InMadrid February 2013 Issue by InMadrid

2 FEBRUARY 2013

MADRID IN ENGLISH

4 SCENE What’s new in town

5 MADWORLD Top ten Valentine’s gift responses, Streetguys, Fairy Tales, Curiosity Shop

6 SWING DANCING: IT’S THE CAT’S PYJAMAS! A look at the resurgence of swing dancing in Madrid

6 FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME The season so far for the IFL Madrid and FC Británico

7 THE COLOURFUL MEMORIES OF DORIS WHITE A curious family history that includes three wars, spying, Madrid and Barcelona

8 RESTAURANT REVIEW The Swagat Indian Restaurant in barrio Salamanca

8 CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS February gigs—Crystal Castles, Spin Doctors, Napalm Death and Glen Hansard

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

8 FOR THE RECORD

competition

This month’s album reviews—I Am Kloot and Matthew E White

The best club nights in February, plus listings

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

10 GOING PLACES

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: VINCENT VAN HOGG • MUSIC (REVIEWS): RUSSELL PARTON • MUSIC (GIGS): FAYE HARRISON • NIGHTLIFE: RICHARD LEWINGTON • SCENE: MARITZA MOSSBERG, LAURA STEPHENS • THEATRE: LAURA TABOR • STAFF WRITERS: VICKY KNILL, LAURA STEPHENS • INTERNS: ALEXANDRA SHEFFIELD, LAURA TABOR, MARITZA MOSSBERG, CLEMENTYNE CHAMBERS, ALYSSA RASMUSSEN, IRENE BERMAN-VAPORIS, MIKA KUBO, CATRINA SPAVEN-DONN • 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

Interview with madrileña actress, reporter and model, Cristina Pedroche

11 THE COMETS’ TALE A chat with Madrid-based band the Autumn Comets on the release of their new album

12 THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LIPS TO MEET Cristina Pedroche

Want to advertise in InMadrid? Quieres anunciar en InMadrid?

Cover photo:

marketing@in-madrid.com

Courtesy of Actúa Comunicación, Cristina Pedroche

618 434 067 MADRID IN ENGLISH

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

9 NIGHTLIFE

The “do’s and don’ts” for a kiss at seven romantic venues in the city

Rey Villamosa with InMadrid in Manila, Philippines

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FEBRUARY 2013

scene

Catch the 4th ClassicAuto Madrid Fair at pavilion 9, Feria de Madrid, from 22-24 Feb. With everything for classic car fans, see www.classicautomadrid.com

■ BY MARITZA MOSSBERG, LAURA STEPHENS AND WILL WORTH-GOWEN

ARCOmadrid 2013

CBA Carnaval

The 32nd edition of ARCO, the International Contemporary Art Fair, includes the participation of 202 galleries from more than 30 countries. Highlights are Solo Projects: Focus Latin America, and Opening Programme: Young Galleries with 22 participants selected by curators Manuel Segade and Veronica Roberts. Turkey is this year’s guest country, with an overview of the artistic work being produced there at present—courtesy of ten galleries and numerous artists—under the guidance of curator Vasif Kortun. ARCOmadrid 2013, Feria de Madrid, Halls 8 and 10. (Metro: Campo de las Naciones). 13-14 Feb, professionals only; 15-17 Feb, general public. 12-8pm. Tickets from €40. See www.ifema.es/ferias/arco

Returning once again with the boundless enthusiasm and flagrant originality of previous years, the Circulo de Bellas Artes Carnaval takes place on 9 February. This year’s title is “La vida es + cara”, which invites your disguise to be inspired by the smaller things in life. From 11pm, guests will be free to roam the extravagantly decorated halls and pump their fists to the sounds of a host of top notch music and DJs—percussion group Shambaiala Batucada, Dj Bombín, young madrileña swing band Orquesta The Ladies, and Hortera & Cassette Dj’s to name but four. The party continues until 5am. Carnaval, Circulo de Bellas Artes, C/Alcalá, 42 (Metro: Banco de España). Tel: 91 360 54 00. Sat, 9 Feb. 11pm-5am. Tickets €45, members €35, from www.circulobellasartes.com

XIII Festival Escena Contemporánea Twenty four theatre and dance companies are involved in 13th Festival Escena Contemporánea, and their works will be performed in 16 locations in the city. Primarily young, up-andcoming artists take part in the programme, with productions often innovative and unconventional. Among the Spanish regions represented are Mallorca, Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, with a number of international artists too. This El Entretenimiento Photo by Alex Brenner year’s works include seven premieres, as well as a British/Spanish company Sleepwalk Collective presenting El Entretenimiento, Italian arts ensemble Ricci/Forte with macadamia nut brittle, and Mexican theatre company Kraken Teatro performing Ternura Suite. Performance spaces are also unconventional, such as outside the Valle-Inclán Theatre and the Mercado de la Cebada. XIII Festival Escena Contemporánea, various locations. 30 Jan-24 Feb. See www.madrid.org/escenacontemporanea.

Paperback Book Exchange The Asociación Educativa Oscar Wilde, based in San Sebastián de Los Reyes, is organising a Paperback Book Exchange from Mon, 25 to Thurs, 28 February. Don’t miss this great opportunity to browse through their growing selection of books and DVDs, mostly in English, but also in French and German, and of course indulge in the pleasure of finding a good book to read. Asociación Educativa Oscar Wilde, Biblioteca Central de San Sebastián de los Reyes. (Metro: Baunatal). 25-28 Feb. Free. For further details see asedow.blogspot.com.es

Madrid es Negro Festival Enlace Funk magazine and Club Maderfaker present this festival of black music, now celebrating its third anniversary. This year the festival includes DJ nights and concerts, bringing you the best jazz, funk and soul that Madrid has to offer. In addition, there’s the Spanish premiere of the documentary Rising Above The Blues, The Story Of Jimmy Scott at the Cine Estudio Círculo de Bellas Artes on Sun, 10 Feb, at 7.30pm. Jimmy Scott may be a little-known jazz singer, but his influence is huge. The screening is in the original English version, and includes contributions from Quincy Jones and Joe Pesci. For collectors of

vinyl, there’s also a record collectors fair on Sun, 3 Feb, from 126pm, in the Restaurante Gula Gula. Madrid es Negro Festival, various locations and events, 31 Jan-23 Feb. For full details see www.madridesnegro.com

6th Annual Jarama Walk Ternura Suite

Photo by Alma Curiel

InMadrid Feb Launch Party and Social Night It’s been a while since InMadrid last had any sort of celebration, so on Wed, 6 Feb, we’ve planned a night of music, fun, and English conversation for all of our friends and readers. Of course, you can also treat yourself to a beer or two as well if you wish. Richard Lewington will be our DJ, and this is a great chance to meet some of our writers and put a face to the names you see here each month. InMadrid Feb Launch Party and Social Night, Marcel Bar, C/Santa Maria, 42 (Metro: Antón Martín). Wed, 6 Feb, from 9pm

The 76th anniversary of the Battle of Jarama takes place from 14-17 February, with the main event being a Jarama Walk on Saturday 16th. The walk this year is especially devoted to the remembrance of the French-speaking volunteers (French, Belgian, Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian) who fought at Jarama. The full programme includes book presentations, including Places of the International Brigades in Madrid by Ken O’Keefe, as well as a further walk on Sun, 17 Feb, to the International Brigades’ monument in Ciudad Universitaria. 6th Annual Jarama Walk, 14-17 Feb. For further information, details, and costs, contact jarama2013@gmail.com

4 FEBRUARY 2013

II Encuentro Gastronómico After last year’s successful gastronomy fair at the ABC commercial centre, Atlas Gourmet hosts its second annual gastronomy meeting on 18-19 February. Members of the public can enjoy presentational spreads by gourmet chefs, hotels and culinary professionals in a unique event that is sure to please a diversity of palates. II Encuentro Gastronómico, ABC Centro Comercial (5th floor), C/Serrano, 61 (Metro: Ruben Darío) Tel: 91 577 50 31. 18-19 Feb, 11am-7pm. See www.gastronomicom.com

Argentina: danzando en carnaval Argentina: danzando en carnaval provides a chance to see traditional Argentinian dances typically performed during popular celebrations, including a look at how Incan, Spanish colonial, and European styles have influenced them. A narrator will describe the history and costumes for each dance, such as the takirari, the chaya riojana, the bailecito, and the zamba carpera. Argentina: danzando en carnaval, Museo Nacional de Antropología, C/Alfonso XII, 68 (Metro: Atocha). Tel: 91 530 64 18. Sat, 16 Feb, 8.30pm. Free, but arrive at ticket office by 7pm due to limited space

Tips from the Tower Helpful monthly advice from the British Consulate office in Pº de la Castellana’s Torre Espacio Champions League knock-out

JaJaHa!—Comedy in English The JaJaHa! English comedy group continue their monthly stand up and improv show on the 16 and 21 February. On the 16th, it’s the monthly Freshly Squeezed session at the Beer Station, which presents brand new material by the regular team. The Freshly: Ole Stars Edition takes place on the 21st at the same venue, with popular A Freshly Squeezed Toni Rodriguez Spanish comedians branching out into English comedy, including Dani Lopez, Pablo Ibarbubu, and also Gerald B Fillmore from the amazing Zaragozan comedy troupe The Sinflow. JaJaHa!Comedy in English, BeerStation, Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 22 (Metro: Santo Domingo). Sat, 16 Feb, 8pm & Thurs, 21 Feb, 9pm. €14 & €10 at the door respectively, or €7 & €5 if booked in advance from www.atrapalo.com/. For full details see www.freshlycomedy.com

The CBA Carnaval is on the 9 February

Haneke season at the CBA Austrian Filmmaker Michael Haneke has given the world such well-known gems as The Piano Teacher and Caché. Just recently he won the Best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe for his 2012 film Amour, which has also been nominated for an Oscar. In celebration of his work, the Círculo de Bellas Artes is showing a season of his films, from his 1989 work The Seventh Continent to 2009’s The White Ribbon, winner of both the Cannes’ Palme d’Or and a Golden Globe in 2010. Michael Haneke Film Season, Círculo de Bellas Artes, C/Alcalá, 42 (Metro: Banco de España). Tel: 91 360 54 00. 21 Feb-10 Mar. Tickets €5.50, or €18 for a fivefilm pass See www.circulobellasartes.com

The knock-out stages of the Champions League are back! Manchester United square up to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Wednesday, 13 February. Kick-off is at 8.45pm. No doubt there will be hordes of United fans descending on the city for a match that will see two of the most famous clubs in the world battling it out for a place in the quarter finals. If you’re thinking of going along to the match, bear in mind that Manchester United fans will be allocated the top two tiers on the North stand and should enter through tower block D. Arrive in plenty of time as you can expect queues with ticket checks and body searches at the entrance to the turnstiles. Doors open 90 minutes before kick off. As with any large event, anyone who is obviously drunk will not be allowed into the stadium. There’s also a zero-tolerance policy to racist insignia and banners with political slogans. Other banned items include flares, fireworks, alcohol, cans, glass, bottle tops, or containers with more than half a litre capacity. After the match there may be slight delays as visiting supporters are held back for around 15-20 minutes to allow the home fans to disperse. Whether your post-match drinking is in celebration or commiseration, avoid problems by keeping the festivities inside bars or designated terraces as drinking in the streets in some areas is illegal and could lead to arrest. For full details, tips and advice on this event, check out our regularly updated travel advice at www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/traveladvice.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

mwoarldd

Top ten Valentine’s Fairy Tales gift responses Valentine’s Day is upon us and for many the question is “What can I get that will adequately express my love?”, or possibly “What the hell am I going to buy so that my partner won’t throw me out of the house?” Vicky Knill suggests that the following responses to your gift may result in a boot more than a hug:

A CD! But… the Berlusconi Love Songs album???

