InMadrid November 2010 Issue by InMadrid

NOVEMBER 2010

W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

features arts &culture 7 MADRIDSCAPE: CHUECA

ad index

BARS PICNIC, p17 TABERNA CHICA, p7 TEMPLO DEL GATO, p7 TUPPERWARE, p17

The edgy and eclectic barrio is the fourth in our series of guides

15 Month Ahead

9 RIPE FOR INVESTIGATION

Art & theatre listings

Taking the fear out of visiting a frutería

music

10 GIMME FIVE!

BOOKS EUROLIBROS, p18

16 Concerts Our pick of this month’s gigs

The English Football League Madrid under review

CINEMA YELMO CINES IDEAL, inside front

16 Album reviews

11 MADRID’S GREEN SCENE

The best new music releases

More to the city than just the Retiro

17 Nightlife

12 RAINBOW PEOPLE: UNA VOZ MULTICOLOR

The most up-to-date clubbing guide

Inspirational theatre from the unlikeliest of sources

books and movies

13 LEFT TO WRITE

HEALTH ASHTANGA YOGA, p8 AZUARA DENTAL, p12 CLINICA DENTAL CISNE, p12

18 Movie reviews

Ken Follett talks about politics, and his latest epic, “Fall of Giants”

New releases on the big screen

JOB OFFERS See Service Guide for job offers, p20-22

18 Book Buzz New titles for your shelf

14 A REAL TRIBUTE?

LANGUAGE SERVICES See Service Guide, p20-22

outandabout

Tribute bands and how to dry your eyes if you’ve missed your heroes

Scene WHAT’S NEW IN TOWN

Mad World MADRID RANDOMNESS!

Another Fine Mes THE MONTH’S NEWS DIGESTED

NIGHTLIFE GOA, back cover TWIST, p17

PUBS DUBLINERS, p19 FINBAR’S, p7 IRISH ROVER, p5 O’CONNELL ST,p6 O’NEILL’S, inside front SHAMROCKS,p9 TRISKEL TAVERN, p9

Food & Drink ¡GOOD GRIFO!, ¡POUR FAVOR!

13 5 Great Places to Buy... SWEETS

Photo: JW

was once told that curling up in bed with a good editor’s note book was much better than a partner because a book doesn’t snore or hog the duvet, and when you’re ready to doze off you can just throw it on the floor. What’s the connectel: 91 523 30 91 tion with this month’s InMadrid? Elizabeth Ellis speaks email: to best-selling author Ken Follett about the first part of editor@in-madrid.com his Century trilogy (P12), no doubt a book to wrap up with on cold November nights. Also, for inspirational stories, Sumer Dayal has visited Madrid’s immigrant theatre group (P14). Marit Harm’s tale Ripe for Investigation unravels the mysteries of odd-looking fruit, and if you’re then tempted to buy some, Janel Torkington’s look at Madrid’s Green Scene tells you some great places to sit and eat it. That’s not to mention our Chueca barrio guide, the English Football League Madrid, and a fun examination of tribute bands. No-vember? With InMadrid it’s Yes-vember. (Er..does that last comment actually work?)

InMadrid

regulars 19 RESTAURANT GUIDE 20 SERVICE GUIDE 23 CLASSIFIEDS

RESTAURANTS ARTEMISA, p12 EL ESTRAGÓN, p8 MIL Y UNA NOCHES, p8 TAJ, p8 TERRA NOVA, p11 See Restaurant Guide, p19

TRAVEL SERVICES WILLETT TRAVEL, p11

WEB SERVICES JAN JAEGER, p11

Want to contribute to InMadrid? Or how about being an intern? If you’re interested in collaborating, send your CV, samples of journalistic writing and ideas for articles to editor@in-madrid.com

Want to advertise in InMadrid? Quieres anunciar en InMadrid? Email us! ¡Escribenos! marketing@in-madrid.com Call us! ¡Llamanos! 91 523 30 91

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 • ART: ELENA RODEMANN • MUSIC (REVIEWS): RUSSELL PARTON • MUSIC (GIGS): OLIVIA WATERS • NEWS: MARTIN DELFIN • NIGHTLIFE: EMMA PARNWELL • SCENE: LAURA EDGECUMBE • THEATRE: LAURA VAN DE VELDE • INTERNS: MARIT HARM, KEDZIE TELLER, RAVEN KELLER, RICHARD MARTIN • THANKS TO: LAURA EDGECUMBE-ANDSELL, NICK FUNNELL • WEBMASTER: KNIC • PRINT: IMCODAVILA

STAFF

Views expressed in InMadrid are the opinions of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. Although we make every effort to quote the correct prices and opening hours for establishments mentioned in the magazine, it is possible some may have changed since we went to press. All advertisements are published in good faith. InMadrid cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions in individual ads or accept responsibility for work, service or goods. InMadrid is published by CityScope SL (unipersonal), c/Marqués de Valdeiglesias, 6-4ºA — 28004 Madrid. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artwork will not be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. D.L.: M-11696-96.

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NOVEMBER 2010

scene

■ By Laura Edgecumbe-Ansdell

Japanese New Wave cinema Organised by the Circulo de Bellas Artes and the Japan Foundation, this is a chance to see a selection of the 18 most important films from the Japanese New Wave director Yasuzo Masumura. In 1957 he directed his first film, Kuchizuke, which met critical acclaim. During the next three decades he directed 60 more, in many genres. His work stands out for its sharp criticism of postwar Japanese society, marked by the abandonment of tradition, Westernisation and intense rapid economic growth that would lead the country to become, in the 70s, the second largest economy in the world. Circulo de Bellas Artes, C/Alcalá, 42 (Metro: Sevilla/Banco de España). Until 7 November. Tickets: 5. www.circulobellasartes.com

All that Jazz Deck yourself out in some sharp threads and get down at the 27th International Jazz Festival this month. With a total of 20 concerts by leading international cool cats such as Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, the Polish trio Kroke, Dianne Reeves, Ara Malikian and Afrocubism–it should be a smokin’ event. The highlights of the programme include a performance from tenor José Manuel Zapata with singers including José Mercé, Miguel Poveda and Marina Heredia that fuse jazz and flamenco. Madrid International Jazz Festival, Teatro Fernán Gómez, Plaza de Colón, 4 (Metro: Colón) and Teatro Circo Price, Ronda de Atocha, 35 (Metro: Embajadores). 2-21 November. www.esmadrid.com/festivaljazz/

Check out ecological products and sustainability at the Biocultura Fair, the Pabellón de Cristal de la Casa del Campo, 4-7 Nov from 10am to 8pm. Yasuzo Masumura’s Dr Hanaoka's Wife

Fútbol mad Are you a football fan struggling with the Spanish league because of the language barrier? Or are you fed up with the dominant coverage that Barcelona and Real Madrid get from the Spanish sports press? Spanishfootball.info is a brand new website that seeks to bring you up-to-date Spanish football coverage in English and gives space to every team from Atlético Madrid to Alcorcón. The site features weekly match reports from every game in La Liga, as well as a round up of the Segunda División. There are also in-depth features on clubs, interviews with experts and reports on the stars of tomorrow. The website welcomes contributions about the Spanish game. For more information see www.spanishfootball.info Photo (CC) flickr: jan_solo

Happy Birthday to the Irish Rover Dianne Reeves

The Irish Rover clocks up 15 years this month and no better way to do it than with the band who played the first night all those years ago. The Colonials will be playing two shows in the Rover, on the 19th and 20th—they’ll kick off about 11.30pm and you can bet your boots it’s going to be packed. Entrance is free so get there early. There is nothing worse than pressing your nose up against the window, from the outside. The Irish Rover, Avenida de Brasil, 7. (Metro: Santiago Bernabéu). 19, 20 Nov 11.30pm.

Photo: ChristianLantry

ALCINE 2010, Alcalá de Henares The ALCINE 2010 short film festival in Alcalá de Henares celebrates its 40th anniversary. This year it will feature a section devoted to screening short films from some of the most promising Polish filmmakers, as well as a performance from Aldona Nowowiejska, the Polish actress, musician and poet. It will also include the presentation of new filmmakers such as Maja Djokic, Emma Sullivan, Alex Lora Cercós and Paul Wright, plus collaborations with institutions such as the Instituto Cervantes, French Embassy, Finnish Film Foundation, Candella UK–Best of British Short Films and the Madrid Film Commission Foundation. ALCINE 2010, Alcalá de Henares (Cercania: Alcalá de Henares). 5-13 November. Tickets: 3. For locations and programme see www.alcine.org

Bargain opera at Teatro Real If you are under thirty years old and would love to go to the opera but are deterred by ticket prices, check out the programme at Madrid’s premiere opera house Teatro Real. Those under that age now qualify for 90 percent discounts on unsold tickets four hours before all opera performances, or two hours before on holidays and Sundays. Seats in the Red Zone of the Main Hall can be bought last minute at a discount of 60 percent, and for specified performances there are Dias Redondos whereby an informal presentation about the opera takes place 45 minutes before the curtain rises. Teatro Real, Plaza Isabell s/n. (Metro: Ópera). For full programme see www.teatro-real.com

Cook up some American cuisine A Punto, Centro Cultural del Gusto, is a cultural centre that bases its philosophy on food, wine and words. The centre has a large culinary bookshop, hosts literary, food and wine tasting events, and arranges cooking lessons and conferences on gastronomy. In conjunction with language school MCH Training, it is holding American Cooking workshops on 20 November and 22 January which will include recipes and cooking demonstrations for Thanksgiving turkey and Sex and the City-style brunch. These events will also be an opportunity for non-native English speakers to practice and improve their language skills. A Punto, Centro Cultural del Gusto, C/Pelayo, 60. (Metro: Chueca). Courses 20 November 11am-2.30pm and 22 January 11am-2pm. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-10pm. See www.apuntolibreria.com

Irish Fleadh, Cáceres If you can’t wait for St. Patrick’s Day and you are in need of a good Irish jig, head to the 7th annual Cáceres Irish Fleadh this month. At this celebration of Irish music you can hear performances by musicians from around the world and try out your own moves at Irish dancing classes. Cáceres Irish Fleadh, Plaza de San Jorge, Cáceres. 5-7 November. See www.myspace.com/elgatoalagua

A Midsummer Night’s Dream It may be getting chilly outside but warm your heart this December and see this classic play of dreams, mistaken identity, magic and love–one of the finest examples of Shakespeare’s comedies. Performed by the Face 2 Face Theatre Company, in English, this is a reinterpretation of one of the Bard’s best known classics. Set in early 20th century India, it explores India’s relationship with its Imperial master England. In this imagined setting, four lovers fall under the spell of forest fairies, and when a magical love potion comes into play, nothing is as it seems. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Teatro Alcázar, C/Alcalá, 20 (Metro: Sevilla). 4,5,11,12,18,19 December, 5pm. Tickets: 15. www.gruposmedia.com

NOVEMBER 2010

Christmas starts here Alice in Wonderland Pantomime Does living in Spain mean that you can’t enjoy the fun of British pantomime this Christmas? You might think “yes it does”, but the answer, of course, is “Oh no it doesn’t!” In Alice in Wonderland, written and directed by Anne Lydon and performed by the Englishspeaking Madrid Players, watch Alice’s adventures unfold as you enjoy the music, relish the humour and best of all join in the fun. Alice in Wonderland, Colegio Cardenal Spinola, Cardenal Marcelow Spinola, 34 (Metro: Duque de Pastrana). 10 Dec 7.30pm, 11 Dec 4pm and 7.30pm, 12 Dec 12pm and 4pm. Adults 10, children and students 7. For group discounts check website www.madridplayers.org

British Ladies Association Christmas Bazaar For a taste of Christmas tradition and some great Christmas shopping, head to the British Ladies Association Christmas Bazaar. On sale will be gifts, crafts, secondhand books, clothing and toys. There will also be a chance to enter the tombola, meet Father Christmas and enjoy English tea and sandwiches. And if all that isn’t enough you can feel good about the fact that the money raised will go to charity. Apartamentos Centro Norte, Mauricio Legendre, 16 (Metro: Plaza de Castilla/Chamartin). 28 Nov 12pm to 6pm. Admission: Adults 3, children (3 -10) 1. www.blamadrid.com/

American Women’s Club Holiday Bazaar For a Christmas Bazaar American style, don’t miss this annual extravaganza, which hosts more than 40 vendors selling handcrafted items, as well as secondhand books, and typical American food and baked goods. There’ll be photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and an opportunity to try your luck in their raffle. Like the British Ladies, the American Women’s Club proceeds go to charity, and this is their main fundraising activity. Hotel Intercontinental, Paseo de la Castellana, 49 (Metro: Gregorio Marañón). 14 Nov 12pm-7pm. Admission: Adults 4, children under 12 free. www.awcmadrid.com

ERRATA: Dr. Mihic, Madrid Health Centre Following our report in September about English speaking services in Madrid, Dr Mihic’s addresses are C/Oña, 10 (La Moreleja) and Avenida Montepríncipe, 25 (Pozuelo), and not those originally stated in the article. For more information see www.madridhealthcenter.com

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By Jerome Apolda

Just a few suggestions to avoid making a fool of yourself at Madrid’s Sunday morning frenzy:

A different story Photo :(Wikicommons) Tamorian

mwoarldd

Ten Questions Not To Ask Stallholders At The Rastro Fairy Tales

Excuse me, but could you put some prices on your stock please?

2 3 4

Do you offer a gift wrapping service?

5 6 7 8

Do you take credit cards?

Its head is missing and it doesn’t stand up properly—are you sure it’s collectable?

And how long does the guarantee last?

And where did you get this from? Is it genuine? If it doesn’t work, can I bring it back? Is the receipt in the bag?

Menage-a-trois In September I was invited to attend the opening of the Mario Testino photo exhibition, and immediately noticed Kate Winslet and Eva Herzigová! I went up to Kate and said sheepishly, “Hi Kate, how are you?” in my very British English, thinking she might be pleased to hear a familiar accent amongst the Españoles, but she just replied politely “Fine thanks”. I then moved onto Eva and pathetically said “Hi Eva, I love your photos (those in the exhibition), would you mind if I take a

Matt Damon”. Only later did we find out said Mr Damon had been in Madrid making one of his Bourne films. Photo and autograph opportunity lost. Bob Kingston

Not-quite-so-dangerous liaison A few years ago I was walking past the Torres Blancas, the remarkable apartment building not too far from Avenida de América, when I saw a very familiar face admiring the architecture. My God! That’s John Malkovich, I thought. Didn’t have the courage to speak to him, but rumour has it he owns one of the apartments in the block. Jenny Spruce

Iker Casillas

Last month we mentioned that one of our writers had spotted English actor John Hurt at Barajas Airport, flying from Madrid to London Luton. We asked if any readers had glimpsed any other famous people in the city. The response suggests we should perhaps put large white letters on the nearby mountains spelling out “Hollywood II”:

photo with you?”. Her reply was “Thanks” and “OK”. Short but sweet. I went outside for a smoke and Kate sat down next to me but I didn’t really want to bother her and she was always chatting to someone. If I’d had the chance though, I probably would’ve said something ridiculous like “Do you like Madrid? I’m from Bournemouth” Hahahaha! That same week I went to have a drink on the roof terrace in El Viajero in La Latina. I noticed everybody was looking in my direction, and said as much to my friend. He explained that Iker Casillas was sitting behind me. Sure enough there was Iker, drinking a mojito with his girlfriend Sara Carbonero. Of course I had to get a picture with him but he wasn’t too pleased ‘cos he was getting hassled every five minutes. Nobody asked Sara Carbonero for a photo! They were kissing and cuddling the whole time...must be love! Natasha Luke (Natasha’s tale wins two free tickets to the Ideal VO cinema.)

Photo (CC) flickr: jan_solo

Do you have a complaints form if I’m unhappy with anything?

Before sunset Saturday and a hot afternoon in Madrid. I turned and there he was... they were, Ethan Hawke (tall and blond) and his son, about ten years old, in Plaza de Santa Ana by the Teatro Español. Isabel F Casadevante

Bourne again I was strolling near the Ritz Hotel some time back, and said to my girlfriend “This guy coming down the road looks just like

For Bonus Fairy Tales go to: www.jerome-apolda.com John Malkovich

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Bitchy is not my middle name but it could be. Sorely unsatisfied with what is to be found en el ambiente (on the scene), I’ve dissected club after club, dying to find where my people were at, but the perroflautas-hippy-arty gay scene has continuously eluded me. I almost called it quits. Madrid, maybe, just isn’t the place for me. Wednesday night, I receive a call and I’m asked to get off my sorry arse and to make my way to Lavapiés. There, I’m brought to a door; a door like any other door, hidden behind gates as if protected. There are no signs, no names, nothing; nothing but a buzzer to ring and the wait that comes with it. My friend nudges me and I ring the bell. Knowing him, I expect the worst: an underwear party, a drag orgy, a Glee marathon. A former clown (as I’m told later that night) opens the door, ajar at first. He is a little fidgety; he looks right and left, his mousy nose sniffing the air while I stand there wondering if he’s going to let me in or not –if I even want him to let me him! He looks at me, quickly judging my attire and my demeanor. He ushers me in. And in a swoop, I ascend. I’m somewhere else entirely. In a land where mobile phones don’t ring, where plasma TVs are an aberration, where Lady Gaga is nothing but a distant memory, a relic from a childhood dream. Going through the threshold was like time travelling, escaping the reality of our chrome and shiny advanced world and returning to the joyful innocence of the ‘70s. The place itself is a random mismatch of furniture put together by scavengers: no two chairs are alike, the bar–too grand a word for what is little more than your nan’s kitchenette–is cornered away as though only there by mistake. Quenching your thirst is not their main priority; their purpose is grandeur. There is a little staircase leading to a mezzanine where people are congregating. It’s in this peaceful and cozy atmosphere that I hear my first Spanish sonnet. That’s right, people gather there to read poetry; they evade the police, hide away and read aloud the most beautiful words. Not a sound is to be heard but the words themselves float in the void, shaking your core and awakening your senses. (Am I overselling it?) (No, I’m engrossed–Editor.) This temple forgotten by time itself is a haven of literature where all you have to do is sit and take it all in. Completely and justifiably off the grid, I swore to secrecy. I cannot tell you where this place is but I can tell you that it exists. No gays were to be found there (unsurprisingly!) but for once this fairy tells you that he didn’t care and urges you to go searching, to go off the beaten track, to dig deeper into Madrid’s beating heart, and reminds you of the words of Federico García Lorca: “I was lucky enough to see with my own eyes the recent stock-market crash, where they lost several million dollars, a rabble of dead money that went sliding off into the sea.”

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Photo (CC) flickr: vhf

NOVEMBER 2010

Another fine mes Marty Delfín dissects the past month’s news headlines

Socialists speak loud and clear On 3 October, socialist voters in Madrid told Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero that they were not going to allow the national party to tell them who they should select as their candidate for next year’s regional elections. With more than 550 votes more than his contender, Tomás Gómez, the Madrid Socialist Party (PSM) leader won the nomination to run against incumbent Esperanza Aguirre of the Popular Party (PP). Gómez, a former mayor of Parla, beat Zapatero’s own personal nominee, Health Secretary Trinidad Jiménez, who had also been supported by the Prime Minister’s team, including Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba and Public Works Minister José Blanco. It was Blanco who gave Gómez the first indication that his candidacy was undesirable in a heated meeting in June, but the 42-year-old politician insisted on running. Ever since 2007 when he resigned as mayor of Parla and came to Madrid to reorganise a disarrayed PSM, Gómez has been looking to challenge the incumbent regional premier Aguirre and the PP’s grip on capital politics. While voters in Madrid have not overtly said no to Zapatero’s own government, some analysts pointed out that the rejection of his desired candidate has no doubt weakened the Prime Minister among many party militants. Zapatero has been slowly losing support since he introduced his broad austerity measures and labour reform; his approval rating continues to shrink in the polls. Talk is now beginning to surface among socialist circles about whether it will be feasible for him to run for a third term in 2012 because his candidacy would almost certainly mean a huge party loss. Last month, the Prime Minister told his closest party allies that he will make that decision next year. Gómez was conciliatory in his victory speech, offering Jiménez a spot on his slate while denying that he holds grudges against ZP or any of his top ministers who didn’t support him. He said that the primary, which offered the Socialist Party the chance to show voters its democratic credentials, has not weakened the Prime Minister but instead strengthened him.

