Fin Kylie Minogue’s Catalan model boyfriend Andrés Velencoso makes his film debut in this thriller, directed by Jorge Torregrossa, about a group of old friends who get together for a weekend in the mountains only to have some very strange events start occuring. Maribel Verdú, Daniel Grao, Clara Lago and Blanca Romero also feature. Out now The Man with the Iron Fists (El hombre de los puños de hierro) The WuTang Clan’s RZA directs, and Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu star in, this martial arts spectacular about a group of warriors descending on a Chinese village to fight for a fortune in gold. Tagline: “They put the F.U. in kung fu.” Out now Life of Pi (La vida de Pi) Oscar winner Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) directs this adaptation of Yann Martel’s magical novel about an Indian boy (newcomer Suraj Sharma) trying to survive on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.

Out now The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (El Hobbit: Un viaje inesperado) The first entry of Peter Jackson’s three-part adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit (surely a bit excessive for a 310-page book?) is finally with us. Martin Freeman is Bilbo Baggins, while reprising their The Lord of the Rings roles are Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Andy Serkis (Gollum). The movie has been shot in super-smooth High Frame Rate 3D and is set to be released in that format. There will also be regular 3D, IMAX and 2D versions. 14 Dec Rust & Bone (De óxido y hueso) French director Jacques Audiard follows up his superb A Prophet (2009) and The Beat that My Heart Skipped (2005) with this romantic drama about a Belgian bare-knuckle boxer (Matthias Schoenaerts) who relocates to the French Riviera and hooks up with a killer whale trainer (Marion Cotillard) after she loses her legs in an accident. Who can’t say they’ve been there before? 14 Dec

Care of Wooden Floors Will Wiles Harper Press In Care of Wooden Floors, Will Wiles writes without a net. He relies solely upon the reader relating to his unnamed male protagonist, who works as a freelance writer, and upon the myopic view of his mental processes while stuck alone, housesitting, in a nearly perfect apartment in an unnamed city in Eastern Europe. While other characters are introduced to take various roles, and the memory of a friend figures heavily in the well-written flashback scenes, readers are left with large expanses of time alone with this one guy. He relates to others but truly remains entrenched in himself, which occasionally can become somewhat claustrophobic, but then what should be merely a routine solitary housesitting job has its tension ratcheted up by his clumsiness and the houseowner’s pernickety nature. The experience, until the ending, is unique, interesting, and enjoyable, but the conclusion feels more like a short story than a novel, finishing without a full resolution of all the ideas that have been introduced. The quality of the majority of the book, however, makes this weakness tolerable. The protagonist’s foibles are entertaining, though the conflicts that arise in his mind escalate to the point of discomfort. Will Wiles’s first novel is an impressive, musing piece, revealing both a breadth of human experience, and a depth of understanding about cleaning rare hardwoods.

■ LAURA TABOR

“…if I’d ever imagined Hell, it was a fiery version of that classic Hollywood masterpiece The Breakfast Club, populated, let’s remember, by a hypersocial, pretty cheerleader, a rebel stoner type, a dumb football jock, a brainy geek, and a misanthropic psycho, all locked together in their high school library doing detention on an otherwise ordinary Saturday except with every book and chair being blazing on fire.” So begins 13-year-old Madison Spencer’s journey in navigating the underworld in Chuck Palahniuk’s Damned. Upon being eternally damned after a marijuana overdose, the precocious and snarky teen finds herself thriving more with the cast of miscreants in Hell than she ever did at her pretentious boarding school or with her narcissistic celebrity parents. Don’t brush this novel off as a typical coming of age story, though; in fact, older readers are more likely to appreciate Palahniuk’s dark humour and caricature of the hypocrisy of the sanctimonious. Palahniuk stays true to the edgy rawness of his style and remains unapologetic to the shock value that keeps readers engrossed and the pages turning. But despite the protagonist’s sarcastic viewpoint and embracing of the comical afflictions of Palahniuk’s Hell (her job as a telemarketer, an overabundance of popcorn balls that no human, even the damned, enjoys), her natural pre-teen insecurities inject a certain vulnerability into the narration and reveal a more thoughtful tone to the novel. After experiencing Madison’s affinity for this horrendous yet sensational world and the punch of Palahniuk’s language, readers may start to think that eternal damnation isn’t such a bad fate.

■ JANE PLEGGE

music

for the record Russell Parton gets out his olives and tells us what we should, or shouldn’t, be listening to

El Perro del Mar Pale Fire Memphis Industries

Swedish singer-songwriter Sara Assbring (her real name, we promise) channels the poetic qualities of the Spanish language with her nom de musique, El Perro del Mar. And with the lo-fi, low key, indie of Pale Fire, it could be that the Scandinavian recording artist has figuratively emulated the sound of the ocean as heard through a conch shell. How? Well, its unabashed melodic loveliness creates a sense of intimacy, like in the obliquely-themed “I Was a Boy” where a warm drone underpins overlapping vocals and chirpy instrumental flourishes. At the same time though, there’s this sense of the faraway, borne out by distant swirls of keyboards and lyrics that suggest love and life are in a continual state of flux. Previous albums tended towards the mawkish, and here too emotions are laid on the line. “Got to move, to the beat of a dying world”, she sings on a later track, her voice practically anchored to a single note and with anxiety palpable. Meanwhile slap bass, synthesised beats and hand claps imbue a distinctly 80s feel, and throughout proceedings smartly programmed drums are a foil to melancholic introspection. One could happily float through space listening to this music—or perhaps we all could.

Haim Forever EP Universal

Granted, it’s been around for a couple of months, but it would be remiss of us to let 2012 pass without mentioning the excellent début EP by Haim (pronounced Hi-em), a group comprising three siblings from San Fernando Valley who seemingly came out of nowhere to wow this year’s SXSW festival.

The Haim sisters—Danielle, Alana and Este—toured for ten years with their parents before striking out alone, and, taking their cues from 90s R&B acts such as Destiny’s Child as well as 80’s Fleetwood Mac, you can tell they know their stuff. The group’s refreshingly original sound centres around bewitching harmonies: “Better Off” starts with taut a cappella vocals and the waspish line “I never want to see you again ... I’m done, I’m done”, thus beginning a twisted tale of heartbreak told over percussive booms and snare-like slaps. “Forever” sees more 80s stylings—a muted guitar sound that channels MJ’s “Off The Wall” as the trio urge some good-for-nothing lover to “get out of my memory”, while the final track “Go Slow” proves there’s still a place for the power ballad in the 21st century, with beautifully sung harmonies in the chorus and guitar shimmers throughout. On the evidence of this EP, Haim’s début album, due out next year, is one to look out for.