A Venus Fly Trap is not a substitute for roses!

Anti-ageing cream??

A saucepan? Yes, I love it, because if I raise it like this…

I don’t care if you’ve lined up the mushrooms in the shape of a heart, it’s still a pizza!!!

Why does the gift tag say “Sarah” when my name is “Susan”?

So you’re saying some of the chocolates are missing because you had to walk home from the shop?

What do you mean, it’s lingerie to make me look attractive occasionally?

Did you just say “It’s amazing what some people throw away”?

I know it was your mother’s ring, but I don’t need to see the exhumation certificate with it. Photo (CC) flickr: AlC AD

Streetguys InMadrid captures the performers adding fun to the city’s chaotic calles.

The Puppeteer If music be the food of love, play on! Could there be a better candidate for this month’s street artist than this serene, beautiful puppet, whose soulful strings have attracted two stray cats, one of which is so relaxed by her music that he’s dozed off? (What do you mean, they’re not real?) We love the way the operator is casting a furtive glance to the right, giving a secret and forbidden sense to the whole performance. Perhaps the doll is playing her heart out for her Valentine, who has turned his back on her, thinking there would be too many strings attached to a relationship. ■ JEFF WISEMAN

Curiosity Shop

MENKES

■ ■ BY BY CAMINO CAMINO MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ

With almost everybody enjoying a carnival in February, this traditional and famous madrileña shop is a great option for a wonderful selection of fancy dress costumes Menkes was inaugurated in Madrid in 1950, initially as a modest establishment that only sold typical regional costumes from all around Spain, including of course the famous flamenco dresses. Since then, it has become one of the most famous fancy dress shops in the city and was visited by Hollywood stars such as Vivien Leigh and Ava Gardner during the fifties. Today, more than 60 years later, whilst still dealing in the traditional outfits, (especially the flamenco skirts, castanets, shoes, etc), Menkes also stocks classic and contemporary dance costumes, sportswear for rhythmic gymnastics, and an enormous amount of fancy dress outfits for just about any style: animals, period dresses, horror, fun, movies, singers, witches and celebrities, to name but a few. For those looking to add accessories, there are a huge variety of wigs, make-up, hats, masks, and feather boas. Stock is available for children, adults and even for professionals. In addition to the Menkes shops (there are several in Spain and also one in Paris and another in New York), the business has its own workshop, where some of their clothes are made, and offers a made-to-measure service. Best of all, perhaps, is that the shop has a wide range of prices. If your personal gorilla outfit that you’ve had for the past few years is looking a little tired, then Menkes also rents costumes, meaning you can be something or someone different at every opportunity.

Menkes, C/Mesonero Romanos, 14 (Metro: Callao). Tel: 91 532 10 36; also at C/Juan de Olías, 21 (Metro: Estrecho). Tel: 91 572 30 15. See www.menkes.es.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

By Jerome Apolda

Amour à la French L’amour—this je-ne-sais-quoi that brings joie de vivre and raison d’être; an oeuvre of lèse majesté against reason, a collage of cliché, a nuance palette, par excellence, of avant-garde romanticism. When a bel esprit starts to gaffe, to volte-face, cherchez la femme! On meeting la jolie au courant in her bouffant beige blouson and béret, he was au fait, blasé even, but bon vivant nonetheless. A bon mot over café and brioche, comfy atop one another on a chaise longue after a rendezvous that lasted long in a night of ooh la la; he rested the fait accompli on the balcony of his pied-à-terre. He knew the brunette wouldn’t leave without a billet-doux he would find amongst his bric-à-brac, and he would smile remembering how naïve she looked au naturel. Their first night was an amuse bouche that would lead to a folie à deux able to elude the déjà vu. En route for the extraordinaire… allons-y! He followed the etiquette, habitué. They had an aperitif at restaurants à la mode because he was no cordon-bleu and went to the cinema or to galleries of art nouveau. They smoked cigarettes on the avenue, in front of chic boutiques, not willing to say au revoir just yet. A frisson would go up his spine every time he saw her in her négligé. She was an object d’art, a bit risqué but oh so unique. Even her moue had éclat. Their liaison had panache. They had panache. They were the riposte to Romeo and Juliet; they would last. For their entourage, their entente was the tableau vivant of love conquers all, la crème de la crème; unaware it was a trompe l’oeil. Coup de théâtre, Monsieur grew a moustache to be nouvelle vague; it was her bête noire, she found him petit bourgeois and retired to the boudoir. Visà-vis her fiancé, the demoiselle grew weary. C’est la guerre! Her savant savoir-faire led the sabotage. Caprices after caprices, she brought him chagrin. The ballet of their amour propre would turn into a noir boulevard and an encore was doubtful. The prestige blew into debris and ennui and fatigue set in. Insouciance and laisser-aller in love are the lieutenants that strike their coup de grace. His gaucherie would overshadow his grandeur and the coquette’s coup d’oeil would turn fleetingly to another man en passant. The garçon in a cul-desac, in a glissade to oblivion, would protest; one fatal faux pas, enough to drive the femme fatale away. It was de trop. In the décor of this brasserie, nibbling on a croissant, the ingénu was in an impasse, his idée fixe blotting out all finesse. Outré, her froideur grew. The malaise was palpable. It might have been just a mauvais quart d’heure but the boy was grotesque. The pas de deux had come to a standstill. They played a pastiche of their relationship but a final tearful tête-à-tête was inevitable and the belle applied her rouge and said adieu. And voilà, l’amour was no longer à la carte. C’est la vie! Zut alors!

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

FEBRUARY 2013

Swing dancing: it’s the cat’s pyjamas! Lindy Hop, Balboa, and other forms of swing dancing have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity worldwide. Laura Tabor talks with some of the expats cultivating the lively swing scene in Madrid atie Sewell wears big flowers in her hair, polka dot and vintage pattern fabrics, and generally looks like she might have stepped right out of the 1940s, especially when she is doing a Charleston dance routine to some Big Band sounds. She is, however, simply a young British resident of Madrid who teaches English and gives classes in, of course, swing dancing. From Embajadores to Chamartín, from small cafés to big dance studios, you will find both expats and Spaniards dancing to the swing rhythms, due mostly to the committed core of dancers who have been teaching classes, hosting dancing ‘parties,’ or dragging their friends to events. Sewell came to Madrid a couple of years ago when the dance scene was less hopping than at present. “When I got here, there was so little dancing; there was a dance once a fortnight or once a month,” Sewell says. “Parties were few and far between; I gotta get my dance on!”

Community spirit Sewell’s stay in Spain has been during a boom era for the style; she now teaches Jazz Step classes, which are individual dance moves that can be incorporated in swing, and Lindy Hop, which is one of the most recognised partner swing dances. “People started having more parties; people come often and some events offer free classes. Loads of people have started because of that. We are holding weekly parties to have a consistent community,” Sewell continues. “There’ll be something more or less every weeknight, and it’s not even me organising everything. I’m really happy with how it’s going.” Kenny Nelson, a Colorado native who is now teaching dance around Europe, started dancing long ago. “During the summer of 1997, my theatre friends took a six-week swing dance series. I couldn’t go,” Nelson says. “I was disappointed I missed out, so I convinced a friend to teach me. I learned in her grandmother’s basement under the watchful eye of a cardboard John Wayne to the tunes of the Beach Boys.”

Atlantic crossing Swing dance roots extend a long time before Sewell’s arrival in Madrid and Nelson’s basement beginnings.

Originally, swing dance got its rock-stepping start from the 1920s and ’30s, with many of the moves coming from the Savoy Ballroom in New York City; the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and the Jitterbug can all trace their roots to that one swinging-jazz dance hall. Although a few decades passed with relatively little interest in the style, in the ’90s movies like Swing Kids rekindled interest and swing dancing has again become popular in Europe and the United States. Swing, however, is not just one dance; every region has its own twist on the style that is unique to that community. Janelle Norman got into swing dancing in the States, but in the past couple of years she’s become more involved in the Madrid swing scene. She helped me understand the difference between Balboa and Lindy Hop. “Balboa is more rigid and close, it’s danced to faster music, and it doesn’t have the swing out,” she explains, referencing a characteristic move in Lindy Hop where the follower is whipped out of close-dancing formation at high speed, resulting in what almost looks like a flying leap. Lindy Hop is also danced while leaning away from one’s partner, at times almost to the point where it looks like you are sitting down. Norman says that she appreciates these dances partially because they don’t always have you moving exactly on the beat, but instead anticipating the beat or moving after it. “I tend to like dances with syncopation,” she comments.

Madrid moves At dances in Madrid, and elsewhere, two communal events are common: the Shim Sham, which is a choreographed set of jazz steps danced by everyone; and jam circles, where the attendees circle around one or two couples and they get to show off their best moves and aerial tricks to the cheers of the crowd before slipping out of the circle and letting another couple in. The advanced dancers and the beginners intermingle, and even if you have some fears about dancing, there will always be someone else learning with you. “It’s different because it’s one of the purest forms of lead/follow and it keeps a street dance essence,” Nelson comments. “It’s part of a larger social dance community, and there are fun aerials you can do with the right training.” Katie Sewell finishes with some friendly advice for all. “Just

Photos by www.fotoclave.es

come. We’re nice. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to dance; you can make new friends and hear nice music. Come try it; why not?”