Tragic media story There have been further developments following our news item “Controversial removal” last month, concerning Antonio Puerta and Jesús Niera. Puerta was a 46-year-old man who, in the summer of 2008, punched university professor Niera for trying to get involved in a lover’s spat between him and his girlfriend. He had been the centre of intense media attention since that Trinidad Jiménez

Visit the Naturiva Ski and Mountain Fair at the Feria de Madrid from 12-14 Nov. Activities, shows and exhibitors will fill the halls.

incident, but on 12 October he was found dead of an apparent drug overdose in a friend’s apartment. His death occurred two years to the day after Neira woke up from a three-month coma allegedly caused by Puerta’s punch. Two days after Puerta’s death, Neira, who had been in reportedly good health, suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and as we go to press is still in a serious condition. The media—especially the sensationalist television gossip shows—had catapulted the entire affair into the public realm by incessantly fueling the antagonism between these two men, capitalising on the violent incident and the volatile personalities of two of the three people involved in the dispute. While Puerta was sitting in jail, his girlfriend Violeta Santander and Neira fought it out publicly over what exactly occurred on 2 August 2008. The professor insists that he tried to break up a scuffle between Puerta and Santander outside a hotel in the Madrid suburb of Majadahonda while Santander claims that Neira began by insulting them, calling them “cockroaches” and other names. She maintains that Puerta wasn’t hitting her as Neira claimed. As the professor walked inside the hotel, Puerta came from behind and threw a powerful punch which knocked Neira cold. The episode was captured by a hotel security camera; what wasn’t videotaped was the incident leading up to the blow. A few days after the episode, Neira fell into a coma at the hospital. Some medical experts have speculated that Puerta’s blow wasn’t responsible for putting his victim in that condition but instead it was the lack of adequate attention at the Madrid regional hospitals. This was going to be part of Puerta’s defence at his attempted manslaughter trial, before his longtime drug addiction apparently caught up with him. Neira has also been under media scrutiny. When he finally woke up from a three-month coma, the professor was showered with honours for his chivalry. The biggest prize he received was an appointment to head the Madrid regional government’s gender violence unit–a controversial move by premier Esperanza Aguirre who was accused of “buying off” Neira so he wouldn’t sue the region for malpractice. As he served in his public post, Neira stepped up his verbal attacks not only at Puerta and Santander, but also at Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and other Socialist leaders. Many had called for his resignation, including womens’ and tolerance groups. It all came crashing down in September when he was picked up for drink driving. When he refused to bow to calls to step down, Aguirre stepped in and abolished the unit.

Photo: (CC) flickr

NOVEMBER 2010

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T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

madridscape barrio guide

Chueca

FRI 12

In the fourth of our guides to the barrios of Madrid, Jack Coory looks at the charms of Chueca

SI SI RIDERS

6TH

ANNIVERSARY GIG Where is it?

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TOURING SIDES

With its Plaza as its epicentre, Chueca is squeezed between Paseo de Recoletos to the east and Calle de Fuencarral to the west, with Fernando VI and Gran Vía serving as its informal borders to the north and south.

PLUS: ALL THE CHAMPIONS, PREMIER & EUROPA LEAGUE ACTION

What’s it like?

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION ON THURSDAYS

A must-visit barrio in any Madrid itinerary, Chueca offers a thriving bar scene whilst also maintaining a laid back and relaxed atmosphere during the day. Its gritty charm from social movement La Movida has been retained and the undeniably gay and lesbian crowd gives the area an edge that is palpable throughout. The architecture is mainly Classical and most buildings sport a modest yet pretty facade and their proximity to each other only furthers the magnificent sensation of immediacy that one gets strolling through the little streets that shoot off from the Plaza. When spring time rolls around, the Plaza terraces open and the yuppies and well-offs can be seen sipping cañas next to the down-and-outs who still mingle there, the incongruity serving as a reminder of Chueca’s roots as the birthplace of La Movida. The barrio is renowned for this assorted blend of social stratum that combines students, fashionistas, office workers, artists, transvestites and drunks to create an eclectic experiThere’s always a buzz on the Plaza ence unrivalled in Madrid.

(MUSICIANS WELCOME)

FREE WIRELESS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

home to the celtic supporters club UP TO 20% DISCOUNT ON DRINKS BEFORE 7 PM INCLUDING WEEKENDS!!! Irish owned, irish run, irish bi-lingual

staff and irish atmosphere. c/Marqués de Urquijo, 10. Tel: 91 548 37 93. just 50m from M Arguelles Photos: Jeff Wiseman

History

Best restaurants

Taken from the name of the great composer Federico Chueca, the barrio began as a hotbed for drug dealers, drug users, pimps and prostitutes as Spain was released from the chains of Franco’s rule in the late 1970s. Chueca soon started to attract artists willing to express themselves within La Movida and the gay community also became very prevalent in the area as social attitudes became more accepting. Indeed, the place has now spruced itself up an incredible amount (although it still maintains a grimy edge) and property prices have since increased. Chueca residents are now a mixed bunch, but the barrio is still famed for its party scene and informal, laid-back demeanor.

Along with the bars, Chueca offers an ample selection of places to eat, ranging from the classically Spanish to modern fusion. Highlights include the modest yet perpetually busy Cisne Azul on Calle Gravina and the charming Baco y Beto on Calle Pelayo. Friday nights are best spent at the Cuban restaurant Zara on Calle de las Infantas, if not only for its daiquiris. One of the best Thai curries can be found in the modern and elegant Krachai on Calle Fernando VI, whilst a special homage needs to be paid also to Bocata VIP, in the same street, which only opens at weekends from 9pm to 6am. It serves up incredible burgers and sandwiches for the inebriated.

House prices

Best shops/services

The influx of affluent artists and those looking for an edgier environment than the beautiful but somewhat stale Salamanca has made property generally expensive in Chueca. Rent goes for about 17 euros per square metre, and rooms for between €400-500 per month, but there are bargains still to be found in and around Calle de la Libertad. Just don’t be surprised if you wake up to the noise of someone urinating on your front door.

Take a stroll around Calle de Belén and Calle Pelayo to get a good range of elegant and independent clothing brands, Pez and Oak being particularly noteworthy. Aldaba on Calle de Belén is also a great place to buy things if you’re looking to dapper up your apartment. Those with stylish tastes will appreciate L’Habilleur on Plaza Chueca, even though your bank balance might not. You can also find a great selection of art and book shops, highlights include Sin Sentido on Calle Válgame Dios and Panta Rhei on Calle Hernan Cortes which has a profound assortment of art books and literary curiosities. Furthermore, Chueca is home to some of the Vintage Madrid best galleries in Madrid, such as Max Estrella on Calle Santo Tomé.

Best bars There are no shortage of watering holes in Chueca. Around the Plaza you’ll encounter all sorts of places for a variety of tastes. Walk up Calle Gravina and pop into the gay-friendly bars that line the streets, or hook a right onto Calle de Belén and indulge in a mojito expertly mixed and mashed at the aptly named Café Belén. For the thrifty, make your way through the crowds on Calle de la Libertad and get the cheapest caña in Chueca at Bar Outlet and then onto El Tigre on Calle de las Infantas where the generous servings of free tapas are legendary. On your way into Malasaña, go up Calle San Mateo and pop into InDreams, a bar that specializes in pre70s American music and a cool décor, all of it enjoyed in the company of the hippest crowd in the neighbourhood. Speaking of a hip crowd, check out Bar Cock on Calle Reina, but make sure to dress smart.

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

Pool Tables

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

A local speaks Clara Arnús, 27 Occupation: Graphic Designer I love Chueca because it has a very interesting variety of people: modern, tacky, old, young, gay, straight. It is a very modern part of Madrid yet it has an embracing atmosphere and a freedom that is hard to find in any city. My favourite things to do include going to La Fábrica de Pan which is a bar on Calle Pelayo and my favourite place to get a bite is Bocaito on Calle de la Libertad which has some of the best croquettas in Madrid.

Anything else? L’Habilleur

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Calle de la Libertad is alleged to have got its name from the prison that used to be located on its corner, and the cries of the released prisoners. Viva la libertad! W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

c/Costanilla de San Pedro, 7 (Metro: La Latina) NOVEMBER 2010

food&drink

¡good grifo !

Riofrío

Tapping into Madrid’s finest watering holes

Circo de las Tapas

Simon Hunter finds home comforts in what was once the biggest restaurant in Europe

here are certain bars and restaurants in Madrid that give off a kind of warm and comfortable glow. Venues with a traditional wooden bar, smartly suited waiters and free-flowing frothy cañas that make you feel immediately at home. Riofrío, located on the corner of Calle Genova and Plaza de Colón, is one of those places. It’s a madrileño classic, featuring a cheese and pastry counter on the way in, the aforementioned warm and welcoming bar, and an external salón that affords great views of the adjacent bustling thoroughfare. The restaurant was opened back in 1972, and thanks to its long history, it counts on a loyal clientele–many of whom look as though they were probably present at that inauguration. But in order to keep moving with the times, Riofrío has made a recent addition to its menu, and is now serving brunch at weekends and on public holidays. So we chose the puente del Pilar to go and try it out. At this point in my restaurant reviews, I normally have a little moan about poor service. But not so at Riofrío, which boasts some of the most polite and attentive waiters in all of Madrid–not to mention some of the smartest. Once escorted to our table, we were presented with the normal menu and the brunch special. The former is filled with local classics, such as bellota ham ( 23.20), peppers stuffed with cheese ( 10.50), paella ( 25.40) and a range of

platos combinados (ranging from 11-18). The brunch menu, on the other hand, takes the tried and tested US formula and adds a few Spanish classics. First is a choice of soft drinks, juices and hot drinks, while the main course consists of one (or two, if you’re feeling particularly greedy) of the following: Mediterranean salad, Cesar salad, cheese plate, eggs Benedict or a mushroom, cheese and ham toasty. My dairy-mad girlfriend took several milliseconds to opt for the cheese plate, while I went for the eggs Benedict. Both arrived in record time, accompanied by savoury croissants, cheese crackers and crusty bread rolls. The eggs Benedict were excellent, although the dish could have been slightly hotter, and the cheese plate was out of this world, thanks to some properly gooey brie, tangy apricot and wonderful foie gras pâté. While we were still on our mains, the waiter brought over the pastries, and then several minutes later the fruit plate, meaning that our table literaly runneth over. The smart señoras seated behind us looked a little bemused at our brunch–and as the waiter admitted to me after the meal, it has not quite caught on among their older clientele yet. Still, the quality of the food and the service was truly excellent, and there’s nothing wrong with rubbing shoulders with the smart Serrano set once in a while. The price was acceptable too, coming in at 22.90 a head. Granted, you’re not going to bring a stag party here. But if you’re lunching with your in-laws, or have your grandma over to visit, then brunch at Riofrío should be on your list of things to do. Riofrío, C/Génova, 28 (Metro: Colón). Tel: 91 319 29 77. Mon-Thu 7.30am-12pm, Fri 7.30am-12.30am, Sat 8.30am12.30am, Sun, hols 8.30am-12pm. See www.riofrio.net

¡Pour favor! What to drink this month At the foot of the Pyrenees between the Atlantic and Mediterranean is the DO Somontano, traditionally famous for whites but now exploding with reds. The grapes thrive and develop strong character in the hot summers with dramatic temperature changes in spring and autumn, where the continental climate is softened by the protective mountain range. Being so close to France, Somontano producers use international varietals like Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah as well as native Tempranillo and Garnacha. This month we chose a blend of both in the modern bodega Enate’s Crianza 2004.

Bodegas Enate Crianza 2004 DO: Somontano. 9 mos oak, 18 mos bottle. 70% Tempranillo. 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14% ABV. Available from Domino de Antargu (Atocha): €8.40

Appearance Like last month’s Ribera del Duero, this wine is very dark, with deep ruby colouring at the edges. Again, there is little to no purple, telling both the wine’s age and the oxidizing effects of time spent in oak barrels. Aroma With initial aromas of black cherry, plum, prune, and currants black and red, this is a fruity wine. There is a scent of oak, but it’s got none of the old, cigar box or wine cellar characteristics. Very little cacao, nutmeg and vanilla come probably as much from the grapes as the relatively short oak exposure, though that shows that the producer takes care to bring out the nuances of the grape’s potential flavours. You may notice a hint of leather too. Taste This is a very smooth and balanced wine; the kind critics call elegant. The tannins (the element of a wine that gives a dry mouth sensation), which are strong in both grape varietals used, are still prominent but very smooth and well-behaved. They don’t inhibit you from tasting the full-bodied blend of ripe dark fruit nor the well-balanced finish. While it lacks the intense complexity of last months’s Ribera, it’s a good young wine with subtle structure and definite character, and probably easier to drink on its own for a prolonged period. Try it with The standard group of cheese,

cured meat, and beef-based dishes. For an interesting pairing, try it with a spicy dish like chili. The natural spice and tannins of the grape are brought out as well as those imparted by the oak. The wine is transformed while the strong fruit flavour persists and even takes on the spice of the dish. Another interesting result comes from washing down fresh peach, which soaks up the wine and highlights certain fruit acidity as well. Final thoughts This is a big-bodied wine that is still smooth and elegant. It’s a new world style, fruit-forward wine that is very well balanced with a nice finish. These last points are impressive when you consider the high level of alcohol (reds are normally considered perfectly balanced at around 12.5% ABV). As such, Enate’s Crianza makes both a good food wine and an excellent cocktail wine–one drunk by itself before a meal or indeed anytime. It comes from a good producer in an up-and-coming region within Spain that accompanies the big boys like Rioja and Ribera del Duero while giving affordable stylistic alternatives and incorporating more international grapes. So if you’re tired of the same tempranillo/garnacha blends, look toward the Pyrenees and get hold of some Enate. ■ THOMAS SPAETH

Where? Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 21 (Metro: Callao/Tribunal). Tel: 686 044 746. www.circodelastapas.com When? Mon 10.30am-2am, Wed-Sat 10.30am-2am, Sun 6-12pm. What? Expats reading this will no doubt understand what it’s like to have a mix of different cultures tumbling around inside your brain. Now, imagine you’ve lived in Africa, Asia, and Central America, and want to open a bar, like globetrotter/writer Antonio de Santiago did recently. The result might be similar to Circo de las Tapas, de Santiago’s wabi-

Photo: Molly Lori

sabi (imperfectly perfect) space in Malasaña. The bar is a bright, welcoming venue, with white plaster, Moroccan turquoise, wicker touches and paraphernalia from all over the world. Beaded curtains hide the bathrooms, a marionette hangs in one corner, and an outline of Africa greets you as you head to the lounge area in the back of the bar. Be sure to take time to examine the super cool circusthemed mural from Spanish artist Israel Páez. People? Expect to mix with internationally minded folks, people from the neighborhood of all ages, and stylish, creative-types. (PS-The bar staff are very easy on the eyes.) Drinks? There’s the usual plethora of hard alcohol, mojitos ( 5), vermouth, Mahou, cava, and wine like Hoyo de la Vega, from the Ribera del Duero region (wines run 2 per glass; 2.50 for crianzas). Food? Fab décor aside, the menu is where Circo sets itself apart. The gourmet offerings will impress–think homemade apple pie ( 3), empanadillas ( 1.60), and Coca, a cold pizza-like treat with goat cheese and zucchini, vegetables or bacon and onions ( 2.50). Beer pairs well with the tortilla de patatas ( 2) or bacon quiche ( 2.50). A full dinner menu is in preparation. Anything else? Circo’s blue and white colour scheme might remind you of your romantic vacation in Greece, Morocco, or even Southern Spain. According to popular culture, white is supposed to evoke pureness/cleanliness and it also helps combat the summer sun. Blue is said to ward off the “evil eye” and prevent hostile spirits entering one’s home. Guess your karma will be safe in this bar!

■ MOLLY LORI

TAJ

Indian Restaurant and Takeaway c/ de la Cruz 13. Metro Sol/Sevilla Tel: 91 522 35 95 / 626 37 45 99

c/Marqués de Cubas 6. Metro Banco de España (Cibeles) Tel: 91 531 50 59 / 626 37 45 99

Parking: 2 hours free

www.restaurantetaj.com

(Yes, this ad is upside down on purpose!M)

Oriental tea house Arabic cuisine and cakes –Delicious Couscous– Tues-Sat, evenings: belly dancing Classes: belly dancing Arabic percussion Poetry circle– –P c/Martín de los Heros, 28. Tel: 91 559 57 85

NOVEMBER 2010

W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

food

Ripe for investigation Noticed anything odd between the apples and the pears? Marit Harm sets out to demystify the most puzzling produce from Madrid’s fruterías

Rambután, quite a tasty treat... even if it does look like something from a sci-fi movie

ar from home, one perhaps expects to come across strange and unrecognisable foods, and in Madrid places that are sure to leave you scratching your head are produce sections at supermarkets or fruterías. There you will find the obvious bananas, peaches and oranges that have come to define the word “fruit”, but venture further and you may be asking yourself “What in the world is that?” An accompanying sign with a single word of Spanish vocabulary will tell you a name, but won’t resolve the worries racing through your mind, such as how to eat it and what it will taste like. If you don’t feel like lugging your encyclopedia to the store (for the non-iPhone user at least), and even though a Blackberry may be appropriately named for an investigation of this kind, why not just follow this short guide to help you navigate through the unknown and sometimes overwhelming choices available. Then put your fears aside and try some out–they’re just nature’s candy after all.

Chirimoya The definition in English is “Custard Apple”, but a chirimoya has more of the resemblance of an artichoke, and doesn’t taste anything like an apple at all. The outside is green with smooth ovoid scales and a bumpy texture, Photo (CC) flickr: JorgeBrazil while the inside is white and fleshy with a creamy consistency, like, as its English name suggests, custard. A ripe chirimoya will be light green in colour and give in to a little pressure from a soft press. The flavours are a mixture of sweet and acidic and described as having notes of pineapple, banana, strawberry and pear. Curious yet? Luckily, chirimoyas are best from October throughout the winter, so there should be ample opportunities to try them. Grab a spoon and dig in, just beware of the large pips!