8 DECEMBER 2012

concerts ■ BY FAYE HARRISON

Rufus Wainwright and his Band Sat, 8 Dec, 8pm. La Riviera, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. Tickets €31.50 from www.ticketmaster.es Baroque pop artist (yes, it’s a style of pop) Rufus Wainwright is bringing his smooth, storytelling drawl to Madrid and you are in for a treat. American-born but a Canadian citizen, Wainwright released his first self-titled album in 1998 and since then has been serenading the world with his very refined eloquence and grand gestures.

Known for his orchestral compositions and operatic performances, Wainwright’s 2012 album Out of the Game is a slightly more toned-down effort. Thanks to a collaboration with producer Mark Ronson, this record really shines light not only on his skills as a songwriter but on his ability to transmit musical and personal maturity into his lyrics. Check out the track “Sometimes You Need” and find out just how captivating this gig promises to be.

Father John Misty

The Hives

Tues, 11 Dec, 10.30pm. Sala el Sol, C/Jardines, 3 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 532 64 90. www.elsolmad.com. Tickets €20 in advance from www.ticketea.com, €25 on the door.

Sat, 1 Dec, 8pm. La Riviera, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. Tickets €27 from www.ticketmaster.es

Father John Misty is Joshua Tillman, who was once a member of Seattle band Fleet Foxes but is now a rather good solo folk singer.

Although Tillman started his solo career in 2006, he didn’t release his first album, Fear Fun, under this moniker until May this year. With a more jovial sound than can be heard on both of his previous solo efforts and his work with Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty has settled into a more relaxed and conceptual style with this record. Written and recorded in his new adopted home of Hollywood, the songs hold tales of its breakdown and are sprinkled with quick country riffs and Gram Parsons influences. Have a listen to the catchy and clever “I’m Writing a Novel” and get yourself down to what is sure to be a great gig in the perfect venue.

Suited and booted garage rockers The Hives formed in 1993 in Fagersta, Sweden, while they were still in their teens, but they really burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with their albums Veni Vidi Vicious and Your New Favourite Band. Mixing arty setups such as a strict black-and-white dress code with the sort of rock that you could imagine from a modern day Stooges, the band soon received abundant critical acclaim and became festival favourites. Their sound is vicious yet refined; they do the gritty garage style very well and still manage to maintain some sort of sophistication. After a few quiet years, they have bounced back with Lex Hives, full of fast, short and stompy tracks that will no doubt go down very well at La Riviera.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

London Style@Hoyo 19 Calle Alcalá, 81 (Metro: Retiro). Every Thursday, from 8pm. Free entry. See www.hoyo-19.com

Forget “Gangnam Style”: Hoyo 19 in the heart of Madrid’s Salamanca district is reinventing Thursday nights with their weekly dose of London Style. By creating a typically British atmosphere, London Style will take all the best elements of the UK’s iconic capital city, such as the tube, fashion shows, Portobello Market and even Shakespeare, to Photo (CC) flickr: Nina_Yasmine create the essence of London nightlife without having to leave Madrid. With the soundtrack being provided by DJ Nece, as well as resident and guest London DJs showcasing the latest musical trends, you have no excuse to ever be homesick again!

live listings

BY KELLY RUMMEL

BOGUI JAZZ, C/Barquillo, 29 (Metro: Chueca). Tel: 91 521 15 68. www.boguijazz.com.

1 Dec: Sarah Quist Quintet 5 Dec: Ciclo Jazz con Sabor Cubano: Cuban Jazz Quintet 6 Dec: Ciclo Jazz con Sabor Cubano: Habana-Madrid Saxs 7 Dec: Ciclo Jazz con Sabor Cubano: Federico de Linos Latin Jazz Trio 8 Dec: Ciclo Jazz con Sabor Cubano: Arturo Stable Quartet 12 Dec: Noche de Blues: David Gwynn and Smiling Jack Smith 13 Dec: Carita Boronska & Bettina Flater 14 Dec: Masakama Trio 15 Dec: Mariano Diaz Cuarteto 19 Dec: Noche de Blues: Violante Blues 20 Dec: Ander Garcia Quinteto 21 Dec: Moises P Sanchez: Piano Solo 22 Dec: Norman Hogue Plays Louis Prima 26 Dec: Virginia Labuet 27 Dec: Ciclo Grandes Orquestas: Leganes Big Band 28 Dec: Ciclo Grandes Orquestas: Pepe Rivera Big Band—Monk and the Cuban Rumba 29 Dec: Ciclo Grandes Orquestas: CMQ Big Band 30 Dec: Ciclo Grandes Orquestas: Bob Sands Big Band and Quique Gomez

CENTRAL CAFÉ, Plaza del Angel, 10 (Metro: Sol/Antón Martín). Tel: 91 369 41 43. www.cafecentralmadrid.com 3-8 Dec: Moisés P.Sánchez Trío 10-16 Dec: Tui Higgins Quinteto

SALA CLAMORES, c/Albuquerque, 14 (Metro: Bilbao). Tel: 91 445 79 38. www.salaclamores.com 1 Dec: Combocim + Pedro Iturralde Quartet + Grushenka + Espiritusanto 2 Dec: Nosotras Mismas + Tango y Folklore 3 Dec: Lunesalverso: Homenaje a Carmen Lafuente y Federico Romero + Homenaje a Malik Jakub 4 Dec: Amesmalúa 5 Dec: Mabú + Clover Jazz Trío 6 Dec: Hanna + Gema Castaño Y Su Banda 7 Dec: Paco Del Pozo 8 Dec: Iván + Rocio Segura 9 Dec: La Niña Del Cabo + Clover Jazz Trío 10 Dec: Camerata Flamenco Project + Orquesta Pinha 11 Dec: Blanca Villa 13 Dec: La Bossa Mayor 14 Dec: Chano Domínguez 15 Dec: Chano Domínguez + Black Light Gospel Choir 16 Dec: Chano Domínguez + Festival Barbershop 17 Dec: Ara Malikian Fdo. Egozcue Quinteto 18 Dec: Marazu 19 Dec: Mamá

