Barcelona - unlike

Story: 2010 = (Sónar x 2)

2010-03-18T19:08:03+01:00

At the last festival edition, more than 75,000 people enjoyed the fine selection of an artistic programme which combines the electronica headliners together with hundreds of emerging artists and DJ’s representing the most updated music and new media trends within electronic culture.

Sónar has also regularly crossed over the Spanish borders, since 2002, travelling with events all over the world, decentralising electronic music by showcasing new talent, often local, and the all time classics within the genre.

Sónar has travelled to London, NY, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Frankfurt or Tokyo, and more.

This coming year the festival takes place on 17, 18 and 19 of June and for the first time in 17 editions, Sónar will have two simultaneous editions.

Together with Xacobeo (Compostela’s Jubilee), the festival takes the Way of Saint James and celebrates both in A Coruña and Barcelona. A double-edition event, the usual Barcelona and this extraordinary one, which will be named Sónar Galicia.

Music festivals: how it should be done (…) Sonar festival of ‘advanced music and multimedia art’ is built on a virtually faultless formula of sunny, never ending days and classy network of slickly run venues, snugly housed within Barcelona historic and stylish landscape. It sets a standard that Sonar’s peers find near impossible to follow. Jamie Hodgson, The Guardian UK

Event: Café Olé Festival - 04 Apr 18:00 - 05 Apr 06:00

2010-03-17T17:21:04+01:00

For those keen on sampling the Spanish way of playing, dancing and living house music, the Café Olé festival brings local talent to the stage on all five floors in Razzmatazz.

For twelve hours non-stop over 20 Spanish djs will play -as we expect- slightly more commercial styles in house music, go-go’s and a highly festive athmosphere included.

Razzmatazz
C/ Almogavers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=353115998207&ref=mf

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Location: Pinzat

2010-03-16T19:15:56+01:00

After 10 years of development, the guys behind Pinzat have developed an extensive selection of stylish bags that stand out in the field of recycled vinyl goods. The finishing touches to their bags are executed by graffiti artists from all over the world who smear their creative juices over the recycled vinyl using designs covering everything from realistic flamenco figures to architectural landscapes. The result being a unique, hand-crafted and practically bullet-proof bag.

At their Borne based workshop-store, the team are busy producing on the machines whilst collaborators come in and out with paint stained hands, perhaps no surprise since when the artists aren’t spray painting bags, they’re re-decorating the walls next door. And the innovative spirit of these folks doesn’t stop there: a new line of products (including power straps and U-lock pockets) is being aimed at bicycle gear enthusiasts who appreciate well constructed and original pieces of utilitarian art.

C/ Grunyi, 7, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Tue-Fri, 11:00-19:00
http://www.pinzat.com
info@pinzat.com
[L4] at Jaume 1

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Location: Mailuna

2010-03-14T01:37:31+01:00

Mailuna is an idyllic place in busy Raval, just a few metres distance from the MACBA in the middle of the so-called barrio chino. A perfect pit stop for the stressed out soul to recharge their batteries in, Mailuna provides goods, food and services for maximum relaxation.

A large assortment of teas, freshly made fruit juices and creative foods can be enjoyed in the informal and quiet interior. Natural body care products like soaps and oils are on sale and there are the tempting options of either taking a siesta in one of their specially designed and decorated rooms, or of having a professional therapeutic massage specially designed for your individual needs.

C/ Valldonzella, 48, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Mon, 17:00-23:30; Tue-Sat, 13:00-23:30
+34933012002
http://www.mailuna.net
info@mailuna.net
[L1][L2] at Pl. Universitat, [L2] at St. Antoni

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Event: Woody Allen & his New Orleans Jazz Band - 28 Mar 21:00

2010-03-13T11:30:42+01:00

Woody Allen developed a passion for music early on and is a celebrated jazz clarinetist.

What began as a teenage avocation has led to regular public performances at various small venues in his hometown of Manhattan, with occasional appearances at various jazz festivals – now Woody Allen & his New Orleans Jazz Band hit Barcelona.

Palau de la Música
C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Location: Galería Artevistas

2010-03-13T11:20:07+01:00

This new concept of art gallery intends to bring the enormous world of art closer to the audience that has been banned by the elitism of traditional galleries. The intention of Artevistas is to change the opinion, art is only for a small group of people.

Artevistas can be found at Passatge del Crèdit 4, a place unique and formidable through its architecture, atmosphere and its great location between the Ramblas and Plaça Sant Jaume in Barri Gòtic. This “finca” is known as the building where Joan Miró was born, in 1893. The building was once famous for it’s representative architectonic style with its structure and ornaments of iron which has been preserved in the design of today. Indeed, you have to be attentive to not miss the small narrow passage with it’s magical lights. Enormous iron gates show you the way to the two‑part art space in the middle of the passage. Through the varying music in the exhibition part and the friendly staff, you really feel invited into an open space of art without the pretentiousness of an art institution.

The repertoire spans around 800 art works in a permanent exhibition and more than 50 various artists, both established and newcomers, and also covers a great diversity of art styles, techniques and formats. To commit the audience and keep it up-to-date in the ever changing world of art, the gallery features new artists every month and a half in temporal exhibitions within a particular subject. At the Artevistas art gallery, the artists have to fulfill certain criteria of quality and hold an original and recognizable style.

