In today's hyper-visual world, listening to live music is the perfect opportunity to give your ears a real treat. Music is social and is a great way to bring people together, marking both time and culture.
When visiting a place like Barcelona, home to various musical hallmarks like Palau de la Música Catalana and some of Europe’s favorite music festivals like Primavera Sound, you’re bound to find magical sounds. In fact, music continuously serves as a marker of Barcelona’s history and culture, where rhythm flows in just about every street corner.
Here are 5 ways to dive headfirst into Barcelona’s musical scene!
1. Learn drums and percussions from an award-winning musician and producer
If you’re not familiar with VAWAA (Vacation With An Artist) it’s a way to book private mini-apprenticeships with master artists and craftspeople from all over the world. In a nutshell, you can learn a new skill and immerse into the local culture through the eyes of a living artist. On this Percussion VAWAA, you can spend 4 days in Barcelona with Alvaro, a master percussionist and producer. No matter your musical experience, whether or not you’ve picked up drumsticks or been a part of a band before, you’ll have a blast learning percussion and creating arrangements together. From jazzy to Afro-Uruguayan to electronic sounds, you’ll explore different notes and find your rhythm. Aside from spending one-on-one studio time, you'll accompany Alvaro on his gigs, grab lunch with his musician friends and get introduced to the Poblenou neighborhood through a musician’s eyes.
Images courtesy of VAWAA.
2. Vibe out at the Guzzo Club in the Born Quarter
Located within Barcelona’s Old Town, the Guzzo Club beautifully combines art, music, culture, and a delicious restaurant. There's jazz, flamenco jam sessions, poetry, street art, mismatched furniture, and a sophisticated cocktails and food menu - this place is always buzzing and is possibly the coolest spot you’ll find. It’s a perfect mix of exotic, hip, and elegant, and should absolutely make it to the top of your list.
Image courtesy of Guzzo.
3. Brace yourself for an epic show at La Maceta in La Vila de Gràcia
At La Maceta, it all comes down to live music. We hear the owner, Jeff, knows how to bring the energy to the next level so you can expect a good show. Heads up: those in-the-know consider this one of the best music bars in Barcelona, so get there early if you want to snag a spot!
Images courtesy of Cabra Xaxado.
4. Go underground to meet world-class musicians at Pipa Club in el Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
Did someone say live performances with world-class musicians? Pipa Club is an underground bar and with its Sherlock Holmes theme and speakeasy feels, it's a real treat for jazz, blues, and swing lovers. To get in, you need to join the private social club by becoming a member. Fair warning: Don’t be surprised if you have a hard time finding it, there are no signs and you'll need to ring a buzzer to get in.
Image courtesy of Barcelona Metropolitan.
5. Get your Latin fix at Cueva de Lobos in Gràcia
Lastly, if you’re looking for latin vibes, Cueva de Lobos is the go-to spot. From Argentine folklore, tango dancing, and delicious empanadas, join this intimate space for live music and fun. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get to see VAWAA Artist Alvaro himself jamming out on the Uruguayan candombe drums - his specialty!
Header image courtesy of staybarcelonaapartments.com