MADRID IN ENGLISH

20 Dec: Carlos Chaouen 21 Dec: Los Gandules 22 Dec: Dickens + Un Pingüino En Mi Ascensor 23 Dec: Metro Big Band + Galactic Folklore 25 Dec: Ara Malikian Fdo. Egozcue Quinteto 26 Dec: Lou Marini & Red House 27 Dec: Lou Marini & Red House 28 Dec: Pedro Iturralde Quartet 29 Dec: Pedro Iturralde Quartet + The Somethings 30 Dec: Pedro Iturralde Quartet

Bingo Players@Zoológico Club Sala Marco Aldany, Calle Princesa, 1 (Metro: Plaza de España). Sat, 22 Dec, from midnight. Prices TBC. See www.zoologicoclub.com

Nightlife Spotlight ■ BY RICHARD LEWINGTON

Hailing from The Netherlands, Paul Baümer & Maarten Hoogstraten have fused their musical talents into the massive electronic dance duo Bingo Players and have created an international reputation through epic releases and massive touring. Having lit up the number one spot on the Beatport charts with a horde of huge tracks including “Devotion”, “Touch”, “Me (vs. Chocolate Puma)”, “Chop”, and “Disco Electrique” early in their career, it wasn’t until 2010 that Bingo Players set up their very own record label, Hysteria. The label was home to their next massive release “Cry (Just A Little)” which dominated European charts for 22 weeks and racked up over 10 million views on YouTube. Towards the end of 2011, Bingo Players released “Rattle”, which followed its name, shaking up the Austrian Singles Top 75 and German Singles Top 100 for nine weeks, making it one of the biggest club tunes of 2012. Alongside recording success, Bingo Players have toured extensively, performing at more than 30 worldwide music festivals including Tomorrowland and Stereosonic, as well as Ultra in the US, and a primetime slot at Electric Daisy Carnival: Vegas. At Sala Marco Aldany on the 22nd, Gomad & Monster (Live) and Hard Candy support them.

LA TABERNA CHICA VINOS, TAPAS, COCKTAILS & LOUNGE MUSIC FABULOUS CAIPIRINHAS

c/Costanilla de San Pedro, 7 (Metro: La Latina)

GRUTA 77, c/Cuclillo, 6 (Metro: Oporto). CAFÉ LA PALMA, c/Palma, 62 (Metro: Tel: 91 471 23 70. www.gruta77.com Noviciado). Tel: 91 522 50 31.

1 Dec: Macarrones presentando www.cafelapalma.com

nuevo EP “2013 Anno Macarrone” + The Malditos + Fuckaine 2 Dec: Rey Luy Trio 3 Dec: The Toasters (USA) 5 Dec: La Cridens (tributo Creedance Clearwater Revival) + The Loords (tributo a The Doors) 6 Dec: White Cowbell Oklahoma (USA) + Lady Dramakuin 7 Dec: Moebio + PL Girls 8 Dec: Motorzombis + 7 Muertes COSTELLO CLUB, c/Caballero de Gracia, 14 Dec: Círculo de Willis presen10 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 522 18 15. tando su nuevo disco “Fabulas” www.costelloclub.com + Alcohol Jazz 5 Dec: All la Glory 15 Dec: Sugus presentando su 7 Dec: Capucha nuevo disco “Ciclostes” + Thee 8 Dec: Óscar Dandy y Los Girlfriends + No Use For Acoustic Clásicos + The Garaje Players 16 Dec: No Cash (tributo acústi12 Dec: Patricia Moon co a Johnny Cash) 13 Dec: Semana del Autor: Pol 19 Dec: Man in Motion + Ekram 3.14 + Verne + Agosto Frío + Max Miminico 14 Dec: Jägermeister presenta: 20 Dec: Los Singles (versiones Silvia Superstar punks de clásicos españoles de 15 Dec: Merche Corisco 60 y 70´) + Natas 16 Dec: Y toco porque me toca 21 Dec: Roy Ellis (Mr. Symarip) 18 Dec: I Torneo de Power Slam + Transilvanians + Oldies but Poetry Madrid Rudies ft. Rubén López (BlackUp) 19 Dec: Sinflow + Blank Generation 20 Dec: María Villalón 22 Dec: Hot Christmas Party: The 21 Dec: Jack Knife Boo Devils y Reverendo And The 22 Dec: Casa Rusa New Preacher Boys 27 Dec: Pop & Dance Small 24 Dec: Malasañers 29 Dec: Los Chandals 26 Dec: Castigados Sin Postre + GN3 SALA GALILEO GALILEI, c/de Galileo, 27 Dec: Mamá Ladilla + Las 100 (Metro: Islas Filipinas/Canal). Tel: Cheerleaders Asesinas 91 534 75 57/58.

28 Dec: Layabouts presentan www.salagalileogalilei.com “Savage Behavior”+ Scapeless 1 Dec: Homenaje al Maestro 29 Dec: Javier Andreu Trio + Reverendo Leone 2 Dec: Auryn 30 Dec: Especial Anual Ramones: 3 Dec: Osvaldo Ciccioli y Fast Food + Ningoonies + Coralavapiés Hermanos Sancheski + Mallory 4 Dec: Lorenzo Santamaría Knox + Dusty Trip + Macarrones+ 5 Dec: Desnudos de Etiquetas Moscú Babies + Juanola Head. + “Alhambra” P.D. Indio 6 Dec: La Chirigotas de Las 31 Dec: Fiesta de Nochevieja: Niñas Los Penúltimos + Piece Of 7 Dec: La Chirigotas de Las Change + Declare La Guerre Niñas Nucleaire 8 Dec: Magia Para Toda La Familia JOY ESLAVA, c/Arenal, 8 (Metro: Sol).