Passatge del Crèdit, 4 , 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Daily, 11:00-21:00
http://www.artevistas.com
[L3] Liceu; [L4] Jaume I

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Event: Kevin Saunderson - 19 Mar 19:00

2010-03-04T22:50:16+01:00

Respected and acknowledged around the World as one of the three Detroit Techno innovators, Kevin Saunderson is a legend in his own right, who has helped to reshape the future of Dance music as we know it…

The Loft
C/ Almogavers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.kevinsaunderson.com

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Event: DJ Surgeon - 26 Mar 01:00

2010-03-04T22:44:54+01:00

British techno hero Anthony Childs, better known as Surgeon, hits town.

Equally influenced by early electro-pop innovators like Tomita and YMO, experimental groups like Can, Faust, and Suicide, and the tough grit of American electro and techno (Robert Hood, Hashim), Surgeon’s mash-up is both straightforward and subtly experimental. Further influences from Coil, Psychic TV, and Whitehouse in recent works and DJ appearences do not go unnoticed.

BeCool
Plaça Joan Llongueras, 5, 08021 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.dj-surgeon.com

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Location: Roca Barcelona Gallery

2010-02-25T10:56:28+01:00

Bathroom brand Roca has branched out beyond sinks and bathtubs, using their modern design know-how to develop this gob-smacking, futuristic space.

On a day-to-day basis the spot functions as the firm’s headquarters, though is also used to house the company’s showroom as well as hosting numerous social and corporate events.

C/ Joan Güell, 211-213, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Sat, 10:00-14:00, 17:00-20:00; Sun, 10:00-14:00
+34933661212
http://www.roca.com.es/rocabarcelonagallery/rocabarcelonagallery/en/index.html
[L3] at Maria Cristina

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Location: Au Port de la Lune

2010-02-18T16:51:37+01:00

Located right beside Mercat de la Boqueria, this minuscule French bistro defies its humble, sparse glassfront, combining flavorful French cooking with that rambunctious Spanish flair for hospitality. The auténtico approach to cuisine and painstaking procurement of ingredients from France thematically underscores this spot with the blackboard outside haughtily proclaiming that there is “no Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light and no Ketchup.”

À la carte offerings such as Cassoulet (sausage, bean and duck stew) and Bavette al Echalope are sublime but the real treat here is the lunchtime “Menu del Día” or set price menu. Priced at 12€ during the week and 15€ on weekends for three courses, bread and one drink, the choice of starters, mains and desserts changes daily but never falters on quality. There are no menus, steak is cooked one way only (rare) and the exceptional wait staff regale customers with dishes on offer for the day (cheerfully “acting out” meal descriptions for those not up to scratch on Catalan culinary lingo).

The bistro also doubles as a store, selling wines, cheese, champagne and other such fine French things.

Plaça de Sant Galdric, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Tue, 13:30-16:00; Wed-Fri, 13:30-16:30, 21:00-0:00; Sat, 13:30-16:30, 21:00-0:00
+34932703819
http://www.auportdelalune.com
guy@auportdelalune.com
[L3] at Liceu

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Event: Jamie Cullum - 27 Mar 20:00

2010-02-18T12:41:35+01:00

Jamie Cullum’s crossover jazz stylings catapulted him into the spotlight when he was just twenty years old, with his trademark crossover sound garnering praise from Michael Parkinson and Burt Bacharach and earning him a swag of fans worldwide.

He rarely works to a setlist when performing, instead preferring a more organic, improvised approach with performances often spilling out over two hours. Almost as well known for his jazzy covers of songs by Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Kanye West, tonight he hits Barcelona with his fifth studio The Pursuit (2009) in tow.

Barcelona Teatre Musical
C/ Joaquim Blume, s/n, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.jamiecullum.com

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Event: Yo La Tengo - 19 Mar 21:30

2010-02-18T11:36:05+01:00

Serious indie veterans, with 26 years in the scene, 15 albums and the obligatory lineup changes, Yo La Tengo still manages to live slightly outside of the spotlight, while maintaining an undying fan-base.

Veering musically from straight up rock’n’roll to falsetto infused soul to chugging guitar instrumentals, the New Jersey trio have a monopoly on the indie-cult film soundtrack market, imparting their stylings to films such as Adventureland (2009), Shortbus (2006), Junebug (2005) and Game 6 (2005).

Apolo
C/ Nou de la Rambla, 113, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.yolatengo.com

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Story: From the underground to the peaks of success

2010-02-08T15:03:08+01:00

Dizzee Rascal, the hip-hop and urban rhythms sensation from the United Kingdom, confirmed his presence at Sónar 2010 Barcelona.

A media star in the UK at only 24 years old, a regular name on the hit lists and a vocalist who is charismatic as well as ambitious, Dizzee Rascal presents his latest album, Tongue N’ Cheek , which mixes up house, hip-hop and funk, and is loaded with hits: “Dirtee Cash”, “Dance Wiv Me”, “Holiday” and the tremendous “Bonkers”, which features the collaboration of Armand Van Helden.

Dizzee Rascal brings all the urgency and strength of his music to the stage, and will also be dusting off tracks from his other acclaimed albums: “Maths + English”, “Showtime” and “Boy In Da Corner” (winner of the Mercury Prize in 2003).

