Urban Madrid

African-American music enthusiasts (soul, jazz, blues…) that find themselves in Madrid are in luck. You can already start enjoying, and until the month of March, all the different concerts and activities that have been programmed in the Madrid es Negro festival. Today we’re going to tell you all about this event, and some of the best places where you can always enjoy this type of music live in Madrid.

Madrid es Negro

This is the name chosen for this festival, that takes place between the 26th of January and the 4th of March. Some of the best venues in town will host some very special concerts.

One of the central topics of this festival is the tribute to the death of Otis Redding. There will also be a commemoration for the musical explosion of the boogaloo genre.

In the Vinilos Enlace Funk night new discographic references will be presented brought from the label of the magazine with the same name, as well as in the day dedicated to the Sweet Records label. It’s the 7th edition of a festival that during more than one month, turns Madrid in the European capital of the grooviest and most danceable music.

Madrid’s places with soul

In addition to all the places where concerts have been organised for the festival, there’s also quite a few venues with live music centred around urban music.

• Sala Clamores: A true legend in the live music business in Madrid. In addition to their well-known concerts, in this bar several events and improvisation sessions take place until early in the morning.
• Café Central: This live jazz venue has been open for more than three decades. Several thousands of performances have been enjoyed in their stage, where artists like TeteMontoliu, Lee Konitz or Art Farmer have played.
• Bogui Jazz: Located in the Barquillo street. If you want to enjoy jazz, soul or any type of African-American music, this is the place to go.
• Plaza Jazz Club: Another legendary jazz club in Madrid’s nightlife, situated in Calle Martín de losHeros, 3.
• Café Populart: In Huertas 22. Populart is one of those places where true jazz enthusiasts have a safe refuge.