Membrillo

Alquejenje

Photo (CC) flickr: Eran_Finkle

If you choose to pick up a membrillo, bear in mind that this is not a fruit to be eaten raw, and a little goes a long way. The membrillo, or quince, has a sour and astringent taste if not Photo (CC) flickr: jespahjoy properly prepared, which is why it is most often used to make jams or marmalades or incorporated into tarts and pies to give subtle flavour. The fruit is pear-shaped and recognisable by its strong aroma and golden yellow skin. Membrillos grow well in temperate climates and thus are abundant in the regions of Valencia, Murcia, Extremadura and Andalucia. The most popular use of the fruit in Spanish cuisine is undoubtedly to make dulce de membrillo, or quince paste. When boiled with water and sugar, the mixture turns into a dense, deep-red jelly which is formed into a sliceable brick. The paste is commonly served on toast with manchego cheese, or used to stuff pastries. Originating in South America, alquejenje–goldenberry or cape gooseberry–was brought over to T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Photo (CC) flickr: albissola

Europe shortly after the discovery of the New World and thrives well in the Huelva region of Spain. The marblesized fruit is enclosed in a papery, stemmed husk which can be easily removed when the inside berry is ripe. As the name goldenberry implies, the fruit is ready to eat when the berry has changed from green to a deep yellow-orange colour. The most common uses of alquejenje in Spain are for preserves such as jams and marmalades, or incorporated into desserts. Unlike a membrillo, the alquejenje can be eaten raw and has a more pleasant taste of sweet and tangy citrus notes. All of you chocoholics out there should be happy to learn that the berry pairs unexpectedly well with chocolate for a light dessert. Find alquejenjes in stores from August to November.

Rambután Out of the many unidentifiable fruits to be found in Madrid, the rambután may be one of the most intimidating to pick up, as it resembles more of a sea urchin than something edible. This tropical fruit is encapsulated in a squishy shell of wavy purple/red hairs and is native to Malaysia. In fact, the name derives from rambut, the Malay word for “hair”. When the skin is cut open an opaque, egg-shaped fruit is revealed. If the fruit can be squeezed easily out of the shell it is a good indication of ripeness. To enjoy it, simply pop it in your mouth, but be aware of the large pip hidden in the middle. A good rambután should be soft, chewy and taste like a sweet grape, not a sea creature. Rambután trees produce fruit twice a year–once in spring and once in the late autumn–so keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks.

Níspero A níspero, or “loquat” in English, is a small orange and yellow fruit related to apples and pears yet much smaller–about five centimetres in length–and more oval shaped. The skin is thin and flavourless but the inside flesh can range in texture (firm, crisp, juicy) because of the large number of varieties. The flavour depends on the cultivar as well, with claims of taste ranging from that of a passion fruit, guava or peach to apricot, plum or cherry. The best season for nísperos is April to June, so wait to form your own opinion about which from the preceding list the taste most closely resembles. Luckily, this somewhat fussy, labour-intensive yet much sought after fruit is grown in Spain, so when the season comes in late spring it should be easy to indulge in a few handfuls.

Madroño Of course, Madrid’s own madroño tree produces fruit, which looks a little like a strawberry, although somewhat hairier. They tend to be used for jams and jellies, although there’s no reason they can’t be Photo (CC) flickr: beamillion eaten fresh, and they apparently taste quite sweet, even if you do occasionally struggle to extract the pulp from around the madroño’s stone. With the above information hopefully you’ll feel a little less like an extrañjero when faced with trays or boxes of exoticlooking fruit in Madrid. Live dangerously–take the challenge of a chirimoya, relish a rambután and nibble that níspero. You may be pleasantly surprised by the flavour. And if not, you know it’s never going to be difficult to spot an apple. W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

NOVEMBER 2010

sport FIXTURE FIX ■ Compiled by Keith Miles

Football

International Friendlies 17 17 17 17 17

Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov

Portugal v Spain 9pm–England v France 8.45pm–Rep Ireland v Norway 8.45pm–N Ireland v Morocco Argentina v Brazil

Champions League 2 Nov 6.30pm–Rubin Kazan v Panathinaikos 2 Nov 8.45pm–Benfica v Lyon 2 Nov 8.45pm–Bursaspor v Man Utd 2 Nov 8.45pm–FC Copenhagen v Barcelona 2 Nov 8.45pm–Hapoel Tel-Aviv v Schalke 04 2 Nov 8.45pm–Tottenham v Inter Milan 2 Nov 8.45pm–Valencia v Rangers 2 Nov 8.45pm–Werder Bremen v FC Twente 3 Nov 8.45pm–AC Milan v Real Madrid 3 Nov 8.45pm–Auxerre v Ajax 3 Nov 8.45pm–Basle v Roma 3 Nov 8.45pm–CFR Cluj v Bayern Munich 3 Nov 8.45pm–Chelsea v Spartak Moscow 3 Nov 8.45pm–MSK ilina v Marseille 3 Nov 8.45pm–Partizan Belgrade v Braga 3 Nov 8.45pm–Shakhtar Donetsk v Arsenal 23 Nov 6.30pm–Spartak Moscow v Marseille 23 Nov 8.45pm–Ajax v Real Madrid 23 Nov 8.45pm–Auxerre v AC Milan 23 Nov 8.45pm–Basle v CFR Cluj 23 Nov 8.45pm–Braga v Arsenal 23 Nov 8.45pm–Chelsea v MSK ilina 23 Nov 8.45pm–Partizan Belgrade v Shakhtar Donetsk 23 Nov 8.45pm–Roma v Bayern Munich 24 Nov 6.30pm–Rubin Kazan v FC Copenhagen 24 Nov 8.45pm–Hapoel Tel-Aviv v Benfica 24 Nov 8.45pm–Inter Milan v FC Twente 24 Nov 8.45pm–Panathinaikos v Barcelona 24 Nov 8.45pm–Rangers v Man Utd 24 Nov 8.45pm–Schalke 04 v Lyon 24 Nov 8.45pm–Tottenham v Werder Bremen 24 Nov 8.45pm–Valencia v Bursaspor

Europa League 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov

7pm–AA Gent v Sporting 7pm–BATE Borisov v FC Sheriff 7pm–Bayer Leverkusen v Aris Salonika 7pm–CSKA Moscow v Palermo 7pm–Club Bruges v Dinamo Zagreb 7pm–Dynamo Kiev v AZ Alkmaar 7pm–Juventus v Red Bull Salzburg 7pm–Lausanne v Sparta Prague 7pm–Lech Poznan v Man City 7pm–Levski Sofia v Lille 7pm–PAOK Salonika v Villarreal 7pm–Rosenborg v Atlético Madrid 9.05pm–AEK Athens v Anderlecht 9.05pm–FC Porto v Be?ikta? 9.05pm–Getafe v Stuttgart 9.05pm–Hajduk Split v Zenit St Petersburg 9.05pm–Liverpool v Napoli 9.05pm–Odense BK v Young Boys 9.05pm–PSV Eindhoven v Debrecen 9.05pm–Paris SG v Borussia Dortmund 9.05pm–Rapid Vienna v CSKA Sofia 9.05pm–Sampdoria v FC Metalist Kharkiv 9.05pm–Sevilla v Karpaty Lviv 9.05pm–Steaua Bucharest v FC Utrecht

La Liga 7 Nov Getafe v Barcelona 7 Nov Real Madrid v Atlético Madrid 14 Nov Atlético Madrid v Osasuna 14 Nov Barcelona v Villarreal 14 Nov Sporting Gijón v Real Madrid 14 Nov Valencia v Getafe 21 Nov Almería v Barcelona 21 Nov Getafe v Real Zaragoza 21 Nov Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao 21 Nov Real Sociedad v Atlético Madrid 28 Nov Atlético Madrid v Espanyol 28 Nov Barcelona v Real Madrid 28 Nov Sevilla v Getafe

Premier League 7 Nov 5pm–Liverpool v Chelsea 10 Nov 9pm–Man City v Man Utd 10 Nov 8.45pm–Chelsea v Fulham 13 Nov 1.45pm–Aston Villa v Man Utd 14 Nov 3pm–Everton v Arsenal 20 Nov 1.45pm–Arsenal v Tottenham 28 Nov 2.30pm–Newcastle v Chelsea 28 Nov 5pm–Tottenham v Liverpool

F1 7 Nov 5pm–Brazilian GP 14 Nov 2pm–Abu Dhabi GP

Cricket

Gimme five! No referees? Gentlemanly conduct? 50 minute games? Luc Ciotkowski tells the story of the five-a-side English Football League Madrid, as it commences its 29th season

hen the five-a-side English Football League Madrid started, it was a time before millionaire footballers, billionaire owners, corporate hospitality, leveraged debt, advanced sports medicine, therapy and nutrition, payper-view televised matches and club logo-branded napkins. It was a time when the trickle of expatriates to Madrid from English-speaking countries had just begun after Spain’s transition to democracy, but before EFL became a popular abbreviation for English as a Foreign Language and when there were barely enough native-speaking English teachers in the city to fill a bar.

That was then For soccer, it was the year Real Sociedad won the second of their back-to-back Spanish league championships, Liverpool won their thirteenth English league title and Aston Villa were crowned champions of Europe. North Americans were so disinterested by football that their first professional league was in its death throes. Spain hosted the World Cup finals amid great expectation, but the excitement soon turned into embarrassment and that tournament came to be regarded as the nadir of the national team’s perpetual underachievement. There was Reagan, Thatcher, Brezhnev, the Falklands War, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and footballers with very short shorts, moustaches and permed hair. It was 1982, and a very different world to today. But some time between a Paolo Rossi-inspired Italy becoming world champions at the Santiago Bernabéu and the Spanish Socialist Party’s Felipe González becoming Prime Minister, a group of football-hungry expatriates organised some friends and set up the English Football League (EFL) Madrid. Finbars battle it out with Monks

Not as we know it The expats began playing regularly at Colegio Santa María del Pilar, a Catholic school west of the Retiro near to the Sáinz de Baranda Metro station. The playing surfaces weren’t the normal grass pitches they were used to, but small, concrete handball courts, which immediately demanded only five players per team rather than eleven. What the EFL founders had stumbled upon were, in fact, playing areas for Spanish fútbol sala (not codified by FIFA as futsal until 1989). Back home in the UK five-a-side soccer was a game of sports halls, touchline walls off which footballs could rebound, and wide goals with low crossbars. The footballs were hard and almost furry, which proved rather like kicking a brick wrapped in a towel. Without these English fivea-side distinctions, the EFL Madrid laws were formulated on the eleven-a-side game, although over the years some futsal rules have crept in.

EFL action between U.D. Rayo Retiro and Moores Tribunal

became established as a tenet of the EFL Madrid’s friendly and sporting ideology. Any disputes have to be solved through dialogue, compromise and gentlemanly agreement by the team captains. Inevitably disagreements happen, but when the only way forward is to cooperate, the atmosphere of fairness infects even the most ardent cheat. In comparison to the transformation of professional football and excluding the comings and goings of bad hairstyles and sportswear fashions, the EFL has survived the last 28 years almost unchanged. What has altered is the international make-up of the league, to the extent that the “English” in EFL has become a point of contention. A recent survey of team captains revealed the current crop of players includes more nationalities than this year’s World Cup.

The great divide

EFL League Table The league’s current for1st division Goal Diff Pts mat with 16 teams Finbars Celtic 116 55 involves each side playing all the others once, at Triskel Tavern AHFC 83 55 which stage it is separatReal Monks 106 52 ed into two divisions for Atlético Cero 65 47 the remainder of the seaFive Corners 2 42 son. The teams then play Santana 51 38 the others in their own Atlético Retiro 4 28 division a second time All Blacks -6 27 with points accumulating from both phases. The 2nd division 2009-10 season provided Moores Tribunal 15 37 the most nail-biting and A Team Apart 14 36 exciting finish for many Studio Banana FC -27 30 years, as the first division Madrid Reds -51 24 winners were decided only Barones de la Birra -42 21 by head-to-head goal difFinbars 67 -61 14 ference records and the second division title was FC Británico -140 9 settled on the final day by La Parada Número 12 -129 0 just one point. InMadrid will be keeping track of the league this season with results and reports. Also, if you are interested in joining a team and can commit to playing regularly at the weekend, EFL Madrid is always recruiting new players. Send an email with the subject “EFL Bosman Board” to lewis.carroll@honeywell.com. Recent FC Británico Results: 27 Sep 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct

Club Juventud Elipa FC Británico AAVV Los Rosales FC Británico

4-5 3-2 2-3 0-4

FC Británico AD ESC Balonmano Villaverde FC Británico CD Palestra Atenea

25 Nov–7 Jan The Ashes, Australia

Rugby Union 6 Nov 3.30pm–England v New Zealand 6 Nov 3.30pm–Wales v Australia 6 Nov 6.30pm–Ireland v South Africa 13 Nov 3.30pm–England v Australia 13 Nov 3.30pm–Ireland v Samoa 13 Nov 3.30pm–Wales v South Africa 13 Nov 6.15pm–Scotland v New Zealand 19 Nov 8.30pm–Wales v Fiji 20 Nov 3.30pm–England v Samoa 20 Nov 3.30pm–Scotland v South Africa 20 Nov 6.30pm–Ireland v New Zealand 27 Nov 3.30pm–England v South Africa 27 Nov 3.30pm–Scotland v Samoa 27 Nov 6.15pm–Wales v New Zealand 28 Nov 3.30pm–Ireland v Argentina

Tennis 30 Nov–5 Dec ATP Champions Tour Final, London

Golf 25–28 Nov Dubai World Championship

Baseball 27 Oct–4 Nov World Series

✄ 10

NOVEMBER 2010

Rules of engagement The games last only 25 minutes each half, but perhaps the most striking difference from other leagues is the absence of a match official. What began as a purely practical solution to the problem of having no impartial referees soon

Some notable rules of the game There is no offside rule. Futsal balls are used (less bouncy, but similar in dimensions to size four balls). Goalkeepers can pick the ball up from a defender’s back pass. Goalkeepers can leave the goal area. Outfield players can enter and score goals in it. Substitutions are unlimited. When the ball leaves play via the touchline, the game is restarted with a kick-in, not a throw-in. However, corners are thrown in, not kicked. W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

Liga Tercera de Aficionados, Grupo 7 Table Teams

Matches Points

Goals E

E.M.F. AGUILAS MORATALAZ "B"

C.D. RACING DE MORATALAZ

F C BRITANICO DE MADRID

CLUB RIVER VALLECAS

SPARTAK MADRID C.F.

A.D. COSMOS HURACAN

A.D. VILLAVERDE BAJO

C.D. NUEVAS PALOMERAS

CLUB JUVENTUD ELIPA

SPORTING VALDEBERNARDO-EL BRILLANTE

ESC. FUT. A.V. LA CHIMENEA "B"

C.D. PALESTRA ATENEA

C.D. AUTOLAVADO DELUXE

AA.VV. LOS ROSALES

C.D. SAN CRISTOBAL ANGELES "B"

A.D. ESC. BALONMANO VILLAVERDE

A.J.D.C. LA MANCHA "B"

ABSOLUT SPORT "A"

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Madrid’s green scene Janel Torkington looks to set a trend beyond the Retiro by finding the city’s smaller parks and open spaces

ou were into Radiohead–before they sold out. You own six different colours of Ray-Bans. You laugh, ironically, at the ubiquitous Spanish mullet. Let’s face facts: you’re a hipster (but don’t worry, we won’t call you that!), and nothing is any good if other people like it. So why, dear culture snob, are you still wiling away your hungover Sunday afternoons in the Retiro? It’s got Lonely Planet written all over it, and in all likelihood the Palacio de Cristal makes several Frommer’s Top 10 Lists. You require more elite stomping grounds, and fortunately InMadrid has done the hard work for you. Even though hot summer afternoons have now been replaced by a freshness and chill that can almost bite you, we’ve investigated the best green areas on your well-worn map, all worth a walk or a stroll to escape the ever-bulging commercial centres, and a certain popular park, as we head towards Christmas. Maybe you’ll have to wrap up a little for these secret spots, but get in quick–before they fill up or sell out too.

Parque de Roma Barrio: Estrella. Metro: Sáinz de Baranda. Three words: Free outside fun. Size: Strollable in 10-15 minutes. History: Dedicated to Italy during a visit from the Italian President in 1980. Facilities: Ample elevated picnic space–one of the few viewpoints in Madrid–overlooking the junction El Nudo de O’Donnell. Free exercise area, including an Escalera de Dedos (finger stairs) which looks more like finger torture than anything else. The only rocódromo (rock climbing structure) in the Retiro district: free, outside, and 12 meters tall! Also the Jardín de Plantas Aromáticas y Táctiles, an irregularly shaped collection of intriguing shrubbery. The best part: Ping-pong tables–bring your own ball/bats–next to a miniature lake, complete with fountains and a weeping willow. Great for: Getting active on the cheap in one of Madrid’s most hidden pockets of green.

Parque del Cerro del Tio Pio

Photo: Janel Torkington

Wide street cutting through gorgeous Madrid neighbourhood, yet inaccessible to car traffic. The best part: A pocket of calm in the midst of the bustling city proper. Great for: Daytime outside reading or evening city walks.

Parque de Peñuelas Barrio: Acacias. Metro: Pirámides. Three words: Sand, structures, skies. Size: A few blocks wide, a few more long. History: Has served as an exercise and social area for the Acacias neighbourhood for years. Facilities: This gridular park is filled with structures of indeterminate form, the majority totally scrawled with graffiti. The park itself is well-kept, and the atmosphere slightly bizarre; the pyramid statues at the entrance mark the way to a world that feels a bit like an alien variation of our own. Clusters of young folks gather here for botellones at night; joggers frequent its paths in daylight. A large playground area is constant home to scores of children powered by sugar rushes. The best part: This very urban park is an unusual spot to bring someone who thinks they’ve already seen it all in Madrid. Great for: Stumbling upon and jogging through.

Parque Quinta de La Fuente Del Berro

Parque del Cerro del Tio Pio

Photo: Janel Torkington

Jardines de Descubrimiento Barrio: Salamanca. Metro: Colón/Serrano. Three words: Statues, skaters, strolling. Size: Precisely 1.87 hectares, better understood as one city plaza. History: Inaugurated in 1970 during the remodelling of Plaza de Colón; redesigned to include less lawn and more gravel as a waterconservation measure in 2006. Facilities: Loads of benches lining heavily-frequented urban sidewalks, making for top notch people-watching. Enormous statues dedicated to the celebration of historical exploration. Serves as a cover for the subterranean Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid, including Teatro Fernán Gómez, which houses a variety of nightly performances from all over the globe. The best part: Spectacular sunsets make the surrounding office buildings glitter with the final rays of Spanish sunlight. Great for: Practicing any variety of skater tricks, ranging from rollerblades to skateboards, in very good company.

Paseo de Doctor Vallejo Nágera Barrio: Acacias. Metro: Acacias. Three words: Lush urban passage. Size: Five blocks of tree-lined street. History: Named after Juan Antonio Vallejo-Nágera, Spanish author of prize-winning novel Yo, el Rey. Facilities: Conveniently accessible just off Ronda de Maria de la Glorieta. Benches provide perfect perches for watching the world stroll by while the sun tucks in for the night; the mix of demographics in this unassuming urban garden is fascinating. Nearby Jardín del Párroco Sánchez Cámara replete with playground equipment is perfect for young’uns with way too much energy. T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Barrio: Estrella. Metro: O’Donnell. Three words: Free roaming peacocks! Size: More than 13 hectacres of wanderability. History: Long famed for being one of the best water sources in the city. King Felipe IV’s personal water used to be transported to him on the backs of donkeys from this very park. Facilities: Enormously varied foliage representing the four Iberian ecosystems, complete with Cultural Centre and an extensive signposted route. Dappled sunlight filtering through layers of leaves in the most poetic way possible. Joggers, dog-walkers, families, old folks, and lovers all fit into this atmosphere. A placid mini-lake is home for a few stray ducks, too. The best part: Peacocks, baby! Enticed by those who would gift them the choicest leftover picnic crumbs, a whole family struts their feathery stuff just outside an old mansion housed in the park grounds. Great for: Studying in the sun, or procrastinating in the shade.