Location: Frankfurt St. Jaume

2010-02-04T14:07:44+01:00

Premier choice in Barcelona’s city center for a quick snack when it comes to meat, a classic, and with permission of Devils kitchen, the number one in take-away grilled sausages.

Frankfurt is a tiny kiosko situated at Plaza St. Jaume right beside the City Hall and offers a large variety of sausages: Frankfurter, Bratwurst, Tyrolean, Krakauer, Xistorra, Malagueña as well as Frikadellen. The spicy Bratwurst hot dog is recommended. The locale holds up to two people at a time, so this really is a strictly “to go” affair.

Pl. St. Jaume, 2, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Fri, 12:00-16:30, 18:00-23:00; Sat-Sun, 18:00-23:00
[L3] at Liceu, [L4] at Jaume 1

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Location: Museu Marítim Cafe

2010-02-01T16:15:33+01:00

Dating back the the 14th century, this medieval royal shipyard building is worth a visit even if nautical adventures aren’t on top of your “To Do” lists. The building itself is a marvel while the stunning former construction rooms will enchant as sun rays seep in through the seven meter high windows.

Perhaps the hidden drawcard of this place is the café and outdoor terrace with its tranquil views across the adjacent garden. Located just a street away from the famous Las Ramblas (which teems with tourists 365 days a year), this museum is surprisingly very quiet i.e. a sublime spot to relax and enjoy a coffee away from the hordes.

Av. de les Drassanes, s/n, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Daily, 10:00-20:00
+34933429920
http://www.mmb.cat
[L3] at Drassanes

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Location: Hotel Praktik Rambla

2010-01-12T14:51:17+01:00

Couched within an architectural gem and seated along one of the prettiest streets in the Catalonian capital, Hotel Praktik Rambla boasts sublime interiors and remarkably affordable rates.

Undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2009, each of the hotel’s 43 rooms highlight the supreme design of the host building the Casa Climent Arola, a modernist jewel built at the beginning of the 19th century, with mosaic floors and floral details contrasting nicely against delicate furnishings, green glass tiles and modern light fixtures.

Offering three types of rooms (single, double and double twin) starting at 80€ and featuring all the necessities (TV, bathroom, WiFi), its the location itself which is the drawcard here, chosen as a spot to visit by the Barcelona Tourism Board as part of its “Barcelona Walks Modernisme” and, of course, mere minutes from some spectacular monuments.

A small tip-soak up a bit of the local atmosphere (and drink in the building’s architecture) by booking the double room with a patio-facing balcony. Fronting on to a typical Eixample patio, this is the hotel’s biggest room and boasts the same rate as terrace rooms fronting on to Rambla Catalunya.

Rambla de Catalunya, 27, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
'Round the clock reception
+34933436690
http://www.hotelpraktikrambla.com
[L1][L3] at Plaça Catalunya

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Event: WTF Jam Session: Llibert Fortuny - 22 Mar 21:00 - 22 Mar 01:00

2010-01-11T14:55:57+01:00

Since 2001, WTF Jam Sessions has dished up some electrifying live music each Monday covering any number of genres, be they jazz, funk, hip hop, soul, electronica or reggae.

The sessions turn into heaving, frenzied improvisations from featured artists as the night progresses, filled with surprises and off-the-cuff performances that ensure every session is different. Tonight, Catalan jazz saxophonist Llibert Fortuny takes the stage.

Jamboree
Plaça Reial, 17, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.wtfjamsessions.com/

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Event: Times New Viking - 24 Apr 20:00

2010-01-06T12:34:41+01:00

Times New Viking gatecrash the stage at Nitsa tonight where they will be keeping the DIY spirit alive with their lo-fi pop anthems.

The screeching layers of fuzz, one-finger keyboard riffs and boy/girl vocal refrains pay little attention to modern production techniques. The unashamed noise-trash is delivered in its rawest form for maximum impact (with minimal effort). Such crude, incandescent punk should be the perfect tonic for those early-spring blues.

Nitsa
C/ Nou de la Rambla, 113, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.myspace.com/timesnewviking

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Location: Devil's Kitchen

2009-12-17T16:03:38+01:00

Despite its devilish moniker, this unpretentious little locale in deep Raval boasts a menu that is more grillsome than gruesome, serving up up classic German grilled delicacies wurstbude (sausage stand) style.

Perch at the bar to watch German chef Christian cooking up sausage specialties like Currywurst (sausage in a tomato and curry sauce) and Thüringer and sip original German beer (undoubtedly tastier than Spanish varieties) or glühwein (mulled wine) on cooler evenings. Also serving grill staples to go (such as burgers and grilled vegetables), passing up on the renowned “Devil’s Fries” here could be a sin.

C/ de la Lleialtat, 4, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Sun-Thu, 12:30-23:00, Fri-Sat, 12:30-1:30
http://www.devilskitchen.es/
devilskitchen.bcn@gmail.com
[L2][L3] at Paral.lel, [L2] at Sant Antoni

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Location: Tintoreria Dontell

2009-12-10T12:42:50+01:00

Like something out of a spy movie, “Tintoreria Dontell” is (for want of less clichéd term) one of the best kept secrets in town. Run by restaurant group, Urban Secrets, the restaurant is cloaked behind an old drycleaners, whose shopfront does nothing to betray the hip restaurant out back. Only those in the know will be ushered through a cachéd entrance (with finger print authorization an occasional, cheeky requirement).