For information on Katie Sewell’s swing dance classes and more, visit www.facebook.com/iswingdance, and the Facebook group “Madrid Swing Cats” for nearlycomprehensive listings of swing events in Madrid.

sport

For the love of the game Luc Ciotkowski brings us a season update from the IFL Madrid, whilst Tim Inkling looks at FC Británico Of course, it would only be a moment. Then the traffic lights would change to green and they would speed off in their Porsches to their mansions, with their thoughts turning to what they might do to fill up the rest of the day after finishing training. The players of the IFL Madrid five-aside league have no such preoccupations.

IFL Madrid It’s easy to imagine the top-flight professionals of Atlético, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano driving past sports centre football pitches in Madrid, seeing amateur games in progress and feeling a pang of envy for those playing for the sheer enjoyment of it. Without the pressure of a million pairs of eyes from around the world scrutinising your every mistake, without having to learn to answer questions from the media more diplomatically than an ambassador in the Middle East, without doing it because it’s your job and how you provide for your family.

The story so far The gangly and the stumpy, the skinny and the beefy, those who run like the wind and those who only break it. The multifarious group of foreigners and Spaniards who play in Madrid’s num-

IFL League Table

Liga Tercera de Aficionados, Grupo 7 Table Teams

FC Británico Having celebrated the club’s 40th anniversary last year, fortunes have been mixed for FC Británico in the 2012/13 season. The club currently hold 11th position in the table, clear of relegation, yet not pushing for the much-desired promotion places. Nevertheless, there have been two notable victories—5-1 and 5-2 against CD Perales de Tajuña and Racing de Moratalaz respectively, as well as two thrilling 4-4 draws, against Deportivo LFC and Rivas Vaciamadrid “A”. This month, on 10 February, sees a visit from second-placed CD Orusco. Full updates on the FC Británico’s season can be found on their website, http://fcbritanico.com, and facebook page, www.facebook.com/fcbritanico.

■ TIM INKLING

6 FEBRUARY 2013

Matches Points

Goals E

1st division

Played

Pts

ATLÉTICO CERO

O’NEILLS UNITED

DINAMO SPORT MADRID

13 2

CD ORUSCO

12 2

ADPI RIVAS B

11 3

F C TWENTY

ESPAÑOLETO CF

F C DUTCH GOLD

S.A.D ADC PARQUE SURESTE

FC BRITÁNICO DE MADRID

S.A.D. ALTAMIRA “A”

C.D. VICAL VARO “B”

LOS HOMBRES DE PACO

MADRID REDS

U.D. LA PAZ VALLEHERMOSO

C.D. TAJAMAR

SANTANA

ADEPO-PALOMERAS

TRISKELS

F.C. BRITÁNICO DE MADRID

FC COPENBADLY

DEPORTIVO L.F.C

FINBARS 67

C.D. RACING DE MORATALAZ

BARONES DE LA BIRRA

JUVENTUD ELIPSA “B”

41 FC CATENACCIO

RIVAS VACIAMADRID “A”

42 FC RED CALM

C.D. CARABAÑA

C.D. PERALES DE TAJUÑA

MADRID LIMITED

C.D. SANTA EUGENIA 1976 B

RASTRO BAR-BARIANS

ber one non-affiliated five-a-side football league began the 2012/13 campaign in October minus last season’s champions, O’Neill’s Celtic. The first division winners decided to leave on a high after reclaiming the title to make it three championship victories in four years. Favourites to fill the void were the other O’Neill’s team, O’Neill’s United, and last term’s runners up, Atlético Cero. Cero began the way they meant to carry on by comfortably beating Santana in the delayed final of the Nuez Web Solutions Cup. They have not set a foot wrong so far and look certain to bookend their season with silverware if they continue in the same vein. O’Neill’s United, meanwhile, have twice been surprised by teams who played in the second division last year, the first being by winners FC Británico, who announced their new status at United with a 4-1 win. The second were FC Twenty, whose surge into the top pack looks all the more impressive when contrasted with their fourth place second division finish in 2011/12. FC Dutch Gold complete the group of teams with first division football assured when the league splits into two at the end of March. Los Hombres de Paco and Santana look close to joining them, while Triskel and Madrid Reds have a fight on their hands to avoid losing their first division status as the weakened FC Copenbadly already have. The minnows of Rastro Bar-barians and new boys Madrid Limited hope to see their perseverance rewarded when the two meet this month in “the battle of the bottom”. To be able to concede 129 goals in 11 games as Rastro have and still enjoy playing just doesn’t happen in professional football.

For regular updates and information, check out www.iflmadrid.com. Joining the league as a new player is as easy as sending an email with the subject IFL NEW PLAYER to lewis.carroll@honeywell.com

MADRID IN ENGLISH

The colourful memories of Doris White Three wars, spying, escaping, Barcelona, Madrid, London, and even a dash of Jane Eyre—Alexandra Sheffield meets 85-year-old Doris White to hear her unusual and adventurous family story

George, Charlie, Granny Rowe, and Doris in Barcelona (1935)

very one of the thousands of people who pass each other in Madrid has a story to tell, but we usually pay little attention to those around us. The trend seems to be to avoid eye contact or bury our head in our digital gadgets. Just occasionally, however, by a chance comment or remark, one’s curiosity can be aroused and satisfied. When a colleague offered me the chance to hear her mother’s family story, with the hook that “it has a Jane Eyre quality”, it was impossible to decline. The result is that I find myself introduced to 85-year-old Doris White. At first, there’s nothing out of the ordinary about Doris. Charming and enthusiastic, she has set the table in her warm and cosy kitchen. A beautiful embroidered tablecloth, china teacups, biscuits, cakes and napkins—the look could easily be mistaken for rural England rather than the heart of urban Madrid. Speaking in immaculate English, it’s hard to believe that she was actually born and raised in Barcelona (from 1928 to 1936), until she occasionally breaks into fluent, and beautifully expressive, Spanish. Barcelona, however, is not where this story begins. Therefore, with a cup of English tea in hand, Doris starts to share her extraordinary family history.

French connection This tale opens in Crawley, Sussex (England), towards the end of the 19th century. It’s 1897 and a young Emily Penfold, who will become Doris’s grandmother, is preparing to depart from her home to start a new life in the south of France. Emily, the last of 12 children in the Penfold family, “was a bit of a nuisance to them because they had to keep finding employment for her,” explains Doris. The job they secured was to take care of the wife of a man called William Rowe. His wife had mental health problems, although Doris politely prefers to describe her as “ailing”. “My grandmother’s life was uncannily like that of Jane Eyre!” Doris smiles, leaning back in her chair. While looking at family photographs from the period, she explains how, following the death of his wife, William Rowe and Emily fell in love. They married, and in 1902, Doris’s mother, Gladys, was born in Marseille, France. William Rowe was a direcEmily Penfold aka Granny Rowe tor of Cable and Wireless, and after time in the French city, they were relocated to Barcelona.

I spy Affectionately remembered as ‘Granny Rowe’, Emily was a lively character, with many adventurous stories of her own. “Whilst at one of many parties in France, she once befriended AEW Mason, the British novelist who wrote the famous adventure novel The Four Feathers,” continues Doris, “and during World War One they helped the cause for England.” It transpires that Emily was asked by her husband to dress as a Catalan peasant, and then, “wrapped up under a blanket, with an oarsman as her accomplice, she rowed out in to Barcelona harbour, taking note of the German ship numbers on a note pad! The information was then passed on to her husband at C&W to be transmitted to London.” The account was so spectacular that for many years the family believed it was only legend. “We found it amusing!” says Doris, “but it was later corroborated by my Godfather, who was very close to William and Emily in Barcelona. They used to have a weekly party, free to any English people there, and of course all the

MADRID IN ENGLISH

young used to go.” Sadly, her grandfather, William, died of the flu during the 1919 epidemic, although Emily, ‘Granny Rowe’, lived to be 92 years old.

Family life Doris’s father, Charlie White, had lived an equally diverse life prior to meeting her mother. “My father was a soldier who served during World War One in India as a private in the infantry,” Doris explains. “He returned to England in 1919, but the English climate caught him badly. One day, his boss called him into his office and said ‘Would you like to go abroad?’ My father replied, ‘yes of course’. So his boss asked, ‘Wouldn’t you like to know where?’ and my father’s response The Consulate’s car pulls up to evacuate the family to Barcelona port and the waiting HMS London, bound for Marseilles. (1936) was ‘No! Wherever!’” Charlie was relocated to Barcelona and, almost in lorries, with guns, and shouting. I was very scared,” immediately, met Doris’s mother at the British Club in admits Doris. the city. Following a wonderful courtship of travelling, Arriving at the port they were told to board the HMS parties, and exploring Spain together, which was consiLondon immediately, bound for Marseilles, with their dered to be “quite risqué” back then, they married in one meagre case and her Gran’s Gladstone bag “where 1924. “My parents had five children,” continues Doris, “Ethel in 1925, George in 1926, I was born in 1928, and Charlie in 1930, all at the British American Hospital. Helen was born in 1937, by which time we were refugees from the Spanish Civil War.” While recalling her youth, Doris remembers, “I went to an English school called Dulcinea, after Quijote’s great love, which was in a very nice part of Sagrada Famila (1923) Barcelona. You go right up to Sarrià, she had a few pound notes.” When her mother saw other then further up to people’s huge suitcases being hauled on to the destroyer, Vallvidrera.” She she looked very bitter. “We had barely brought a spare holds up a photopair of knickers as dad was so law-abiding after being graph of the told we couldn’t take much luggage!” says Doris, shaking siblings in bathing Gladys and Charlie her head disconsolately. Her father left Spain in October. costumes and starts to giggle. “Our family in England used to laugh One conflict to another at any photos we sent to them because of our clothes— we were so old fashioned compared to there. My brotShe recalls little of the journey from Marseilles to her [George] looked like a little bishop and my elder Paris, and then to England. “Although when the train sister [Ethel] was called the duchess.” went through East Croydon station, and I recall seeing Granny White [her father’s mother] standing on the platform as we whizzed past! She hadn’t known for Seeking refuge sure that we would be on the train, but having read Doris recalls the start of the Spanish Civil War, which that morning that refugees from Spain were arriving, began when she was eight years old. On Saturday, 18 she’d gone along just in case. Unfortunately, the train July, 1936, the family, including ‘Granny Rowe’, had didn’t stop at East Croydon! We spent from 1936 to spent the day on the coast in one of the small towns of 1950 in England, including a three month evacuation which her parents were so fond. “On the way back to from London in 1939 due to the Second World War.” Barcelona, dad kept leaving the train carriage to talk She takes a sip of her tea, and then fondly mentions a to people in the corridor.” She also noticed how her post-war trip. “My friend Marian and I went cycling in mother and Granny Rowe were not themselves. “When Normandy in 1946. All we had was a sleeping bag. We we arrived at the North station, dad immediately went stayed in hostels although we went to one camp in to the taxi rank, which was very unusual for him. All Paris that was full of communists looking for people to the way home, he talked to the taxi driver and contibuild roads in Yugoslavia!” nued to look very worried.” In 1950, Doris was still only in her early twenties Early on Monday morning, her father dashed to his and, while working for the Spanish Embassy in office for further instructions. “As soon as he arrived London, she met representatives from Madrid’s home he rapidly painted a Union Jack flag and stuck Instituto de la Construcción y del Cemento. “I was senit on one of our windows.” By Thursday, an official car ding them a lot of information from London, but I wanpulled up at the house from the British Consulate. The ted initially to spend a year in Madrid to perfect my car swiftly transported them all, except for her father, Spanish, so I asked if there were any job opportunito the port of Barcelona. It was initially thought by the ties.” Luckily for her, they said ‘yes’ and so the next English authorities that the conflict wouldn’t last very chapter in her life was about to begin. long so they suggested that men remained behind. “I remember there were lots of young people going about Part two to follow next month: The Madrid Days