Parque del Cerro del Tio Pio Barrio: Vallecas. Metro: Portazgo/Buenos Aires. Three words: Jaw dropping viewpoint. Size: Biggish. History: Constructed in the ‘80s to cover a demolition site; now represents a progressive urbanization movement for many vallecanos. Facilities: Commonly known as El Parque de las Tetas (Park of Breasts) due to the form it takes; there are seven hills in all, but the two northernmost are the most remarkable. One of the few natural viewpoints in Madrid, where the horizon stretches from east to west as far as the eye can see. Giant grass-covered hills reminiscent of old standard Windows wallpaper. The best part: A bottle of wine at sunset on the top of a tit makes for one of the most unusual, romantic and inexpensive dates in the entire city. Great for: Readjusting your perspective of Madrid. Parque de Roma W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

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Rainbow people: Una Voz Multicolor The struggle, the stage and the story-telling. Sumer Dayal meets Sara Montgomery Campbell, founder of a Madrid theatre group for immigrants and refugees

“

Hi! I’ll be there in literally three seconds!” So phones Sara Montgomery Campbell as I watch her rushing across Gran Vía to join me for a drink and a chat. As we order coffee and take a seat, I am greeted with a perfect English accent, while the barista is greeted with a perfect Spanish one. The 28-year-old actress was born and bred in Hammersmith, West London and studied theatre in Dartington College, Totnes. After an unfulfilling stint in London where she was juggling five jobs at the same time, Sara arrived in Spain with theatre company Moving On. She worked with schools, performing in English and then later in Spanish, and now is a part of Barak Producciones Teatrales. But the real drama begins on Saturday mornings when she holds the workshops for Una Voz Multicolor, a theatre group she founded only 10 months ago—and it’s no ordinary company of actors.

Heart of the matter UVM is a theatre project made up entirely of immigrants and refugees. What’s more, they’re ready for an audience with a production right around the corner. Sara first came up with the idea for the social project in 2009 and wrote to CEPI (Centros de Participación e Integración), which operates information and social centres for immigrants in Madrid. The objective was to find people for the group and create a play based around them and their stories. “It’s something I felt I could do because I had done it before in England, and seen the positive response not just for the participants but for others as well—in schools and community centres.” Immigration is relatively new in Spain. We see immigrants, but almost never hear why they’re here. “You miss the human side,” Sara explains, “and that’s what I wanted to try and share . . . the feeling of being a foreigner and the emotional side of being away from family—things that people take for granted when they haven’t lived away from home. They’ve all come here for a reason, and they’re very valid reasons.” UVM seeks to provide a voice for those who have none, but the process wasn’t as easy as Sara would have liked.

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“When I first thought of it I imagined I would get people from Romania, Africa, China, but it was really hard to get the immigrant centres to help.” She finally found a source of funds through the charity division of the savings bank La Caixa. Today many financial institutions operate policies of providing money for “creative projects in social development that have a positive effect on society,” a category under which Sara convinced them she came. In January 2010, La Caixa approved her application. What she now has is a “rainbow of people” from incredibly different lifestyles. The group is a mixture of migrants both legal and illegal; some live in their own homes, some in refugee centres, and some have refugee status while others remain “in limbo”. So is it tricky working with people under those circumstances? “Communication is actually not that bad,” claims Sara, “Spanish is quite well known along with a little English. I wanted to create a group that was solid and had a family feeling. It’s difficult because it’s not a priority for them all the time—if they have any job offer or interviews, but I know they’re grateful.” Have their backgrounds made it more complicated? “Well at first we worked and played without touching their stories, to develop some enjoyment. After two months, those exercises allowed them to open up and express themselves.”

Masking inhibitions For the play, the script has been formed using the information they have told her, immersed with their own personaliW W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

ties and “alter egos” they created as part of the performance. Through it all, expressive and creative self-designed masks are used to portray various personas. Sara has her own thoughts on that: “It’s very interesting. When you’re wearing a mask, you’re protected. You can lose inhibition. It’s funny because it got them to create alter egos, yet their alter egos completely reflect them; they were able to create characters that were so reflective of what had happened to them and how they see the world. Other characters are fictional—but at the same time autobiographical.” And each individual has quite a story to tell. A few days later I walk through cold “dungeons” (as Sara likes to call them) and we turn into the rehearsal room containing couches, a table, some lights and the holy “theatrical space” that actors know so well. One by one, I am introduced to each of the core members of the group.

The players Lizbeth, from Colombia, used to be a social worker in the country’s Health Department. Trouble began when she received threats following her discovery of corruption within her hospital and official government employees. Unfortunately, the next hospital she worked in led to another discovery—ambulances used for transporting drugs. The constant threat to her life and lack of protection in Colombia forced her to flee. Hossein is a political asylum-seeker who came to Spain a year and a half ago. A teacher in Iran, he tried to change the corruption in Iranian political parties but was prosecuted by the government and had to leave. Having been a professional actor during his early years, he jumped at the opportunity to do the project. Maryam, another Iranian, divorced her husband after a history of conflict. She wanted to get away from him and leave Iran but left her son behind in the process as her husband refused to relinquish him. She hasn’t had any news about him for three years but hopes to bring him to Spain one day. I move on to a bright lady named Margarita, a Nomad in Argentina who left her native town due to economic issues. She hopes to return there in the future. Victoria, the youngest member of the group, is charming and enthusiastic. She’s from Ciudad Juarez—one of the most dangerous and destroyed cities in all of Mexico. Then there is Gonzalo from Bolivia, who came here purely to find a better life.

Encore All of them have had a previous association with theatre. When I ask why they are in the group, they all say the same thing—it’s about meeting different people, about being free to express themselves, their feelings and their stories. The reception Sara and UVM now receive has improved with many immigrant centres interested in their play. “We want it to be free—we want to take the play to schools and cultural centres,” says Sara. “What we want,” Lizbeth summarises, is to “try to make people not see immigration as a threat.” The group has definite performance dates, but is still searching for more venues. Is it something people will want to see? “Yeah,” reckons Sara, “it’s definitely informative. I think there are some really lovely moments in it. We’ve tried to make it as humorous as we can, not depressing, and tried to be as real as possible” The process? Rewarding. Hindrances? Plenty, even from supporters. Interested? You better be.

Una Voz Multicolor graces the stage on the following dates: 10 Dec, 8pm, Centro Hispano Romano, C/Goya, 5, Alcalá de Henares; 11Dec, 9pm, Espacio Temporal Tribal, C/Loreto y Chicote, 3, (Metro Callao); 16 Dec, 7pm, Centro Hispano Colombiano, C/Ronda de Segovia, 34, (Metro: Puerta de Toledo); 17 Dec, 6.30pm, Centro Hispano Americano Sur, C/Esteban Terradas, 15, (MetroSur: Casa de Reloj, Bus 481) T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

interview

Left to write Best-selling author Ken Follett speaks to Elizabeth Ellis about politics, success and his latest novel, Fall of Giants Mr. Follett looking pensively at himself

hank goodness Ken Follett is not making a living as a fortune teller. The best-selling author and long-time Labour Party member is explaining why he has just given £100,000 to the campaign to elect Ed Balls as the new Labour leader. “All three leading candidates–Ed Miliband, David Miliband and Ed Balls–are very smart, very clever, very intelligent,” he says, “but I think Ed Balls has a better sense of judgement. There’s intelligence and then there’s wisdom, which are slightly different things, and I think Ed Balls is the wisest.” And, he adds, “He’ll be Prime Minister one day.”

Middle Ages spread

“

It was a dramatic and violent century. I lived through half of it, most of my readers lived through half of it, and their grandfathers and grandmothers lived through it —it’s our story.”

It was Ed Miliband who won the leadership contest at the end of September, so history sadly went against Follett’s view, which is ironic considering it is history that has made the one-time journalist a household name around the world. Indeed, you can barely hop on the Metro without seeing somebody nose-deep in his most famous work, The Pillars of the Earth, which has become a writing phenomenon. The story, about the construction of the fictional Kingsbridge Cathedral during England’s Middle Ages, has sold in its millions since publication in 1989, and has also spawned awardwinning board games and a TV series starring Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen and Donald Sutherland, which recently debuted on Cuatro. Its follow-up, World Without End, cemented Follett’s reputation as a first-class historical novelist, and now he has another worldwide success on his hands with Fall of Giants. The English language version of this latest weighty tome boasts more than 800 pages, includes a list of characters, and follows the lives of five families in the early 20th century, touching on major events such as World War One, the Russian Revolution and the fight for female suffrage. What’s more, it’s merely the start of a trilogy named Century, which will tell these families’ stories from 1900 to 1989.

of Vitoria unveiled a bronze statue of him. It’s located in the Plaza de las Brullerías, near the city’s cathedral. Follett followed the cathedral’s restoration closely, and it became a great source of inspiration for World Without End. “It’s the only time someone’s ever wanted to put up a statue of me and I must say I was very flattered indeed,” he says. His children found the idea very amusing, to the point of asking if the statue would show him seated on a horse. “It’s a very good likeness, just a bit taller and handsomer, but that’s all right.” Spain will feature in the second book of the Century trilogy, by virtue of its bloody Civil War. “It was a very important international event and it’s an episode that has a long chapter in the book,” says Follett. “Several of my characters play different roles in the conflict.”

Stress and success After writing the much-loved Pillars of the Earth tale, some authors might feel the weight heavy on their shoulders. For Follett, success spurs him on. “I do feel a pressure but I don’t find it overwhelming. It’s a good pressure because if I write a page and I think, ‘That’s not very good but it’ll do’, then I think about all those millions of people who enjoyed reading my past books and are looking forward to the next. I can’t give them a page that’s just okay—it’s got to be what they’re hoping for. That makes me tear it up and start again.” Nor has his thirst for life in Kingsbridge diminished. “When I’ve done this trilogy I will probably go back there. I’ll be ready for it then,” he continues, “I didn’t want to do another medieval novel immediately after World Without End but in another four years’ time [when the final part of the trilogy is published], I’m sure I’ll be very happy for it.”

Quality prevails

It is the scale of the piece that attracted Follett. “I wanted a huge topic,” he reveals. “It was a dramatic and violent century. I lived through half of it, most of my readers lived through half of it, and their grandfathers and grandmothers lived through it—it’s our story.” Whilst some stereotypes exist in the book—the plucky housekeeper deflowered by the evil aristocrat, the upper-class lady fighting for working women, the jack-the-lad who always gets in (and out) of scrapes—these do not prevent it from being a page-turner. “I make up characters to fit the plot; the plot comes first,” Follett admits. His talent is to find the human level of any subject, be it building a cathedral or leading a futile charge across No Man’s Land, and exploit that to the full, putting flesh and blood on the bare bones of history and bringing them to life. The major characters have real substance.

In recent years, historical fiction has become über-chic. Will its success be its downfall? Not in the eyes of Follett. “There’s a future for all sorts of stories—it just depends on how well they’re done. They used to say, in publishing circles, that there’s a market for historical novels except for the Middle Ages. All these things about fashions and trends—it’s more to do with the quality of writing in the book. The Da Vinci Code was a success because the suspense was done so brilliantly. All this about whether Jesus had an affair with Mary Magdalene, I don’t think that’s what made it a success and I think it’s a mistake to try and imitate that. If people want to write a successful thriller, they should try to imitate Dan Brown’s suspense. It’s brilliant.” Perhaps surprisingly for someone so at home writing about the past, Follett is very much a 21st century man. “I’m very fond of comforts—hot baths and cashmere sweaters. If I were transported back to the Middle Ages I think I’d have a terrible time. I wouldn’t be able to sleep for one thing: itchy blankets. I’m quite fond of living in modern times with all the modern comforts.”

Family matters

Labour of love

The timeframe is a world away from his Middle Ages classics, but the main theme of Follett’s sagas is the same: the family. “All the best stories are about family,” he says. “We all live in one and we all understand the tensions and the conflicts.” In fact, family is looming large for Follett at the moment. His second wife, Barbara, for many years Labour MP for Stevenage, left Parliament at the last election and has now joined the author on his campaign trail to promote Fall of Giants. “It’s a mixed blessing,” he laughs about working so closely with her, before adding, “It’s kind of fortuitous that Barbara has retired from politics because the admin of my business has become a very large task. World Without End doubled my readership and doubled the number of requests for interviews, for contracts, all that sort of thing, so she’s helping me run the business.”

It was his love of luxury that saw him being branded a “champagne socialist”. For a while, he and his wife, whom he met at a Labour Party meeting, were leading figures in New Labour. Barbara, who was embroiled in the recent expenses scandal, is credited with teaching several party members the importance of image while Follett organised the so-called “Luvvies for Labour”, a list of celebrity party members who were encouraged to attend £500-a-head fundraisers. However, the love affair ended quickly after Tony Blair’s election success in 1997, with Follett, in 2000, writing a scathing newspaper article in which he said the then Prime Minister risked being remembered as the man who made “malicious gossip an everyday tool of modern British government.” The beginning of Century deals with the rise of the Labour Party, but will it conclude with the triumph of New Labour? “The third book will end in 1989, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, and I don’t think ‘New Labour’ as a phrase had been invented then,” comments Follett, “but I think I’ll maybe sneak in a little one line reference, just to amuse everyone.” And with that, no doubt he’ll have another best-seller on his hands.

Shared history

A great cast Not that Follett’s best-sellers have only brought him an increased workload. In 2008, the 61-year-old found himself the subject of a highly unusual gesture for a popular writer when the Basque city T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

www.ken-follett.com

W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

NOVEMBER 2010

A real tribute? If you didn’t manage to see the host of big names in Madrid last month–Guns N’Roses, a-ha, Sting, Elton John–all is not lost. Lauren Moment-Walker plays catch-up on the web, and finds imitation the most entertaining form of flattery

Andrew Oliver as Elton

t’s not always easy to see your favourite band or artist. Even assuming you can afford a ticket, demand often outstrips supply. But if you missed our city’s star-studded October line up, ranting on about the real McCoys is only going to rub salt into an already open wound. You need something that’s a little different. You need some fun. You need the joy of a tribute band.

Name is the game Although tributes were initially created to honour the original band, many have grown to have their own fan base. If they are of true calibre then they may even get a hit single or have to stand in for the real thing at a soldout concert. Oasis tribute band NoWay Sis actually had a top 40 hit in 1996 with their EP I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing. However, sometimes the best part of tribute acts is actually the name of their group. Usually based on the original band name, tributes really do come up with some amusing alternatives. How about a reggae-style tribute with “Dread Zeppelin”, or maybe the all-female “AC/DShe”, or perhaps you fancy a Scottish blend of Alice with “Gallus Cooper”? Whatever your choice, you’re normally in for a good laugh if nothing else.

Dress the part It seems that the more memorable the original acts are, the greater number of tribute artists exist. Not surprisingly, Abba tributes are plentiful, and often in the UK it’s difficult to find a Chinese restaurant that isn’t hosting an Elvis impersonator. Perhaps eccentricity is part of the job description when you set up a tribute band? Or maybe it’s easier to impersonate someone who has a unique style? Undoubtedly, the wigs, makeup and crazy clothes are half of the entertainment factor. So who are the close alternatives for Madrid’s A-list October stars? We’ve sought out some individuals, plus an Elivs for good measure, who are forever ready to leap off the pop music subs bench. Of course, no review would be complete without a grade and what better than to allocate wigs, to a maximum of five. They just seemed so appropriate. Honestly, who needs long queues, packed venues and lukewarm beer when you’ve got this lot?

Guns N’ Roses Tribute act: Gansos Rosas www.myspace.com/gansosrosas Location: Madrid The Sound? The guitar riffs were great. Unless you are a very loyal Guns N’ Roses fan you might not even realise

they are not the real McCoy. The vocals were really good too, especially for non-native English speakers. The Look? Slightly younger than the original members are today but they definitely manage to pull off the sultry rocker look. The only thing missing would be a couple of bleached blond members to really do the tribute justice. The Video? The web videos are all filmed at gigs, and the one for “Sweet Child of Mine” seems to have been recorded by someone who was headbanging at the same time. But the band is rocking throughout! Worth a listen? The real deal! Just add a couple of headbands and some blonde hair dye to really rock my boat. Definitely recommended, and keep an eye on any forthcoming gigs in Madrid.

a-ha Tribute: Minorearth-Majorsky www.myspace.com/tributebandaha Location: England The Sound? Considering they are supposedly the only aha tribute band in the world, I expected better. They didn’t quite manage to hit those famous high notes in “Take on me”. Also, their strong Liverpool accents differ quite a lot from Morten Karket’s Norwegian background. The Look? It must be said that they are not quite as handsome as the original heart throbs and disappointingly there’s not a mullet in sight. The Video? Filmed at one of the band’s gigs (possibly by the lead singer's mum). Someone seems to walk out at the beginning. Worth a listen? Very doubtful. The real a-ha are planning to retire at the end of this year after 25 years in the music business. Will the tribute band take that as a cue?

Sting & The Police Tribute act: Paul Metcalfe & The Counterfeit Police www.stingtribute.co.uk/index Location: England The Sound? It’s not easy to impersonate Sting’s distinctive gravelly voice, especially on the bigger hits such as Roxanne, but this guy almost had me fooled. The Look? The similarities between Sting and this tribute artist are quite uncanny. Paul’s age, build and floppy 1980s hairstyle make him a very convincing front man for The Counterfeit Police.

The Video? Black and white tribute to the haunting original, only with less orchestral backing. Worth a listen? Indeed! Check out their online video library and you will be positively surprised. Who needs Sting when you’ve got Paul Metcalfe for a considerably lower price.

Elton John Tribute: Andrew Oliver www.andrewoliver9.co.uk/index.html Location: Cyprus The Sound? Great piano player with some very quick fingers on him. Unfortunately I feel he lacks that effortlessly powerful voice that makes us love Elton John. The Look? He certainly looks the part when he’s performing: glasses, wig and eye-catching clothes leave no room for doubt. The Video? Crocodile Rock-a fun, low-budget parody. Watch Andrew prepare his transformation to Elton and count the costume changes during the song! Worth a listen? I have doubts. Not my favourite tribute, but high on fun and energy. Mind you, you’ll have seen a lot worse at Karaoke.

Elvis Tribute: Si Si Riders www.myspace.com/sisiriders Location: Madrid The Sound? A suprisingly tight act. Lead singer Jeff Hogan even has the King’s trademark vocal-vibrato down to a tee and the backing band are solid and punchy. The Look? Well, it’s difficult to be Elvis when you’ve fair hair, but no expenses are spared in the stick-on sideburns department, and glittery, largelapelled shirts abound. The Video? Poor quality, short snips filmed at gigs, but serve to prove that these boys can rock and roll. Worth a listen? If you like to bop your socks off to old school rock and roll, highly recommended for a fun night out.

Five great places to buy... Colourful Confectionery

■CAMINO MARTÍNEZ

If you think sweets are just for children, it’s time for you to check out some of Madrid’s wonderful sweet shops. You’ll find delicious delights for all ages, but don’t throw a tantrum when you have to leave

BonBon, dulces del mundo. This shop allows its customers to travel around the world within its floor space as it sells candies from countless different countries. BonBon stocks more than 160 kinds of sweets, including chocolates and biscuits from Germany, jelly beans from the US (with 24 flavours), liquorice from Holland and Austria, as well as delights from Turkey, Italy, and Australia. It’s the sweetest way to go sightseeing. C/Fuencarral, 133 (Metro: Bilbao). Tel: 91 446 50 78. www.dulcesdelmundo.com. Mon-Sun 11am-2.30pm, 3.30-9.30pm.

