One of the most wonderful things about the Internet is that enables us to access music being made all over the world. If you look around you’ll learn that great music can be found at any time. Argentina is no exception when it comes to raw and amazing talent, particularly with regard to music. How long has it been since you were able to buy a new album and listen to it the whole way through? I know… That said, just when you feel all music is starting to follow one or two producer’s tune; something comes out of the woodwork to surprise and delight you.
“It all sort of started off as a bit of an experiment. We’d grab our favourite parts out of the Bible and put melodies to the words,” says Max Catalan.
The streets of Chacarita have this weird, eerie vibe about them.
Every time I walk around the Lacroze area, I get this feeling a chilling, instrumental soundtrack should be playing, to accompany all of the … eerieness. Also I feel like it should be cold all the time, rather than 30 degrees decorated with palm trees and epic jacaranda trees.
In terms of arts, aside from the summertime murgas, the land that contains the city’s largest cemetery is not exactly famous for its music venues.
That said, beyond the gravesite gates lies a hidden hub of musical magic, labelled “Despierta.”
Despierta: Cultural & spiritual chill zone.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this little cafe/bar hosts different music and cultural events as well as serving yummy veggie food and serving alcohol at fair prices (hooray!).
On Sundays, once you’ve retrieved your $30 massive cup of perfectly blended Fernet con Coca, you can be taken through to the back bit of the place. Where the magic happens.
Ok, I wasn’t going somewhere weird with that, I promise. I’m talking about the music.
The Domingos jam sesh, organised by Felicitas Rocha starts at 9pm and is a massive mix of jazz/blues and pretty much, just what the fellas and ladies fancy playing. The cool thing about this place is that it’s chilled, so there’s no weird political jungle if you’re a musician trying to play, you just present yourself, talk about what’s cool to play and get into the flow.
If you’re an audience member, the event’s cheap, comfortable and perfect to escape day-to-day realities.
In terms of musicians, some of the city’s finest fly through this spot, including Colegiales/Chacarita local girl Yamile Burich: a masssssssive jazz/blues saxophonist.
The city’s finest: saxophonist Yamile Burich.
I met this young lady at a jam sesh at Eter Bar a few weeks back and she very kindly invited me to see her quartet play at Despierta. Once her band’s soulful set was up, the double bass was swung round and their colleagues “Colectivo” (led by Rochas) were brought in for a bit before they opened the jam sesh.
From Burich’s own compositions to Etta James and La Vie En Rose, the music was varied but gorgeous the whole way through.
The vibe is chilled and happy at Despierta, perfect if you’re looking for a non-expensive, unpretentious night out filled with lovely live music.
Despierta does the Domingo’s jam thing every Sunday.
The space is on Facebook is you fancy taking a peek: –
Argentine Arts 