FEBRUARY 2013

food Hindú heaven Nick Funnell selects the best movies to see this month Django Unchained (Django desencadenado) Riffing off his beloved spaghetti westerns, Quentin Tarantino returns with this characteristically violent story of freed slave Jamie Foxx rescuing his wife from psychotic plantation owner Leonardo DiCaprio with the aid of German gunslinger Christoph Waltz. Samuel L Jackson plays DiCaprio’s loyal house slave. Out now Lincoln Stovepipe hat sat comfortably atop his head, the remarkable Daniel Day-Lewis incarnates the 16th president of the United States in Steven Spielberg’s political biopic, nominated for 12 Oscars. Focusing on the machinations to pass the 13th amendment and abolish slavery, it also stars Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tommy Lee Jones. Out now Beasts of the Southern Wild (Bestias del sur salvaje) With four nominations under its belt, including one for eight-year-old star Quvenzhané Wallis, first-time director Benh Zeitlin’s unorthodox fantasy, loosely inspired by the Katrina disaster, concerns an imaginative youngster and her sick father as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of a storm that devastates their isolated bayou community. Out now Silver Linings Playbook (El lado bueno de las cosas) Also in the Oscars’ running with eight nods, The Fighter director David O Russell’s romantic comedy drama stars Bradley Cooper as a man fresh out of a mental institution whose efforts to rebuild his life are complicated when he meets the similarly damaged Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games). Robert De Niro plays his football-obsessed dad. Out now Flight (El vuelo) After Training Day and Safe House, Denzel Washington plays another of his ambiguous anti-heroes in this drama about an airline pilot who saves his passengers with a miraculous emergency landing, only to face questions over how much his addiction problems were to blame. Director Robert Zemeckis’ first non-animated feature since 2000’s Cast Away. Out now

Jeff Wiseman pays a visit to the Swagat Indian restaurant in barrio Salamanca Curiously, the first thing that draws a visitor’s attention to Madrid’s Swagat Indian restaurant is its shiny brass doors. They suggest a hidden elegance may await, and in fact the interior décor of Swagat certainly provides a visual treat. The restaurant is designed in two bright colours—a lower part in pink, and then at the back, at the top of a small stairway, an upper part in blue. One might imagine they conflict, but instead they complement each other well, and give the whole space a warm and lush atmosphere. We are greeted by the owner, Shibani Saigal, and on her recommendation, opt to try the menu degustación, which offers a wide selection of Indian, or more specifically Hindú, specialties over three courses. Three sauces—picante, mint and mango—accompany the starters, and the distinct flavour of each points towards the quality of what is to follow. The mint sauce has a notable, tangy flavour, and the picante manages to be stunningly hot yet equally agreeable. The starters are crispy vegetable samosas, sizzling onion bhajis, portions of Malai tikka (pieces of chicken breast marinated in a creamy cheese sauce with almonds and cashews), and Chicken tikka (tandoori with ginger, lemon and yogurt). All four are deliciously succulent and fresh, and with the sauces plus a delicious semi-sweet peshwari naan (pistachio bread with mixed nuts and fruit), it’s hard to distinguish a favourite dish. My partner gets more than enthusiastic about the flavour of the Malai tikka, whilst I slowly enjoy the samosas and bhajis, as the quality of both is exceptional. Carved carrots and cucumber add to the presentation. From past experience it becomes very easy with Indian food for the stomach to fill up too soon, but at Swagat’s the portions are perfectly balanced, with enough to satisfy the palate but never too much so that any dish presents more of a challenge than a pleasure. The main courses, served in dishes placed above small table candles to maintain their temperature, are Murgh Makhani (butter chicken—pieces of chicken breast in a butter, tomato and cream sauce), Ghost Rogan Josh (pieces of lamb with onion, tomato and aromatic spices) and Swagat Malai Kofta (fresh cheeseballs, with a herb centre, served in a house sauce), together with basmati rice. We are also presented with a naan, light and thin, yet filled with a delicious melted cheese. Quality is maintained throughout, with the smooth and creamy butter chicken walking the line perfectly between looking almost too rich, but tasting wonderfully light. The cheeseballs, a house speciality, offer a melt-in-the-mouth experience, with pleasantly strong but never overwhelming flavour, whilst the lamb, my partner’s favourite, has its fine texture brought out by the sauce. The key here is that the sauces rightly never preside over the dish, but enhance its quality. Having enjoyed the balance of quality and quantity, enough appetite remains for the desserts to be an appreciated delight rather than squeezed in. There’s a boleta de leche frita (fried milk ball), helado de pistacio con sabor naranja (orange-flavoured pistachio ice cream) and cubes of mango ice cream too. The pistachio holds a firm, creamy texture, not too sweet, which ends the meal well. With white wine, Cobra Indian beer, and coffee, we leave, to face a cold Madrid day, feeling warm and satisfied.

Swagat Indian Restaurant, C/Núñez de Balboa, 29 (Metro: Velazquez/Goya). Tel: 91 577 95 66. Starters around 6, main courses 12-16. Lunchtime menu del día, 13; menu degustación, 30. Open daily, 1-4pm, 8-12pm. Take away service also available.

music

for the record

concerts

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

Crystal Castles

I Am Kloot Let It All In EMI Manchester trio I Am Kloot follow up their 2010 Mercury-nominated album with a set of songs that sound suspiciously like Elbow. Of course, those clued up on such matters would know Elbow frontman Guy Garvey is the band’s current producer, meaning that added to I Am Kloot’s blues and folk-tinged tracks are gushing strings and orchestral arrangements, which fit well the songs’ desire to say something ‘big’. With age comes experience and with that, perhaps, the urge to advise people about life. “Don’t let the clouds clutter up your sky”, we’re told in “Shoeless”, and “the future keeps coming”, is the sage observation in “Hold Back the Night”. I Am Kloot have been together for more than a decade, with only ever modest commercial success. But the witty reflections and poignant poetry of Let It All In, along with the record’s luscious production values, will no doubt stir the embers of the band’s slow-burning popularity.

Matthew E White Big Inner Hometapes Matthew E White sports a sharp, white suit on the cover of his début album, but it’s the beard and mane combo that’s the bigger clue to its laid back, seventies sound. White has seemingly come out of nowhere, though has form as a jazzbo—he was once seen conducting the big band Fight the Big Bull—but with Big Inner the 29-year-old has made a gospel-pop record that’s one of the more intriguing offerings of the year so far. His voice is a relaxed mumble, recalling the meditative soft-rock of Bon Iver. Sonically, though, this is a cut above, with swelling strings more reminiscent of Randy Newman and somnolent slow grooves accompanying White’s soulful murmurings about the power of the Lord. Songs can involve as many as 30 people, with horns, strings and a hippiegospel choir forming around White’s core. The obsessively detailed arrangements remain understated throughout, however, and when Big Inner does pick up steam, it does so with studied indolence, like in the slow-rolling outro of closing number “Brazos”, with the repeated phrase “Take it easy, baby”, that gently lulls your soul into submission.

8 FEBRUARY 2013

Tues, 19 Feb, 9.30pm. La Riviera, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. Tickets €25 from www.ticketmaster.es Electronic experimentalists Crystal Castles are a Canadian duo, known for their frenzied gigs and homemade sound productions. Ethan Kath met Alice Glass in Toronto when they were teenagers. True to their ‘whatever happens, happens’ philosophy, they began making music together as an experiment when Kath asked Glass to record vocals over tracks on which he had been working. She went to a studio to practice them, where an engineer secretly recorded her sound check which quickly grew popular when it was posted online. Since then, their sound has moved from heavy synth pop (check out “Courtship Dating” from their self-titled debut album) to a more focused and streamlined effort (try “Plague” from last year’s (III)). Whether they lay off the synthesizer or not, Alice Glass’s stinging vocals still remain and are not to be missed.

■ BY FAYE HARRISON

Spin Doctors

Napalm Death

Thurs, 7 Feb, 10.30pm. Teatro Lara, C/Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 15 (Metro: Callao). Tel: 91 523 90 27. www.teatrolara.com. Tickets from €15 at www.ticketmaster.es

Mon, 4 Feb, 8pm. Ritmo y Compas, C/del Conde de Vilches, 22 (Metro: Diego de Leon/Avenida de América). Tel: 91 355 28 00.

New York’s Spin Doctors have been around since the late ’80s and made a name for themselves with perfect melodies such as “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes”. Their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite has sold eight million copies worldwide thanks to their clean sound that ingratiates itself with blues rock and clever lyrics, resulting in pop songs with just that little bit of extra depth. After numerous members decided to call it quits and lead singer Chris Barron experienced vocal problems, the band eventually split in 2000, only to reunite for a one-off gig in their home city in 2001. They had such a great time playing together and, much to our ears’ delight, decided it might be fun and worthwhile to get back together permanently. And here you have them in the perfect venue, Madrid’s Teatro Lara on the 7th. Start your weekend early!

Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1981, Napalm Death are rightfully credited with helping to invent grindcore. What is grindcore, you ask? Well, grindcore could be described as an intensity that snubs all forms of melody and subtlety, resulting in a blazing metamorphosis of hardcore, thrash and metal. Phew. The band has seen a series of lineup changes, with none of the actual founding members still playing or touring, but their sound remains the same; extreme, smashing, with incredibly brief songs that always leave fans wanting more. Check out “You Suffer” from their hugely influential album (at least in the metal world) Scum and make sure you get there early to see the equally noisy support from local band Teething.