Working under a general theme of Mediterranean fusion cuisine, the chefs remain ever true to their elusive mantra, changing the menu every two months (though quality is one feature that unsurprisingly remains consistent).

At night, the eatery morphs into a bar and club. This restaurant group has more hidden restaurants dotted throughout the city, though your first port of call lies here. At the end of your meal, you can join the chain of whispers as to where to find more secret spots before collecting your freshly pressed clothes on the way out.

C/ Aribau, 55, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Sat, 13:00-16:00, 20:00-0:00
+34934520720
http://www.tintoreriadontell.com
info@tintoreriadontell.com
[L3] at Passeig de Gràcia; [L6][L7] at Provenca

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Festival: Primavera Club

2009-12-08T12:29:22+01:00

The winter edition Primavera Sound Festival may not conjure up as many warm weather images as its name suggests, but it does boast a lineup that is nothing short of hot.

This year, the Festival takes place simultaneously in Barcelona and Madrid, with the likes of Strangers, Beach House, Standstill, David Holmes, Devendra Banhart and The Grogs, Dj Pone & Dj Need (Birdy Nam Nam) and many more set to invade each city’s best venues.

Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top picks for the Festival.

Location: Bliss Spa

2009-11-30T09:43:09+01:00

This autumn, the first Spanish W hotel arrived triumphantly on Barceloneta beach; a striking, sail-shaped extravagance serving up generous doses of decadent design flourishes and the very first Bliss spa to hit Spanish shores. It’s the perfect pampering complement to the hotels fun and flirtatious crowd – a jet-set elite who bask, bathe and quaff beneath W’s glass fronted shadow.

As anyone who’s been ‘Blissed’ knows, Zen-style mantras and wheatgrass shots are not the done deal. Instead, it’s about indulgence from your head down to your toes, only pausing for a pit stop at the brownie buffet between treatments. It’s sheer rebellion, a break from the spa deprivation and essentially built around pleasure, with copious amounts of fun thrown in. This is reflected in the names of therapies on offer; a toning ‘Fat Girl Slim’, restorative ‘Hangover Herbie’ and relaxing ‘Blissage 105” massage all feature. Therapists don’t exist here either – they’re spa technicians, dressed in trendy jumpsuits and trainers to immediately make people feel both at home and strangely aspirational. It’s just all too cool – where else would you covet the style of a spa therapist?

Fortunately, the cool factor is met with treatments that do what they say on the tin. The Blissage massage is just that – a muscle melting marvel of a treatment combining Swedish, deep tissue and Thai stretching techniques, plus bags of hot cream wax tied around the feet to soothe and soften. Combining the best of beauty and downtime, Bliss (and its belt loosening brownies) creates a whole new benchmark for Spanish spa lovers this autumn.

Placa de la rosa dels vents, I , 08039 Barcelona, Spain
+34932952800
http://www.w-barcelona.com/
wbarcelona@whotels.com

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Location: W Hotel

2009-11-11T13:47:16+01:00

W. Does it stand for ‘Wow’, one wonders? Or perhaps the ‘wink, wink, nudge nudge’ ethos that defines Barceloneta’s newest arrival. Emulating a giant silver knife protruding from the Vella region, W, Barcelona offers the typified cool for which the brand is known, but not without emphasizing its Catalan surroundings too. Clearly, W manages to fuse global and local very, very well.

Entering into the glass and LED lit reception area, textured beanbags, low Philippe Stark side tables and plenty of fashion and lifestyle books are scattered effortlessly to encourage guests’ total assimilation into a dreamy, seabed inspired space. Check in, what check in?

Striking the perfect chord, senses are engaged without being overwhelmed, whilst guests are treated to a service that is deliberately informal, yet still satisfies every five star expectation. Alongside the Wet bar, fusion Wave restaurant and in-house Bliss Spa, the wealth of luxe dining and bar options are all complemented by a young, energised international staff who are playfully referred to as ‘talent’. Demonstrably, it seems W is on a mission to blow all cliches surrounding the traditional hotel stay firmly (and literally) out of the water.From the signature seasonal cocktails, personalised notes left on the bed, alfresco poolside DJ bar and beach-facing cabana beds, the venue triumphs when it comes to providing a lifestyle that goes beyond mere lodgings.

And, with its unbeatable proximity to the Med and 360° vistas from the 26th floor Eclipse bar, W plays upon the ocean like it plays upon everything else. Mischief and voyeurism have never felt so luxurious.

Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
+34932952800
http://www.w-barcelona.com/
wbarcelona@whotels.com
[L4] Barceloneta [Bus] Turistic: stop Port Vell.

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Location: The Urban Suites

2009-11-02T14:20:49+01:00

Thankfully devoid of frantic lobby areas and long check-in queues, Urban Suites offers affordable, self-contained and, above all, private accommodation perfect for anyone in town on business or small families.

Though not smack bang in the city center, the complex is short metro ride away from the buzz of Las Ramblas. Urban Suites features 20 rooms suitable for 2 to 4 people. The spartan white of the interior may lend a slightly uniform bent to the overall sense of minimalist decor here, but the list of features will quickly have you feeling at home. Each apartment boasts a fully equipped kitchen bath and shower, satellite, flatscreen TVs and free wi-fi and there is also a selection of rooms apt for disabled people.

