Saturday, June 09, 2007

More on the Prince Concert in Benidorm



The (artist formerly) known as Prince is to perform in Benidorm on August 25 - his only show in Spain before his temporary retirement. Between August 1 and September 15, he will give a series on concerts in London and travel to Benidorm on his private jet to give the concert there to promote his new CD 3121.
He has apparently stated that he is retiring from the business for a while to study the Bible as he has just become a Jehovah’s Witness. Following the announcement that he was performing for no less than 21 nights in London, fourteen nights sold out in twenty minutes.
Tickets for his Benidorm appearance will be available from next Tuesday from the usual outlets and online from www.ticktackticket.com.
For more on concerts in Valencia click on the headline.

Nude bicycle protest rally in Valencia



They met at the Alternative Festival in the River Park and cycled around the centre of Valencia today. Around fifty nude and semi nude cyclists and roller skaters (and one on foot - in a hat). In protest against the ruling Partido Popular, they caused a slight stir i the Corpus Christi Celebrations in the Plaza de la Virgen, but most people didn't bat an eyelid!

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Lupe - La Gran Tirana



Lupe - La Gran Tirana
There's a great theatrical experience waiting for you at Teatro Flumen - a one woman show based on the life of the Cuban singer dubbed the Latina Judy Garland, who died in 1992.
Her death is the starting point for this production, a European premiere for the play. On a stage bare but for a musician, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, a few props - cases, trunks and picture frames, Yamilet Duran Sosa gives a powerful and moving performance as this amazing woman, as she sees her life flash before her in her last moments.
And it was quite a life, from humble beginnings in Cuba, she became a top selling artist in her own country until in 1962, she left to seek her fortune in the USA, there, through friends and contacts, she landed a job at the famous La Barraca club and became the first female Latin Singer to appear Carnegie Hall and alongside Tito Puente and his orchestra, Madison Square Gardens. She was flamboyant in the extreme, changing clothes during a performance from a bag she specially kept onstage in case she decided she was not comfortable, Or just walking off mid-song to return some minutes later as if she had never left.
Picasso once called her a musical genius, but drink and drugs, along with poor management took their toll and in the early eighties her popularity began to wane and she was virtually destitute, living on welfare when she died in the Bronx.
In 2002, a street in The Bronx was named after her.
It's a powerful and enjoyable evening and if you are put off by an evening of theatre in Spanish, consider this, the play is directed by British actress Samantha Holland, now living here in the city, who spoke very little Spanish when she began this project and has thoughtfully provided a précis of the play in English, ask for it at the theatre when you arrive.
Unmissable - but go on youtube.com to catch old videos of the real La Lupe performing before you go for background.

Teatro Flumen 
(metro Turia)
June 8, 9,10, 15, 16, 17

Espacio Inestable
(metro Turia) 
June 29, 30 July 1

Prince live in Benidorm August




Just had confirmation from the town hall of Benidorm that Prince will definitely be playing live in the city by the sea in August. They are just crossing the 't's' and dotting the 'i's' at the moment and will give us much more information in a few days time. So let's hope he's not too exhausted after his 21nights in London!
Watch this Space!