Jelly bean heaven at BonBon

NOVEMBER 2010

Caramelízate. Opened five years ago, this was one of the pioneers of a new generation of sweet shops for adults. With a modern and smart decor of grey and acid green, its space houses lots of original sweets like marshmallows, candies, chocolates with nut or champagne centres, and natural sweets made with yogurt or fruit juice. It also sells unique sponge and iced cakes. C/Hortaleza, 94. (Metro: Chueca). Tel: 91 702 61 00. Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, 4:30-9pm, Sat 11am-2pm, 5-9pm.

Oomuombo. A wonderful name for a wonderful chain of shops, with three bright establishments in Madrid, specializing in Swedish sweets. They offer a wide range of candies, made with natural colouring and without artificial preservatives. One specialty is the preparation of colourful sweet baskets, with a striking mix of candies, lollypops and jellies, which make perfect presents. C/Núñez de Balboa, 28 (Metro: Velázquez.). Tel: 91 576 72 94. C/Alcalá, 129 (Metro: Príncipe de Vergara). Tel: 91 435 09 16 and C/Fuencarral, 27 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 522 18 58. www.oomuombo.com. Mon-Sat 11am-9 pm.

Sött & Salt Swedish confectionery shops seem to be proving very popular in Madrid right now, and this is the third establishment which has a range of Scandinavian delights. Located in front of the Palacio de los Deportes, small and cosy Sött & Salt offers lots of candies, sweets and even salted goodies. They have a wide range of gift boxes, which can be filled as customers desire. C/Goya, 113. (Metro: Goya). Tel: 91 402 56 02. www.sottsalt.com. Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 12-9pm.

Pröva-lo. Also stocking Swedish delights, including high quality candies, chocolates and liquorices, this shop was inaugurated four months ago in the city centre, just in front of the popular Plaza de Jacinto Benavente. With its nordic and minimalist style, it also has a selection of sugar-free sweets. C/Atocha, 16. (Metro: Sol/Tirso de Molina). Tel: 91 389 66 15. www.provalo.es. Mon-Sun 11am-9pm.

W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

Pröva-lo

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Month Ahead art

Pi CK

■ BY ELENA RODEMANN

o’ the month

Tierra—Prix Pictet, Premio Internacional de Fotografía y Sostenibilidad 2009 Delegación Principado de Asturias C/Santa Cruz de Marcenado, 2 (Metro: San Bernardo). Tel: 91 522 27 36. Tue-Sat 11am-2pm, 5-8pm, Sun 11am-2pm. Free. The Prix Pictet is the first international photography prize that focuses on one of the most important issues of our time, sustainable development, and last year’s twelve finalists will exhibit their work under the theme of “Earth.” Each year, Pictet commissions one of the finalists to create a project about a region in need of humanitarian aid,

such as Bangladesh and Madagascar. Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, is also the honorary Prix Pictet President and awarded the prize in 2009 to the British photographer Nadav Kander who covered impoverished areas of China. Every artist in this exhibition exposes the devastating effects of reckless human behavior and aims to raise awareness about the immediate consequences this has on the world’s environment. Until 28 Nov. Sunday Picnic

Shade of Earth

Prado has such a remarkable collection of his works. 3 Nov-23 Jan.

Paseo del Prado, s/n (Metro: Atocha). Tel: 91 330 28 00. Tue-Sun 9am-8pm. General admission €8, students under 25 €4. Permanent exhibition free Tue-Sat 6-8pm, Sun 5-8pm. Rubens The Prado will end the year with an exhibition dedicated to the renowned Flemish artist Rubens (1577-1640). Despite his dark and somewhat grotesque portraiture, Rubens aimed to transmit an exalted interpretation of human life that would try to encourage individuals to achieve their own personal excellence. He was Philippe IV’s favorite painter and worked closely with the monarchic family, increasing his own prestigious reputation. They constantly asked him to paint for their royal palaces in Madrid, which helps explain why the

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza Paseo del Prado, 8 (Metro: Banco de España). Tel: 91 369 01 51. Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. General admission €8, students €5.50. Jardines Impresionistas During the 1900s, gardens served as a gateway into the exotic worlds of Asia and Africa. By importing new species of plants and trees, spectators were immersed and introduced to the richly diverse world they lived in. The Thyssen offers a glimpse of such a gateway through this exhibition by capturing the highlights of the impressionist movement: light, color, and gardens. 16 Nov-13 Jan.

Círculo de Bellas Artes C/Alcalá, 42 (Metro: Sevilla/Banco de España). Tel: 91 360 54 00. Tue-Sat 11am-2pm, 5-9pm; Sun 11am-2pm. €1. Horacio Coppola: Los Viajes This Argentinian artist focused his later years on taking photos mostly of Buenos Aires. However, this collection exhibits the subjects of his trips to places such as Berlin, Budapest, Paris, London, and Brazil. Organised by the Círculo de Bellas Artes with support from the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID). Until 1 Jan.

Other galleries La Alargada Sombra de los Muros: Multiples Visiones Walls separate the rich from the poor, men from women, oppressor from oppressed. They symbolize barriers, restriction, and division. Not only that, physical walls represent the psychological ones that so often burden society and cast endless shadows onto its inhabitants. Four prestigious photographers join forces in this exhibition in order to provoke and challenge the reasons for these walls’ existence. La Casa Encendida, C/Ronda de Valencia, 2 (Metro: Embajadores). Tel: 902 430 322. Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. Free. Until 14 Nov. Hong Hao: My Things Small, colourful pieces and objects make up Hong Hao’s world. He

theatre

Book Keeping

Hong Hao

exposes them in this collection of photographs while shedding light on the role of consumers and the power material objects seem to have over them. Galería Dolores de Sierra, C/San Agustín, 15 (Metro: Anton Martin). Tel: 91 429 01 51. Mon 5-8pm, Tue-Fri 10am-2pm, 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm. Free. Until 23 Dec.

Sturm, Tormenta Interior German artist Frieder illustrates how an internal torment can be reflected through a painting of a stormy landscape. He also invites the viewer to develop a personal and intimate relationship with the environment as he suggests that perhaps it influences us more than we think. Centro de Arte Moderno, C/Galileo, 52 (Metro: Quevedo). Tel: 91 429 83 63. Tue-Sat 11am-2pm, 5-9pm. Free. Until 20 Nov. Made in USA. Arte American de la Phillips Collection In this exhibition, one of the most prestigious museums of the United States, the Phillips Collection of Washington, summarizes

Horacio Coppola

Sturm—Azotea en Palma

■ BY LAURA VAN DE VELDE

Landscape and The Dumb Waiter. Here’s this month’s chance to see some first-class theatre in English. Landscape and The Dumb Waiter are both one-act plays by Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter and will be performed together by theatre company Jujijo. Set in the kitchen of a country house, Landscape shows the difficulties of communication between two people in a marriage. The main characters, Beth and Duff, are each sitting at opposite ends of a table and although they appear to be talking to one another, neither seems to hear the other. The conversation is more like two independent monologues than a dialogue, although the subtlety of the spoken word makes up for the lack of action. In The Dumb Waiter, two hit-men, Ben and Gus are waiting in a basement room for their assignment. They have been working

together for years and consider themselves an excellent and efficient team. But things go pear-shaped and their comfortable routine is interrupted, and all because of a lousy dumb waiter. Teatro Liberarte, C/Francisco Conde, 6 (Metro: Ventilla ) Tel: 91 733 00 29. Tickets (entradas.com, atrapalo.com) 7. Thu-Sat 9pm. 4-6 Nov, 11-13 Nov

La Musica Set in the hall of a cozy, though neglected, provincial hotel, a man and woman meet as strangers, grappling with an array of emotions as they become acquainted. La Musica made its debut in the Studio de Champs Elysées in Paris in 1964, and was later filmed by the BBC. It was one of the first theatrical works of the author, Marguerite Duras, and portrays a heavy contrast of love, anguish, desire, devastation, and hope. This production is in Spanish. Teatro Liberarte, C/Francisco Conde, 6 (Metro: Ventilla ) Tel: 91 733 00 29. Tickets (entradas.com, atrapalo.com) 7. Thu-Sat 9pm. 18-20 Nov, 25-27 Nov

Agamenón The protagonist of this comedy is a modern Agamemnon who, instead of going to fight at Troy, starts his own revolution at the temples of consumer society–a supermarket and a fast food joint. From there he questions many aspects of modern-day life and speaks

the country’s artistic history from the mid 1900s to the mid 20th century. Artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Robert Motherwell reflect on what it really means to be an American. Fundación Cultural Mapre, Paseo Recoletos, 23 (Metro: Colon/ Banco de España). Tel: 91 581 61 00. Mon 2-8pm, Tue-Sat 10am8pm, Sun 12am-8pm. Free. Until 16 Jan.

dance out against the insensitivity and loneliness that the desire to consume has brought to our lives. Sala TIS, C/Primavera, 11 (Metro: Lavapies). Tel: 91 528 13 59 Tickets (entradas.com) 11. 9pm, 3, 10, 17 Nov

Imprópolis Imprópolis is a decadent city where the rules are dictated by the heroes and villains of improvisation. Every day, two teams of actors compete in eight rounds to face the most rapid and innovative challenges. They are allowed to use wildcards and to challenge their rivals. Every day, the city needs a champion and the audience has the last word. Sala TIS, C/Primavera, 11 (Metro: Lavapies). Tel: 91 528 13 59 Tickets (entradas.com) 11. 10.15pm, 5,6,12,13,19,20,26,27 Nov

Macbeth Vanessa Martinez, the director of this adaptation of Macbeth, tries to stay close to the original play by choosing only male actors, as was the custom in Shakespeare’s time. With theatre company Defondo she brings live music to the great tragedy about ambition, fate, deception and treachery. Teatro Fernando de Rojas, Circulo de Bellas Artes, C/Alcalá, 42 (Metro: Banco de Espana/Sevilla). Tel: 91 389 24 00. Tickets (entadas.com) 15. 8pm, TueSat; 7pm, Sun. 16 Nov-2 Dec

Frieder

■ BY LAURA VAN DE VELDE

Tacita a Tacita Dancer and choreographer Teresa Nieto has been a leading name in the dance world for 20 years now, and with Teresa Nieto en Compañía she will be marking the date with her latest show Tacita a Tacita. The performance follows the dancer’s career by celebrating the most important moments, recreating the most moving and memorable of her performances over the past two decades. Teatro del Canal, C/Cea Bermúdez, 1 (Metro: Canal). Tel. 91 308 99 50. Tickets (entradas.com) 15. Thu-Sun 8.30pm, 10-12 Nov

Festival Internacional Madrid en Danza This month Teatro de Madrid is hosting the Festival Internacional Madrid en Danza with three firstclass performances. In Ultima Vez, seven dancers–four men and three women–create an energetic contemporary piece. Directed by choreographer Wim Vandekeybus, the dancers are accompanied by poetry and live music. If you are looking for something more traditional, El Corazón de Piedra Verde by the Ballet Nacional de España is based on the novel by Salvador de Madariaga. The performance brings to life the story of Alonso

Tacita a Tacita

Museo del Prado

Brazil 1931

Chongqing IV

and Aztec Princess Xuchitl, who are both born in 1492, on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Finally, El Ballet de Teatres de la Generalitat Valenciana combines four masterpieces (Dafnis y Chloé, Pulcinella, Parade and Bolero) in 1910, Homenaje a los Ballets Rusos. Teatro de Madrid, Avda. de la Ilustración, s/n La Vaguada (Metro: Herrera Oria/Barrio del Pilar) Tel. 91 730 17 50. Tickets (entradas.com or teatromadrid.com) 10- 22. Última Vez 8.30pm, 12-13 Nov; 6pm, 14 Nov; El Corazón de Piedra Verde Tue-Sat 8pm, Sun 6pm, 26 Nov-5 Dec; 1910, Homenaje a los Ballets Rusos 8.30pm, 17-19 Nov

The Dumb Waiter

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W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

NOVEMBER 2010

for the record

concerts

Catch Bon Jovi for one night only on Sat 6 Nov at Teatro Circo Price. Show starts at 10pm. See www.bonjovi.com

■ BY OLIVIA WATERS

Kings of Leon Come Around Sundown Sony

Antony and the Johnsons Swanlights Secretly Canadian

It’s hard to mistake the neo-operatic warble of Antony Hegarty, who under the moniker Antony and the Johnsons has become a kind of hero for outsiders. His piano and string-based chamber songs explore gender boundaries and ask questions about love and death with such an intimacy that you yourself might feel you’re intruding. New album Swanlights is less direct than I am Like a Bird, the album that won him the Mercury Music prize in 2005, but more diverse and positive than its predecessor, The Crying Light. Death and alienation are clearly old news for Hegarty, who’s much more about family and the joy of human love these days. You could even describe him as buoyant on “I’m in Love” as he declares: “I’ve been touched, I’ve been touched”. There’s certainly enough variation on Swanlights to keep you from twiddling your thumbs. “Thank You for Your Love” is a straight bat of a piano ballad which aims at sublimity (though it might have some reaching for the sick bag), but this and the album’s other acoustic mediations are nicely balanced by songs like “Ghost” that boast sweeping strings. As if all this wasn’t enough there’s even a duet with Bjork thrown in (sung in Icelandic, of course).

Shakira Fri 19 Nov Palacio de los Deportes, C/Jorge Juan, 99 (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel. 91 401 91 04. www.palaciodedeportes.com. 45 from www.ticketmaster.es. Held close to many Spaniard´s hearts after her mega hit “Waka Waka” became the soundtrack to the Spanish World Cup win this summer, the Colombian beauty is wiggling her way over Madrid on 19 November. It’s part of her “The Sun Comes Out” World Tour, promoting her album of the same name, before she heads for Lisbon, Bilbao and Barcelona. Up there with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and an early Britney Spears when it comes to unforgettable live performances, a good night of hip-shaking pop is pretty much guaranteed.

La Riviera, Paseo Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com . 22 from www.ticketmaster.es. The man behind the iconic Amelie soundtrack, Yann Tiersen is one of those musicians who you may not realize that you know. Famous for his minimalist yet experimental style and using instruments that range from the piano to the accordion via the harpsichord, 40-year-old Tiersen is touring with his 2010 album Dust Lane, which has been almost universally praised as yet another example of this Frenchman’s musical versatility. Check him out at La Riviera on the 16th.

booking ahead

One Last Fruit

NOVEMBER 2010

Fri 19 Nov La Riviera, Paseo Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com . 35 from www.ticketmaster.es If Colombian pop princesses are not your cup of tea, then you could ditch Shakira at the Palacio and head on over to La Riviera, where Scottish veteran rockers Primal Scream will be bringing the house down as part of their tour to relive their seminal 1991 album Sreamdelica. An absolute must for anyone in need of a reminder of what good rock music is all about.

Yann Tiersen Tue 16 Nov

Badly Drawn Boy It’s What I’m Thinking, Pt. 1 I remember hearing Damon Gough, the artist known as Badly Drawn Boy, reveal in an interview that he wrote a song every week. Seeing as though a decade has passed since he first made it big with The Hour of Bewilderbeast, you’d expect him to be pretty amazing at it by now. But overshadowed by more imaginative upstarts like Jamie T and Sufjan Stevens, Badly Drawn Boy has struggled to find an audience in recent years, and new album It’s What I’m Thinking, Pt. 1: Photographing Snowflakes is actually something of a comeback after he was dropped by EMI. The first in a trilogy, the album is about Gough rediscovering his mojo, and charts his return from rock bottom. It’s a welcome return to a more basic approach, with gently picked chords suffused throughout and ghostly vocals that barely rise above a whisper. With the fragile beauty of openers “In Safe Hands” and “The Order of Things”, it looks as though Gough is feeling his way back to being an artist, leaving the lean years behind him.

Primal Scream

Photo (CC) flickr: shadowgate

After a four year hiatus, Belle & Sebastian are back with new album, Write About Love. While Stuart Murdoch doesn’t completely abandon the swagger and swing of The Life Pursuit, this is altogether a more poppy affair. The album explodes into life with the glorious, all-consuming chorus of opener “I Didn’t See It Coming”, as Murdoch pleads: “Make me dance, I want to surrender.” At a festival this year, the group was introduced on stage by a DJ who described them as a band “for anyone who loves the smell of a secondhand book shop.” True enough perhaps, but those who dismiss Bell & Sebastian’s music as “fey” have always missed a trick, which the brightness and urgency of “I Want the World to Stop” and “Come on Sister” confirms. Write About Love is a worthy addition to the band’s oeuvre, in parts so danceable you almost don’t notice the relative flatness to Murdoch’s usually pungent lyrics.

Sat 20 Nov Palacio de los Deportes C/Jorge Juan, 99 (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel: 91 401 91 04. www.palaciodedeportes.com 35 from www.ticketmaster.es What must be one of the most anticipated gigs of the year, Montreal superstars Arcade Fire finally hit the mammoth Palacio de los Deportes this month to perform their epic new album The Surburbs. In keeping with their previous two discs, the album is full of sweeping, orchestral melodies and life-affirming beats. With a firm focus on the weirdness and complexities of modern life, Fire have done it again—a simply stunning offering of impossible-to-forget tunes and thoughtful lyrics. If you are lucky enough to get yourself a ticket for the floor (something this lazy music writer hasn’t managed to do), then you can be rest assured that you are in for one of the best gigs in Madrid during 2010.

Photo: primal_scream_myspace

Belle & Sebastian Write About Love Rough Trade

Arcade Fire

Photo (CC) flickr: alterna2

My ambivalence about the last Kings of Leon record was apparently shared by few people. Only “By the Night” was a 2008 megahit and a great leap forward for the band, at least commercially. With follow up album Come Around Sundown, it seems the band is content to further court the masses. This is done by leaving all the hooks, vibrancy and ramshackle charm of their debut album to one side, in favour of guitar effects, vocals bathed in reverb, and generally anything that might help create a grandiose, more “epic” sound. It’s all very U2, though at least that band can always count on having an “edge”. There’s little here that’s risky or experimental—the cod-soul bass interludes of “Birthday” and the Eagles-tinged “Mi Amigo” readily are typical fare. Lyrics continue to be singer Caleb Followill’s great Achilles heel. Consider without cringeing this drab couplet from “Back Down South”: “Underneath the stars, where we parked the cars.” It’s an album not without charm, the Spector-esque brilliance of “Mary” and punk-funk of “The Immortals” will certainly be popular with FM radio audiences, but apart from a broad mainstream appeal, it has precious little else going for it.

Photo (CC) flickr: harshlight

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

Imogen Heap

Photo: Michael Crook

Mon 27 Nov Sala Heineken, C/Princesa, 1 (Metro: Plaza de España). Tel: 91 547 57 11. www.salaheineken.com. 18 from www.ticketmaster.es A true British gem, Ms Heap has been making massive waves in both the UK and the US, with her tracks being featured on a number of television series and films on both sides of the Atlantic. Her electronic, vocal-heavy and genuinely individual style has become synonymous with the latest incarnation of the Cool Britainnia music scene. “Immy” is also an absolute treat to see live–just her, a kick-ass synth and decks combo, and her distinctive voice.