9 Dec: El Niño De La Hipoteca Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joy-eslava.com 10 Dec: Pilar Ordoñez - Miss 1 Dec: El Pescao Tuppersex 13 Dec: Pegasus + Suicide of 12 Dec: Ruidoblanco Western Culture 13 Dec: Sticky Fingers 15 Dec: Cabaret 14 Dec: Las Migas 21 Dec: Barricada 15 Dec: Magia Para Toda La 23 Dec: La Fuerza del Destino: el Familia, Indoven Mejor Tributo a Mecano 16 Dec: Senorita Gaudea 29 Dec: Cabaret 17 Dec: Al-Andalus Danza 18 Dec: Alex O’Dogherty y La PALACIO DE DEPORTES DE LA Bizarrería COMUNIDAD DE MADRID, Avenida Felipe 19 Dec: Noches de la UNED II, s/n (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel. 91 20 Dec: Javier Ruibal 444 99 49. www.palaciodedeportes.com 21 Dec: Faemino y Cansado, Don 15 Dec: El Barrio, Fin de Gira Mauro 22 Dec: Raphael “lo mejor de mi 22 Dec: Magia Para Toda La vida” Familia, Luis Ramiro, Club 26-30 Dec: Michael Jackson: The Castizo 60s Immortal World Tour 23 Dec: Batalla de Bandas Swing 25 Dec: Ochentaquatro PALACIO VISTALEGRE, Calle de Utebo, 1 26 Dec: Cabalgata de Reyes de (Metro: Vista Alegre). Tel: 91 563 94 93.

Hortaleza con Agustín Jiménez www.palaciovistalegre.es 27 Dec: Marwan 21 Dec: Maldita Nerea 30 Dec: Tókalo 22 Dec: Fyahbwoy

1 Dec: Aerostato 5 Dec: Mistery Chain 6 Dec: Pandemoldium 7 Dec: Mercci & The Mashups 8 Dec: Dr Persona 12 Dec: Underwaters + Driving Blind 13 Dec: Songo + Aeroplástica 14 Dec: Groove Girls 15 Dec: Dan Mathews 19 Dec: Yoop 20 Dec: Suks (Uside) 21 Dec: Fresneda 22 Dec: Fiesta Construye Mundo 26 Dec: Naklim 27 Dec: La Voz Cantante 28 Dec: Mario Dickstroy 29 Dec: Mr Kilombo

SALA LEMON, Avda del Brasil, 5 (Metro: Santiago Bernabéu). Tel: 646 006 433. www.conciertoslemon.com/ 14 Dec: Sujeto K 21 Dec: Bob Marley tribute 22 Dec: Dr Sapo + Oveja Negra

LA RIVIERA, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio).

Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com 1 Dec: The Hives 4 Dec: Cradle of Faith 8 Dec: Rufus Wainwright and his Band 11 Dec: Brit Floyd 12 Dec: Supersubmarina 13 Dec: Supersubmarina 14 Dec: Macaco 15 Dec: Sidonie 16 Dec: Steve Vai 21 Dec: Leiva 22 Dec: David Bustamante 29 Dec: MClan

SALA EL SOL, c/Jardines, 3 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 532 64 90. www.elsolmad.com 1 Dec: Litus 5 Dec: Anti-Karaoke Halloween Special 10 Dec: Breton 11 Dec: Father John Misty + No 12 Dec: Maika Makovski 14 Dec: Victor Coyote: Christmas Concert 15 Dec: Noiah 17 Dec: Heineken Music Selector: Breton 18 Dec: Trackdogs and Bambikina 20 Dec: The Meat Puppets 21 Dec: Freedonia 22 Dec: Gatos Bizcos

Mark Hancock and the Barflies Blues/Rock (original songs and cover versions)

Contraclub, Bailen 16 Fri Dec 7th at 22:15hrs Entry 7 con copa

Celtic/folk O’NEILL’S IRISH PUB, C/Príncipe, 12. Irish trad session and traditional Irish food every Thurs at 19:30hrs. Musicians welcome.. Tel: 91 521 20 30 THE IRISH ROVER. See www.theirishrover.com for weekly concert details. Tel: 91 597 48 11 TABERNA ELISA. Celtic session Thurs at 22:30hrs.

Tel: 91 369 74 263

http://barflies.es/ DECEMBER 2012

9

Month Ahead art

Pi CK

■ MARITZA MOSSBERG

theatre

o’ the month

■ POLLY ACKROYD

A Christmas Carol Torres y rascacielos. De Babel a Dubái CaixaForum, Po del Prado, 36 (Metro: Atocha). Tel: 91 330 73 00. 10am-8pm. Free.

Taking visitors on a journey through the history of architecture that reaches for the sky, Torres y rascacielos. De Babel a Dubái (Towers and skyscapers from Babel to Dubai) examines everything from the Tower of Babel myth and the first skyscrapers built in the United States in 1850 to modern 21st-century designs.

The selection of more than 200 models, photographs, films, paintings, engravings and drawings creates a unique experience that allows the public to explore how skyscrapers have become “icons of modernity”, representing the common human desire for spectacle and novelty, man’s fascination with heights and tall structures, and the ability to create with limited resources. With the world’s growing population and consequential lack of space, the utilisation of skyscrapers may dominate modern urban planning. 10 Oct-5 Jan. Henjun I Winds Fotomontaje

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.

Dibujos de Goya restaurados Seventeen drawings by Goya (14 of which were in preparation for his Caprichos series) have been restored and now form this temporary exhibition.

Conservation problems and the delicate state of the works have prevented them being seen previously. 1 Oct-20 Jan.

Centro de Arte Reina Sofía C/Santa Isabel, 52 (Metro: Atocha). Tel: 91 774 10 00. General admission inc. temporary exhibitions, €6. Temporary exhibition only, €3. Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-2.30pm; Tues, closed. This exhibition: Edificio Sabatini, 1st floor. See www.museoreinasofia.es Juan Pérez Agirregoikoa:¿Queréis un amo? ¡Lo tendréis! Spanish artist Juan Pérez Agirregoikoa’s exhibition comprises a series of charcoal drawings, representing a criticism of the social norms that society has constructed between master and apprentice, master and dog, teacher and student, and all relationships in which one party is superior to the other. Agirregoikoa’s images convey the idea that these relationships make up a world of pain. The work from which the exhibition takes its title, ¿Queréis un amo? ¡Lo tendréis! (Do you want a master? You’ll have one!), shows a man kicking a dog, whilst the artist also comments on the inevitable deterioration of man by illustrating unhappy old souls in wheelchairs in Mutar (Mutate). 9 Oct- 25 Feb.