Glen Hansard Wed, 13 Feb, 7.30pm. Joy Eslava, C/Arenal, 11 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 37 33. www.joy-eslava.com. Tickets €22 from www.ticketmaster.es. Once a teenage busker on the streets of Dublin, Glen Hansard started laying the groundwork for his charming stage persona and raw sound early in life. By his late teens, Hansard had already recorded his first demo which luckily landed in the hands of the founder of Island Records who eventually signed him to the prestigious label and allowed him to form a group, The Frames. His idols—Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen—are apparent in his music; dreamy honest folk that lets you lose yourself somewhere between soft guitars and storytelling lyrics. As well as making a name for himself with The Frames, he is also part of folk rock duo The Swell Season, and experienced huge success when he appeared in the 2007 film Once, for which he also wrote the soundtrack. Have a listen to “Falling Slowly” and understand why you should see this man of many talents in Madrid.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

Paseo Bajo de la Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Angel). Fri, 1 Feb, from midnight. Prices from €15. See www.reverseclub.es Put your hands up for Detroit’s Derrick May as he joins Spanish homeboy Cristian Varela for a night of techno and razor-sharp beats at Reverse this month. Derrick May is one of the founding fathers of Detroit techno, a precursor of its many variants and particularly of acid house. His aestethic, skeletal, melancholy style gained him the nickname of “the Miles Davis of techno”. He introduced both a psychological element and a futuristic vision in dance music. Along with his high school mates Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, May began early in life to explore electronic music and sponsored the single “Let’s Go” by X-Ray, which introduced the hypnotic, repetitive electronic figures of techno, and then recorded “Nude Photo”, one of the records that started the techno revolution worldwide. In addition to May, Cristian Varela is celebrated as one of the planet’s best DJs and is no stranger to winning awards, having won more than 25 as part of an amazing career that’s spanned almost two decades. These include World’s Best Techno DJ (Ibiza International DJ Awards), Best DJ of the Year (Spain) and Best Techno DJ (Spain—ten times). It’s gonna be a rave up!

Yves V@Zoológico Club

Paseo Republica de Panama, 1 (Metro: Ibiza). Thurs, 14 Feb, from 8pm. Prices €45. See www.astateoftrance.com From podcast to party: the popular online radio show A State of Trance lands in Madrid this month as it kicks off its world tour. For an exclusive 1,500 music fans, Florida Park, inside the Retiro, will be the place to celebrate the show’s 600th episode. You’ll feel the love, vibrant and strong, as it fills the Madrid air orchestrated by the euphoric soundtrack. From 8pm, Trance lovers will witness the radio show live for two hours, with the world’s number one DJ, Armin Van Buuren, broadcasting live to listeners all around the globe. From 10pm, Armin will be joined behind the decks by a selection of other enthralling top DJ names, still to be announced.

Sala Marco Aldany, C/Princesa, 1 (Metro: Plaza de Espana). Sat, 2 Feb, from midnight. Price €12. See www.zoologico-club.com Direct from the Tomorrowland Festival, Benilux DJ Yves V will be in Madrid to spin at the city’s Zoológico Club. Having already played at events such as Sensation and Mysteryland, and supporting David Guetta in concert, the beats brought by Yves V have been a standard at almost every big outdoor event. His remix of “Insane Pressure” was his breakthrough from his own productions, which include Madagascar ft.Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & Angger Dimas, and Cloudbreaker ft.Basto. From there it’s only ever been upwards, with remixes for some of the biggest artists such as Ian Carey, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, and many more. Be surprised by an eclectic mix of the best electro, groove and progressive sounds.

9 Feb: Belén Blu 9 Feb: Benavent, Pardo, Di Geraldo 9 Feb: Maldito Cupido, Ray Machado y BY IRENE BERMAN-VAPORIS Nationless 10 Feb: Noelia Garle Rock/Pop 11 Feb: Lunes ALVERSO 11 Feb: Teresa Bangsgaard SALA ARENA, C/Princesa, 1 (Metro: 12 Feb: Alberto Urrutia y Miguel Pérez canPlaza de España). www.salarena.es/ tan a Angel Guache 8 Feb: Nehomar Bezara 13 Feb: Virimá 23 Feb: The Raveonettes 14 Feb: Carlos Chaouen 15 Feb: Sr. Mostaza BOGUI JAZZ, C/Barquillo, 29 (Metro: 16 Feb: Tania Ruzs y Arturo Ballesteros Chueca). Tel: 91 521 15 68. 16 Feb: Miguel Campello www.boguijazz.com. 16 Feb: Merlinton Band 1 Feb: Guayaberas Negras 17 Feb: Fran Vilchez + artistas invitados 2 Feb: Larry Martin Band 17 Feb: Daniel Higiénico 6 Feb: Fede Aguado y Su Banda 19 Feb: Batincó 7 Feb: Antonio Serrano 20 Feb: Barrabás 8 Feb: Nexus 5 21 Feb: La Negra 9 Feb: TJ Jazz y Cromática Pistona 22 Feb: Los Gandules 10 Feb: Bob Sands Big Band 23 Feb: Festival En Do Mayor 13 Feb: Roadrunners 23 Feb: Las Migas 14 Feb: Kool & Cole 23 Feb: Trío Corcovado 15 Feb: Yoio Cuesta 24 Feb: Metro Big Band 16 Feb: ?Dany Noel Quartet 24 Feb: The 4 Stations 20 Feb: Virginia LAbuat & The Maybe 25 Feb: Ara Malikian & Fdo. Egozcue Qt. Sundays 26 Feb: Escuela Popular de Música 21 Feb: Celia Mur & Gustav Lundgren 27 Feb: Alejandro Martínez 22 Feb: Javier Elorrieta Quinteto 28 Feb: Barrunto Bellota Band 23 Feb: Santiago Campillo & The Electric Band SALA GALILEO GALILEI, c/de Galileo, 24 Feb: CMQ Big Band 100 (Metro: Islas Filipinas/Canal). 27 Feb: Ñaco Goñi Y Xulián Freire Trío Tel: 91 534 75 57/58. 28 Feb: Bob Sands Big Band www.salagalileogalilei.com

live listings

1 Feb: Noche Sabinera

SALA CARACOL, c/Sebastián Elcano, 2 Feb: Manuel Rey 18 (Metro: Embajadores). Tel: 91 3 Feb: Caída Libre 527 35 94. www.salacaracol.com 5 Feb: Shula Ndiaye y Ballet Jammu 1 Feb: Iraxto 2 Feb: Gauntlet 8 Feb: Entre Coche Y Andén + Mr. Kilombo + Ogun Afrobeat + Djs. Rbn + Vondee 9 Feb: Korpiklanni 15 Feb: Eldorado + Dirty Names 16 Feb: Cuatro Gatos 17 Feb: Secta Selecta + Jota Mayúscula + Mad Sensi Band + Supernafamacho + Kultama + Newton + Pachamama Crew + More 22 Feb: Skip and Die 23 Feb: Disidencia + Germenes

6 Feb: Pepper and The Stringalings 7 Feb: Olivenza 8 Feb: Rafa Pons 9 Feb: Sambakiteria 9 Feb: Carnaval Pop 11 Feb: Faltriqueira 13 Feb: Pablo Guerrero 15 Feb: Gregario De Luxe + Sharay 19 Feb: Paco Cifuentes, Benjamín Prado, Luis Pastor, Javier Colina 20 Feb: Jason Moran and The Bandwagon 22 Feb: Javier Krahe 23 Feb: Rozalén 26 Feb: Lauren Stradmann CENTRAL CAFÉ, Plaza del Angel, 10 27 Feb: Guillermo Rayo (Metro: Sol/Antón Martín). Tel: 91 28 Feb: Marwan

369 41 43. www.cafecentralmadrid.com

1-3 Feb: Javier Colina Cuarteto 4-10 Feb: Javier Paxariño Trío: Puerta de Agua

SALA CLAMORES, c/Albuquerque, 14 (Metro: Bilbao). Tel: 91 445 79 38. www.salaclamores.com 1 Feb: Ara Malikian & Fdo. Egozcue Qt. 2 Feb: La Banda Morisca 2 Feb: Kike Jambalaya 2 Feb: Ventura Canalla 3 Feb: Juno & Juno 3 Feb: Boris Larramendi y La Crema 4 Feb: Ara Malikian & Fdo. Egozcue Qt. 5 Feb: Vanito Brown 6 Feb: Daniel Cros 7 Feb: Red House 8 Feb: Benavent, Pardo, Di Geraldo

MADRID IN ENGLISH

Nightlife Spotlight

ASOT 600: The Expedition@Florida Park (Retiro)

Armin-van-Buuren

Derrick May@La Riviera

GRUTA 77, c/Cuclillo, 6 (Metro: Oporto). Tel: 91 471 23 70. www.gruta77.com 1 Feb: Mi Animal + Dwomo 2 Feb: Destruyers + Etopic 3 Feb: Las Doros Pesches 7 Feb: Busking Folks + Seasongs 8 Feb: Antigua + Trapa + The Turboexits + Aulladores 9 Feb: Adversion + Nabat + Suzio 13 14 Feb: The Mahones + Malasaners 15 Feb: Three Chords Club + The Boo Devils + Turbulentos + Lady Dramakuin 16 Feb: Las Madres + Macarrones + Con Mora 22 Feb: The Meteors + Radioactive Kids 23 Feb: Granadians del Espacio Exterior + Pinchadiscos: Alfonso T17 + Le Capitaine + Granadians

23 Feb: Distryto 13 28 Feb: UK Subs + TV Smith

JOY ESLAVA, c/Arenal, 8 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joyeslava.com 4 Feb: Vinicio Caposella 13 Feb: Glen Hansard. 15 Feb: The New Raemon 21 Feb: Mono 23 Feb: Toundra 27 Feb: Revolver

INTRUSO BAR, C/Augusto Figueroa, 3 (Metro: Chueca). Tel: 91 531 89 96. Open every day, 8pm-5.30am, and until 6am at weekends. www.intrusobar.com and www.facebook.com/intrusobar 1 Feb: The Groove Girls (Funk, soul) 2 Feb: Hynkel (presentation of 1st EP, Autoconfesiones; Pop, rock) 3 Feb: Jazz Manouche (Jam Session) 7 Feb: The Muffin Band (Funk, mashap, instrumental) 8 Feb: Blue Velvet (versiones Creedence Clearwater) 9 Feb: Soul Breakers (soul) 10 Feb: Belleville Trio (jazz, manouche, swing) 14 Feb: Luz Verde (presentación El Final Del Mundo; Rock & roll) 15 Feb: Micky y Los Colosos del Ritmo (Rock & roll, yéyé) 16 Feb: Madrid Es Negro Le Freak Olé + M.E.N. Sound System 17 Feb: Carlos Buesa (canción de autor-flamenco) 21 Feb: Virginia Rodrigo (percuautora) 22 Feb: Litus (soul) 23 Feb: Biodramina Mood (Música hawaina, cine de los 50) 24 Feb: Big Band Castilla La Mancha (Jazz) 28 Feb: Elena Bu & Jorge Requena (Pop swing)