W W W. I N M A D R I D . C O M

Kings of Leon Wed 1 Dec, Palacio Vistalegre, C/Utebo 1 (Metro: Vistalegre) www.palaciovistalagre.com. 46 from www.ticketmaster.es. Anni B Sweet Thur 2 Dec, Teatro Lara, Corredera baja de San Pablo, 7 (Metro: Tribunal) Tel: 91 523 90 27. The Divine Comedy Thur 2 Dec, Joy Eslava, C/Arenal, 11 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joy-eslava.com. 24 from www.ticketmaster.es. M.I.A. Mon 6 Dec, La Riviera, Paseo Virgen del Puerto, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Angel/Principe Pío). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. 25 from www.ticketmaster.es Lady Gaga Sun 12 Dec, Palacio de los Deportes, C/Jorge Juan, 99 (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel: 91 258 60 16. www.palaciodeportes.com. 65 from www.ticketmaster.es MGMT Fri 17 Dec, La Riviera, Paseo Virgen del Puerto, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Angel/Principe Pío). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. 25 from www.ticketmaster.es Motorhead Sun 19 Dec, La Riviera, Paseo Virgen del Puerto, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Angel/Principe Pío). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. 36 from www.ticketmaster.es Fito & Fitipaldis Thur 30 Dec, Palacio de los Deportes, C/Jorge Juan, 99 (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel: 91 258 60 16. www.palaciodeportes.com. 26 from www.ticketmaster.es Thin Lizzy Fri 28 Jan, Joy Eslava, C/Arenal, 11 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joy-eslava.com. The Script Sun 13 Feb, , La Riviera, Paseo Virgen del Puerto, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Angel/Principe Pío). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com. 23 from www.ticketmaster.es The Wombats Mon 28 Feb, Joy Eslava, C/Arenal, 11 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joy-eslava.com. 20 from www.ticketmaster.es.

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

live listings Rock/pop BOITE, c/Tetuán, 27 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 522 96 20 www.boitemadrid.com 4 Nov: Novak 5 Nov: Correos 9 Nov: Balmorhea + Persons 10 Nov: Morti 11 Nov: Maikel de la Riva + Levistrauss + Jaime Anglada 12 Nov: Nur 16 Nov: Torche + Adrift 17 Nov: Platos Rojos 18 Nov: Hendrik Rover 19 Nov: Jere 24 Nov: Colectivo Oruga 25 Nov: Lantana 26 Nov: The Situations + Sacramento 27 Nov: Max Noi Mach + Fasenuova + Homnatges SALA CARACOL, c/Sebastián Elcano, 18 (Metro: Embajadores). Tel: 91 527 35 94 www.salacaracol.com 5 Nov: Dub Inc 6 Nov: Oceansize 10 Nov: The Coral 12 Nov: Vargas Blues Band 13 Nov: Uzzhuaia 19 Nov: Los Lunes al Rock 24 Nov: Electric Six SALA CATS, c/Julián Romea, 4 (Metro: Islas Filipinas/Guzmán el Bueno). Tel: 91 535 22 27. 6 Nov: Alma Rota 12 Nov: A Medias 13 Nov: Maria Villalon 19 Nov: Albores 20 Nov: The Garage Players + Sannon y The Ladies 25 Nov: XYZ 26 Nov: Homenaje a Javier Urquijo CONTRA CLUB, c/Bailén, 16 (Metro: Opera). Tel: 91 523 15 11 www.contraclub.es 4 Nov: Las Uvas la Ira 5 Nov: Contraindicanciones 6 Nov: Contraindicanciones 11 Nov: Paul Zinnard 12 Nov: Contraindicanciones 13 Nov: Contraindicanciones 17 Nov: Flamencos y Otras Aves 18 Nov: Malicia Cool 19 Nov: Contraindicanciones 20 Nov: Contraindicanciones 25 Nov: GipsyJam con Robbie K Jones 26 Nov: Contraindicanciones 27 Nov: Contraindicanciones COSTELLO CLUB, c/Caballero de Gracia, 10 (Metro: Gran Vía) Tel: 91 522 18 15. www.costelloclub.com 3 Nov: Nixon & Ramon 4 Nov: Nixon & Ramon 5 Nov: Lacara 6 Nov: Local Qua4tro 8 Nov: Turner Cody 9 Nov: Concierto Sorprisa 11 Nov: Patricio B 12 Nov: HMTK + Diecisiete 13 Nov: Alberkowitz Band 15 Nov: Cesar Pop 17 Nov: Marta Tchai 18 Nov: Noche Movistar 20 Nov: Rene 27 Nov: Gizmo SALA GALILEO GALILEI c/ de Galileo, 100 (Metro: Islas Filipinas/Canal). Tel: 91 534 75 57/58. www.salagalileogalilei.com 1 Nov: Sergio Layos 2 Nov: Festival Beneficio Fundación IUVE 3 Nov: Noche Sabinera 4 Nov: Antilopez 5 Nov: Rafael Amor 6 Nov: Julio De La Rosa 7 Nov: Pilar Machi 8 Nov: María Rodes + Pájaro Sunrise 9 Nov: Las Marías 10 Nov: Marcus Doo & The Segret Family Stay 11 Nov: Dr Sapo

GRUTA 77, c/Cuclillo, 6 (Metro: Oporto). Tel: 91 471 23 70. www.gruta77.com 3 Nov: Inspector Cluzo 4 Nov: Peter Pan Speedrock + La Banda del Destierro 5 Nov: Discordia + Surko + Debruces 6 Nov: Transfer + Desakato + Delito y Medio 7 Nov: Trueno + June Mack + Dawn to Dusk 8 Nov: Bajo Instinto + Los Personajes + Carbono 14 9 Nov: The Jackets + The Dark Colours 10 Nov: Big John Bates & the Voodoo Dollz (Canadá) 11 Nov: Siena Root (Suecia) + Mystic Frequency Worm 12 Nov: Nick Curran (EEUU) + The Nu Niles 13 Nov: Templanza + Cardinal + Star Mafia Boy + Kain Tubal + Amtigua + Mr Rock + Los Caskarrabias + Punto de Mira 14 Nov: Nadye + Sin Palabras 16 Nov: Familia Atávica + Tostadas + Mortimer Generator 17 Nov: Presentación del libro “Simpatía por el relato” con: Juan Abarca (Mamá Ladilla) + Luter + Angel Petisme + Dani Insolenzia y las lecturas de Felipe Zapico + ani Salcet + Carlos Pina + Eduardo García “Luter” + Agnes Lilith + Monty “Sweet Little Sister” + Iñaki Estévez 18 Nov:No Aloha + 5 Cobras 19 Nov: Vómito + El Bueno, el Feo, el Malo y el Octavio 20 Nov: Waldorf Histeria + Los Summers + Amenaza Amarilla 21 Nov: The Delegators (UK) 23 Nov: Eric Sardinas (EEUU) 24 Nov: Sex Museum 25 Nov: Jet Boy (EEUU) + The Diesel Dogs 26 Nov: Desastre + Quemadura 27 Nov: Al & the Black Cats (USA) + Dusty Trip 28 Nov: Deniro + Cohen 30 Nov: Los Empollones + Los Cachorros + Los Penúltimos SALA HEINEKEN, c/Princesa, 1 (Metro: Plaza de España). Tel: 91 547 57 11. 2 Nov: Crystal Castles 3 Nov: Danko Jones 4 Nov: Fuzzy White Casters 5 Nov: Front 242 7 Nov: Y&T 9 Nov: W.A.S.P 10 Nov: The Zombies 11 Nov: Angelus Apatrida 12 Nov: The Drums 17 Nov: Cathedral 19 Nov: Sidecars 20 Nov: Asfalto 24 Nov: Drive-By Truckers 27 Nov: Imogen Heap 29 Nov: Monster Magnet JOY ESLAVA, c/Arenal, 8 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 366 54 39. www.joy-eslava.com 5 Nov: Marlango 11 Nov: Delafé y las Flores Azules 14 Nov: Imelda May 18 Nov: Los Coronas 19 Nov: Pink Tones MOBY DICK CLUB, Avda del Brasil, 5 (Metro: Santiago Bernabéu). Tel: 91 556 17 44. www.mobydickclub.com 3 Nov: Bye Bye Bicycle 4 Nov: Muerte y Destrucción 5 Nov: Sleepy Sun 11 Nov: Mabu 12 Nov: The Wedding Present 24 Nov: Corinthians 25 Nov: Dead Cape 27 Nov: Stormy Mondays PALACIO DE DEPORTES DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID, c/Jorge Juan 99 (Metro: Goya/O Donnell). Tel. 914 019 104. www.palaciodedeportes.com 6 Nov: Miguel Rios 19 Nov: Shakira 20 Nov: Arcade Fire

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

COMPILED BY OLIVIA WATERS CAFÉ LA PALMA, c/Palma, 62 (Metro: Noviciado). Tel: 91 522 50 31. www.cafelapalma.com 4 Nov: Erostato + Lyenn 5 Nov: Cream Revolution B 8 Nov: The Adepts + Basico Permanente 11 Nov: Raíces y Puntas 12 Nov: Cosmonauta 18 Nov: Daniella Saettone 19 Nov: Mr Kilombo 20 Nov: Jimbo 25 Nov: T J Jazz presents Remix 26 Nov: The Groovin´ Flamingos 27 Nov: Festival Maga LA RIVIERA, P° Bajo de La Virgen, s/n (Metro: Puerta del Ángel/Príncipe Pio). Tel: 91 365 24 15. www.salariviera.com 2 Nov: Crystal Castles 4 Nov: Los Delinquentes y Tomasito 5 Nov: Blind Guardian 6 Nov: La Union 8 Nov: !!! 9 Nov: Hombres G 10 Nov: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 12 Nov: Vampire Weekend 13 Nov: Therion 16 Nov: Yann Tiersen 17 Nov: Alter Bridge 18 Nov: Joe Satriani 19 Nov: Primal Scream 20 Nov: Pretty Maids 26 Nov: Loquillo 30 años SALA SIROCO, c/San Dimas, 3 (Metro: Noviciado). Tel: 606 421 750. www.siroco.es 4 Nov: Red Soul Community 5 Nov: Santosde Goma + Rusos Blancos 6 Nov: Espanto + Ruleta China 8 Nov: Acapulco Intersexual 11 Nov: The Altonites 12 Nov: AKATZ + THe Upsttemians 13 Nov: La Familia Torelli + The Oldians 18 Nov: The Brassass ska-jazz ensemble 19 Nov: Fiesta Aplasta Tus Gafas De Pasta 20 Nov: Lo Museo + Two Death Cats 25 Nov: Esne Beltza 26 Nov: Rumle Sound Sustem + Thunda & The Shield 27 Nov: Soho + Market Garden SALA EL SOL, c/Jardines, 3 (Metro: Gran Vía). Tel: 91 532 64 90. www.elsolmad.com 5 Nov: Rubik + The Soulbreaker Company 6 Nov: Single 10 Nov: School of Seven Bells 11 Nov: Willy Naves 15 Nov: The Strange Boys 18 Nov: Dinero 19 Nov: Napoleon Solo LA TABACALERA, C/Embajadores, 53 (Metro: Embajadores). 10 Nov: Blue Identity

Flamenco LAS TABLAS Plaza de España, 9 (Metro: Plaza de España). Tel: 91 542 05 20. www.lastablasmadrid.com CARDAMOMO C/Echegaray, 15 (Metro: Sol). Tel: 91 369 07 57. www.cardamomo.es CASA PATAS C/Cañizares, 10 (Metro: Antón Martín). Tel: 91 369 04 96. www.casapatas.com

nightlife

■ COMPILED BY EMMA PARNWELL

: Cheap,

: A bit more pricey,

: Damn! That’s expensive!

dance & mixed CLUB COLORS, Laydown, Plaza de los Mostenses, 9 (Plaza de España). First & third Fri of the month, 12.30am-3am. www.myspace.com/clubcolors Dance, sit, or even lie down while listening to the beats inspired by different electronic and dance genres at this “sexy groove session”. COPOLACLUB, c/San Hermenegildo, 7 (San Bernardo/Noviciado). Wed-Sun 11pm-3.30am. www.copolaclub.com Funky disco-bar with jazz, soul, pop and chilled house upstairs and electronica and techno downstairs. Test out your DJ skills on weeknights. € FOROCIO.COM FIESTA DE INTERCAMBIO, Sala Torero, c/Cruz, 26 (Sevilla). Wed. www.forocio.com. Meet people from all over the world at this awesome international party. € JOY ESLAVA, c/Arenal, 11 (Sol). Daily 11.30pm-6am. www.joy-eslava.com. Hosting lots of guest bands and DJs, Joy attracts a mixed crowd who get all dolled up to dance to an eclectic mix of music. €€ KAPITAL, c/Atocha, 125 (Atocha). Thur-Sat midnight6am. Over-the-top seven-floor macro-club playing everything from house to hip hop to Spanish pop. €€€ NEU!CLUB, Sala Galileo Galilei, c/Galileo, 100 (Islas Filipinas). Sat 9.30pm-5.30am. myspace.com/neuclub. Electronica, bluegrass, Motown, 60s, rock and pop during the musical, cultural and audiovisual nights, plus live music and DJ sessions. €€ OCHO Y MEDIO, c/Mesonero Romanos, 13, corner of Gran Vía, 34 (Callao). Fri 1-6am. myspace.com/ochoymedio. Popular night featuring electro-disco, bastard-pop, punk-rock, new wave and postpunk. €€ OUI MADRID, c/Jorge Juan, 99 (Goya). Thur-Sat midnight-3am. www.ouimad.com. Start the night off right at this chic restaurant which turns into a nightclub around midnight. Take the elevator to the top floor and dive into the crush of people. Don’t forget to dress to the nines! €€€ PACHA, c/Barcelo, 11 (Tribunal). Thur-Sat midnight-6am. www.pacha-madrid.com. Ultra-classy Pacha, a major force in Madrid since the 80s, now plays house, hip hop and commercial music on three floors. Worth a try, but leave those Converse at home! €€€ REINA BRUJA, c/Jacometrezo, 6 (Callao/Santo Domingo). Fri-Sat 11pm-5.30am. www.reinabruja.com. Well-mixed, popular hip hop and R&B for the fashionable youth of Madrid. €€ YA’STA, c/Valverde, 10 (Gran Vía). Thur-Sat midnight6am. www.yastaclub.net. Thursdays are jazz, funk and soul, Fridays are dirty rock and electro, and Saturdays are techno and psychedelic trance. Talk about a complete weekend! €€

indie pop & rock ESPIRAL POP, c/San Andrés, 23 (Tribunal/Bilbao). Wed-Sun 11pm-3am. myspace.com/espiralpop. Pop and electro pop at this funky café with featured DJs. € INDEPENDANCE CLUB, c/Santa Engracia, 26 (Alonso Martínez). Thur-Fri-Sat midnight-6am. www.independanceclub.com. Enjoy popular, danceable indie-pop and rock at this excellent indie club. Email info@independanceclub.com with your full name, number of people and day attending for free entry! € SALA TABOO, c/San Vicente Ferrer, 23 (Tribunal). Thur-Sat 11pm-5.30am. www.taboo-madrid.com. Hosting both concerts and DJs, this Malasaña venue has it all, from funky electronica to punk-rock to trip-hop by upcoming artists. Watch out for its indie night, Dots Club, on Thursdays. €€ TRANSMISSION CLUB, Sala Star Studio 54, Plaza del Carmen, 3, lower floor (Sol). Fri 11pm-3am. myspace.com/transmission_club. Here’s a bar with a heavy musical focus, even mixing up the styles—postpunk, gothic, 80s and more—depending on the night. € TUPPERWARE, c/Corredera Alto de San Pablo, 26 (Tribunal). Wed-Sun 10pm-3am. myspace.com/tupperwarebar. Super-kitsch design and an indie-pop vibe that gets everyone dancing. € WILD THING BAR, c/Martín Machio, 2 (corner Padre Claret) (Alfonso XIII). Sun-Thur 9pm-close, Fri-Sat 10pm-close. www.wildthing.es. DJs rock this artsy bar with 90s and indie greats every night of the week. Make sure you take advantage of its happy hour on Thursdays from 9pm to 1am, when beers are only €2! €

electro, house, techno & drum’n’bass Celtic/folk Finbars tel: 91 548 37 93 The Irish Rover tel: 91 597 48 11 Taberna Elisa tel: 91 369 74 263

We do our best to keep these listings up to date but clubs come and go so if you see anything incorrect in here, please let us know by sending an email to editor@inmadrid.com. You’ll automatically be entered in a draw to win a free pair of cinema tickets

CAPOTE, c/Santa Teresa, 3 (Alonso Martínez). TuesSat 10pm-5am. This little gem of a bar puts on a good show with resident DJs Timo and Roberto Jean. Enjoy some tasty house music to whet your appetite. €€ CASSETTE CLUB, Sala Boite, c/Tetuan, 27 (Sol). Sun midnight-6am. myspace.com/clubcassette. Electro to

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Sal 1 Jueves al Mes Nightlife @ Sala Heineken Spotlight C/Princesa, 1 (Metro: Plaza de España), Thur 4 Nov from 9.30pm. Free. www.salunjeuvesalmes.com

The club night that has become a monthly staple never disappoints, and always warms the cockles as winter begins to draw in. Headlining the night for the beginning of November are The Whip, winging their way over fresh from playing the Warehouse Project in their native Manchester. Expect an energy-packed, electro-poppy evening as this band delivers a fun and lively set reminiscent of Hot Chip. Also joining them will be Fuzzy White Casters, a synth rock band from Valencia who have played with the likes of the Arctic Monkeys and who are definitely one to watch for the future. help ease you into the working week with a smile on your face. A cool night for a cool crowd. €€ DARK HOLE, Sala Flamingo, c/Mesonero Romanos, 13 (Callao/Gran Vía). Sat 1-6am. myspace.com/darkholegothicclub. Madrid’s unofficial gothic headquarters. Listen to dark ambient, electro and goth music until dawn. €€ DOMINION CLUB, Sala Jala Jala, c/la Puebla, 6 (Callao/Gran Vía). Fri 10.30pm-3am. www.myspace.com/dominionclubmadrid DJs Fran Raven and guests spin a dark mix of EBM, dark electro, synth pop, industrial electro and future pop. FREE DU:OM, Sala Heineken, c/Princesa, 1 (Plaza de España). Fri-Sat midnight-6am. www.duomclub.com. Dress to impress and dance the night away to house and progressive house provided by some truly talented DJs: Hugo Serra, Iván Pica and Pombo. €€€ ELIXIR, Changó, c/Luchana (corner of Covarrubias) (Iglesia/Bilbao). Sat midnight-6am. A classy venue with good-looking people, hot go-gos, decadent design and dance music till dawn. €€€ LOW CLUB, Sala Pirandello 1, c/Princesa, 3 (Plaza de España). Fri-Sat midnight-6am. www.intromusica.com. Spend your weekends dancing away to resident and international DJs spinning the latest electro and techno beats. €€€ MOMA 56, c/José Abascal, 56 (Gregorio Marañon). Wed-Sat midnight-6am. www.moma56.com. Dance to resident DJ Koke’s tunes at this disco bar. €€ MONDO, Sala Stella, c/Arlabán, 7 (Sevilla). Thur-Sat 0.306am. www.web-mondo.com. Funk and electronica feature in this fantastic venue located smack dab in the centre of town. Fridays lean more towards house, techno and electro under the night’s pseudonym, The Room. This is a place you night-owls won’t want to miss! €€ OHM, Plaza Callao, 4 (Callao). Fri-Sat midnight-6am. myspace.com/ohmclub. Great house DJs, great people and a great vibe. And don’t miss Weekend on Sundays, which features funky house. €€ 69 PÉTALOS, Avda Alberto de Alcocer, 32 (Cuzco/Colombia). Fri 11pm-6am. www.grupo69petalos.com With a shake-up of funk, RnB and popular house, plus cabaret, ludicrous outfits and general debauchery, the totally fabulous 69 Pétalos will leave you begging for more. €€ SUPERKLUB, Sala COOL, Isabel la Católica, 6 (Santo Domingo). Sun midnight-6am. Sunday evenings just got better than ever, with Superklub spilling non-stop house music into your Monday morning as if the weekend was never going to end. €€€ TWIST CLUB, Sala Wind, c/Montera, 25 (entrance in Plaza del Carmen) (Gran Vía). Thur midnight-6am. myspace.com/twistmadrid. By far the best drum ‘n’ bass night around. Head over and get hooked on music from Xol and you’re sure to have your Thursday nights booked. €€ VOODOO CLUB, Sala Moon, c/Aduana, 21 (Sol). Fri midnight-6am. Voodoo is a Friday club session that caters for all the urban tribes, an offbeat night with a wide music policy covering the whole broken beats spectrum (from hip hop, dubstep and breaks to dirty electro and drum&bass). Whether it’s on the main dancefloor with its booming sound system and amazing light show, in the intimate backroom or at the chill-out bar, you’ll just love the venue and the cosmopolitan crowd it attracts.