Other galleries Retratos. Obras maestras. Centre Pompidou Eighty portraits from the Pompidou Centre in Paris, by some of the world’s greatest contemporary artists, are on display at the Fundación Mapfre. Five sections—Los ministerios del alma (The Ministries of the Soul), Autorretratos (Self-Portraits), De cara al formalismo (From Face to Formalism), Caos y desorden o la imposible del ser (Chaos and Disorder or The Impossibility of Being), and Tras la fotografía (After the Photography)—demonstrate the importance of the portrait, which has been greatly shaped by the avant-garde movement of the late 19th century. The exhibition challenges the viewer to question his or her morals and humanity, and to understand that there are numerous perspectives on the world.

Works by Picasso, Bacon, Matisse, Miró and Modigliani are included. Sala Recoletos, Fundación Mapfre, Paseo de Recoletos, 23 (Metro: Colón/Banco de España). Tel: 91 581 16 28. Mon, 2-8pm; TuesSat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 11am-7pm. Free. 26 Sept-6 Jan. Javier Aramburu: Primera exposición San Sebastian graphic designer and illustrator Javier Aramburu’s first exhibition displays a combination of paintings, portraits and drawings produced during his past five years of retirement.

Aramburu is well known for earlier work, which includes dozens Pomodoro Iturrioz of album covers for artists such as Fangoria and Carlos Berlanga, graphic designs, and illustrations for countless children’s books, but here he underlines the vitality and independence of his talent with smaller works of fine detail. Galería Esquina Arte Contemporáneo, C/Almadén, 19 (Metro: Atocha). Tel: 91 429 80 31. Mon-Fri, 5-9pm; Sat,11am-2pm, 5-9pm; Sun, 11am-2pm. Free. 30 Nov-16 Dec.

The Madrid Players will be delivering some comedy, carols, and Christmas cheer this festive season with their pantomime version of A Christmas Carol. Based on Dickens’ novella of the same name, it’s the famous tale of Christmas-hater Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who remind him of the joy and happiness that the silly season can bring. Filled with humour, live music, and entertainment, the audience can expect to boo the baddies, cheer the goodies, sing-along, and shout-out during this Christmas classic.

Colegio Cardenal Spínola, C/Cardenal Marcelo Spínola, 34 (Metro: Duque de Pastrana). Fri, 7 Dec 7.30pm; Sat, 8 Dec 4pm, 7.30pm; Sun, 9 Dec 12pm, 4pm.

Tickets adults €12, children under 12 €6.

See http://madridplayers.org or www.madridplayers.blogspot.com.

El Mago de Oz Follow the yellow brick road to Malasaña this month and look for Dorothy, Toto and friends in the The Wizard of Oz. This production of the musical, in Spanish, will tell the time-honoured story of friendship like never before—the audience can expect to see Dorothy singing modern tunes alongside well-known classics, a neurotic and frustrated Wicked Witch of the West, a lion

stuck in the swinging sixties and some other twists on this classic tale. As well as “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re off to see the Wizard”, six original songs produced especially for this version encompassing the musical styles of funk, rock, country, soul, blues, gospel, swing and pop will be included. To get your tickets put on some ruby slippers, click your heels together and say “there’s no place like Malasaña”. Teatro Maravillas, C/Manuela Malasaña, 6 (Metro: Bilbao).

Tel: 91 446 84 05. Every Sun and holiday until 13 Jan. Various times, see www.mundiartistas.com/magodeoz/secci on/5. Tickets from €16 at www.entradas.com.

Aventuras en el Jurásico Watch out in central Madrid for any rogue dinosaurs this month as the Teatro Caser Calderón is transformed into a prehistoric jungle. In Aventuras en el Jurásico, the creator of a dinosaur park, Dr

Gran, finds himself caught up in a cyclone and can’t attend the park’s opening. In order for the attraction to come to life, he has to direct his daughter and helpers by telephone, thus ensuing an equal balance of problems and hilarity. The actors are accompanied on stage by three hydraulically-controlled dinosaurs and a great array of special effects, including simulated climate and scent systems, all of which will create an authentic Jurassic experience for Madrid theatre goers of all ages. Teatro Caser Calderón, C/Atocha, 18 (Metro: Sol/Tirso de Molina). Tel: 91 420 37 97. 1-21 Dec: Sat, 12pm; Sun, 12pm, 4pm. 22 Dec-4 Jan: daily, 12pm, 4pm. 12 Jan: 4pm; 13 Jan: 12pm, 4pm. Tickets €20, see www.aventuraseneljurasico.com.

More than words The presentation of poetry is encompassing new methods and technology.

Sofi Chilili speaks to Óscar Martín, a poet born and based in Madrid, about these developments and his new works

a

number of recent poetry festivals have taken place across the city, includingPoemad, Valiente Inverso and Poetas por Km2, all of which showcased some of the best contemporary poets in Spain. Poems were performed combining the latest presentation techniques, involving music, photography, drawing, comics and new audiovisual technologies. Poet Óscar Martín took part, demonstrating his personal, romantic and rebellious lyrics together with his own musical and visual creations. He has just completed his fourth book, Las Cántigas del Diablo, Je suis le Diable, a collection of innovative works filled with delightful mischief.

He is always looking to develop new ways of communicating work to the public, particularly with music and graphics.

How did you become involved with the combination of poetry and music?

My background comes from music. In my adolescence, I used to compose a lot and gradually started to notice that the songs were good even without music. Little by little, I started introducing literature and it was the music that ended up serving the literary purpose.

How did you learn about poetry?

I took courses in Spanish literature, but it was mainly by indulging in books. I was learning and I liked it more and more, especially because I could enjoy the music and

10 DECEMBER 2012

You are presenting a very different and unexpected side of poetry. You mix music, words and visuals. How does the public respond?

It is surprising because I used to work with live digital music media about ten years ago, so it is not totally new. I just adapted something that used to be done in the old times when a troubadour used to incorporate a guitar to read verses. Nowadays, instead of the guitar we use a laptop. The voice and the tone emphasise the quality of the text, without too much drama, because the text should have enough elements and the right amount of drama itself.

rhythm in the words. Poetry is based on the written word, the lasting word, and the fact that you can bring those words alive— whether to invoke the dead or to get closer to people—and there are many individuals who don’t expect a recital of that type. When coming to see my shows there are many people who don’t suspect what is going to occur—they expect a concert, or literature alone, and at the end they notice that the word is the substratum, the most important part. Mixed with audiovisual support and music everything starts to make sense.

In your latest collection, Las Cántigas del Diablo, Je suis le Diable, mythology is the key which gives it a special style. Is this a theme you enjoy?