SALA LEMON, Avda del Brasil, 5 (Metro: Santiago Bernabéu). Tel: 646 006 433. http://www.conciertoslemon.com/ 2 Feb: Los de Marras + Surko 9 Feb: Jamie Urrutia + CasaRusa

MOE CLUB, C/Alberto Alcocer, 32 (Metro: Cuzco/Colombia). Open every day, 8pm-5.30am, and until 6am at weekends. www.moeclub.com/ and www.facebook.com/moeclub 1 Feb: Edu Big Hands & Whiskey Tren (Blues) Free 2 Feb: This Cocoa (Funk Soul) Free 7 Feb: Chaqlala Tidi (Fusión bereber funk, kabir, rock) 8 Feb: Malik Diaw en Concierto (Afro) 9 Feb: The Stray Souls Concierto de la Escuela de Blues de Madrid JBlues, 9.30pm 14 Feb: Drep (Rock, funk, soul) 15 Feb: Harmonía Big Band Jazz (Swing, Latin) 16 Feb: Cotton Gang (Blues, swing) 21 Feb: The Slowhanders, Tribute to Eric Clapton (Blues)

■ BY RICHARD LEWINGTON

22 Feb: Tonky Blues Band (Blues) Free 23 Feb: Triz3ps, Concierto GPS (Groove, funk, soul) 28 Feb: El Niño Alcalino (Funk)

PALACIO DE DEPORTES DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID, Avenida Felipe II, s/n (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel. 91 444 99 49. www.palaciodedeportes.com 9 Feb: David Bisbal 23 Feb: Jesús Adrián Romero

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

CAFÉ LA PALMA, c/Palma, 62 (Metro: Noviciado). Tel: 91 522 50 31. www.cafelapalma.com 1 Feb: El Chojin 2 Feb: The Foreign Club 6 Feb: Mary Elaine Jenkins 7 Feb: Ego & The Centrics 8 Feb: Ovni Guaraje 9 Feb: Modulok 13 Feb: Kamaria Tribal + Jingle Django 14 Feb: Gisela Novais 16 Feb: Akemanotta 20 Feb: El Satiro Mordaz 22 Feb: Lion Sitte 23 Feb: Fm Barrio 27 Feb: Los Gatos Del Gitano 28 Feb: The Mamzelles

SALA PENELOPE, C/ Hilarion Eslava, 36 (Metro: Moncloa/Argüelles). www.penelopemadrid.ticketbox.es/ 2 Feb: Duo Kie 9 Feb: La Habatación Roja 16 Feb: Burning

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

SALA EL SOL, c/Jardines, 3 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 532 64 90. www.elsolmad.com 1 Feb: Cooper

LA RIVIERA, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com 9 Feb: Dropkick Murphys + Frank Turner 19 Feb: Crystal Castles 23 Feb: Steve Harris British Lion

TEATRO LARA, c/Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 15 (Metro: Callao). Tel: 91 523 90 27. www.teatrolara.com 1 Feb: Veronica Falls + Simone White 7 Feb: Spin Doctors 14 Feb: Nadadora 21 Feb: Ana Moura 20 Feb: Alondra Bentley + Friends

Celtic/Folk O’Neill’s Irish Pub, C/Príncipe, 12. Irish trad session Thurs at 19:30hrs. Musicians welcome. Tel: 91 521 20 30. FREE 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

FEBRUARY 2013

Month Ahead art

Pi CK

■ VINCENT VAN HOGG

o’ the month

theatre

■ LAURA TABOR

Pompeya, catástrofe bajo el Vesubio

40 El musical

Centro De Exposiciones Arte Canal, Paseo de la Castellana, 214 (Metro: Plaza de Castilla). Tel: 91 545 1500. MonSun, 10am-9pm. General admission €6, reductions. €3. With more than 600 items on show from the world-famous site on the coast of Italy, Pompeya, catástrofe bajo el Vesubio (Pompeii, catastrophe under Vesuvius) looks to examine the vibrant city before, during, and after the time of the volcanic eruption, presenting statues, paintings, money, surgical instruments, articles from daily life, and animal and human remains. The exhibition also focuses on King Carlos III, “the archaeologist King”, who discovered the site and initiated the excavations, which set the standards for later archaeological digs everywhere from the perspective of documenting and protecting finds, and preventing discoveries from being removed from their place of origin. There are ten sections: origin and history, Menander’s house, Pompeian painting, private life, leisure, the street, seven feet under the ash, the archaeologist King, Pompeian style, and the Spanish Pompeians. The eruption swallowed the city within 48 hours with such an intensity that not only the houses and goods, but also the inhabitants, were caught and preserved under its ash. 6 Dec-5 May.

A Spanish musical that has now reached more than 1,000 performances nationwide, and been seen by more than one million spectators, 40 El musical returns to Madrid for one month only. Countless hit songs, all of which have been no. 1 in the Spanish top ten during the last few decades, such as “Bienvenidos”, “Chica de

Museo del Prado Po del Prado, s/n (Metro: Banco de España/Atocha). Tel: 91 330 28 00. Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-7pm. General admission €12. Reduced €6. Permanent collection free, Mon-Sat, 6-8pm; Sun 5-7pm. El joven Van Dyck Focusing on the first eight years of Anthony Van Dyk’s career (1613-21), this extensive exhibition of 90 paintings and drawings, the first in Spain to reflect on the artist’s work, draws to close at the beginning of next month. 20 Nov-3 Mar.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza Po del Prado, 8 (Metro: Banco de España). Tel: 91 369 01 51. Tues-Sun, 10am-7pm. General admission €9, students €6. Impresionismo y aire libre. De Corot a Van Gogh. This exhibition presents more than 100 works, dating from 1780 to 1900, to examine and study the practice of painting in the open air, particularly looking at the theme as a factor within the transformation and modernisation of 19thPaisaje Van Gogh century art. Outdoor studies were part of a landscape painter’s training from the late 18th century and the reflections begin with work by some of the founders of openair landscape painting such as Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes and Thomas Jones. Works by Turner, Constable, Corot, Rousseau, and all the great figures of Impressionism with which the practice is generally associated, are included as the exhibition progresses. Paintings by Van Gogh and Cézanne, among many other important names, conclude the show. 5 Feb-12 May.

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 Robert Adams: el lugar donde vivimos. Una selección retrospectiva de fotografías Born in 1937, Robert Adams took up photography in the 1960s in order to try to capture the rapid topographical changes he was witnessing in his home city of Denver. Since then, in a career spanning more than 40 years, he’s developed a style known for its austerity and its private, nuance-filled vision. This exhibition follows the photographic relationship between Robert Adams and life in the United States, based on the beauty of humanity and its communication with nature. Adams has been described as one of the most original chroniclers of the American West, and this show, located on the 3rd floor of the Edificio Sabatini, is organised in collaboration with Yale University Art Gallery. 16 Jan-20 May.

Other galleries David Hockney. Seis cuentos de los hermanos Grimm Six tales by the Brothers Grimm— popular ones such as Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin, together with the lesser-known Old Rinkrank, Fundevogel, The Little Sea Hare and The Boy The Cook David Hockney who Left Home to Learn Fear—were the subjects of etchings by David Hockney, undertaken between May and November 1969 for Grimms’ Fairy Tales. Thirty nine of those works, touching on the underlying theme of each tale (courage, freedom or love, for example) are now on display at the Fundación Canal, but rather than illustrate them literally, Hockney chose to capture a mood or a moment. His modern and humorous approach makes many of the images curious and unusual. Fundación Canal, Calle de Mateo Inurria, 2 (Metro: Plaza de Castilla). Tel: 91 545 15 06. Thurs-Tues, 11am-8pm; Wed, 11am3pm. Free. From 29 Jan.

Rigoletto having started the season in January. La Traviata is set in the 1800s, so take a step back in time for an evening, and experience the lush costumes and wonderful voices. La Traviata, Nuevo Teatro Alcalá, C/Jorge Juan, 62 (Metro: Goya). Tel: 91 426 4779. 30 Jan-10 Feb. Wed-Fri, 8.30pm; Sat, 7pm; Sun, 6pm. Tickets from €20 euros at www.gruposmedia.com

IndiaFest Ayer”, “Crazy”, and “I Gotta Feeling”, are incorporated into the show, in a story about the loves, fears, projects, and problems of a group of young friends. The proceedings start even before the curtain rises, with a live DJ welcoming the audience as they take their seats. More than 40 actors, dancers and musicians make up the cast, with spectacular sets of lights and sound. Teatro Rialto de Madrid, Gran Vía, 54 (Metro: Santo Domingo). Tel: 91 541 91 66. 29 Jan-3 Mar. Tues-Thurs, 8.30pm; Sat, 6pm, 10pm; Sun, 6pm. Tickets from €20 at www.entradas.com

La Traviata Verdi’s dramatic opera, La Traviata, presents the story of Violetta, a famous courtesan, who falls tragically in love with Alfredo, a nobleman. It’s one of the most performed operas worldwide, and this production will end a tribute to Verdi’s genius by the Estudio Lírico company, with Il Trovatore and

If you have ever wanted to attend a real Indian wedding, with all the spectacular colour and energetic dancing, consider IndiaFest, at the Teatro Figaro this month. The programme includes the showing of a documentary about a traditional

wedding in the south of India, as well as demonstrations by the Natya dance company and a master class in Bollywood-style dancing, so that you can take some of those moves home. If your significant other is a big fan of high-spirited dance shows, this might be the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. IndiaFest. Teatro Fígaro, C/Doctor Cortezo, 5 (Metro: Tirso de Molina). Tel: 91 360 08 29. Mon, 11 & Tues, 12 Feb, 8.30pm. Tickets from €16 at www.entradas.com

Going places Madrileña actress, model, and presenter Cristina Pedroche is about to head to the Dominican Republic to cover the Ron Barceló Desalia music festival. Jeff Wiseman finds out more about her traits, tastes and.. tortoise

he’s twice been a cover girl for FHM, the first under the title “The sexiest girl on TV”, and the second whilst seemingly being drenched under a light shower of water. If the second occasion was chilly, it certainly didn’t eliminate her smile, which even now is warm, wide and illuminates a room. In preparation for covering the week-long Ron Barceló Desalia music festival later this month, every Friday on Los 40 Principàles early morning radio show Anda Ya, she’s currently hosting the Ron Barceló Vive Ahora spot, but all the attention at present and during the last two or three years certainly hasn’t sapped her boundless energy. “I’m very wrapped up in the radio programmes,” begins Cristina, “They were a challenge for me because I’d never done radio before, but if I’m honest, I think it’s going well. I feel very comfortable, there’s freedom to do what you want, and I have a great time.” With experiencing so much music, her ‘tips for the top’ in 2013 are difficult to pin down, but there are one or two groups that have caught her attention. “A lot of the emerging talent and groups sound great, like Ruidoblanco for example, but if I had to choose only one, then I’d have to go for Supersubmarina, who are wonderful, and a group to look out for in the next few years!”