reggae, funk, jazz & world music

Tue, Wed: shows 1.30am; Thur: shows 1.30am & 3.30am; Fri, Sat: shows 1.30am, 2.30am & 3.30am. www.berlincabaret.com Located in La Latina, Berlín Cabaret attracts a diverse audience spilling out from the many bars in the area. It offers a lively, funky atmosphere with eclectic music ranging from the Jackson 5 to “La Lambada” and live cabaret shows, such as Psicosis Gonsales and In Drag. €€ LA BOCA DEL LOBO, c/Echegaray, 11 (Sevilla). WedSat 10.30pm-3.30am. www.labocadellobo.com Rock, funk, electronic jazz and rare groove served up four nights a week, plus live music. €€ COSTELLO, c/Caballero de Gracia, 10 (Gran Vía). Daily 6pm-3am. www.costelloclub.com. Everything from funk and electronic jazz to pop, rare groove and rock music. €€ EL JUGLAR, c/Lavapiés, 37 (Lavapiés). Daily midnight-3am. www.salajuglar.com. Get your daily dose of funk, house, reggae and breaks at this neighbourhood hotspot. € EL JUNCO, Plaza Santa Bárbara, 10 (Alonso Martínez). Daily 11pm-6am. www.eljunco.com. Late-night funk and electronic jazz. €€ MARULA CAFÉ, c/Caños Viejos, 3 (La Latina). Daily 10.30pm-6am. www.marulacafe.com. Come and get your funk on at the palace of funk, also known as Marula Café. € SWEET FUNK CLUB, c/Doctor Cortezo, 1 (Sol/Tirso de Molina). Thur-Sat midnight-6am. sweetfunkclub.com. Feel free to get a little dirty at this hip-hop club near Sol. €

special nights AUDIUM @ Pirandello 2, C/Ventura Rodriguez, 7 (Metro: Ventura Rodriguez), Sat 20 Nov 10pm-6am. www.audiumclub.com Head down to Audium to catch an old school Detroit techno veteran, Stacey Pullen. He’s been spinning the decks since the early 90s and is credited with influencing scores of artists as he incorporated garage and house into more traditional techno styles. A drummer before he started mixing, his rhythms are second to none and his most recent tunes have been clearly influenced by his travels as they incorporate African sounds into European melodies. UP @ SALA PENELOPE MADRID, C/ Hilarión Eslava, 36 (Metro: Moncloa), Fri 12 Nov 10pm-4am. www.penelopemadrid.com An electronic music club night that has been going from strength to strength, this month Up brings us a treasure in the form of Mistress Barbara, an internationally renowned techno DJ who has been conquering the male dominated world of dance and picking up a multitude of awards along the way. The Italian-born but Canadian based DJ has played alongside the likes of Carl Cox and Richie Hawtin and her latest efforts have seen her adding her own vocals to her tracks so be sure to expect something special. EL JUNCO JAZZ CLUB, Plaza de Santa Barbara, 10 (Metro: Alonso Martinez), Sun and Tues from 11.30pm. www.eljunco.com If you fancy being transported back to the 1930’s for the evening head down to El Junco on a Sunday or Tuesday night. Fittingly, the final day of the weekend showcases a Blues Jam session featuring an array of amazing talent; a pleasant way to wallow at the gloomy prospect of the forthcoming Monday morning. Alternatively, for a mid-week treat there is another jam session, this time with Jazz being the order of the evening. Whichever night you make it, this venue provides the ideal backdrop for a lazy evening of whiskey and music and if you have the energy then the resident DJs after the live performance will have you on the dancefloor as they spin Latin and Carribean influenced funk and nu-jazz. Perfect.

BERLÍN CABARET, c/Costanilla de San Pedro, 11. Mon,

NOVEMBER 2010

moviereviews Let Me In (Déjame entrar) Tomas Alfredson’s Let the Right One In is an excellent film. Let Me In, Matt Reeves’ remake, is also very good. Truth is, it’s mostly just a carbon copy with little to differentiate it, albeit English speakers won’t need to read subtitles. The story focuses on an isolated little boy, Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee), whose parents are divorcing and who’s bullied mercilessly at school. Out in the yard of the shabby apartment building where his family lives, he encounters a quirky girl whom he slowly befriends. Abby (Chloe Moretz) has got her own problems–she’s hungry and relies on her guardian to bring her human blood to drink. You’ve got it–she’s a vampire. And her bravery and toughness, no doubt learned over several hundred years of life, is a good help for Owen and his situation with his bullies. Let Me In is a strong movie, with some of the concluding hiccups of the original smoothed out. But its chief flaw is that it doesn’t achieve anything very different–the atmosphere is awesomely bleak and chilly, the young cast, just as in the original, is compelling and sympathetic. In fact, one starts to wonder about the objective in making it. Good flick, just perhaps a bit redundant. Out now

The Other Guys (Los otros dos) This one’s just comedic low-hanging fruit: Will Farrell, Steve Coogan, Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson in a buddy cop movie spoof, written and directed by Adam McKay, the guy behind Anchorman. Go ahead. It’s ripe for picking. Allen (Ferrell) and Terry (Mark Wahlberg) are two police officers living in the shadow of workmates Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson) and Danson (Dwayne Johnson), who are the kinds of cops action movies are made about. These two

The Other Guys

bad-ass superstars are big NYPD deals, leading car chases through the city, smashing things up and spouting tough-guy one-liners, all to the delight of the folks back at the office. Allen lives in awe of them; Terry wants the chance to be them. He gets that chance when he’s handed a case no one else wants but that could be a career-maker. So Terry’s got to get Allen on board with him–and a handle on his own anger issues–so that they can earn their own glory. The odd couple turn out to make a decent team but the issues they uncover reveal corruption in the police department suitable only for real heroes to tackle. The Other Guys is pure fun. The cast, even down to the minor parts, is hilarious with Ferrell in particular at his nerdy, dense best, although Marky Mark is no slouch here either. The plot may have some twists and turns that leave you scratching your head, and may add just a few unnecessary minutes to the story, but for the most part this is just a whole lot of clever, silly comedy. Out 12 Nov

Chloe It’s hard to say what exactly doesn’t work here. Julianne Moore and Liam Neeson give good performances. Amanda Seyfried is perfectly sexy. And generally, intrigues involving sex and deception are pretty good watching. But Chloe keeps its audience at arm’s length and leaves us guessing about what it wants to be. Amanda Seyfried plays the title role, a call girl who Catherine (Julianne Moore) fortuitously meets right around the time she wants to “test” her husband, David (Liam Neeson), who seems to have a wandering eye and, she suspects, other wandering parts too. Catherine hires Chloe and asks for reports back–and the steamier the reports, the more complicated the women’s relationship gets. Eventually, it all becomes too much for Catherine and she’s ready to pull the plug on the whole deal but that’s when Chloe kicks it up a notch and takes a lesbian-Fatal Attraction turn. The chemistry between Moore and Seyfried is good, but Chloe is excessively enigmatic. She orchestrates an impressive deception at the centre of the story, but it’s hard to figure out why. Is she just crazy? What would be the fun in that? At any rate, between Chloe’s mysterious motives and David’s sleazy if not technically cheating ways, poor Catherine sure gets worked over, which is a pity because she’s the only one in the film who really merits caring about. Out 26 Nov

bookbuzz The News Where You Are Catherine O’Flynn Viking Catherine O’Flynn is something of a rare flower–a serious and accomplished comic novelist. In The News Where You Are, her follow-up to the multi-award winning What Was Lost, laugh out loud moments are followed by scenes of sadness or poignancy so sharp they’re like being doused in a bucket of cold water. The themes of loss, decay, forgetting and erasing the past are continued in this expertly-crafted second novel. It follows the story of Frank, a local news TV broadcaster whose corny one-liners have made him something of a smalltime celebrity. But he’s happy with his lot, including his wife Andrea and daughter Mo, who provides many of the lighter moments in the book. And he’s not at all interested in moving onto national TV, even though his mentor and predecessor Phil jumped at the chance. When Phil dies in a hitand-run accident, shortly followed by his old national service buddy Michael, Frank starts doing some investigating, and begins to think that there might be more to Phil’s death than first appeared. There are many colourful characters in this book, but perhaps the most prominent might be the city of Birmingham, which with its decay and constant reinvention acts as a metaphor for all the rest. Katherine Robinson

The Moses Expedition Juan Gómez-Jurado Atria Books A mysterious artifact passed down through generations, a Nazi doctor, the Israeli secret service, a terrorist cell, the CIA, a secret society working for the Vatican and a reclusive millionaire all combine in this second novel by prize-winning, Madrid-based writer Juan Gómez-Jurado. In his latest offering, Madrileña journalist Andrea finds herself offered the scoop of a lifetime—an interview with hermetic millionaire Raymond Kayn and the chance to follow his undercov-

NOVEMBER 2010

Jessica Cogan previews the big-screen releases heading to Madrid this month

See independent films at CineMad 2010, from 1927 Nov. www.cinemad.org

Also out

■ BY NICK FUNNELL

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (Ga’Hoole: La Leyenda de los Guardianes) You’d think director Zack Snyder would be hanging his head in shame after last year’s Watchmen, his woeful attempt to adapt Alan Moore’s landmark graphic novel. But he’s back–with a 3D CGI animated adventure about a young owl struggling to save owlkind from the evil Pure Ones (also owls). Based on a popular book series by Kathryn Lasky, surely someone out there will give a hoot. Out now Julia’s Eyes (Los Ojos de Julia) Director Guillem Morales’ horror has been touted as this year’s The Orphanage, which is no surprise as they are both produced by Guillermo del Toro and star Belén Rueda. Rueda plays a woman slowly going blind because of a degenerative condition whose investigation into the apparent suicide of her twin sister–who also went blind due to the same condition–leads her into a terrifying world. Co-starring Lluís Homar. Out now Certified Copy (Copia Certificada) One of the greatest directors working in the world today, Abbas Kiarostami’s first film outside his native Iran is this characteristically playful, Tuscany-set romance about a French woman (Juliette Binoche) and an English man (William Shimell). The film only hints at the exact nature of their relationship. Out now Agnosia Another slick Spanish production, this period thriller stars Eduardo Noriega (Abre los Ojos) and Bárbara Goenaga (Los Cronocrímenes), who plays a woman afflicted by a strange illness that means she can’t properly interpret what she sees and hears. Entrusted with a valuable industrial secret by her father, she becomes the victim of a sinister plot that seeks to prey on her confusion. 5 Nov Fair Game (Caza a la Espía) Not a remake of the 1995 Cindy Crawford movie, but a thriller based on the real-life story of undercover agent Valerie Plame. Naomi Watts is a wife, mum and CIA operative leading an investigation into WMD in Iraq, who finds her covert identity illegally exposed after her diplomat husband (Sean Penn) goes public when the authorities ignore his contribution to trumping up the case for war. Bourne Identity helmer Doug Liman directs. 5 Nov Jackass 3D During the course of an MTV series and two movies, Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and the rest of the Jackass crew got twanged into trees, snorted wasabi and indulged in other foolhardy stunts for our sadistic viewing pleasure. Now they’re back to do it again–this time in three dimensions. 5 Nov Scott Pilgrim vs The World (Scott Pilgrim Contra el Mundo) Like movie Marmite, you’ll likely either love or hate this hyperactive mix of musical, video-game and kung-fu extravaganza from Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright. Based on the comic books by Bryan Lee O’Malley, Juno’s Michael Cera is the 22-year-old geek from Toronto who has to win the heart of the girl of his dreams by defeating her seven Evil Exes in a series of outlandish, Nintendo-style showdowns. Just like everyone does. 12 Nov Flamenco, Flamenco In 1995 Spanish director Carlos Saura showcased the very best contemporary flamenco performers doing their thing in Flamenco. Fifteen years later, he’s recruited the likes of dancer Farruquito, guitarist Paco de Lucía and singer José Mercé once more for this ingeniously titled follow-up. What’s next? Pedro Almodóvar’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown? 19 Nov Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (Harry Potter y Las Reliquias de la Muerte: Parte I) And so we face the final chapter–or rather chapters, as the film of JK Rowling’s bumper last HP book has been split into two. With war waging in the wizard world, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) must rely on each other more than ever as they embark on their dangerous search for the Horcruxes–the key to Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) immortality and destruction. Part II is due out next July. 19 Nov The Way Emilio Estevez directs dad Martin Sheen in this movie about an American doctor whose estranged son is killed in France while walking the Camino de Santiago. Travelling to the Pyrenees to collect the body, Sheen decides to complete his son’s pilgrimage across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, befriending a Dutchman, a Canadian and a blocked Irish writer on the way. If it avoids becoming too big a pile of (Asturian?) cheese, this has the potential to tug a few heartstrings. Though we wouldn’t bet on it. 19 Nov

er expedition to the Middle East to recover the greatest relic in JudeoChristian history, that some say could prove the existence of God. However after an attempt on her life and with murder and sabotage all around, she and old acquaintance Father Fowler quickly realize that nothing on the expedition, and no one, is as it seems. Unlike books on a similar theme, such as The Da Vinci Code, in which characters are often divided into “good guys” and “bad guys”, the characters in Gómez-Jurado’s novel are much more complex. Andrea herself is a flawed heroine, and everyone has shady pasts and demons to battle with. The enigmatic Father Fowler (former soldier, CIA agent and priest) seems to manage to work for everyone and, at the same time, no one but himself. Even if you have not read the author’s first novel, God’s Spy, it won’t prevent you from enjoying the suspense and mystery supplied in The Moses Expedition which climaxes with an ending that benefits such a precise and well-crafted plot. Vicky Knill

The Accident Ismail Kadare Canongate Books As far as gripping starts go, The Accident, set against the tumultuous backdrop of war and its aftermath in the Balkans, is bang on the game. A taxi crashes through the motorway barrier in Vienna, flinging its passengers—a man and a woman—out of the back doors and to their deaths. The driver regains consciousness but cannot explain what happened. Only that something he saw in the back seat distracted him, disturbed him even. The passengers “had done nothing… nothing but… they had tried… to kiss.” The investigation into the incident uncovers the story of the relationship between the two deceased Albanian immigrant lovers, Rovena and Besfort. For 12 years they had been conducting an obsessive affair in hotels across central Europe. An unnamed researcher pieces together their compelling story through receipts, letters and testimonies from Rovena’s friend and her lesbian lover, who is convinced Besfort was intent on murdering Rovena. Ismail Kadare, winner of the 2005 Man Booker International prize has crafted a steamroller of a novel which is neither thriller, romance, nor crime novel, but perhaps a little of each genre. It starts seemingly straightforward enough, but soon takes on a dream like quality. Sometimes it’s confusing. When a woman is shot in the ribs then fixes her wound with a sticking plaster and gets up the next day to go about her business, something is clearly not as it should be. The end of the novel might not bring the resolution the reader is hoping for, but the journey is reward enough. Long after you’ve turned the last page, some of the wonderful imagery lingers on. Katherine Robinson

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The Rest is Jungle and other stories Mario Benedetti Host This is a collection of short stories by the late Uruguayan author Mario Benedetti, who is considered one of Latin America’s most important 20th-century writers, but remains less well-known to the English-speaking world. The stories were written over a timespan of more than 50 years, the first dating back to 1949, and show the development of this multi-faceted author. Some of the early stories poke fun at the pettiness of bureaucracy and depict the frustrations, pretensions and dreams of the petit-bourgeoisie. Others focus on childhood and adolescence. But his early tales also hint at the darker times ahead for Uruguay and neighbouring countries on the South American continent. Like many Latin-American authors of his generation, he believed that writers had a responsibility to take a political stand. After the political coup in 1973, Benedetti’s work was banned and he went into exile. During that time, he wrote his darkest stories, about the violence people perpetrated upon each other during the “dirty wars”. In Listening to Mozart a torturer is depicted in a cozy domestic scene, and the reader’s assumptions of guilt and innocence are undermined. Benedetti’s later stories such as The Rest of Jungle, explore the search for identity of people in exile, but are generally more light-hearted. This collection includes more than 50 tales which are extremely wide-ranging in subject matter, but are sometimes so short that it is difficult to empathize with the characters. Nevertheless, this is a stimulating introduction for anyone who would like to become familiar with Benedetti’s work. Laura van de Velde

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RESTAURANT GUIDE great ideas for eating out in Madrid

Thai Restaurant The authentic taste of Thailand in Madrid c/San Bernardino, 6. Metro: Plaza de España. Tel: 91 559 83 15

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

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VEGAVIANA Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Madrid Daily Menu 9,70

c/Pelayo, 35 (Metro: Chueca) Tel: 91 308 03 81. Open Tues-Sun 1:30-4pm. Tues-Sat 9-midnight. Closed Sunday & Monday

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Spanish for foreigners 1 Small groups 1 All levels (D.E.L.E. Official Exam) c/Fuencarral, 13-2º, 28004 Madrid Tel: 91 522 31 22. Fax: 91 532 85 09. e-mail: info@carpemadrid.com www.carpemadrid.com

work offered

84E 20 HOURS MONTHLY

140E 40 HOURS MONTHLY * Groups or private classes * Special classes for companies c/Carmen, 6 — 28013 Madrid 91 522 04 72 - 91 521 10 04 91 522 18 57 - 91 531 38 56 e-mail: info@cee-idiomas.com

English-speaking Staff (native) wanted for top Irish Bar Good pay, conditions and a great atmosphere Call 627 782 955

work offered

Salespeople We are looking for freelance, (commission-only, first 3 months) sales people. Very attractive commissions and bonuses and a permanent position for the right person. You should be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have a high level of English and Spanish. Please send your CV to work@in-madrid.com

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

Madrid School of Languages is looking for native English, French, German and Italian teachers with teaching qualification and experience for the academic year 2010-2011. Please send CV to: coordinador@madridschool.com or call at 91 554 01 63.