Las Cántigas del Diablo, Je suis le Diable is a revision of an earlier work. The first poems were based on mythological charms whose main subjects were love, passion, fear, death, life and ecstasy. They represented for me an incredible source of wealth and so I work a lot with them. Circe, my previous book, was inspired by a Greek myth.

How did you develop Las Cántigas del Diablo, Je suis le Diable?

I re-edited it into something new, adding many different elements such as a lot of drawings, a wide variety of subjects, a website and a lot more surprises. The book grew longer and longer, heading towards being

never ending. I love the idea of internet interaction with the readers from the Cántigas website, which will be extended with new poems, images, videos, voice recordings and personal texts. There will be some haikus [a form of Japanese poetry] on the site, where you can have a new one signed every time you come to see me in a recital.

You mention Hemingway and Yeats in your book. What is your connection with them?

I find them fascinating because of the way they lived in the moment when they were in Paris with all those artists and writers, looking at how to bring passion to their books, and exchange the magic of those ideas with painters.

Do you think that the new virtual society is affecting our passion?

I mention in the poem Je suis le Diable that people who love deeply and make words shine through shadows have never been welcome. If you want to do something that it is really worthwhile, and not only for making money but for doing something good and intense, people won’t appreciate it because we live in a society where everything has to be similar, with nothing excelling. Everything that’s passionate scares us. Without passion people’s lives become empty, and that’s terrible.

For further information, see http://oscarmartincenteno.com.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

music

Quintessentially jazz London-born singer, songwriter and actress Sarah Quist has been based in Madrid for six years. Richard Lewington speaks to her about her emotional journey and the formation of her Jazz Quintet

It might be easier to tell you about my musical influences because then you’ll understand where I’m coming from,” begins 43-year-old jazz singer Sarah Quist, whose band The Sarah Quist Jazz Quintet will be performing at Bogui Jazz Bar this month as part of the Madrid Jazz Festival.

“I grew up listening to Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughn, great Jazz vocalists and Stevie Wonder. Then I moved on to Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan and Nitin Sawney and now I just like to throw it all in the pot and mix it up.”

The Quintet comprises guitarist Antonio Molino, pianist Richie Fuentes, bass player Luis Escribano and drummer Jimmi Castro, who came together after Sarah worked with Antonio in a previous band. “He called and said he was in a trio and that they were looking for a singer so I said ‘sure’. We met and all got on really well. Sadly, we all live miles apart from each other. Jimmi lives in Madrid and I live in a wee village on the outskirts, whereas Luis is based in a village on the other side of the city, Antonio lives in Sevilla, and Richie is in Asturias—so getting together for rehearsals is quite a mission! People often say ‘well, why don’t you find other people?’, but it takes time to find people you click with. When you’ve found them, the last thing you want to do is lose them. They are all Spanish and are such lovely, talented guys.”

“

found it very hard to sing because of the emotions.”

She had already gathered a long list of achievements to her name, including working with the Royal Shakespeare Company for three years, during which time she acted with Vanessa Redgrave, who “was always so happy just to sit and chat.” However, things were not always plain sailing. “Once I was supposed to go out and sing this lovely Shakespearian song, but I had a complete brain freeze and couldn’t remember any of the words. In normal life when this happens you can just make up the lyrics, but how do you do that with Shakespeare? I was lost and looking out on to hundreds of faces to my horror.

I had no choice but to sing in gobbledygook! On another occasion I breathed in a fly while on stage and had to carry on, all calm and serene,” she smiles.

Amongst other triumphs, Sarah also performed at the Scottish National Theatre with actor Alan Cumming, as well as at legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s in London’s Soho. From an acting perspective, she also gives stage performance classes, working with singers and actors with aspects of the craft such as pronunciation, connection and movement.

Comparisons So how does performing in Madrid compare with performing in London? “You know, once you’re on stage it’s up to you to try and create the atmosphere that you want. It’s not always easy, but that’s your job. A good audience is a good audience no matter where you are. When I sang at Ronnie Scott’s I was very young and it was one of the first places I ever played with a band. I just remember thinking ‘holy schmoly! I have to go out there and sing now!’”

There are attractions about Madrid that are not always connected to music. “The thing I love about Madrid is being able to have a life that doesn’t revolve around being at home because of bad weather!” Sarah grins. “It’s so easy to walk around the city just soaking up the atmosphere. It sounds silly but I love the fact that you see pensioners out and about, enjoying life to the max.”

Taking chances The journey Sarah began her career in London after completing an acting course at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, but she didn’t move to Madrid until six years ago. “My mum suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and my father and I looked after her at home for seven years until she died.

At the time, I only sang in a few bars and on theatre jobs. I moved here after she passed and finally started to recover from the heartache and stress. For a long time I

MADRID IN ENGLISH

As a musician, getting the much-needed break in Spain proved difficult. “I’m so grateful to Dick Angstadt of Bogui Jazz for giving bands like us a chance,” Sarah comments. “It seems no matter what your CV looks like, if you’re not friends with the owner then it can be very difficult to get a look in at many venues. I’ve also found that a lot of my friends here who are musicians have had to pay for their own albums to be made before a record company will even look at them. Costs can run up to thousands.”

Describing her style as “a big, jazzy soulful voice

which funks and is laced with world music influences,” she also thinks that it’s important to feel safe when you’re trying out new things. “The last thing you need is someone pulling faces if you hit bum notes when you’re playing around in rehearsals. If I could have the band I want, I would also have a sitar player, an accordion player, strings and brass. My other dream is to sing with a big orchestra. I would love to be doing big Shirley Bassey numbers in long gowns and then get the orchestra to play some great jazz tunes.”

Climbing high Singing, more than acting, remains Sarah’s passion. “It gives me the freedom to express exactly how I feel about life. I’m always looking for new ways to use my voice—if you were to come to my street I’m sure you’d be thinking that someone was going loopy,” she laughs. “I love acting but it affects me on a different level to singing. I like creating worlds where people on the outside can take a look in. I always get so excited when I go to the theatre and I like to be a part of that creation for other people.”

There are, however, challenges to composing her own songs. “My biggest challenge is that I have never studied music. I just find myself humming a tune and then I just keep adding to it. On other occasions, I’ll sit in front of my keyboard banging out chords until they sound ok. It’s a very slow process. It’s great when I get to write with someone as it normally starts with an improv and then we develop it.”