The shared terrace is the ideal spot to unwind or meet fellow guests or you can guarantee complete privacy by requesting a rooms with a private terrace.

The exceptionally friendly staff will also cheerfully regale guests with their extensive knowledge of the city as well as provide helpful tips and free maps.

C/ Sant Nicolau 1-3, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
Reception: daily, 10:00-19:00
+34932015164
http://www.theurbansuites.com/
info@theurbansuites.com
[L3] at Tarragona; [L1] at Pl. de Sants

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Festival: ArtFutura

2009-10-23T17:10:26+02:00

Digital technology festival ArtFutura has chronicled the rapid evolution of digital technology since launching twenty years ago, showcasing cutting-edge developments in areas such as virtual reality, the internet and artificial life.

The festival provides a 360 degree snapshot of how technology-dependent our lives are (as if we needed further proof of that) as well as consistently exploring upcoming trends in digital culture, giving some foresight into how digital technology may shape the future.

So if you can tear yourself away from Facebook for long enough, head down to Imagina Auditorio (courtesy of directions from your iPhone or GPS system) to shake hands with a cyborg or lose yourself of virtual hyper-reailty.

Festival: [BAM] 2009

2009-09-22T18:16:22+02:00

Towards the end of September each year, residents of the Catalan capital bid adieu to the warmer months the only way they know how—throwing a fiesta!

As part of the five-day long summer send-off known as La Merce Festival, the streets and clubs of Barcelona will be awash with beats from all over the world as festival-within-a-festival [BAM] ribbons through the city.

Navigating through a maze of Spanish revelry can be difficult at the best of times, so we’ve rounded up some gems from the line-up below.

Location: Lomography Gallery Store

2009-08-10T10:37:16+02:00

If strolling through the honey-hued laneways of Barcelona sets your inner photographer aflutter, then make sure you stroll past right past this photographic mecca. Known for their idyllic representations of landscapes and everyday scenery, Russian-developed Lomography cameras spread throughout Europe in the early ‘90s after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Leave your digital tendencies at the door and delve into the craft of analog photography with an exhaustive selection of cameras, equipment, accessories, books and film. Not merely just a camera shop, this stalwart of the El Borne district is a drawcard for local creative types with its small exhibition space, photographic workshops and the occasional street bash.

Lomographic Embassies on unlike.net: London, Paris, Shanghai and Berlin

Carrer Mirallers 2, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Tue-Sat: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00
+3493319700
http://microsites.lomography.com
lomobcn@lomospain.com
[L4] at Jaume 1

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Location: El Escaparate

2009-08-05T18:26:34+02:00

This non-profit project takes the humble “shop window” and gives it a new purpose: artwork display area. With constantly changing installations, the pieces range from visual arts and dance to theater and performance.

Not necessarily “selling” goods or services so much as ideas and expressions, this shop window brings contemporary art to the unassuming consumer in a novel and unobtrusive way. The exhibition program changes every 20 days, providing an evolving and visually rich drawcard to the neighborhood.

C/ Cotoners, 8 - bajo, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Tue-Sat, 16:00-21:00, Monday closed.
+34933191179
http://www.c8artwindow.com
info@c8artwindow.com
[L4] at Jaume 1

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Location: Trash

2009-07-23T11:05:58+02:00

This newish lounge bar provides casual ambiance in a compact, designer-kitsch environment, offering DJ sessions every night from Latin freestyle grooves and funk to house and R’n’B. Enveloped by gay bars and discoteques in the area, Trash stands out as the only straight bar in this quarter of the eixample.

It’s also a ducky spot during the day, when neighborhood lemmings pass by for breakfast, lunch and light snacks, not to mention the daily happy hour from 3-7pm with signature cocktails like a Bloody Mary whipped up with freshly ground horseradish.

C/ Consell de Cent, 223, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
[L1] at Urgell
+34655255568
trashbcn@gmail.com
Wed-Thu, 20:00-2:30; Fri-Sat, 20:00-3:00; Sun, 20:00-2:30

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Story: Galactic Space Bar

2009-07-17T14:38:29+02:00

The second single from Jamie Jones album is a dancefloor destroyer from the outer realms. Featuring live vocals from Egyptian Lover, Galactic Space Bar pre-empts the release of one of the most anticipated debut albums for the current house music era.

Galactic Space Bar is a massive sonic-electro infused battle weapon, a creation that makes the body vibrate and the mind intoxicated with beats. Sparking wildly with sci-fi references, the two versions tie in the twisted vocals of veteran electro figure, Egyptian Lover.

Egyptian Lover is a name synonymous with the US electro scene and released some of the earliest rap LPs. Coming to prominence in the early 80s, Egyptian Lover cuts like Egypt, Egypt and I Need a Freak were standards among club DJs, particularly in the breakdance scene. Early cuts such as Computer Love and Dance are routinely namechecked by a new generation of producers such as Autechre and I-F. As a member of Uncle Jamm’s Army and the force behind a half dozen labels including Freak Beat and Egyptian Empire, Egyptian Lover is a true musical prodigy, still producing today and touring the globe.