Stage by stage It was the acting bug that she caught first, and which she remembers from her teens. “When I was small, I wanted to be a Disney star,” she giggles. She started work with a small role in an episode of the wonderfully named Spanish TV series Sin tetas no hay paraíso (There’s No Paradise Without Tits— which, let’s be honest, makes Dallas or Coronation Street sound a little dull). Perhaps she immediately bowled over the casting director, as she’s credited as playing an “Apparition”.

10 FEBRUARY 2013

“My attention has always been drawn to the world of TV and acting,” she continues. “I did a couple of courses, but the truth is that I’ve been very lucky to have worked on two successful programmes, Sé lo que hicisteis and Otra movida, but the best thing of all was the great companions and friends that I made in those series.” In addition to the FHM covers, Cristina’s looks have never failed to capture the public’s gaze, and last year she was nominated for the Cuerpo del año (Body of the Year) prize by the fans of the Neox television channel. Before any sexism cries are heard, the other contenders included footballer Sergio Ramos, actress Paula Echevarría and the eventual winner, singer David Bustamante. But how does she feel about that sort of attention? “Because it’s saying ‘guapa’ (beautiful) it’s always nice and a compliment, although beauty is very relative. Any individual may appear very pretty to some people yet less so to others. The most important thing is to be beautiful on the inside—at least that’s what I attempt.”

Chirpy On Twitter, Cristina regularly comments about her love of movies, but some of her favourites may counter expectations. “Fight Club, Serendipity, Toy Story 3, Wall-e, Pequeñas mentiras sin importancias (the French movie Les petits mouchoirs) and Melancolía.” What about James Bond? Would he be her type of man? “My kind of man is someone more sensitive,” she laughs, “I want a prince!” Equally curious last December was a tweet when she mentioned losing her tortoise, who’s called Baba. Is Baba back? “He still hasn’t appeared!” says Cristina, “I hope that he’s in a nice warm place and when the spring comes, he’ll return. My hope is the last thing I’ll lose.”

Home and away Having been born and raised in Entrevías, a district in the barrio of Puente de Vallecas, she’s always been a fan of the local football team, Rayo Vallecano, who are currently enjoying a successful season, sitting in the top half of La Liga. “I belong to Vallecas,” she explains, “so if you like the soccer, and you are from there, you have to support the club. It’s almost an obligation.” Romance may not play the biggest part in football, but she seems keen to enhance that aspect of the game. “There is no better team than my Rayo,” she grins, “humble, without big pretensions, reaching its goals little by little. The whole world should be like that, not just soccer.” The New Year has brought resolutions and more exciting work opportunities. “I always have the best of intentions with resolutions, such as to be more organised, but some weeks it works, and others it doesn’t!” She’ll need to be organised later this month as she heads off for the Ron Barceló Desalia music festival, which takes place in the Dominican Republic’s beach resort of Punta Cana. It’s seven nights of music, entertainment, sun, sea, and sand, with Calvin Harris, Alesso, Wally López,, Luigii Nieto,, Miguel Lara and Nalaya set to perform. Her objective is to report on the best stories that the partygoers have to offer. “The most difficult thing will be finding the time to sleep!” she confesses. “It’s going to be a unique experience, sharing it with friends, and I’ve already begun the countdown. The festival has a subheading of Vive ahora (Live now) because you have to make the most of everything until the final minute: regret nothing!”

MADRID IN ENGLISH

music

The Comets’ tale

They pen their lyrics in English, find inspiration in the strangest places, and have a new album under their belts. Chelsea Mooney meets Madrid’s Autumn Comets

nspiration for songs from the Madrid-based group, Autumn Comets, comes from unusual sources: whilst they include their favourite bands, they also mention nightmares about snakes and even a drunk woman at a concert. In fact, lead singer and guitarist Julian P Campesino says that the title of their new album, Moriréis en Camboya (You will die in Cambodia) originates from a fan at a concert in Zaragoza. “There was a woman, who was in her late 40s. She was really drunk, and she was yelling things like ‘Más punteos, Robert Palmer!’ and ‘Más rock maricones!’” Suddenly she stood up on a table and said “Moriréis en Camboya!” Julian’s brother, Pablo, who’s the drummer of the band, turned and said, “That’s going to be the name of our next album,” and although initially it was just a joke, the more they talked about it, the more it seemed to fit. Sure enough, Moriréis en Camboya will be released on 5 February.

A bass on which to build The Autumn Comets formed in 2008, with Julian and Pablo, along with guitarist Emilio Lorente and keyboard player Gonzalo Bautista being amongst the founder members. In 2009, they were joined by viola player Manuel Moreno, and they released two albums, Paredes (2009) and A Perfect Trampoline Jump (2010), as well as playing more than 50 concerts all over Spain. But by the summer of 2011, the band didn’t know if they had what it took to keep recording together. They had to find a new bass player, which at first seemed straightforward, but trying to locate someone who matched their sound and level proved a challenge. However, in September of that year bass player Mario Perez was recruited, and in less than twelve months they had recorded Moriréis en Camboya. The album has made them positive about their progress, and they see it as a reward for their hard work. It’s Julian, Pablo, and Mario who join me for a chat about the album, and to discuss what makes the Autumn Comets different.

We work hard on the English lyrics and the pronunciation. For us it’s like an extra instrument.”

“

Defining notes Julian says the new album is more direct and stronger than their previous ones. “With our previous work, many people thought that our sound changed a lot from the recorded version to when we played live,” he says, adding that this is not likely to be the case for the latest songs. Julian isn’t alone in thinking that their sound has changed for the better, as newcomer, Mario, agrees. “When I listened to the band’s music before meeting them, I thought they had a lot more potential than their CD showed,” he comments. “I could tell that they were good, but the recording quality seemed poor.” Critics have referred to the Autumn Comets as playing everything from electric folk, ambient pop, and post-rock. “To an extent it’s post-rock, but to a certain extreme. When we ask friends [what type of music we play], each person says something different,” continues Mario. Pablo adds that although it has post-rock elements, it can’t really be classified as post-rock because of the lyrics and the melodies. “It’s complicated, but I think that’s a good thing, because it means that we’re more original,” he says. The group credit their unique sound to the fact that the six members have likes and influences that range from one extreme to another. Keyboard player Gonzalo gets his inspiration from electronic music, and Julian likes groups such as Low, an American indie rock band. [An interview with Low can be found in InMadrid’s March 2012 edition.] Pablo thinks his drum-playing sounds nothing like his favourite band, The Walkmen, but he still considers them influential, whereas

MADRID IN ENGLISH

Mario tends to listen to noise. “But obviously, we’re not a noise group,” he states, “and I can’t perform the same way I would if I was in a noise band. But I have to contribute in my own way. For me, it’s really important to adapt the sound of what I like to what the group needs.”

Language issues Although every member of Autumn Comets is Spanish, to date they’ve written and recorded all their lyrics in English. “For the type of music we create English seems to fit better, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t see a Spanish album from us in the future,” admits Pablo. “We are at a point where we could easily record our next album in Spanish, then return to English, or even record an album with songs in both languages. We work hard on the English lyrics and the pronunciation. For us it’s like an extra instrument.” There are, however, some disadvantages to using English vocabulary in Spain, and Julian suggests they often feel as though their hard work goes unnoticed. “Many people don’t understand our lyrics and don’t make the effort to try to understand them. They don’t even talk about the lyrics in the album reviews,” he laments. Pablo agrees with his brother that it can be frustrating. “In Spain, many people think, ‘If it’s in English, I’m not going to understand’ or even ‘If it’s in English, then they can’t have anything interesting to say in Spanish.’ It’s absurd.”

Snakes on the patio For those who understand English, there are some curious stories behind their songs. Their newest single, “Snakes at 3:00 AM”, released in December, tells of the reoccurring nightmare that Pablo had in the summer of 2011. For several nights, he found himself waking up after dreaming that he was on a patio full of snakes. He says he remembers jotting down a few lines about the nightmare on his mobile phone in the middle of the night, from which he penned the remainder of the lyrics. With one exception, Pablo wrote all of the songs on the new album, but there is no set rule to the writing responsibility. Like many creative processes, it’s a question of time, and Pablo is not shy to admit where that time is found. “I spend at least one hour on public transport each day, and I use the time to come up with ideas for songs. But the next album could have more songs written by Julian, or maybe even instrumental,” he smiles. “Or maybe it will be in Hungarian,” he adds, as his smile breaks into a laugh.

Moriréis en Camboya is available from 5 Feb. The Autumn Comets will also perform the same day at FNAC Castellana (Paseo de la Castellana, 79. Metro: Nuevos Ministerios) at 7.30pm. See also www.autumncomets.es.

FEBRUARY 2013

The perfect place for lips to meet Where you kiss—meaning a location rather than a part of the body—is sometimes just as important as timing and touch. Jeff Wiseman suggests seven Madrid venues that could add to the intensity isses, and especially first ones, are not always successful. Closing your eyes and leaning forward to touch lips, only to discover that your partner has turned their head, can be extremely embarrassing, particularly if your nose ends up in their left ear. “Sorry” or “whoops” just don’t seem enough to cover the failure. So anything that can add to the chances of success should be welcomed, and Madrid has a number of venues that can offer that extra slice of romance, atmosphere, or frankly just provide a really good excuse to attempt some exciting mouth-to-mouth stimulation.

Atocha station This may not seem the most inspired choice, and realistically you’re more than likely to be bowled over by someone who has decided to travel with a suitcase that’s bigger than the city they’re visiting, but nevertheless the greenhouse-style area presents a tropical option. Palm trees, exotic plants and ponds help to build the atmosphere to Amazon proportions. Things to say to boost the moment: “I brought you here because one day we’ll discover a lost city together”; “Whoever said there’s nothing left to explore hadn’t set eyes on you”; “Of all the wild creatures that might be hiding in here, I promise I’ll be the wildest”. Avoid: “Don’t move, because I think the spider that’s dangling behind you should really be in a cage”.