Her next moves are to try to blend a Spanish feel into her music, as well as travel to the States and wow the crowds on the other side of the pond. “I say bring on the fusion. I was thinking about having some lessons to learn about Flamenco as I love all that passion and all those guttural sounds they make. When I was in Memphis, I worked with Al Green’s producer, Willie Mitchell, and got the chance to get up on stage and sing with a band, which was fun. I want to try and line something up for next year. Every time I do a concert or perform in a play I feel a sense of achievement.

I am so lucky to do what I love. I don’t need big rewards to feel happy. I’ve travelled the world doing what I love and I hope that continues.”

The Sarah Quist Jazz Quartet will be performing on Sat, 1 Dec at 10.30pm at Bogui Jazz, C/Barquillo, 29 (Metro: Banco de España/Chueca). Sarah also sings regularly at the Laydown restaurant and bar, Plaza de los Mostenses, 9 (Metro: Plaza de España/Santo Domingo). For more information, see www.sarahquist.com

DECEMBER 2012

11

Serve the city, help the citizens The season of goodwill is being extended throughout the year by Serve The City, a group of individuals who offer time and energy to those in need. Laura Tabor takes a look at its operation

i

t isn’t particularly common to see a group of 15 people in Madrid all wearing bright red t-shirts as they paint the offices of an urban aid organisation. The activity is part of a non-profit-making scheme called Serve The City, which has brought a new idea to Spain: connecting those who want to participate in one-off, day-long projects with those who need their assistance.

The Project Coordinator is Karen Batt, a long-term resident of Spain, but who grew up in the United Kingdom. Her vision, and the vision of the organisation’s core team, is to change the face of volunteering in Madrid. “What we’re trying to do is challenge people to think about their city in a different way,” she says. “We have a lot of cultures participate; it is very international.”

One mission Since the first project day in March 2011, the organisation has been holding events once every three months.

The next, on 15 December, will be its fourth. According to its mission statement, Serve The City (STC) “aims to create a sense of community through serving the city, by organising and facilitating volunteer projects to help the underprivileged in our society.”

The group is non-religious—there are many “people of faith, and people without faith,” who participate in its projects—and the religious beliefs of aid recipients play no part in STC’s decisions to assist. The idea itself is not new: there are already 87 cities worldwide with STC organisations, and in addition to Madrid, Barcelona now has people arranging project days.

We have a plan Any project day follows a fairly simple format: prior to any event, interested volunteers sign up via STC’s website for a project that fits their interests and schedule. Some projects last all day, while some may be just a morning or afternoon. The leader of a project will then email the participants with more detailed instruc-

tions, often on a practical note, such as “wear clothes you can get paint on,” or “be aware that we will be working with children.”

On the day of the project, the group meets, discusses and divides the work, and then completes the assignment. In the past, volunteers have painted the offices of charity organisations, made thank-you cards with children and distributed them to public servants, police officers and others, and even put on a variety show for the residents in a nursing home. The STC core team uses the time between project days to find these opportunities and to network with groups who would benefit from receiving voluntary help.

After the projects are completed, everyone is invited to a party to celebrate the day, meet volunteers who may have been working on other STC schemes, and share stories about their experiences. Often, invitations are extended to friends who become volunteers for future events.

Photo: Katee Pederson

Growing and socialising

Reaching out Expatriates make up a large number of those who participate, but Spaniards are involved as well. Warren Batt, Karen’s husband, is another member of the Madrid core team and sees these first 18 months as just the beginning of a movement in the city that he calls his home. “Over time, there has been a definite rise in Spanish people taking part,” he declares. “Our outlook is very long-term; we aren’t just trying to do something today and leave.”

The core team itself has an international mix.

Laura Perelló is in charge of the email newsletter and translation for the website; she has grown up, because of her dual nationality, in Spain and the United States.

“I’ve been living in Madrid for several years, and this is the first time an organisation of this kind has really caught my attention,” she says. “I think that the concept that generally exists here is that if one wants to be a volunteer, you have to sacrifice a ton of your time or give money for a cause.”

There are occasional core team meetings between events to put forward ideas, identify opportunities where partnerships can be made, and discuss how to get new people involved. To keep members interested and to foster the introduction of friends, Serve The City is branching out into social events, hosting meetups and dinners where those who have participated and worked alongside each other can also share some tortilla and croquetas.

The planned project day on 15 December includes some new additions like a mural painting scheme to brighten a community in Madrid and the distribution of winter clothes to organisations and people who need them. There will also be a return to some projects with which assistance has been given in the past, such as child, elderly, and homeless groups, involving various levels of Spanish fluency. The Serve The City website, www.servethecity.es, contains more information for anyone wishing to sign-up and become part of the endeavour.

Eating & Drinking great ideas for eating out in Madrid Eating & Drinking

Thai Restaurant The authentic taste of Thailand in Madrid c/San Bernardino, 6.

Metro: Plaza de España.

Tel: 91 559 83 15

Bangkok

VEGAVIANA Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Madrid

Excellent Thai Cuisine

Daily Menu 9,70

c/Arenal, 15 (esquina Bordadores, 13) Tel: 915 591 696. Metros Sol or Ópera.

c/Pelayo, 35 (Metro: Chueca) Tel: 91 308 03 81. Open Tues-Sun 1:30-4pm.

Tues-Sat 9-midnight. Closed Sunday & Monday

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT WHOLE FOOD

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

service guide service guide service guide travel & sightseeing

Books & Coffee

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 DECEMBER 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

DECEMBER 2012

13

The InMadrid classifieds section is the perfect way to reach the English-speaking international community.

To place an ad, visit inmadrid.com and click on classifieds.