Dont You Remember The Future is the debut artist album from Jamie Jones, peering into the coming apocalypse with a body-shaking, teeth-grinding, tripped out fusion of sound on Crosstown Rebels.

Festival: Sala Montjuïc

2009-07-05T14:55:48+02:00

The summer movie experience at its best at this legendary open air movie theater: films in 35 mm and in their original versions on a giant-sized screen.

Three screenings every week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Festival: El Grec

2009-07-01T09:22:45+02:00

El Grec Festival 09 will feature more than 60 theatre, music, dance and circus shows across 26 venues. The works range from classical drama to radical theatre; from new works by up-and-coming Catalan playwrights to productions on the international scene; from shows for family audiences to the latest in digital art; in short, a whole world of choice, transforming Barcelona to one great stage.

Story: Crystal Castles show off!

2009-06-22T18:39:52+02:00

For all tjose who missed Alice Glass live at Sònar Barcelona, punching a security guard with the drumset …

Here´s the official Sònar statement:

In view of the difficulties during the show by Crystal Castles last night, the festival organisers would like to make the following clear:

· All the technical problems during the concert were the sole responsibility of the group and their team of technicians.

· Despite the warnings and advice given by the festival organisers, the band’s sound technician adjusted the configuration of the equipment incorrectly, which led to the series of errors and mishaps which the concert finally consisted of.

· The festival provides the artists with technical equipment of the highest quality and all the human resources to operate it under optimum conditions. The correct use of this equipment is the responsibility of the artists and their team from the point at which their show begins, which is when they take control of the equipment and become responsible for operating it.

· The festival’s technical supervisors repeatedly attempted to remedy the situation, by asking the band’s sound team to solve the problem. Their efforts were in vain due to the negligent and irresponsible attitude which the band’s technicians displayed throughout the show.

· The festival organisers deeply regret the inconvenience caused, which turned one of the night’s most eagerly-awaited shows into a disaster.

Read the whole story at NME online

Location: Amaltea

2009-06-14T19:51:58+02:00

Supporting Barcelona’s reputation as a hippie haven, Amaltea is a health center catering to the crunchy set and yoga fans. With a range of services from tai-chi to Bach flower remedy courses and vegetarian cooking classes, Amaltea is centered on enlightenment through the body.

If you aren’t searching for enlightenment and just a good, vegetarian meal, this is your pit stop. Weekly lunch menus offer affordable options made from an array of health conscious recipes. Evening and weekend menus are a bit more expensive, but with 11 years experience, Amaltea knows how to heal with they culinary delights.

C/ Diputació, 164, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Thu, 13:00-16:00 & 20:00-23:00; Fri-Sat, 13:00-16:00 & 20:00-23:30
+34934548613
http://www.amalteaygovinda.com
amaltea@arrakis.es
[L1] at Urgell

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Location: Mercabarna-Flor

2009-06-11T12:34:14+02:00

From the outside, this architectural eye-candy looks more like a contemporary art museum than a market. With its endless strips of vertical color, the two-tiered angular structure resembles Paris’ La cheminée de Moretti, a kaleidoscope of color among drab warehouses.

Playfully obstructing an immediate understanding of purpose, the crisp air and interior fragrance eliminate any confusion surrounding the building’s program. Spanish architectural firm, Willy Müller Architects (WMA), designed the state-of-the-art flower market in three main sections—one for cut flowers, one for plants and one for accessories.

Though buying a dozen roses isn’t an option (Mercabarna-Flor only sells to wholesale buyers), if you plan ahead you can see the striking building and its colorful contents on a guided tour.

Ctra. Antigua de Valencia, número 1, 08830 Barcelona, Spain
Mon, 8:00-14:00; Tue-Fri, 6:00-16:00; Sat, 6:00-10:00
+34935563627
http://www.mercabarna.es/mercabarna-flor/presentacio/info-mb-flor/es_index.html
mb@mercabarna.es
[Bus] 109 at Plaça de Sants or Plaça d’Espanya; [Bus] 21 at the Avinguda del Parallel; [Bus] N1 at Plaça de Catalunya or Plaça d’Espanya.

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Location: Blondie

2009-05-27T19:32:32+02:00

As if the floral-against-black prints and loads of tuxedo jackets weren’t indication enough, the ‘80s are back in full force. Right in frame, Blondie is one of the newest spots in Barcelona’s nightlife and is run by tour de force DJ Tres Manos, known for having graced nearly every single club and bar in town with his house skills.

Retro neon-lights with checkered black-and-white walls nail the point home that this place is all about being a material girl, while the cozy atmosphere is only threatened on Friday nights when the iPod Battle takes place.

C/ Roca, 14, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Sat, 20:00-3:00
http://blondie-bcn.com
[L3] at Liceu

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Location: Hotel 1898

2009-05-25T18:40:37+02:00

While luxury may come at a price, the type of luxury offered by Hotel 1898 is worth splurging on. Like being in the heart of the action? Look no further. Located on the buzzing Las Ramblas, the hotel has soundproofed all its windows, letting guests soak in the street’s energy while still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Named for the year in which the final Spanish colonies—Cuba and the Philippines—gained independence, the decor incorporates a contemporary twist on colonial-chic. Heavy on striped patterns and dark woods, the building was the former headquarters of the Compañía de Tabacos de Filipinas.

