Buenos Aires is the undisputed birthplace of tango, a style of music and dance inextricable from the streets. As such, just wandering the avenues of the Argentine capital will almost guarantee you a live musical performance of some kind. From the colored façades of working-class La Boca to the world-famous shows in affluent Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires´ streets teem with tango musicians and dancers. Wander down the cobbled streets of San Telmo and you’ll find even more; samba, blues, classical guitarists - the list could go on. Live music is in the air that Porteños breathe, and the city is famous for it.
Rather unfairly, however, Buenos Aires is less famous for its buzzing alternative scene. Perhaps this is because a lot happens behind closed doors; word-of-mouth gigs in houses, warehouses and people’s flats… it’s hard to know what’s happening when, nevermind where. This can be frustrating if you want to keep your finger on the pulse, and see what the Porteños are really getting excited about. But there are some events that are easier to access and, fortunately for those of us that find ourselves outside the circle of trust, these live events are well worth checking out. Who knows, you might even talk your way into the elusive local scene. Here are our top tips for upcoming live music in Buenos Aires:
Event guide
The Smashing Pumpkins @ Hot Festival, Luna Park
18th November
There’s only one member of the original Smashing Pumpkins left, but that doesn’t mean he’s not worth seeing. The Pumpkins open the proceedings at Hot Festival.
Yeasayer, Girl Talk, Hot Chip, Phoenix, Mika, Scissor Sisters @ Hot Festival, Costanera Sur
19th November
Hot Festival gets fully underway with camp pop icons Scissor Sisters and Mika, while indie favorites Girl Talk, Yeasayer, Hot Chip and Phoenix are there to get the fiesta started.
Benjamin Biolay, Thievery Corporation, Massive Attack @ Hot Festival, Costanera Sur
20th November
The Hot Festival shenanigans continue. The chance to see Massive Attack playing live while the sunrises in Buenos Aires is surely too good an opportunity to miss.
Pavement @ La Trastienda Club
22nd November
Cult US band Pavement bring their distinctive brand of indie-rock to Buenos Aires after announcing a reunion tour this year. Be sure not to miss it; it could be the last chance you get to see this seminal act.
Jeff Beck @ Luna Park
28th November
Former Yardbird and all-round guitar legend Jeff Beck comes to Argentina - riffs, solos and straight up virtuosity in tow.
Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival @ Recoleta Cultural Centre, the Coliseo Theatre, the National Library and various venues around the city
03rd December - 08th December
Big band, Latin jazz, jazz fusion, be-bop... Whatever your preference, you´re sure to find it at Buenos Aires´s premier jazz festival.
Panic! At The Disco @ Espacio
08th December
Don´t let their flagrant disregard of conventional grammar fool you - Panic! At The Disco are actually pretty well behaved. If you like your emo-rock with a heavy dose of pop sensibility, this might be the gig for you.