Obtain the best response from your ad in the shortest time by choosing one of our economical, combined print&online packages,

from as little as 8,33 / month. online-only ads in many categories are

FREE

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

language-classes

¿SE TRASLADA A LONDRES PARA REALIZAR IELTS? Curso adaptado a sus necedidades individuales – seis semanas, 24 horas. Horario flexible. Profesor nativo con 10 años experienca. Probar de una hora gratis evaluar su nivel y tomar una muestra. ¡6.0 o más alta o la mitad del gasto devuelto - garantizado! Lugar: Whitechapel, East London teacher@andrewdavidjohnson.com http://www.facebook.com/BootcampIELTS +447967222892.

groups 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.

accommodation-offered

spanish

clubs-sports

THE BEST SPANISH CLASSES IN MADRID Spanish teacher with experience abroad working, among others, for the Cervantes Institute. Classes can be tailored to your needs, focus on your field of work, are professional and a real investment with real results. Group or individual, all ages (great with kids), all level lessons. I also speak English, French, Portuguese, Swedish and Italian. Please contact Laura to set a price 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 IN CENTRAL MADRID LEARN SPANISH EASILY WITH EXPERIENCED TEACHER, GRADUATE

BY INTERNATIONAL HOUSE. ONE TO ONE OR GROUPS. MATERIALS PROVIDED. GRAMMAR AND CONVERSATION FOR ALL LEVELS. DELE EXAM. CONTACT JAVIER: tlf: 661 871 239 mail: javiersanjoseespeso@hotmail.com web: http://javiersanjoseespeso.jimdo.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.

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 Email to cricketinmadrid@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.cricketinmadrid.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.

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. The first lesson is free for trial. Metro: Goya & Manuel Becerra Telephone: 650672356 Email: astur_kirichian@yahoo.es.

Language Services

14 DECEMBER 2012

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.

intercambios

clubs

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.

FLAT NEXT TO RIVER AND PUENTE SEGOVIA Perfect flat for single person or a couple, 1 bedroom, high ceilings, great location in Central Madrid behind palace and next to Puente de Segovia and the new river area of Madrid, good transport for all City, close to Centre and Casa de Campo, call +34 627504792 to view or contact dermot_ledwith(at)yahoo.com for more details.

RENT A ROOM CENTRE MADRID WITH EXPENSES INCLUDED Rent a room in a nice house of 100 meters. House is near Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in a very nice area. Available from the 8th november.

Price 290 euros, Expenses included (wifi, water, electricity so as a cleaner). Contact 651847507 or laura@olaizola.info.

RENT OR SALE APARTMENT IN ANDALUZIA Rent apartment fully furnished of two rooms in a tipical village of Cádiz, Vejer de la Frontera, Andaluzia. 9 Km of a famous Palmar Beach and Caños de Meca.

Garage. Good weather and sun all the year.

Supermarket. 350 month to live. PHONE: 0034 -627834694. yolandaespinoso@yahoo.es.

classes

ENGLISH SPEAKING CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGIST Consulting psychologists available for counseling for all types of issues. We speak English, French and Spanish. We specialize in clinical and counseling psychology. All therapists have at least Master’s degrees in psychology(various specialties). Call for an appointment. 91 506 0764 or e-mail to info@anavillarrubia.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.

MULTILINKUAL: INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS IN MADRID Multilinkual.com Meet new people and practice languages, FREE. Tuesdays (O’Neill’s, Príncipe 12, from 22h), Thursdays (Beer Station, Santo Domingo square, from 22h), Fridays (o.v. movies at Cine Ideal & Cachibola pub, Jacinto Benavente square), Sundays (Marca, Valverde 44, from 19h) 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 WEEK-END > 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.

jobs jobs-offered CEO & OFFICE ASSISTANT New Energy Ventures are a young and dynamic startup focused on finding, funding and commercialising solutions which can help to combat global climate change. This is an opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of Clean Technologies from the perspective of an organization at the cutting edge of attempting to help our planet. If you can see that the future will only exist if we learn to adapt and live in closer harmony with the planet and have the ambition to excel in your role and assist with making things happen, then send you CV and cover letter to admin@newenergyventures.ch.

NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS REQUIRED • Part-time teacher for teenagers (A2 - B1) and FCE and CAE levels (evenings), 20,00 €/hr. If you have teaching experience and are TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificated we would like to hear from you! Please refrain from applying if you are looking for work with adults exclusively or are not in possession of working papers. Send us your CV to info@gnpidiomas.com.

JOB OFFERED ADVERTISING SALES person for English language magazine, speak Spanish. Call Violetta at: 91 548 01 07.

NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED Small, fast growing company looking for dedicated and experienced native English teachers, minimum of 18 months’ experience (FCE/ACE/BEC). Lunchtime classes (Mon.-Fri. 2:30-4) in Madrid (Paracuellos del Jarama / Pozuelo de Alarcon). We offer 21 euros/hour,

guaranteed 5 day/week,classes for small groups of professionals(max. 8). Ideal candidate should be able to bill as autónomo and feels at home teaching in dynamic business environment. If you fit the profile and are available January 2013-June 2014, send your CV to diarmuid.magourty@gmail.com and we’ll contact you to arrange an interview.

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, password recovery, IT infrastructure planning, 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. email: info@swiftnetsolutions.com or Mobile: +34 618 434 067.

EMU EDUCATION AUSTRALIA ¿Siempre has soñado con vivir en Australia? Si quieres aprender o mejorar tu inglés, conseguir una titulación de Cambridge o ampliar tus estudios con un título en Business, Marketing o Informática, tenemos una opción para ti! Trabaja mientras estudias y conoce este increíble país.

Somos agentes de educación que trabajamos directamente con los centros en Australia. ¡En vez de cobrar comisiones te garantizamos un descuento! Te sorprenderás al conocer nuestros precios.

Infórmate sin compromisos o búscanos en Facebook. info@emueducationaustralia.com www.facebook.com/EmuEducationAustralia.

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.

Many more ads online at inmadrid.com

Work Offered

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.

Please send your CV to britishnursery@britishnursery.com. www.britishnursery.com

We build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements. In Spain, the British Council undertakes a wide variety of cultural activities and exchanges and manages a large examinations programme, a school and over a dozen teaching centres.

The teaching centres in Madrid wish to appoint teachers of English as a foreign language for the academic year 2012-13 starting in December / January. The post holders will teach young learners (between the ages of 5 and 18) and/or adults.

Our minimum requirements are: ● ● ● ● ●

native speaker of English or equivalent ability education to degree level or equivalent a recognised, relevant T.E.F.L. qualification two years’ relevant experience post-qualification permission to work in Spain and N.I.E or D.N.I

Letters of application, together with an up-to-date curriculum vitae in English, should be emailed to:

recruitment.madrid@britishcouncil.es

We will not normally respond to applications that do not clearly meet our minimum requirements.

The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and diversity. www.britishcouncil.es The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

DECEMBER 2012

15