If your nights out on the town are taking their toll, head to one of the hotel’s two pools (outdoor or indoor, take your pick) or one of their two libraries. Not enough? Try a spa treatment.

La Rambla, 109, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
+34935529552
http://www.hotel1898.com
1898@nnhotels.com
[L1][L3] at Plaça Catalunya; [L3] at Liceu

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Festival: BAFF

2009-05-04T15:58:59+02:00

In its 11th year running, the Barcelona Asian Film Festival (better known as BAFF) celebrates Asian cinema through a European lens. With a program of 60 feature films, all of which were produced over the past year within Asia, the festival lights up Barcelona’s silver screens for ten days.

Divided into different areas of focus—including films from Southeast Asia, emerging talents, video games as cinema and Filipino cult films—the festival’s program is select while still offering a range of filmic topics and approaches.

Highlighting the trap of using the all-encompassing term, “Asian films,” the organizers have organized the festival in such a way that uses films from the continent to emphasize the diversity of the area and its arts.

Festival: Primavera Sound Festival

2009-04-27T13:05:30+02:00

It’s baaaack! Primavera Sound, Barcelona’s premier indie music festival, comes to the city for its fifth incarnation with an arsenal of venerable names, both old and new. The main events take place at Forum on the 28th, 29th and 30th, but the complementary swirl of parties start at Barcelona clubs as early as the 25th.

With so much to see, hear and do, we’ve weeded out the best and brightest from the week-long fest that music-lovers of all tastes can attend.

Location: Fundación Alorda-Derksen

2009-03-31T17:06:21+02:00

A passion for art runs in the family of garden furniture mogul Manuel Alorda, his wife Hanneke Derkson and their four children. Now the dynasty of art gurus and collectors, the Alorda-Derksen family, has given their collection and vision a permanent home—located in the center of the city.

Brand spankin’ new, Fundación Alorda-Derksen is sure to provide the newest exhibition perspectives and facilities, bringing Barcelona the best of international contemporary art.

Carrer d'Aragó, 314, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
Wed & Fri, 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00; Sat, 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00; closed in August
+34932726250
http://www.fundacionad.com
info@fundacionad.com
[L4] at Girona

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Location: Number

2009-03-25T16:31:33+01:00

Given the overwhelming amount of drop-crotch, genie pants sashaying around Barcelona, one would think the city is full of clove-smoking, Gaudi-loving hippies who couldn’t care less for fashion. While these so-called free-spirits may be in abundance, we are happy to report that the city’s got style, thanks in large part to Number.

Located in El Born, Number focuses heavily on shoes (say goodbye to espadrilles and flip flops), including their primary London-based brand, Swear. Additionally, the shop offers up pairs by Eley Kishimoto and Bernhard Willhelm, not to mention pieces by Henrik Vibskov, Opening Ceremony and Peter Jensen.

Shoppers can count on Number for a fresh, rotating selection of cutting edge, international labels—stop by and grab a pair of their newest designs, because you know, one is the loneliest number…

c/ dels Ases 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Daily, 11:00-14:30 & 16:30-21:00
+34933194429
http://www.numberbcn.com
info@numberbcn.com
[L4] at Barceloneta

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25hrs: Javier Mariscal

2009-03-25T16:04:12+01:00

What I like most about Barcelona is the piece of land it is built on: between sea and mountain, between the Mediterranean and the Tibidabo. That’s why I enjoy painting the port and the Observatori Fabra so much.

I also like it because it’s sunny the whole year—in the winter you can drink a beer on the terrace while children are playing. Also, there is the Montjuïc and the Fundació and the Pueblo Espanyol which is tremendously kitschy. The streets of Raval make you feel like you’re in Islamabad and there are all these tourists all over…but that’s nobody’s fault. We all like to visit other cities to later come back and note that it’s not that bad at home, after all.

Location: Santa María

2009-03-24T16:04:43+01:00

The creative brainchild of Paco Guzmán, who whittled his culinary chops at the Ferran Adrià school of cooking, Santa Maria invigorates the dulled palate with tapas that are whimsical takes on classics. Hungry for some tuna? Try it combined with eucalyptus and pomegranate. A steak tartar comes with a dollop of mustard ice cream, an inventive play on the concept of the cold dish, while the unadventurous can still order a stellar suckling pig nestled over a bed of Spanish-style sauerkraut and mustard.

The Borne eatery’s buffered minimalist chic aesthetic is more upscale business lunch than four-hour cava sipping, but the prices are fair: shell out in the teens midday, and less than 50 Euros for dinner. In the meantime, dust up on your cooking knowledge by visiting Santa Maria’s strangely technically savvy website, which hosts YouTube videos of the action behind the kitchen.

Comerç, 17, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Mon-Sat, 13:00-16:00 and 20:00-00:00; Sun, closed
+34933151227
http://www.santamania.info
info@santamania.biz
[L4] at Jaume I‎

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Location: Observatori Fabra

2009-03-23T10:15:43+01:00

Built in 1904, Observatori Fabra by the Reial Acadèmia de Ciències i Arts de Barcelona is the city’s astronomic, meteorologic and seismologic observatory, where the comet 32P/Comas Solá was discovered by Josep Comas Solá in 1962. Perched high up on Tibidabo, it is opened for public visits Sundays between 11 and 14hrs, night visits for star observations are upon appointment—just call +34 902 222 191.