Museo del Romanticismo Need we say more? However, despite the title, this is a museum of the romantic period, not of romance itself. Based in Calle de San Mateo, near Tribunal metro, one of its most popular works is Leonardo Alenza’s “Satire on Romantic Suicide”, which is designed to be ironic and criticises the excesses of the romantic movement. The museum’s Café del Jardin is wonderful for tea and cakes. Things to say to boost the moment: “Despite the artwork here, the most romantic movement for me is always this…” (then kiss). Avoid: “Why are there no pictures of Duran Duran or Spandau Ballet?”

Hotel Puerta América Lift

El Viaducto Situated near the Almudena Cathedral, with wonderful views over the south of Madrid, this area is an ideal route for an evening stroll. It’s a long drop to Calle de Segovia, which runs beneath the viaduct, and even though large perspex screens are in place on the low bridge walls, holding hands here seems second nature. Things to say to boost the moment: “The view almost takes my breath away as much as you do”; “I’ll hold you close just in case you slip”. Avoid: Mentioning that the viaduct still has a reputation as a suicide point.

The multi-coloured and multi-worded facade of the Hotel Puerta América, in Avenida de América near Cartagena metro, boasts an exterior glass elevator to its popular and trendy bar on the 13th floor. The journey in the confines of the lift presents a short but unmissable romantic opportunity, with great views over the south-east of Madrid, especially at night. Things to say to boost the moment: “There are lots of lights in the city, but the two sparkling the brightest are just below your eyebrows”; or, whilst the lift is moving, “Until now, I never thought I’d pray for a short power failure in Madrid”. Avoid: “Do you remember the movie “The Towering Inferno”?

time not just to admire the excellent views, but to stare into each others’ eyes. (See www.teleferico.com) Things to say to boost the moment: “When I’m in your company I always feel this far off the ground”. Avoid: Taking a walk in the Casa de Campo after dark, unless you want proposals that involve a lot more than just kissing.

Museo del Prado With the number of statues and paintings on show in the Prado, romance is bound to be covered at various points, but we’d recommend Titian’s Venus with the Organist. The meaning of the work is disputed—some see it as solely erotic, others as an allegory for the senses, with sight and hearing required for appreciating beauty and harmony. Things to say to boost the moment: “With you by my side, I can faintly hear the organ music”; “I’d love to paint you in that style, but I’d probably be accused of repeTitian”. Avoid: “I’ve got a big organ too”.

Calle Amor Hermoso “Where?” we hear you cry, but believe it or not Madrid has a street called Calle Amor Hermoso—the Street of Beautiful Love. It’s a short walk from Usera metro, and there’s nothing special there, but with a name like that it’s surely worth a trip. Things to say to boost the moment: “I thought that maybe the Council named it after us”. Avoid: Your partner accusing you of dragging him or her all the way across town to see a street sign. Carry a small gift in your pocket just in case you need to calm the situation.

TWO!!! WIN A ROMANTIC CABLE CAR TRIP FOR Where’s your perfect place for a kiss in Madrid?

Teleférico Not many cities can boast a cable car, but Madrid is lucky to have the Teleférico that runs from Paseo del Pintor Rosales to the Casa de Campo. The cars are cosy, and there’s plenty of

Join us online at inmadrid.com, leave your suggestion in our comments section and you could win a trip for two on Madrid’s scenic teleférico ride! Find this article at bit.ly/128UQ7x or by QR code:

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

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

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VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT WHOLE FOOD

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FEBRUARY 2013

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classes music-classes SPANISH GUITAR LESSONS Even after dedicating more than twenty years to the guitar, by playing and teaching, every time I get more and more excited to transmit my passion for it to others. It doesn’t matter what level you are in, if you want to take guitar courses, I’m ready to help you by teaching all that I’ve learned from the best teachers and through my own experience. Classes in English or Spanish. The first lesson is free for trial. Metro: Goya & Manuel Becerra Telephone: 650672356

14 FEBRUARY 2013

spanish 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. 2013* R U READY 4 SPANISH?! ;) GROUP CLASSES 10€/H Experienced & qualified spanish teacher at American University Madrid & IED Madrid. Group classes/Intensive Courses/Academic Spanish Writting/Virtual Mediateque/Official Exams Training (D.E.L.E.) at Aula Fractágora, a cooperative leanguage school in the heart of the city, Malasaña. http://fractagora.wordpress.com/ Small groups (5_6 people)_Currently open groups: A1 Beguiners: mon/wed 11.00/12.30 & 17.00/18.30 B1 Intermediate: mon/wed 12.30/14.00 & 18.30/20.00 High quality learning & affordable prices. All levels and learning purposes + Lenguage practice activities. Join us!!. SPANISH CLASSES I am a Spanish teacher with 25 years experience. I offer “One to one” classes (All levels). Role- play conversation, grammar, business, DELE examination. Also there are Openings for a shared class at any level FOR FIRST MONTH YOU PAY FOR ONLY 3 WEEKS. Maria : 699331505 91.7736471 gretachic@yahoo.es. SPANISH CLASSES Experienced native teacher. One to one classes for 15 euros or group classes for 10 euros per person. Specialized in legal and juridical language, ideal for law students. As a Madrid lover, I provide with tourist routes in Spanish for reasonable group prices. Please contact

me by email siguero@hotmail.es. SPANISH WITH MELISA 12€/HOUR Hola! My name is Melisa, a 23 years old spanishperuvian girl living in Madrid. I’d be so glad to teach you Spanish and help you to improve your grammar and speaking skills. The class will be adapted for you, enjoyable and functional. Email me and I will answer asap! - 12€ at my place (Metro Delicias, 10 minutes form Sol). - 20€ for any other place Available from Monday to Friday until 3.30pm. Hasta pronto! :) melisa.recalde@gmail.com 686333106 Read references on my website : www.melisarecalde.com. CLASES DE ESPAÑOL Do you want to improve your Spanish? My name’s Diego and I’ve been teaching Spanish for 6 years. Do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in my private lessons. ¡Hasta luego!.

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. ¿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.

sailing-classes BOATING LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SP BOATING LICENSES ARE A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre. Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, Powerboat Level Two, VHF & ICC. Ownboat tuition on sail and power. All licenses are internationally recognized. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified. Contact Richard +34 638056224 / enquiries@serenitysailing.com / www.serenitysailing.com.

clubs clubs-sports LOS NARANJAS - FIELD HOCKEY We are a mixed team of men and women of all ages and levels of experience, who meet up at the weekends to play hockey and socialise afterwards. If you are interested in joining, contact us via email: los.naranjas.hockey@gmail.com. MADRID LIONS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, EST. 1997 Madrid Lions Rugby Football Club welcomes new players of all levels and nationalities. Pub night Thursdays from 8.30pm at Finnegan’s, Plaza de las Salesas (Metro Alonso Martínez or Chueca) where you can find out why we are Madrid’s most popular and successful social rugby club. Check out www.madridlionsrfc.com, email info@madridlionsrfc.com or ring Charlie on 636 067 716 or Paul on 679 225 067. MADRID CRICKET CLUB Madrid Cricket Club is always looking for new players of all levels and nationalities. We hold regular training sessions and friendly matches in Madrid from March to November and we have two teams in the Spanish Cricket League. For more info contact Joss (663 395 058) or Jon (655 069 9 11), send an 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.

counselling COUNSELLING MADRID Welcome to Counselling Madrid, a friendly & professionally run private counselling practice devoted to the international community. Expats, spouses, students & foreign professionals, the main users of the service, enjoy access to both face-to-face & online counselling services. Living & working abroad brings many challenges while support networks take time to develop. This explains why the practice is run by qualified Counsellors, Therapists & Coaches who have lived & worked abroad themselves. Counselling Madrid abides by the BACP Code of Ethics. www.counsellingmadrid.org admin@counsellingmadrid.org C/ General Diaz Porlier 57, Madrid. 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 THERAPIST IN MADRID Counselling Therapist in Madrid offer a bilingual psychological counselling service in English and Spanish, which is orientated to the specific needs of the English speaking community in Madrid. The first session gives me the chance to evaluate if I can be of help to you and also it allows you to evaluate whether you wish to continue working with me. This first session has a fee of 10 euros to cover my costs. I have an office in calle de la salud 15 28013 Madrid. e-mail me at: chrisneill@counsellingtherapistmadrid.com my web page: www.counsellingtherapistmadrid.com.

intercambios groups 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. 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. LANGUAGE TASTING Intercambio and Wine Tasting Taste a new language and practice your wine drinking! The most interesting language exchange in Madrid Every Tuesday you are invited to come and enjoy conversations about wine and anything else that interests you while practicing Spanish, English, or French. We meet at Madrid’s coolest new bar, “The Cunning Fox” in Alonso Martinez. (C/ Santa Teresa 14) from 8-11:30pm. Each week we will offer 3 new wines and tasting notes and other drinks for the non-wine-drinkers as well as easy conversation starters so you’ll always have something to say. Oh,Entrance is free!.

jobs jobs-offered 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. SALES DIRECTOR SEEKS PERSONAL ASSISTANT; to work in our busy central Madrid office; making telephone calls and chasing new contacts. Full time position, but would consider part time / job share. You must be highly motivated, have a happy disposition, and be a fluent English speaker. Salary with bonus scheme available to the right candidate. Possibilities for promotion, which may suit graduate entrants. Please reply with a copy of your CV (in English) to: hr@amaliawealth.com. ENGLISH-SPEAKING FREELANCE TOUR GUIDES SANDEMANs New Madrid Tours is looking for energetic, intelligent, outgoing people who love Madrid to work as tour guides. Native-level English and EU work permission required, please send an email and CV to guides@neweuropetours.eu!. JOB OFFERED ADVERTISING SALES person for English language magazine, speak Spanish. Call Violetta at: 91 548 01 07. PART-TIME ASSISTANT TEACHER FOR KINDERGARTEN We are looking for an enthusiastic native speaker that loves to work with kids from 2 to 6 years old in a nursery school. We offer a position as an assistant teacher for working in the afternoons in our centres in Aravaca. No degree is required, but completely necessary to love children! Those interested please send your CV to rrhh@alariaescuelasinfantiles.es.

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.

MADRID IN ENGLISH

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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

Traducciones al Inglés 0,06 / palabra No confiés en Google para tus traducciones profesionales. Ofrecemos un servicio de comprobación y traducción de textos muy económico y rápido.

Para presupuesto sin compromiso: traducciones@in-madrid.com

Work Offered

MADRID IN ENGLISH

FEBRUARY 2013