Showing 1-14 of 14 results
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Auditorio Blas Galindo
This good-size auditorium in the south of the city has a regular program of classical music concerts performed by the Carlos Chávez Symphony Orchestra, and visiting international youth orchestras; check listings in the local press. The auditorium is also one of the main venues for performances by musicians participating in the Foro Internacional de Musica Nueva, (International Competition for New Music), an annual event since 1977.
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Barfly
Upstairs at the Plaza Masaryk shopping mall, this small supper club jumps to live Cuban sounds most nights. This being Polanco, it's a well-coiffed crowd that fills the tiny dance floor, situated just below the stage.
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Butterflies
Just outside metro Salto del Agua, Butterflies is an hangar-sized space that still manages to get densely packed, with five bars, a snack bar and elaborately campy choreographed stage shows. It's fun for straights, too, as long as you don't mind crowds, thick smoke and loud, loud music.
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Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli
Regular year-round free concerts of chamber ensembles and string recitals are held at this Cultural Center's Sala Herminio Novelo, with music students and professionals consistently delivering polished performances. Admission is free and, at the time of writing, the concerts took place weekly at on Thursday (although confirm, if possible, before setting out).
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Hard Rock Live
Occupying a superb old Polanco mansion near the Auditorio Nacional, this branch of the international club hosts the cream of rock en español, with groups like La Cuca, the Nortec Collective, La Gusana Ciega, Zoe and Molotov on stage.
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Lunario Del Auditorio Nacional
Major jazz artists from throughout the hemisphere perform at this large, classy nightclub adjacent to the national auditorium. Seating is at tables that ascend back from the stage, and cocktails and snacks are served. Enter off the right side of the Auditorio.
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Multiforo Alicia
Behind the graffiti-scrawled facade is Mexico City's premier rock club. A suitably smoky, seatless venue, the Alicia stages up-and-coming punk, surf and ska bands, who hawk their music at the store downstairs. As many as half a dozen groups crowd the bill at the unapologetically naco space, with images of wrestling combatants as a backdrop to the performances.
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National Music Conservatory
The country's most important music conservatory was founded at the beginning of the 20th century and still produces some of the country's top classical musicians, like current golden boy José Antonio Espinal, recognized as one of the most talented young conductors, pianists and musicians in Mexico today. The Conservatory holds regular free concerts, but is not famed for its publicity or advance notice. Keep a close eye on the local press, stop by or telephone the information office.
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Papa Beto
Run by a Japanese expatriate to highlight the impressive wealth of local talent, this excellent salon remains the city's top jazz venue. Tuesday night is reserved for jam sessions with surprise guests. It's a bit out of the way, though - six blocks north of Paseo de la Reforma via Río Sena. From Metro Chapultepec, take a pesero marked 'La Raza'.
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Sala Nezahualcóyotl
This impressive concert hall with the impossible-to-pronounce name is located at the heart of the University's Cultural Center. The design emulates Amsterdam's late-19th-century Concertgebouw theater, with the seats extending to the sides and rear of the orchestra platform, creating the ultimate surround-sound experience. This is further accentuated by the 'canopy' over the stage.
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Salón Los Ángeles
'Those who don't know Los Ángeles don't know Mexico' reads the marquee, and for once the hyperbole is well deserved. Cuban-music fans won't want to miss the outstanding orchestras here nor the incredibly graceful dancers who fill the vast floor. Particularly on Tuesday evening, when an older crowd comes for danzones , it's like the set of a period film. It's in a rough area, so take a taxi.
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Teatro De La Ciudad
Dating back to 1918, this was the first theater to be built in Mexico City and, after being closed for several years, has been exquisitely restored to its former glory. The elaborate neoclassical facade is a suitable taster of what's to come: a sumptuous Art Nouveau interior reflecting the belle époque style of the period. The 1300-seat theater is the venue for a healthy selection of musical genres, including classical orchestras, recitals and blues (John Lee Hooker Jnr was a recent sold-out star).
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Zinco Jazz Club
A vital component in the Centro renaissance, Zinco is a subterranean supper club featuring local jazz and funk outfits and occasional big-name touring artists. Located downstairs from the Art Deco Banco Mexicano building, the intimate room fills up fast, so reserve ahead.
Showing 1-14 of 14 results