We recommend coming during the summer months, when the observatory offers Sopars amb estrelles (dinner with stars), serving good Mediterranean dishes in combination with a breathtaking view over Barcelona.

Camí de l'Observatori, s/n, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Sun, 11-14:00; for summer dinner check website
+34934175736
http://www.observatorifabra.com/es/
info@observatorifabra.com
[Parallel] at Tibidabo

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Location: Momo

2009-03-17T12:32:19+01:00

In a semi-hidden shop close to Placa St Jaume, on a small street in Gotico, lies Momo. The little shop holds a stunning collection of artifacts—handcrafted Japanese ceramics, origami paper, calligraphy supllies, kimonos (for kids and adults), sandals, beautifully colored Japanese lamps, tabis, chopsticks, the list goes on.

The charming owner, Kaori, has been running her shop since the beginning of the century. She works with love and careful attention to detail—her shopping bags, for example, are handpainted—and constantly travels back home to return with new goodies for the shop.

C/ Arc de St. Ramón del Call, 6, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Tue-Sat, 11:00-14:00, 16:30-20:00; Mon, 16:30-20:00
+34934122937
http://www.momo.ms
[L3] at Liceu, [L4] at Jaume 1

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Story: Digital Design Tournament

2009-03-11T13:05:03+01:00

Nearly a thousand spectators showed up in 2007 to watch Cut & Paste’s third New York digital design competition—proof of a growing interest in the world of design. What steps are involved in the creative process? How do different designers churn out the perfect product or graphic? The Cut and Paste competition, launched for the first time in New York in 2005, was devised with the intention of answering these questions by exposing every step of the artistic process. In each tournament, rival designers are put in the spotlight. Given a theme on which to base their design, they work on stage under a huge projection screen that shows exactly what they are penciling, penning, erasing, cutting and pasting. This may sound nerve-wracking, and it is. But that is exactly what makes the Cut and Paste tournaments so exciting.

This year, Cut & Paste has planned its largest tournament calendar yet. The tour kicked off with a bang in LA, followed by recent stops in San Francisco and Portland. After hitting Boston, New York, Toronto and Chicago, founder John Fiorelli will take his competition trans-Atlantic to Europe.

A Digital Design Tournament of extreme proportions

The first stop on the list is Amsterdam, a fine starting point for immaculate design. London the world’s most prominent center for design—is the tournament’s second stop in Europe. The disproportional number of designers in the city means that competition for fame is already high. Cut & Paste brings this rivalry between young and emerging artists onto the stage of London’s Coronet theater—making for an interesting contrast between a historic building and the high-tech activity of Cut and Paste.

Though London will be a hard act to follow, Berlin and Barcelona are both quickly becoming important centers of art and design in Europe and their competitions will no doubt have you on the edge of your seat.

Finally, Cut & Paste in Shanghai is another platform that bridges the gap between historic and modern. The city where ancient temples and brand new skyscrapers coexist presents both an inspiration and a challenge for young Chinese designers as they attempt to satisfy both the traditional and the contemporary.

Event: Steve Rachmad - 03 Apr 01:00

2009-03-10T15:52:11+01:00

The grand old man of techno Steve Rachmad (Delsin, EC Records) makes electro magic at the Loft. With support from local dj D.a.r.y.l.

The Loft
C/ Almogavers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.steverachmad.com/

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Festival: Sitges Vintage Car Rally

2009-02-27T13:29:44+01:00

Put 70 old clunkers, an idyllic seaside road and a 45km race together and what do you have? The Sitges Vintage Car Rally. If retro vehicles rev your engine, this is certainly the event for you: no car younger than 85 years old can participate (1924 is the cutoff year).

The rally itself takes two days and snakes along the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Aiguadolc at Port de Sitges. The racers proudly display their vehicles at the Passeig dels Tillers in the Parc de la Ciutadella on the first morning and at the downtown Plaça Sant Jaume the next. When it comes to the rally itself (which begins at 11:00 on the second day), speed is not the essence—the quality of the vehicles and vintage clothes of their owners are considered more important.

Festival: Xperimenta'09

2009-02-23T13:19:21+01:00

This biennial event amasses experts from around the world (filmmakers, producers, programmers, distributors, academics, archivists…), who meet in Barcelona to debate the current direction of experimental cinema. In three days of discussions, screenings and presentations, Xperimenta explores the artistic and technological developments of the form – casting a critical eye on the past and present in an attempt to get a feel for the future.

Festival: DocsBarcelona

2009-01-27T15:04:26+01:00

Barcelona’s International Documentary Film Festival launches its fourth edition, presenting a selection of captivating, quality films from around the globe.

The four-day festival takes place in different locations across the city (Cine Verdi, Cine Verdi Park, Filmoteca Catalunya, Auditori de La Pedrera de Caixa Catalunya, Cine Casablanca Kaplan). Many screenings will be attended by the film’s directors and include Q&A sessions afterwards.

By bringing the viewer and the filmmaker closer together, DocsBarcelona hopes to be a key point of encounter, exhibition and debate in the contemporary audiovisual sphere.

For program information, visit the DocsBarcelona website.