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NOVEMBER 2010

service guide service guide service guide service guide service guide work offered

Find out how you can reach our 66,000 readers Call marketing on 91 523 30 91

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

metalwork services work experience

CERRAJERÍA ORBAMA

Want to contribute to InMadrid? Or how about being an intern? If you’re interested in collaborating, send your CV, samples of journalistic writing and ideas for articles to editor@in-madrid.com

Cerrajería Artística Escaleras, Rejas, Barandillas Puertas de Comunidades Cerramiento Vallas Estructuras metálicas Mobiliario Urbano

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web sites

Crisis Biting? Get a Web Site Now! (and pay later)

C/Batres, 21 Local - Getafe 91 681 54 45 - 667 545 101 - 649 930 112 NOVEMBER 2010

travel

Visit www.mad-design.info

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T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

The InMadrid classifieds section is the perfect way to reach the English-speaking international community. To place an ad, visit inmadrid.com and click on classifieds. Obtain the best response from your ad in the shortest time by choosing one of our economical, combined print&online packages,

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

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Visit inmadrid.com and click on classifieds to create your account. DEADLINE FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE IS 22ND OF THIS MONTH. Ads received after this date will be published in the following issue. NOTE: InMadrid is not responsible for the contents of its classified ads. It is the reader’s responsibility to investigate the authenticity of advertisers.

accommodation accommodation-offered 3 ROOMS APARTMENT IN MADRID, SPAIN. Flat to rent near Pavones underground station, in Madrid.Three rooms and a litle living room.Modern kitchen fully furnished, with microwaves, vitroplate, washing machine, new frigo.On the 1th floor, natural gas. Near markets. Well conected to the centre of the town by bus and metro. Posibility spanish classes.Bills includes. Contact me at: International code (0034) celular number: 666 161 898. anapaula_es@yahoo.es. ROOM IN SHARED FLAT - ALONSO MARTINEZ / MALASAÑA Exclusive four bedroom apartment with separate living room. Two toilets, one bathroom. Dishwasher, oven, four burner hob. Very bright with balconies in every room for long or short term rents. Perfectly situated in a very central but quiet location. Various rooms available with prices ranging from €490 to €650. Email: rentals@innovate.es Tel: 67068145 MODEREN 40m2 ONE BEDROOM FLAT TETUAN Modern, bright one bedroom fully furnished 40m2 exterior facing apartment with double bed and large sofa bed available for short or long term lets. Equipped with double glazing and built in 2003, this is really a lovely place to use as your base for your stay in Madrid €795 Email: rentals@innovate.es Tel: 670681435 35m2 REFURBISHED STUDIO FLAT MONCLOA 35m2 fully furnished studio flat with double bed and seperate kitchen. Recently refurbished this flat comes complete with internet, digital TV, washing machine and all necesary cooking utensils. It is a two minute walk from the Ventura Rodriguez metro and less than 10 minutes walk from Arguelles and Plaza España. In he centre of the extremely sought after Moncloa area, great for all students and young professionals. €650 Email rentals@innovate.es Tel: 670681435 ROOM IN PRISTINE SHARED FLAT CHAMBERI Fantastic rooms available in this pristine six bedroom flat. Well sized comfortable living room with seating for six . Large kitchen with dishwasher, four burner hob, two full size fridges and breakfast table. In one of the safest areas of Madrid near Ruben Dario and Iglesia metro stations. A five minute walk from the lovely Plaza Olavide with its abundance of terrace bars, trees and fountain. Prices range from €530 to €650 Email: rentals@innovate.es Tel: 670681435 LOVELY STUDIO WITH SEPARATE BEDROOM AREA FOR LONG OR SHORT TERM LETS - TIRSO DE MOLINA / LA LATINA Lovely 30m2 fully furnished refurbished studio for long or short term lets with seperate bedroom area, air conditioning and heating. Seperate kitchen with washing machine. Well designed flat with internet and flat screen TV. In the very heart of Madrid next to an abundance of bars, restaurants, terraces and theatres. In the sought after area of La Latina & Tirso De Molina. Ideal location as a base for long or short term stays in the center of Madrid, a 10 minute walk from Sol. €660 Email: rentals@innovate.es Tel: 670681435 GORGEOUS ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT 5 MINUTES FROM MARIA DE MOLINA SALAMANCA superbly decorated fully furnished 40m2 one bedroom apartment available for long or short term lets. Fully equipped kitcen with oven, dishwasher, four burner hob and large fridge. Impecably decorated with two white sofas and flat screen TV in the lounge. Abundance of cupboard space with built in wardrobes all along the wall of the bedroom. This really is a wonderful apartment with heating and coolers. €850 Email: rentals@innovate.es Tel: 670681435 Rest of this section on-line at inmadrid.com

books BOOKS IN FRENCH Bibliothèque française pour tous. venez nous voir ! Tous les dimanches de 11h à 13h 8.000 livres : nouveautés, romans, 500 livres pour enfants ( Martine, Caroline, Jojo, Bibliothèque Rose, J ‘ Aime Lire... ) , Bd, Histoire et Littérature ... Métro Nuñez de Balboa ou Serrano Adresse 9 Padilla (porte piétonne) entre Serrano & Lagasca Madrid Espagne Contact Catherine 917599453 Email beatricesohm@gmail.com Téléphone 600555576.

T H E E N G L I S H - L A N G U A G E M O N T H LY

OPEN SUNDAYS J&J Books and Coffee now open on Sundays. Buy, sell, and trade your English books plus great food, drinks and events available. C/Espiritu Santo, 47. Metro: Noviciado. Call: 91 521 85 76. SPECIALS ON NEW AND USED BOOKS EVERY MONTH Petra’s International Bookshop 91-541-7291. C/Campomanes 13, metros Sto Domingo, Callao or Opera.

classes art-classes ART STUDIO MADRID Painting and drawing. Come and discover different techniques in abstract and figurative painting. All levels are welcome. Enjoy and enrich your creativity! Classes in English, Spanish and French. Classes are held also on Saturday mornings. Calle Don Ramón de la Cruz 26, Metro Velázquez. Contact Genoveva at genojuan@gmail.com 669-29-4758. FURNITURE DECO & RESTORATION STUDIO MADRID Furniture restoration & decorative painting. Come and learn to restore old furniture and transform it with different techniques. Discover a new world of decorative painting. No previous skills required. Classes in English, Spanish, French and German. Contact Paloma on 620 362 842. STUDIO: C/San Hermenigildo 18. Metro San Bernardo. Email: palodesell@gmail.com.

music-classes QUALIFIED MUSIC TEACHER FOR PIANO KEYBOARD LESSONS I am an English music teacher, living in Madrid with 20 years experience of teaching the piano, keyboard and violin to Associated Board Grade levels. I have qualified teacher status and am currently also working at an International English school here. I teach children from 5 years old to adults, who have skills ranging from beginners to Grade 8 ABRSM standard. The focus of my lessons is fun and enjoyment coupled with the gradual learning and building of skills. If you would like to begin lessons or find out more information about my lessons please call Martin on 620171364 or 685509861. SPANISH GUITAR LESSONS Teacher, graduated (high degree), gives lessons of Spanish guitar (every musical stile). Students of any age. Classes in English or Spanish. Lessons are 1 hour each, costing 25 euros. Metro: Iglesia (línea 1) Canal (líneas 2 y 7) Telephone: 650672356 Email: astur_kirichian@yahoo.es.

language-classes spanish SPANISH CLASSES FOR FOREIGNERS. ONE TO ONE Do you want to learn Spanish with easy and funny classes? Dynamic and motivated Spanish Classes for foreigners. All levels, from beginners to advance. Private classes. Exams DELE. Contact: Rosa. Native qualified Spanish teacher, 7 years experience, graduated by International House and University of Barcelona. Tel:91 530 67 10/627 555 342 Email:janacor@yahoo.com. SPANISH CLASSES IN CENTRAL MADRID Learn Spanish easily with experienced teacher, graduated by International House. One to one or groups. Materials provided. Grammar and conversation for all levels. DELE exam. From 15 euros negotiable. Contact Javier: 661 871 239. Email: javiersanjoseespeso@hotmail.com. Web: http://javiersanjoseespeso.jimdo.com. SPANISH CLASSES Qualified native teacher with experience. One to one or groups. Grammar, conversation. DELE.Revision text. Zone: Moncloa or in your place. From 15 euros negotiable. Cristina 656 634 343. Email: cristina_dom@hotmail.com. SPANISH CLASSES Private Spanish teacher, 25 years experience, role-play, conversation, grammar, business courses. DELE examination. One-to-one or small groups. Easy learning, low fees. Maria English and French spoken. Tel: 91 573 64 71 or 699 33 15 05. SPANISH ONE-TO-ONE Would you like to know the difference between SER and ESTAR, POR and PARA? Experienced and qualified bilingual teacher offer private lessons only at his place located in Huertas zone. All levels and

reasonable rates. Please call anytime or leave a message at (91) 4201049, or email me for further information: gmarcano60@hotmail.com. CLASES DE ESPAÑOL Si quires aprender español de la forma mas divertida.Tambien se da el material.

english PROFESORA NATIVA DE INGLÉS PARA PEQUES Y ADULTOS Soy Inglesa nativa (de Londres) y llevo 4 años dando clases de inglés a niños, jóvenes y adultos. Clases en grupo (2 a 4 personas) o clases individuales. Llamar para precios y disponibilidad. Clases en su domicilio o centro. Teléfono: 649 95 46 42 email: palomairving@hotmail.com. PROFESORA BRITÁNICA TITULADA DA CLASES DE INGLÉS Profesora nativa de inglés titulada (TEFL CELTA).Inglés general; inglés de negocio; inglés jurídico; inglés técnico (seguros, construcción, informática, marketing, inmobiliaria, energía, medicina, etc.); Business English Certificates; International Certificate in Financial English; International Legal English Certificate (ILEC); preparación a los exámenes de Cambridge (First Certificate, Advanced, Proficiency). 13 años de experiencia en empresas del IBEX-35. Particulares 20€; dos personas 30€; grupos 40€. Llamar al 91 459 12 60/626 065 482 o escribir a profesoresnativosdeingles@yahoo.es. NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER - €5 FIRST CLASS crutchee@yahoo.com The first class is only €5 which is about 30 minutes. This introductory class gives me an idea of the level and need of the student. Below is the price schedule; MY HOME (or café near Tribunal Metro) €15 for 1 hour or €25 for 2 hours (1 class) YOUR HOME (or café if in central Madrid near the Metro) €25 for 1 hour or €35 for 2 hours (1 class) · Native English speaker, · TEFL certified · 3 years experience teaching · Classes will be personalized to your needs. Business, conversation, etc Look forward to hearing from you Rich 678318783 crutchee@yahoo.com. ENGLISH CLASSES AT HOME OR WORK Native, qualified and experienced teachers for all levels. Quality guaranteed by Emerson Language Resources. For information write to info@emersonlanguages.com or call us at 914041290 or check out our web page: www.emersonlanguages.com.

sailing BOATING LICENSES NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster,Powerboat Level Two, VHF & ICC. Own-boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 638056224 / enquiries@serenitysailing.com / www.serenitysailing.com.

clubs

PSYCHOLOGIST Us trained Nicole Sarkiss (English/Spanish) gestalt and social therapy. I offer the appropriate help that is needed to each individual circumstance. call 679 626 754 Madrid centre; First consultation FREE.

desperately-seeking ESTABLISHED BAND SEEKS FEMALE VOCALIST We are looking for a charismatic and talented female singer to sing mostly original songs, mostly in English. Funky style with Latin elements. Contact Mike on 608587382 or Brandon on 627170045 for more details. Rest of this section on-line at inmadrid.com

for-sale This section on-line at inmadrid.com

health-and-fitness ASHTANGA YOGA AND THAI MASSAGE My name is Amorn from Thailand. I live in Madrid almost two years now. I am Ashtanga Yoga teacher and also offer Thai Massage (certified from Wat Pho Traditional Medical School in Bangkok Thailand) and Thai cooking classes at home and outside. My place is located in the center of Madrid, metro Goya and Principe de Vergara. For more information about me and price for Yoga, Thai massage and cooking class, please kindly check at my website: www.BAAN-AMORN.COM or write me at: BRIESELANG70@YAHOO.DE. ESCUELA DHARMA DE YOGA INTEGRAL Hatha Yoga Dinámico, método orgánico. Respiración, fortalecimiento, flexibilidad y relajación. Atención personalizada. Precios asequibles y descuentos. Clases colectivas e individuales. Horarios de mañana, mediodía y tarde. Todos los niveles. Grupo de Meditación. Seminarios de fin de semana. Pregunta por nuestros masajes. Website: www.yogaorganico.es Adress: Asociación Shiva-Shakti de Yoga Integral. c/Pelayo 80 1ºdcha (subway stations: Alonso martinez, Chueca). More information: 91 310 51 81 and info@yogaorganico.es. THERAPEUTIC AND RELAXATION MASSAGES Massage therapist with over ten years experience offers treatments aimed at people who suffer from muscle pains and contractures, tension, circulatory problems, stiffness, stress, anxiety, depression and hormonal disorders. *Ayurvedic massage * Foot Reflexology * Reiki * Rebirthing. Plus, Therapeutic and Deep Tissue massages which combine optimal holistic techniques for longlasting and positive results. English, Spanish and French spoken. Located in Madrid with access to Metro and parking. Home visits, gift vouchers and discounts available. For an appointment or more information, contact: Estelle Vivian: 649 230 145 / estelle.vivian@gmail.com. Web: www.estellevivian.com.

heart-to-heart

clubs-general-social BILINGUAL FAMILIES IN SPAIN SOCIAL NETWORK Social network for families raising children in a bilingual or multilingual environment in Spain. As well as there being loads of information on multilingualism you can also find out about events organised near you or you can join or create groups that interest match your interests. The site is run by other bilingual families and is totally free to join. http://www.bilingualfamiliesinspain.com. PARENT AND CHILD GROUP Single mum wishes to form a Parents Group in Madrid. If you are new in town or a single parent looking to meet other parents with kids or simply want to expand you child’s network of friends then join us for walks and outings with the kids. All nationalities welcome. Write to roseantrobus@yahoo.es or call 626 065 482. Thanks!. Rest of this section on-line at inmadrid.com

clubs-sports FIELD HOCKEY - MIXED SOCIAL TEAM Los Naranjas is a mixed social club with all level of players on the team, from complete beginners to seasoned veterans. We play every weekend between September and June. If interested please contact los.naranjas.hockey@gmail.com. Rest of this section on-line at inmadrid.com

counselling COUNSELLING MADRID Counselling Madrid is devoted to the international community in Madrid. We provide confidential counselling services to students, expats and spouses. Visit our website for more details: www.counsellingmadrid.org. GIVE YOUR REAL BEING A CHANCE TO SHAPE YOUR LIFE Psychotherapist, specialized in Gestalt and Polarity Therapy. Individual sessiones, couples welcome. Area: Goya Mob: 658465645. PSYCHOLOGY/PSYCHIATRY/SPEECH& OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Counselling, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and Occupational therapy services in English and Spanish (some services also available in other languages) for all ages. Our staff of professionals has vast clinical experience helping adults and children in the English-speaking community in Madrid with depression, anxiety, cultural adaptation, couples/relationship problems, sensory impairments, language disorders and more. www.sinews.es.

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hetero CHICO INGLES DE 30 AÑOS BUSCA CHICA chico ingles de 30 años busca chica de buen corazon. vivo permanentemente en Madrid, y tengo mi piso en el centro. ver foto online. sebcp5@hotmail.com 91 115 1095.

intercambios This section on-line at inmadrid.com

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 21:00 at The Quiet Man (Valverde 44 metro Tribunal or Gran Vía). EVERY SUNDAY > International Afternoon from 19:00 at The Quiet Man (Valverde 44 - metro Tribunal or Gran Vía). EVERY WEEK-END > Films in o.v., international dinners, tapas evenings, excursions, sports, wine tastings, cultural visits, parties & many other activities!! For more info contact Fran (madridbabel@yahoo.es) or visit www.madridbabel.es.

jobs jobs-offered MASSAGE THERAPISTS NEEDED FOR MUSICIANVIP CLIENTS We are looking for licensed massage therapists for musicians while on tour. This would be to work on them backstage or at their hotels. You must have Deep Tissue/Neuromuscular experience, own massage table, transportation and a cell phone/email access. We ONLY give serious massages Please email us your resume’, bio and a picture if you want as soon as possible so we can send you more info and get you started. http://www.drdot.com Reply to missy@drdot.com Lieu : Madrid Compensation: Starts at €120 per hour. Backstage rate is €1 per min. Therapists keep 80%. PR COFFE-BAR PR coffe-bar / Relaciones publicas para café bar Zona Alonso Martínez jimbo 670 88 68 77 kensisan@yahoo.es. EXPERIENCED NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS ESTUDIO SOTOMAYOR IDIOMAS is seeking part-time native English teachers for pre-teen children, adults and Cambridge exams

preparation. Personable, dynamic and experienced teachers with TEFL certification and/or relevant university studies, good references and permission to work in Spain. Apply by email to empleo@soto-mayor.com. Tel. 91 353 1406. 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. SPONSORED TEFL COURSE WITH WORK OPPORTUNITIES Oxbridge has two centres in Barcelona and one in Madrid and we teach English to more than 800 students and 150 clients such as corporations, small and large firms, and private students. We provide high quality English classes to all kinds of business people, young learners and adults. We offer one month intensive TEFL courses in English teaching in Madrid. The course is subsidised and costs 400€. There is a short interview for the course. We are also always looking for new, dedicated employees. For further info please send us your CV and a covering letter to tefl@oxbridge.es.

religion This section on-line at inmadrid.com

services Man With Van for Hire Large van with driver available for hire for house & office moves, deliveries and collections (IKEA etc) free help with lifting and carrying included in charges. Hourly and daily rates in Madrid and the rest of Spain. Monthly trips back to the UK and other European destinations. Very good service. English. Call Ian 693 923 051 or guywithvan@hotmail.com. LIVELY CELTIC MUSIC Talented Irish musicians available for concerts, functions, weddings and parties. Tel: 654 225 305. Duet of classical guitar + flute / jazz guitar + saxophone will give a touch of class to receptions, parties, weddings, etc. We’re serious musicians with an ample repertoire and lots of professional experience in the jazz and classical fields. There is the option of solo guitar (jazz + classical), duet, trio with double-bass, quartet with double-bass and drums, and formations with singers, trumpet players, etc. Please email: cywilliams@telefonica.net. COMPUTERS / NETWORKS / WEBSITES System administrator offers professional service. Computer / laptop repair, data recovery, password recovery, IT infrastructure planning, software installation and maintenance, network administration, resolving email problems, IT security, backup solutions, web pages. Windows, Linux/UNIX supported. I speak English and German. email: info@jjaeger.fastmail.fm or Tel.: +34 91 559 31 58 Mobile: +34 65 335 11 36. PIANO TUNING Do you have a piano at home? Probably it´s time to tune it!!!. Are you planning to buy a piano? Whether it’s a brand new or a second hand one you need the advice of a professional technician. Contact Andrés at 661530299. info@lasteclasnegras.com English, Spanish and French spoken. ENGLISH MOBILE HAIR DRESSER Top London stylist available for home visits for all the family in Madrid and surrounding areas. Cut and colour work all in th confort of your home or office. call Sally: 651481916 or check out prices + info at: http://englishhairdressermadrid.squarespace.com. ENGLISH HOME MADE CAKES IN MADRID Fancy a nice treat? All my cakes are freshly made using traditional recipes. Treat yourself to one of the following delicious home made cakes, you can choose from: Victoria Sponge, Madeira Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Chocolate sponge, Carrot Cake, Ginger Cake, cup cakes, flapjacks and many more. Specialised Birthday cakes on request. Contact Tonia on 689238143 or e-mail: toniahamilton@hotmail.co.uk.

translations SWORN TRASLATOR TRADUCTOR JURADO. LEGAL, SWORN and general translations. Your documents translated in 72 hrs. from 45€ Centrally located. Messenger service available. Email: juanmartinpinilla@yahoo.com.

NOVEMBER 2010